Danika’s Holiday Gift Guide 2019

The holiday season is upon us and I thought I’d put together a gift guide of some of my favorite things in case you were looking for ideas. You’ll notice that this gift guide is a blend of not just products but also services and experiences. Read on to learn why I love them and why I think you might too. Though we do have affiliate codes for some of the brands below, I can assure you that I first built this gift guide based on what I truly love and use and THEN reached out to get discount codes for you guys whenever possible. Everything you see here are things that I truly love and use regularly in my life.

THE OBVIOUS: I'm going to start with the obvious things, not because they are my products but because I believe deeply in them (or else I wouldn't invest so much of my time and energy into them). If you’re already signed up for You Year or you’re not in our delivery areas for Model Meals (California, Arizona, Nevada) then scroll on down and check out tons of my other favorite products, services, and experiences.

1. You Year 2020 Virtual Group Membership $85 for full 2020 membership: In my eyes, the most valuable gift is that of expanding our minds and our hearts. You Year 2020 stretches from late December 2019 into late November 2020, with the bulk of content ranging from the last week of this year to the last week of January. I've brought on an exceptional group of 10 support coaches and built a value packed curriculum focused on helping others to gain clarity on what they want, manage time like a pro, stay accountable to positive change, and expand their perspective in ways they'd never imagined. This is a virtual community accessible to all from anywhere in the world. You can also give it as a gift through this link and we have $25 per month payments plans available here.

2. Model Meals - Meal Delivery - $50 - $100 gift cards: Model Meals is a ready-to-eat Whole30 Approved meal delivery service serving California, Arizona, and Nevada. This is the perfect gift for the busy professional, new mama, or anyone doing the Whole30 in January or trying to make positive changes to their diet. Use code DANIKAGG2019 for 10% off gift cards while supplies last.

EXPERIENCES: After living in an RV for the majority of last year, I learned the value of experiences over things. All of these are things I use myself on a regular basis and would be a great thing to gift friends and family that isn’t just “stuff”.

3. Outdoorsy - I've quickly become an RV kinda gal and LOVE it. My partner Billy and I spent 10 months on the road living in our RV last year and it was the time of our lives. If you've ever even considered trying out the RV life, renting one to take a trip with your family or friends is an awesome gift idea. You can actually rent my RV to drive up the California coast and beyond (it's wrapped in silver glitter!) or check out other RV's and trailers that might be available. I prefer it to staying at a hotel because you get to unpack, can bring your blender and coffee pot along, and have the comforts of home no matter where you park it. It also forces you to get outside more and we all can use a bit more Vitamin D.

4. AirBnB: When we’re not taking the RV, AirBNB is a great option for staying pretty much anywhere in the world. The reason I prefer it to hotels is that you can find dog friendly places and you also have a kitchen (and sometimes laundry). I find that having a kitchen keeps me healthier and spending less while I’m traveling too.

5. Soothe Massage: I spent my whole life thinking that massage was just a luxury for relaxation but as I've gotten older I've learned that, while it's certainly still a privilege and investment, it's actually an incredible wellness practice that serves you well beyond the 60 minutes that you get it. I like using the app Soothe to book a therapist no matter where in the world I am. They show up with their own table and can do it in the comfort of your own home. It's a real treat!

6. One-On-One Life Coaching - At any given time I am almost always working with a coach or therapist. Over the last two years, I worked with an incredible coach named Sarah Antwerpes who trains other coaches in the same ways that she coaches her clients (like me!). She is the real deal when it comes to people dedicated to helping others expand and I know that the many coaches who have trained under her will be the same. You can reach out to Jan at management@sarahantwerpes.com to get more information. They can do all their coaching virtually.

7. Hypnotherapy: This year I began working with Maggie Saunders doing Hypnotherapy. Maggie has been a dear friend of mine for years and has always been that friend who knows so much about mental/physical/emotional health and the latest research. Hypnotherapy is an incredible powerful type of therapy that works deeply and very effectively, and it’s not scary like you might think. You are totally present and aware throughout the whole process and Maggie can help you large any area of life that you might want to work on. Think of it as a deep guided meditation in some way. I just lay on my coach with my earbuds in and she guides me through. I covered areas like emotional and mindless eating, financial abundance, and procrastination, but your options are endless and just a few sessions has a big impact. Maggie currently isn't taking on new clients but she was kind enough to provide a free recording for my community, head over to https://thenowisgolden.com/behappyrecording to get a 15 minute recording, Maggie recommends doing it for 21 days in a row. 

8. ClassPass: I use class pass almost every day. Here's why I love it. Classpass is like having a gym membership except it gives you access to independent fitness studios, gyms, and wellness centers all over the world. You can purchase however many credits you'd like, and can use them to book classes like yoga and pilates, open gym time, rock climbing, meditations, sound healing, and more. As someone who spends a majority of my time on the road in different cities, it helps me stay active and centered no matter where I go. The app is easy to use and there are classes available to me at all hours of the day so I can schedule what feels good to me. Plus, signing up ahead of time eliminates the need for me to be so accountable and helps me show up knowing I lose money if I don't (though you can always cancel within 12 hours and get all credits back). Use THIS LINK to get $40 off.

9. Tidy: I'll just say it. I hate to clean. I like to tidy and put things in their respective places but I just can't stand scrubbing counters, dusting corners, and all that other stuff. Even when I was in debt and lived in my parents' garage, I spent $20 per week to have someone come clean my tiny little space. For me, it’s an essential part of mental health and a huge act of self care, so it's something I prioritize as often as possible. Plus, having a 200lb drooling shedding dog living with you doesn't exactly lead to the most serene of spaces. For me, cleaning services are an investment worth making and I can make that money I spent back in the time I save not cleaning the house myself.

10. Bronzed Bunny: I love a spray tan and Bronzed Bunny is my go-to spot. They do an organic spray tan that lasts well and doesn't look orange or get all funky in your elbows and on your hands. As a model, it's important that I go somewhere I trust so that I don't show up to work looking like an Oompa Loompa, and Bronzed Bunny has never let me down. (Don't worry if you're super dark at first though, that's natural. It comes off with the first shower and you'll have the perfect glow) They have locations in California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Use code MODELBUNS20 for a discount.

GIFT PRODUCTS: These are all things I use personally as well as things I love giving as gifts.

11. St. Eve Jewelry: The majority of jewelry you'll see me wearing is from my dear friend Lisa's company, St. Eve Jewelry. She has been a close friend since high school and a girlboss for almost two decades now. She's a young mom and has some incredible style so if you love gold, boho, turquoise, and really just anything super cool, this is your spot! Use code D20 for 20% off!

12. Chez Gagne: Another fun woman-owned business is Chez Gagne who makes the most hilarious mugs, cards, candles, and little trinkets for your home and friends. You have to check out their website to see what I'm talking about but be sure to carve out some time because you'll spend an hour laughing and thinking of the perfect person to send them too. Use code DANIKA20 for 20% off!

13. RMS Beauty: This is my preferred natural makeup brand. I typically just order it on Amazon and use their un-cover up, highlighter, bronzer, and more. They come in cute class containers with white lids and have all natural ingredients. As a model, I even see these being used on set by the professionals so I think that’s a good sign.

14. TJMaxx: This year I had the opportunity to go on tour with TJ Maxx for their Maxx You Project Tour helping women embrace their individuality. I got to know the brand better and was blown away with the efforts they are making and the money they are investing to create positive change in the world. No one needs me to tell them that you can truly get absolutely everything at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods but this is just a little reminder that this is a great place for gifts. Recently I grabbed a new diffuser, cute headband, essential oils, hair products, candles, and some great shallow bowls from the store.

15. Your Joyologist: Tricia, the creator of Your Joyologist, used to tour with musicians to keep them joy-filled amidst a hectic schedule and lots of stress. She created her own brand and products to keep you inspired and joy filled too. Think journals, mugs, magnets, keychains, and more. Use code Danika for 20% off!

16. Passion Planner: If you're a pen to paper kind of person, you'll absolutely love Passion Planner. And it’s another woman founded and owned company. Passion Planner is a stop shop for daily accountability to goals, gratitude, important to dos, motivation, journaling and more. Even better, they have a get one, give one policy where one planner is donated for every planner you purchase. Use the link here to get 10% off your first order!

17. Primally Pure: I'm pretty simple when it comes to my beauty routine and honestly, there are many days I take my makeup off with a baby wipe while in bed (I promise I'm working on it) but I do love some simple natural products and have been a fan of Primally Pure since they launched. This woman owned company has an amazing natural deodorant that actually works, as well as some awesome new face masks and serums. Use code DANIKA for 10% off!

18. Burt’s Bees Shimmer Lip Balm in Fig: 3 for $14: This year I discovered this tiny little chapstick-like lip color from Burts Bees and it's quickly become my every day favorite. You can find these in the pockets of my jackets, my car console, and my backpack.

HEALTH + HOME If you’ve been following me for any length of time you know how important my well-being is to me. That’s not just what I eat but what I have around my home too. These are some of my favorite products to keep me feeling good at home and on the road.

19. Primal Kitchen: Primal Kitchen has been slangin’ real food products since my early Whole30 days. They have the most amazing “cleaner” ketchup, great collagen products, awesome sauces, bars, and more. If you’re doing Whole30 or just trying to clean up what you consume a bit more, having some PK goodness on hand is a great help. I’m especially a fan of some of their new flavored collagens like Chai, Matcha, and Peanut Butter. Use code DANIKA for 10% off!

20. Supernatural Cleaning: Created by the visionary genius behind PooPourri, Suzy Batiz, this line of all natural cleaning products will actually make you WANT to clean (and for me that’s saying a lot). They come in the most gorgeous reusable glass squirt bottles and refills are done as concentrates to eliminate waste and shipping costs. The starter kit makes the perfect gift ($85) as it comes with the bottles and concentrates. Just wait until you smell these! Use code DANIKA30 for 30% off your purchase!

21. Yeti: Maybe a somewhat predictable gift but I still use mine daily and in my eyes, that is something worth investing in. This keeps my coffee or tea hot for hours and my drinks cold. Between this and my hydro flask, I am set on the hydration front. You will see this in my hands for the majority of every day.

22. Berkey Water Filter: I remember when my friend said to me “you care so much about the food you put in your body but not about the water?”. It really struck me. I did some researching and the Berkey Water Filter seemed like it was a favorite for many. I bought the travel size while living in the RV and find that it’s actually the perfect size for home too. I keep it on the edge of my sink and you just fill it with water and it filters it for you. I run all the water I consume through it.

23. Hydroflask: Even thought I'm not technically a VSCO girl, I still do love my hydro flask (especially the lid with the straw). They're an investment but I bring this baby everywhere with me and it ensures I'm not using plastic water bottles on the road and also that I'm drinking enough water.

24. Hot Logic Mini: This magical little “easy bake oven” is the perfect partner to your Model Meals or meal prep. I leave it in my car unless I’m traveling in which case I put it in my suitcase. It looks like a lunchbox with a plug. You plug it into any outlet and place your meal inside it and zip it up. An hour later and your meal is warm. This has been a game changer for me as it perfectly fits my Model Meals and I can have a warm meal while still on the go. It helps me to eat healthier and save money too.

25. Reusable Utensils: I travel often and eat Model Meals regularly so having a set of reusable utensils on hand helps to cut back even just a little bit on my environmental impact, as well as ensures I won't have to attempt to eat curry with my fingers alone in a hotel room (because I definitely have). There are tons of options out there but I prefer a TSA-friendly set that includes a straw too.

26. Houseplants: House plants are the gift that keeps on giving... well, unless you're me and you're still working on that part where you keep them alive, but hey, I'm not perfect. From succulents to hanging plants to a big ol' cactus, house plants just bring a bit more life into the home. My favorite places to buy them are Trader Joe's or if you're a SoCal local, you HAVE to check out OC Succulents in Orange County.

27. Vital Proteins: I've been adding collagen to my morning coffee for about 4 years ago and it has totally transformed my skin, hair, and nails. I'm sure it's done wonders on the inside too. I just stick with their simple unflavored grass-fed collagen in the blue tub and like to bring along the small individual packets when I travel.