Holiday gift guide season is upon us!

While I think holiday gift guides are super useful (I’ve personally found a lot of great gifts that way!) I also think they can be overwhelming…and sometimes convince you that you need a bunch of stuff you really don’t? 

Or put this intense time pressure that you have to purchase things immediately to secure the best deal. And the last thing I want to do is add more stress to your plate (so not hormone supportive 🙃!)

So I’m continuing last year’s tradition of my cycle aligned toolkits for your follicular, ovulatory, luteal and menstrual phases. 

These could be used as a gift guide (and there are some amazing seasonal discounts if that’s something you’d find helpful) but it’s also a guide you can use year round if you’re looking for a little extra hormone health support. 

In this post, you’ll find products I either a) adamantly use and love or b) are on my personal wishlist during my follicular and ovulatory phases, based on cyclical hormonal fluctuations (more on that below). 

Each item can help support or balance your hormones during these phases, helping you mitigate symptoms, tap into your innate natural rhythm and ultimately help you look and feel your best!

WHAT IS THE FOLLICULAR PHASE?

The follicular phase is one of the four phases of a menstrual cycle. It starts the first day after your period ends and typically lasts 7 -10 days, when your ovaries begin ripening an egg in preparation for ovulation. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO HORMONES DURING YOUR FOLLICULAR PHASE

At the start of the follicular phase, your pituitary gland releases a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates the follicles (which contain a woman’s eggs) in one of the ovaries to mature. In response, the pituitary gland then starts to release luteinizing hormone, or LH, which is responsible for ovulation. Under normal circumstances, only one of these follicles will “ripen” and become mature.

At the beginning of the follicular phase, estrogen and testosterone levels are typically low, then slowly ramp up during this phase. As this happens, you’ll begin to experience a boost in energy, mood, and brain skills. You’ll start to feel more confident, powerful, and willing to take more risks. Testosterone starts to stimulate your libido, while also making you feel a bit bolder.

As ovulation approaches, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for pregnancy. The cervix remains low and closed, but gradually opens and starts producing wetter quality cervical fluid, designed to help sperm travel and survive the long journey to the egg.

 

WHAT IS THE OVULATORY PHASE?

The ovulatory phase is another one of the four phases of a menstrual cycle. It typically begins midway through your cycle, when a surge of luteinizing hormone, LH, causes the dominant follicle in your ovaries to burst open and release an egg into the fallopian tube, where it waits to be potentially fertilized by sperm (aka this is your fertile window where conception can take place). 

WHAT HAPPENS TO HORMONES DURING YOUR OVULATORY PHASE

Ovulation typically occurs somewhere between days 12-17 of your menstrual cycle and is short, usually only lasting 2-3 days. Right before ovulation, you get a surge of luteinizing hormone, LH, which causes the dominant follicle to burst open and release an egg into the fallopian tube. The egg will be viable for roughly 12-24 hours, and if it’s not fertilized by sperm (which can live up to five days in the female body), it will disintegrate. 

Hormonally, levels of estrogen and testosterone are at their peak during this phase, helping you feel magnetic, energetic, outgoing, confident and sexy while optimizing your creativity and communication skills. Your libido is running high, in order to naturally get you in the mood during your fertile window and attract a mate with “genetic potential.”

Physically, your uterine lining continues to thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy, while your cervix opens and starts producing wetter quality cervical fluid (similar to the consistency of egg whites), designed to help sperm travel and survive the long journey to the egg in order to conceive.

 

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

As you can see, the follicular and ovulatory phases bring their own set of vibes, and while each one is unique, the general theme is you are FEELING YOURSELF. You want to go out and try new things, see and be seen! The energy is magnetic, confident, bold, social and sexy, making this THE time to focus on connection, creative endeavors, adventures, new beginnings, moving your body and building endurance. 

It’s also a KEY time to focus on supporting detoxification in order to eliminate any excess estrogen, which can otherwise lead to a less than ideal luteal phase (helloooo pms). 

You’ll find all of my follicular and ovulatory faves embody these outgoing, energetic and natural beauty-enhancing vibes, helping you fully lean into your inner spring and summer seasons in order to feel your absolute best. Snag all of the details, links and discounts below!

 

FOLLICULAR + OVULATORY PHASE GIFT GUIDE FOR HEALTHY HORMONES

1) HORMONE HEALTHY EATS COOKBOOK

MY DEBUT COOKBOOK! 100 insanely delicious recipes designed to help you balance your hormones, support your menstrual cycle + feel your absolute best. While it’s available for pre-order now (pub date: February 24) I can’t think of a better gift to receive the end of February when everything feels bleh and you need some nutrient-dense  + yummy recipe inspo in your life. This book WILL get you excited to cook healthy recipes, guaranteed. 

2) Stakt Weights 

Due to the rise in estrogen and testosterone, your follicular and ovulatory phases are an amazing time to build strength, muscle mass (so important for your metabolism, blood sugar and hormone health!) and endurance. I love that these weight sets are functional and cute. 

3) Bose QuiteComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones

To listen to music, podcasts or meditations on your walks/runs. The sound/feel of these is superior!

4)  The Carry Weighted Vest 

I could not BE any more excited to get this weighted vest, which I already pre-ordered (it will be delivered some time in the new year). This company is also founded by two females (one of which is a dear friend of mine ☺️) on a mission to help women age powerfully (maintaining muscle mass and bone density is sooo important for our hormones, metabolism and overall health as we age). 

5) Our Place Splendor Blender

An essential in my kitchen and great for making protein-packed smoothies as well as delicious sauces and dips to top salads, grain bowls, serve with crudite and more. 

6) Dosey 7 Day Pill Compact Purse

You’ll never forget to take your digestive enzymes or supplements out and about when they’re stored in a case as cute as this. 

7) Fish Wife Starter Pack

Small, oily fish like sardines, mackerel and anchovies are abundant in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which support everything from insulin sensitivity (key for those with PCOS) to reducing symptoms associated with PMS, perimenopause and menopause. This brand is the BEST — the taste and quality is unmatched and the packaging is so cute. *Use code SOFRESH10 for 10% off your purchase

8) Hatch Restore 3 Alarm Clock

If you need an actual alarm clock to keep your phone out of your room at night (it me!) then may I present your solution. 

9) New Balance 9060 Sneakers

Apparently, these are the comfiest (and cutest!) walking sneakers on the block (and are on my personal wishlist). 

10) Cean Lymphatic Romper

This romper is flattering and functional, using 3D pressure patterns to follow and boost your lymphatic pathways, pushing blood flow upwards, supporting circulation, reducing fatigue and puffiness and accelerating energy and recovery. The retro red color is so good!

11) Ippodo Matcha

My husband has recently been on a matcha kick and ordered this tea (which is considered one of the best due to it’s high quality and taste) and while I’m a die hard coffee gal I have to say it’s really good (especially when paired with a bit of honey and my coconut cashew milk) not to mention rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and cortisol levels.

12) Fellow Matcha Tea Set

Pair the matcha with this tea set for the ultimate matcha lovers gift!

13) Icon Juice Glass Tumbler with Lid

And/or sweeten the deal with these adorable glasses perfect for iced matcha lattes on the go. 

14) Primally Pure Lip Care Kit 

My lips get super dry and chapped in the winter so I was ecstatic when one of my fave non-toxic brands came out with this kit, which makes my lips feel so soft! The rose + mint tinted lip balm is the perfect thing to spruce up no makeup days. *Use code SOFRESH10 to save + stay tuned for holiday deals coming up!

15) Quince Pickleball Set 

I joined a pickleball league this fall and yes, I plan on making it my entire personality. But in all seriousness these paddles are so cute and would make a great gift for any pickleball enthusiasts in your life.

16) Primally Pure Gua Sha Stone

I use this stone every day to open up my lymphatic pathways, which promotes drainage of cellular waste and supports optimal flow of blood, oxygen and vital nutrients (key to healthy ovarian function and egg quality!) Stagnant lymph and accumulation of buildup is what leads to inflammation and aging skin, so gua sha is also an effective, natural alternative to botox. *Use code SOFRESH10 to save + stay tuned for holiday deals!

17) Primally Pure Coffee Scrub

I loooooove this scrub so much. Exfoliation is key for smooth skin, and the caffeine via the (biodynamic + organic) coffee helps to tighten and tone, as well as promote circulation and lymphatic drainage (key for detoxification). *Use code SOFRESH10 to save + stay tuned for holiday discounts

18) Lake & Skye Non-Toxic Perfume

This is the only perfume I own. The scent is perfection (warm, a little masculine and subtle, with notes of sandalwood, violet leaf, musk and cardamom) and it’s non-toxic (a non-negotiable for me), free of endocrine-disrupting parabens, sulfates and phthalates. 

19) Bon Charge Red Light Toothbrush

Since my palate expansion surgery last year and sub sequential journey with orthodontia, I’ve become obsessed with dental care and have realized just how intricately linked our oral health is to our gut and hormone health! This toothbrush uses red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation, support circulation and aid in healing following dental procedures (it me!). *Use code SOFRESH15 to save 15%

20) Bon Charge Red Light Face Mask

I’ve been using my red light mask almost nightly for 2+ years, and love that it’s comfortable, lightweight and cordless with eye holes, so I can use it while watching a show before bed. It’s also super high quality, using only the most optimal wavelengths of red (630nm) and infrared (850nm) light to get the best results (i.e. softened wrinkles, boosted texture and tone of skin, etc.). *Use code SOFRESH15 to save 15%

21) Caraa Quilted Tennis Duffle

This tennis duffle paired with tennis lessons = my ideal holiday gift (hint, hint hubby!)

22) Groundup Holiday Flavored Nut Butters

The most delish, sweetest gift for any foodie friends! Female founded, mission driven and the flavors are divine (I snag some of the eggnog every year to use in smoothies, oatmeal and edible cookie dough). *Use code SOFRESH15 to save 15%

23) Subscriptions/Services

I love gifting/getting subscriptions, as they can be so thoughtful, unique and are the gifts that keep giving, well after the holidays are over! I plan on gifting Substack subscriptions of some of my favorite accounts, and if you know of anyone who is looking to balance their hormones or get into cooking nourishing recipes, I definitely recommend gifting a paid subscription of Hormone Healthy Eats ($50 for an entire year’s worth of new recipes, hormone supportive content and more). I also personally use and recommend Thrive Market (especially great for anyone with kids as their healthy snacks are the best and discounted!) and To Be Magnetic, a manifestation course that has changed my life in the most profound ways. 

24) Homemade Gift Ideas

Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift! Every holiday season I make my low-key famous fudge (both the vegan peppermint marshmallow and the peanut butter cup fudge) as well as my dark chocolate peanut butter balls (aka buckeyes) for our friends, neighbors and kid’s teachers. I love to gift them in these tins, which feels so nostalgic and special! If making treats or baking isn’t your thing, check out all of these crafty ideas!

 

 

MORE CYCLE SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES

+ 2025 Luteal + Menstrual Phase Hormone Healthy Gift Guide

+ Cycle-Syncing Food Chart + Recipes 

+ Cycle-Syncing Workouts Guide

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