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 LUTEAL PHASE?

The luteal phase is one of the four phases of a menstrual cycle. It typically lasts 12-16 days and occurs immediately after ovulation, when reproductive hormones estrogen, testosterone and LH begin their decline and progesterone rises to stimulate the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy (if not pregnant it will shed in the next phase, menstruation).

WHAT HAPPENS TO HORMONES DURING YOUR LUTEAL PHASE

Emotionally during the first half of the luteal phase, you’re still riding high off of the effects of the ovulatory phase. However, as progesterone production increases, you’ll find yourself starting to wind down and a strong desire to complete tasks and get things done (much like the transition from summer to fall).Your brain is also hyperaware of details, causing you to notice things you may have overlooked previously.

The rise in progesterone also stimulates your appetite and increases your body temperature and metabolic rate, requiring an increase in calories (about 200-300 calories per day) and potentially inducing all of those cravings!

Additionally, your immune system downshifts and stress response heightens during this time, as nature’s way of helping you protect a fertilized egg in the event you’re pregnant. This means you’re more susceptible to colds and sensitive to stressful situations, making it a crucial time to slow down, focus on self-care and incorporate plenty of nutrients/immunity boosting foods. 

WHAT IS THE MENSTRUAL PHASE?

The menstrual phase is another one of the four phases of a menstrual cycle. It begins the first day of your period, and lasts approximately 3-7 days, when a quick drop in estrogen and progesterone triggers the shedding of the endometrium and bleeding begins. This happens when our body gets the signal an embryo has not been implanted in the uterus (aka we’re not pregnant) and therefore the cushy lining it prepared in preparation for a baby is no longer needed and breaks down as a result. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR MENSTRUAL PHASE

All of your sex hormones are at their lowest point during this phase, and with it your energy, libido and motivation. Biologically, this drop in hormones affects your brain and body in various ways, including a downshift in your immune system and heightened stress response (making you more susceptible to colds and burnout).

You also experience the greatest communication between your two brain hemispheres, the left analytical side and the right feeling side. This means you are best able to synthesize how you feel while also taking into account the facts.

Additionally, your body is working extra hard and losing nutrients with the loss of blood, making this an essential phase to rest and replenish, similar to the essence of the winter season.

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

As you can see, the luteal and menstrual phase bring their own set of vibes, and while each one is unique, the general theme is all things COZY. This is THE time to focus on replenishing yourself, self-care and rest, so that you can enter into your follicular phase with lots of energy and support a healthy ovulation (the main event of your cycle!). You can’t fully bloom in the spring without taking time to nourish the soil in the winter, amiright?!

You’ll find all of my luteal and menstrual phase faves embody these cozy, comfy, nourishing and restorative vibes, helping you fully lean into your inner fall and winter seasons in order to feel your absolute best. Snag all of the details, links and discounts below!

 

LUTEAL + MENSTRUAL PHASE GIFT GUIDE FOR HEALTHY HORMONES

1) Electric Tea Kettle

We just got one of these because apparently my husband needs the water at a precise temperature to make the best matcha (I’m not kidding, see this post!) I’m certainly not mad about it though, as I’ve been using the kettle every day to make herbal tea. Plus it’s eye candy for your counter. 

2) Our Place Slow Cooker 

A slow-cooker is your hormone’s BFF during your late luteal/menstrual phases (and winter in general) as it’s an efficient, hands off and fool proof way to cook more affordable cuts of meat, tenderizing the connective tissues and fat, resulting in an abundance of flavor and easily digestible nutrients (collagen, gelatin, minerals and amino acids) that have been shown to promote serotonin production (key for mood) and lower cortisol levels! I offer a ton of slow-cooker recipe options in both my Substack subscription and debut cookbook for this precise reason!

3) HORMONE HEALTHY EATS COOKBOOK

Speaking of…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. 

4) Staub Baking Dish Set 

The GOAT of cookware and perfect for baking Flourless Fudgy PMS Brownies!

5) Bala Yoga Mat

For yoga, stretching and slower-paced workouts at home that support your hormones during these lower energy phases!

6) Soni SM Diffuser

For the person who loves scented candles but is also sensitive to toxins (aka all of us)! Try pairing with this wildcrafted essential oil blends that smells divine. 

7) How To Manifest Book

I’ve been a member of To Be Magnetic for 4 years and have manifested some of the most amazing opportunities since joining! The founder, Lacey Phillips, just came out with a book that details their process as well, making it a great gift option for anybody looking to manifest the life of their dreams. 

8) 5 Minute Journal

I’m the kind of person that tends to wake up already in a negative thought loop (anybody else?) but this sweet little book helps me rewire my thinking and re-start (and continue) my day on a more intentional, positive and grateful note. 

9) East Fork Ceramic Mugs 

The most aesthetic, non-toxic, dish-washer safe ceramic mugs to enjoy all of the cozy beverages in. 

10) PEMF mat

My hubby surprised me with this PEMF mat for Christmas last year and I suspect it was so he could use it too, haha! Truly it’s been one of my favorite and most-used gifts, as I sit on it every day for hours while I work, meditate, chill, etc. It’s got multiple settings for a variety of purposes like delta waves to promote relaxation and optimal sleep, beta waves to boost creativity, energy and focus and near infrared light to promote physical recovery…but if I’m being honest I think my favorite part is the heat setting to keep me cozy and warm when I’m on my period. *Use code SOFRESH15 to save 15%

11) Form x bala kit

A cute, low-key strength training and resistance set you can add into your lower-key workouts during your late luteal and early menstrual phases. 

12) Birkenstock Big Buckle Shearling Clogs

Can’t think of a more cozy and chic way to keep my feet warm in the winter (which according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is very important for a healthy flow of energy (qi) as well as an optimal menstrual cycle). 

13) Gato Dark Chocolate Covered Dates 

To satisfy those late luteal phase cravings in a more nutrient-dense, mineral-rich way. 

14) Eberjay Pajama Set

During a trip this past summer the airport lost our luggage and I needed to buy new pajamas (along with many other things!) so I went shopping and got a pair of these which I am OBSESSED with. They are gorgeous, SO soft and flattering, and I am in need of another pair as I re-wear them almost every night. 

15) Primally Pure Cycle Soothing Spray

Formulated with topical magnesium and essential oils to relieve cramping and discomfort as well as boost circulation and blood flow. *Use code SOFRESH10 to save 10% + stay tuned for holiday discounts

16) Primally Pure Spa Kit

The ultimate self-care kit! I’m especially a fan of the sea soak bath salts, which are rich in magnesium to reduce cramping and promote relaxation and optimal sleep. *Use code SOFRESH10 to save 10% + stay tuned for holiday discounts

17) Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Socks

The best socks I’ve ever owned! I have at least 10 different colors/pairs and wear them daily, especially during cold winter days when (according to TCM) it’s important to keep feet warm for a healthy flow of energy (qi), leading to a warm uterus (cold uterus = pain, stagnation + cramping) and optimal blood flow and menstrual cycle. 

18) Sezanne Emile Cardigan

Believe the hype with this cardigan! I have it in red and always get compliments whenever I wear it. 

19) Urban Outfitters Bed Tray

Nothing gives off late luteal/menstrual phase vibes more than a bed tray! I’m already dreaming up cozy early evenings (or afternoons?) in bed with a non-toxic spiced candle, bone broth hot chocolate and a good book. 

20) Slow Morning Club Hat

As a mom of three kids, slow mornings are a rare treasure, but a girl can dream (and wear this hat to look chic while doing so!)

21) Candle Warmer Lamp 

The cutest way to warm your non-toxic candles without a fire hazard (especially genius for anyone with young kids!)

22) Lola Blankets

There is a lot of hype online about these blankets right now, and I am 100% falling for it!

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 Follicular + Ovulatory Phase Gift Guide

+ Cycle-Syncing Food Chart + Recipes 

+ Cycle-Syncing Workouts Guide

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