I am sure you have received a gift (or two) that you feel is neither here nor there. This would be the kind of gift that may have spent the following 12 months at the back of a dark cupboard. No matter the occasion, would it not be better to receive a wonderful gift that is not only thoughtful, but that is functional, relevant and practical too? This is how we at Pete’s Paleo feel and have decided to compile the ultimate list of paleo gifts to give you plenty of ideas for what to get your friends and loved ones, or for yourself.
Before we talk about how to give the perfect gift it is worth mentioning the types of gifts to avoid.
- Avoid giving gag gifts.
We like to refer to these as the gifts that keep on giving, because they are only good for a one-time laugh. Save these for specific joke giving occasions, like white elephant parties or secret Santa opportunities.
- Although really popular, do your best to not give a generic gift card which can be used for miscellaneous purchases.
This implies that you were unsure of what to get your special someone so you just did the minimum.
When shopping for gifts you want to focus on a few important principles:
A Gift Should Be Useful Or Functional
When you give a gift to someone it is wonderful if it can be something that they will use over and over again.
You don’t want to give that gift that will sit in the closet forever. If it only good enough for a one-time use there is probably no real purpose there.
Avoid giving gifts that have the potential to be re-gifted and ask yourself if the person you are buying for could actually use it more than once. If you would hide it away or re-gift it, might they do the same?
Useful gifts include but are not limited to books, gadgets, tools, clothing and accessories
A Gift Should Be A Surprise
Nothing is more exciting than not knowing what someone buys for you. This also quietly says that you put thought into buying for them and did not simply ask for a rely on a wish list.
A great way to include the element of surprise is with a recurring mystery gift. Subscription services are great for that. You surprise them once with a year subscription, and then they get a recurring surprise for 12 months after that.
 A Gift Should Be Of Good Quality
This is different from being functional. Your recipient may use your gift but if it is of a high quality it may do the job better, last longer or have superior warranty and service. You want it to be something that will last. Purchase something that they probably would not necessarily buy on their own because it is a little luxurious, but not overly expensive. Subliminally it tells them that you are thinking of them and feel they deserve the best!
Observe an interest, spot a need, find a product that fits into useful, surprising, and good quality.Â
With the know-how on how to choose a perfect gift, here are some of our personal favorites and suggestions:
Books:
Paleo By Season – Chef Pete Servold
A chef’s approach to healthy Paleo cuisine by teaching home cooks the essential techniques for cooking any food, so they can focus not on recipes but on using the best fresh, local ingredients. With dozens of techniques, over 100 Paleo recipes, and a showcase of small farmers and ranchers cross the country who are providing sustainably raised meats and organically grown fruits and vegetables, Paleo By Season offers home cooks the tools they need to think like a chef.
Practical Paleo 2nd Edition – Diane Sanfilippo
The first edition of Practical Paleo revolutionized the way one approaches food and their body. Often referred to as a necessity for anyone following a Paleo diet, it explained how simply eating real, whole foods and avoiding processed, refined foods can improve health—including reducing or even eliminating symptoms associated with common health disorders. The second edition has been updated to include new information, answer common questions, and make it even easier for you to customize your diet to meet your personal health goals. The book includes delicious recipes and easy to follow meal plans.
Wired To Eat – Robb Wolf
Robb Wolf has excelled at breaking down complex scientific topics into easily-digestible and highly actionable information that anyone can absorb and utilize. This book is no exception. Wired to Eat delves into creating an understanding of why eating and moving right is so hard for so many on a biochemical and behavioral level with steps and a plan to overcome it to achieve optimal health and wellness.
Paleo Principles – Dr. Sarah Ballantyne
An all-inclusive guide to transitioning or maintaining a Paleo lifestyle that includes the science behind the diet, step-by-step guides for incorporating the new way of eating and living, meal plans, recipes, and real-life tips and suggestions.
Healing Mushrooms - Tero Isokauppila
Mushrooms are a mystery. They are often relegated to the vegetable category, but can be much more than that. There are hundreds of edible mushrooms available, each different from the next. Not only do these Paleo friendly gems taste delicious, many can be medicinal. This book provides a comprehensive guide to eating these incredibly healthy life forms. Â Â
The Salt Fix - James NiColantonio
For decades we have been inundated with recommendations to reduce salt in our diets. Experts claimed it was responsible for hypertension and heart disease, bloating and kidney disease. The Salt Fix destroys these myths, explaining not only why salt is not the villain it has been purported to be to be but also why salt is an essential part of the human diet.
Paleo Kitchen Must Have’s:
Instant Pot 7-in-1 Pressure CookerÂ
A pressure cooker slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker, and warmer all in one! Since it replaces multiple appliances and can cook things so much faster, it makes a perfect gift for anyone looking to save time or space in the kitchen.
3-Blade SpiralizerÂ
Spiralizers make meal prep fun, especially if someone’s new to a Paleo diet. This one beats all the others because the StrongHold Suction at the bottom keeps it from sliding around on the counter. It almost guarantees fun in the kitchen and makes for kid friendly meals and preparation they can assist in too!
Avocado SaverÂ
This one is for the person in your life who is obsessed with avocados. The avocado saver slows the oxidation process, making sliced avocado last longer. Although not often the biggest fans of single-use kitchen items, we have found this to really work and avocados are a staple of many people’s Paleo plan.
Vitamix
A good quality high-speed, multi-purpose blender (i.e. crusher/grinder/juicer/mixer) would be an unforgettable gift because, in a nutshell, it is amazing and will change kitchen prep forever. Understandably, it is expensive but is a gift for life, so if you can do a big group gift for someone, they will be forever grateful and it is totally worth the investment.
Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor
A high quality food processor is an absolute must for anyone cooking paleo (and it is a less pricey alternative to a Vitamix). It is a multipurpose tool for chopping, mixing, blending, pureeing and processing of ingredients would be a very valuable gift.
Rubaway BarÂ
Cooking with onions, garlic and other strong-smelling foods can leave odors on utensils, cutting boards and hands that simply cannot be removed. This stainless-steel bar takes care of that, making it the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who likes to cook.
Himalayan Sea Salt BBQ PlankÂ
This salt plank gives amazing flavor to whatever might be cooking. It can be used on the grill, on the stove, or even chilled in the fridge.
Food, Snacks and Goodies:
Pete’s Paleo Bacon
Give the gift of love – bacon! Bacon is always a crowd pleaser and Pete’s Paleo bacon is the best. Made with no added sugar, nitrates or nitrites, just belly, spices, salt and love. It is guaranteed to be the meatiest, most supple, melt-in-your-mouth bacon you’ll ever have.Â
Kasandrinos Extra Virgin Olive Oil
From a single source, this Extra Virgin Olive Oil is tested and certified to be of the highest quality. You taste the olives and where they are from. Absolutely perfect as a finishing oil, and ideal for very fresh veggies in a super quick sauté. This is the only olive oil Chef Pete Servold chooses to use in his home. Available in beautiful gift sets and sampler packs.
Balanced Bites Spices
Developed by Diane Sanfilippo and featured in Practical Paleo, these spice blends are perfect for adding tons of flavor to basic dishes for some special flair on your plate. Perfect with meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables and eggs.
Legit Bread And Mixes
Legit Bread was developed by Jennifer Robins, who after giving up gluten and then grain, realized how inauthentic paleo and allergen friendly bread options were. Legit Bread Mix and Legit Bread Sandwich Loaves (ready-to-eat) can be purchased, saving precious time for those seeking delicious homemade bread, without the extra minutes to make it. Perfect for those newly transitioning to a Paleo lifestyle or those wanting a true Paleo friendly treat.
Paleo Treats
Sadly, most dessert and treat recipes claiming to be Paleo, really are not and often, those amazing looking pictures are the furthest thing from what your creation ends up looking like when you are done. Paleo Treats have been making foodie-approved Paleo desserts since 2009. They are serious about flavor, texture, ingredients and Paleo. They ship around the world and are experts at both making and getting a great dessert to your door.
Phat Fudge
The perfect replacement for those "Gel Packs" minus all the weird stuff. Each ingredient is deliberate, aiming to provide instant and sustained energy, focus, memory, combat inflammation, and acts as a natural thermogenic. Made with real, raw and 100% unprocessed ingredients that support a healthy paleo lifestyle.
RXBar
RXBARs are whole food protein bars made with egg whites, dates, nuts and natural ingredients like 100% cacao or blueberries to provide added taste and texture. No added sugar, no gluten, no soy, no dairy, no GMO and Paleo compliant. A great snack option for those on the go.
Pete’s Paleo Gift Card
Shopping for some Pete’s Paleo for someone else but not sure what to give them? Give them the gift of food and time with a Pete's Paleo gift card! They can order what they love to eat and enjoy chef quality, Paleo meals in their own home. No apron required.