The Celiac Self-Care 2024 Gift Guide
I'll take one of everything, please!
The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to start shopping for everyone on your list (yourself included, of course). I love trying products and sharing recommendations in this newsletter, so naturally, I couldn’t wait to get this gift guide (featuring 40+ ideas!) out into the world.
Ahead, I’m sharing my top choices for giftable gluten-free food and drink sets, kitchen essentials to make cooking easier, cookbooks featuring delicious gluten-free recipes, the most fun gluten-free merch, and more.
I also enlisted some of my gluten-free friends on Substack to share their gift picks too. Special thanks to Rachel Ciordas, Sherie Friedlander, Nicki Sizemore, Gluten Free Kids Club, Hilary Davidson, Rebecca Williams, Idris Craft, and Anna Vocino for the wonderful suggestions.
Let’s get into it below. Happy shopping—and make sure to drop a comment to let me know what you’re buying this year!
Table of contents:
Food and drink
Giadzy Gluten-Free Pasta ($9.50 per box): Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis released a line of gluten-free pasta earlier this year—and it’s quickly earned a permanent spot in my pantry. All of the pastas—ziti corti rigati, casarecce, mezzi rigatoni, stelline, and taccole corte—are made from simple ingredients (corn flour, rice flour, and water) and hold their shape (no mushy mess here!).
Fishwife The Starter Pack ($78): Tinned fish, which I wrote about for Parade, is having a real moment. Fishwife is the most sought-after tinned fish brand, and all of the flavors in this starter pack are gluten-free. (The only flavor Fishwife sells with gluten in it is Smoked Salmon with Sweet + Spicy Zhong.) Sample flavors such as sardines with preserved lemon, albacore tuna in spicy olive oil, and smoked rainbow trout.
Opopop Flavor Wrapped Kernels Discovery Kit ($44.99): I was introduced to Opopop when they were working with my freelance client, aSweatLife, a couple of years ago—and now it’s my go-to popcorn for at-home movie nights. This kit comes with seven flavors (all gluten-free), including fancy butter, pickle monster, and salty caramel, as well as the reusable yellow bowl you’ll need to microwave the kernels.
Ayoh Foods The Works! ($49): When I learned that Molly Baz (of Bon Appetit fame) was launching her own line of mayos—all of which are gluten-free!—I knew I needed to place an order for the set ASAP. I can’t wait to get my hands on classic OG mayo, along with the flavored varies: hot giardinayo, dill pickle mayo, and tangyo dijanyo.
Omsom The Bestseller Omsom Sauce Set ($49): One thing I’ve really missed since having to give up gluten is the ability to order takeout from my local Asian restaurants when I don’t feel like cooking—a lot of dishes on the menus contain soy sauce (which ICYMI, contains wheat), so they’re off-limits. Enter Omsom, “a proud + loud Asian brand set on reclaiming + celebrating the multitudes in Asian flavors + stories.” All of Omsom’s sauces are certified gluten-free and make it so easy to prepare a flavor-filled dinner with minimal work. This set comes with bestsellers like lemongrass BBQ (Vietnamese), yuzu miso (Japanese), spicy bulgogi (Korean), and krapow (Thai).
XO Marshmallow Espresso Martini Marshmallows ($10 for 12): Espresso martinis have made a big comeback recently, and now you can enjoy the flavor of the popular drink in marshmallow form. These yummy gluten-free marshmallows, in the brand’s signature “After Dark” packaging, pair nicely as a martini garnish, with a glass of red wine for a cozy date night in, or as a post-dinner treat sans alcohol.
Clevr The Ultimate Kit ($179): I’ve officially reached the point in my life where my body can no longer handle coffee anymore—it truly wrecks my gut! But, I still find myself needing an energy boost in the morning—and I also like to wind down at night with a warm caffeine-free beverage. Lately, I’ve been loving Clevr’s “SuperLattes,” which contain probiotics, mushrooms, and adaptogens. This kit comes with four flavors of your choice (options include matcha, chai, London fog, golden, and sleepytime latte blends), a rechargeable frother, latte thermos, latte dust (a sweet and spicy drink topper), and a measuring scoop.
Ghia The Sparkling Set ($130): I’ve been sipping Ghia’s various drinks since I ditched alcohol a few years ago, and it’s probably the NA brand I recommend to people the most because I love their products so much. This nonalcoholic gift set includes Ghia Le Fizz and two handmade Totem Glasses designed in collaboration with Sophie Lou Jacobsen. Le Fizz is an effervescent zero-proof drink that’s sweet and tart with a dry finish, featuring notes of strawberry and orange blossom.
William James Gifts Gluten-Free Subscription Box ($225 for a 3-month subscription): I met William James Gifts’ founder, Calli McPherson, who has celiac disease, at the Wicked Gluten-Free Expo in Boston in October, and I was seriously impressed by her company and product offerings. Each month, you’ll receive five to six gourmet gluten-free items right to your door. You can choose from ongoing, three-, six-, and 12-month subscriptions.
Little GF Chefs 3-Month Subscription ($109.85): Treat your gluten-free little one to three months of baking kits from Little GF Chefs. Each month, you’ll receive a cooking tool, recipe card with detailed instructions, dry ingredients for a baked good and toppings, and plant-based dyes, sanding sugar, and sprinkles if needed for the recipe. A gingerbread house kit is on deck for December!
Kitchen
GlutenFreeSupplyCo Gluten-Free Gift Box ($96): Perfect for the college student in your life, this curated gift box has everything anyone with celiac disease needs to navigate a shared kitchen or roommate situation. You’ll receive a wooden spoon, rubber spatula, pizza cutter, 13-ounce glass container with a bamboo lid, and cutting board all clearly marked gluten-free. The gift box also includes gluten-free stickers and labels.
Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro With Auto-iQ ($59.99): My mom gifted me this blender when I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of the year. I’ve been using it to make breakfast smoothies, and it’s ridiculously easy. It has a powerful motor to crush the toughest fruits and veggies—and you can even pop a lid onto the blender cup to take your drink on the go. (PS: I use the Evive Smoothie Cubes for my smoothies!)
Souper Cubes Silicone Freezer Molds With Lids ($35.99): I saw these recommended on Reddit and immediately added this set of two cube trays to my cart. Made from food-safe silicone with a steel-reinforced top, these freezer trays have fill lines and come with a convenient lid to simplify meal prep. You can use them to store and freeze soups, sauces, broths, and more.
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Frying Pan, 12-Inch ($139): Earlier this year, I shared my most-used kitchen gadgets—and I included this HexClad frying pan as one of my essentials. It’s held up incredibly well since I purchased it almost a year ago, so I believe it’s well worth the investment. I use it to whip up everything from scrambled eggs to fried rice and more. (Fun fact: HexClad is a favorite of Hailey Bieber’s—I wrote about how she used one of the brand’s nonstick pans to make pancakes for Parade!)
Dash Mini Waffle Maker ($9.99): If you’re anything like me, you may not be returning to frozen waffles for a long while after the recent listeria outbreak. Enter this cute little waffle maker, which clocks in at just around $10 and makes whipping up waffles from scratch a breeze.
LocknLock Easy Essentials Food Storage Containers, 6-Piece ($19.99): I use these round storage containers to hold my leftovers, and I never have to worry about any mess. The enhanced locking system is airtight and leakproof, so food won’t spill. The containers are freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.
Cookbooks
Eat Happy Italian: 101 Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Low-Carb Recipes for Living la Bella Vita ($22.46): Anna Vocino is back with a new cookbook that includes 100 gluten-free recipes of authentic Italian dishes and Italian-American favorites, from antipasti to dessert. In addition to being gluten-free, all of the recipes are grain-free and low-carb, so this cookbook is ideal for those who are paleo and keto too.
What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking ($24.50): I was excited for Caroline Chambers’s new cookbook and will be making her lemony turkey patties with sauteed spinach and cauliflower mash recipe for Thanksgiving! While not a gluten-free cookbook, many of the recipes are naturally gluten-free or easy to adapt.
Senza Glutine ($45): I met Cynthia Delia Coddington, one of this cookbook’s coauthors, at the Wicked Gluten-Free Expo in Boston and had to buy a copy. It includes 100 gluten-free recipes so you can recreate all of your Italian favorites, such as arancini, caponata, and more.
Easy Allergy-Free Cooking ($15.29): Kayla Cappiello has one of the best gluten-free newsletters—but did you know she has a cookbook too? I bought this a while back because I like that Kayla creates easy, healthy recipes that are inclusive for people with various food intolerances and allergies.
What Goes With What ($25.25): Julia Turshen’s Simply Julia is one of my most-reached-for cookbooks, so I knew I had to get my hands on her latest offering. What Goes With What is organized into six sections (salads and sandwiches; soups, stews and braises; rice, more grains, and pasta; vegetables; mains; and baked goods). I appreciate that the recipes are very approachable and uncomplicated as I don’t have the time to try to create elaborate meals.
Health, food, and nutrition reads
Live Nourished: Make Peace With Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy ($16.37): I’ve followed Shana Minei Spence on Instagram for years (and recently signed up for her newsletter!) for her spot-on nutrition and anti-diet takes. Now, Shana, a registered dietitian, has published a book that rejects diet culture and explains how to build a better relationship with food.
How to Eat to Change How You Drink: Heal Your Gut, Mend Your Mind, and Improve Nutrition to Change Your Relationship with Alcohol ($9.04): Brooke Scheller, doctor of clinical nutrition, has published an illuminating guide to using food and nutrition to help you reduce or eliminate alcohol from your life. She teaches you about how alcohol impacts your digestive system, the dietary changes you can make to curb alcohol cravings, and offers recipes (which can easily be made gluten-free!) to nourish your body once you stop drinking.
Myasthenia Gravis: The Musical ($14.83): In this heartfelt, humorous poetry collection, Jane Marla Robbins shares her journey with Myasthenia Gravis—a rare neuromuscular autoimmune condition. This moving book will resonate with anyone living with autoimmune conditions and complex medical challenges.
The Sobriety Deck: Simple Practices for a Booze-Free Lifestyle ($22): My friend Tawny Lara (alongside her Recovery Rocks podcast co-host Lisa Smith) is releasing a super-cool 50-card deck that offers guidance and inspiration to those who want to change their relationship with alcohol. It’s available December 3, but you can preorder now!
Liberate Mental Fitness Journal ($24.99): When Liv Bowser, the founder and CEO of Liberate, reached out to tell me about her brand a few months ago, I was intrigued. I received a copy of this mental fitness journal and think it’s a nice tool to support mental health. It contains daily affirmations, intention setting, and prompts and exercises to help you build courage, gratitude, and resilience.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir ($19.99): Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, shares stories about her childhood, marriage, and career as a cookbook author and TV host. I’ll be reading this for my celebrity memoir book club soon and am excited to dig in!
Going Dry: A Workbook ($21.49): Another neat option for the sober curious in your life is this workbook written by my friend Hilary Sheinbaum. It includes prompts and exercises to help you drink less and set short- and long-term goals related to not drinking.
Guest recommendations
Cultures of Health Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter Jar Kit ($29.59): “I’ve really seen an increased interest in gluten-free sourdough lately and have recommended this kit to several friends because it makes getting started so easy!” - Rachel Ciordas of Next Level Gluten-Free
The How It Can Be Gluten-Free Cookbook, Volume 2 ($29): “The bread recipes are easy, delicious, and made with a whole grain flour blend.” - Sherie Friedlander of Gluten Free Delectably
Handmade La Conner Recover - Best Ever Hand Cream ($10): “This hand cream is one of my favorite gifts to give to cooks—the cream is ultra nourishing but absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy (I keep a jar next to my sink at all times—it lasts for months!). I like to pair it with a small handcrafted stone or wooden dish for holding rings and bracelets (Etsy is a great source) and a beautiful hand towel to make the dishwashing experience a bit more pleasurable.” - Nicki Sizemore of Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD
Homemade gluten-free treats: “I also love gifting a loaf of lemon poppy seed muffins or a jar of grain-free granola to holiday hosts, so that they don’t have to worry about breakfast!” - Nicki Sizemore
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer ($196.86): “Because I have two toddlers, I am basically a short-order cook and need to quickly make at least two iterations of every gluten-free meal. Nothing makes this easier for me than the double air fryer. I use my oven a ton, but this is just so much faster, less messy, and cooks beautifully. I was worried this impulse purchase might lose its appeal after a few weeks, but I can tell you my love for the air fryer is going strong! Truly, a busy mom's best friend in the gluten-free kitchen.” - Anne of Gluten Free Kids Club
Li-Lac Chocolates ($30.40-$65): “I'm a longtime fan of Li-Lac Chocolates, and I've been giving them to gluten-free friends and family for years. Li-Lac is New York's oldest chocolate house, founded in 1923. They ship worldwide, and their champagne truffles are always a hit—though so are the salted caramels and the French assortment. Honestly, even friends who don't eat gluten-free are obsessed with them!” - Hilary Davidson of Gluten-Free Guidebook
The Elements of Baking: Making any recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free or vegan ($32.39): “For anyone who loves baking or is navigating dietary restrictions, this book by Katarina Cermelj is a must-have. Part cookbook and part science guide, it teaches you how to make recipes gluten-free, vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, or even both vegan and gluten-free without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s the perfect gift for curious bakers or anyone looking to make baked goods tailored to their dietary needs.” - Rebecca Williams of Reset Inflammation
Nicewell Food Scale ($19.35): “Any scale that measures in grams and ounces will do! Kitchen scales help with accuracy when measuring out flours and help you accomplish perfect bakes every time. Also, they reduce the amount of dishes used when baking!” - Idris Craft of The Naked Pear
743 Weck Mold Jars ($32.99): “My second recommendation is an amazing jar—one that makes you feel excited—to keep your gluten-free sourdough starter alive. I love the 743 Weck Jar. It is the right size and the shape makes mixing easy and efficient. And, if you are looking for a gluten-free starter, I have one available to purchase!” - Idris Craft
Onion Kid The Usual Crispy Shallots ($15): “You can use these to replace gluten-laden fried onion rings for casseroles.” - Anna Vocino of Anna Vocino’s Eat Happy Kitchen
Red Bloom Gut Healthy Chili Crisp ($17.95): “This crunchy hot sauce is founded by a guy who has gut issues. He created a clean crunchy hot sauce, which is really hard to find. - Anna Vocino
Eat Happy Kitchen Spice Variety Pack ($36): “I gotta give a link to my spice blends that are sugar-free, gluten-free, no anti-caking agents, and no fillers—the only thing in our spice blends are actual real FOOD! The variety pack, which contains three spices, is a fun stocking stuffer for foodies.” - Anna Vocino
Just for fun
GIANTMicrobes Celiac Disease Plush ($14.95): I saw this plushie—shaped like intestinal villi—on Instagram, and I’m obsessed with it. All of the brand’s designs are based on actual microbes and cells, and each one comes with a printed card that has facts about the cell to teach the gift receiver more. I think this would be an awesome gift to give a recently diagnosed child—but who am I kidding? I’m totally buying one for myself!
Glass of Weinstein Merch ($5.99-$39.99): Matt, who runs the Instagram account Glass of Weinstein, has some high-quality gluten-free merch available on his website! Choose from crop tops to sweatpants to wine glasses to coasters and more emblazoned with witty phrases like “my buns are certified gluten-free.”
Delicacies Jewelry Farfalle Necklace ($110): I have my eye on this gold-plated farfalle necklace, part of the brand’s “Al Dente” jewelry collection, so I can show off how much I love gluten-free pasta! Bonus: Purchasing this necklace gives back, providing 50 meals to those in need.
GoodGlutenFreeGrub OG Dad Hat ($20): I bought this hat, which says “Can you make it gluten-free?” at the Gluten-Free World Expo in Salt Lake City, and it’s become a staple in my wardrobe. Lorin, who runs GoodGlutenFreeGrub, has a variety of stylish merch on her website.
I’m in My Gluten-Free Era Sticker ($2.32-$3.70): As a Swiftie, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include this sticker in my gift guide! Choose from four sizes and get to decorating your laptop, notebook, and more.
Charitable donations
Making a charitable donation to a celiac organization is a great way to give back this holiday season! My organizations of choice this year are:
Beyond Celiac is the leading patient advocacy and research-driven celiac disease organization (and I’m proud to be an ambassador for them!). Donate here.
Celiac College Guide is an organization that aims to inform, impact, and inspire individuals navigating college life with celiac disease. (Stay tuned for my Q&A with Celiac College Guide founder, Nicole Kessler, in January!) Donate here.
And if you want to support my work this holiday season? Click on the button below to make a one-time financial contribution so I can continue to bring you in-depth reporting on celiac disease and gluten-free living!
Disclaimer: If you click on a link, I may get a small commission. This helps support this newsletter so I can keep writing it. I have previously received press samples of some products featured here (the perk of the job!), but all opinions are my own—and I only recommend products I genuinely love.
Many thanks for including our cookbook, Senza Glutine, on your list!
SO many great gift ideas... and so many things I want to buy for myself now! (Thanks for the mention, Christina!)