Holiday Gift Guide for Foodies!

Welcome back for this year's third holiday gift guide, one I'm very excited for, the vegan foodies gift guide!  (Missed the first two?  Not to worry!  Check out my gift guide for Yogis and Beauty Lovers as soon as you finish lusting after the items in today's guide!)  Whether the person on your list is a long-time foodie or just getting into the glorious world of vegan food they'll absolutely adore the gifts on this list.  Who doesn't love a gift that helps keep them well-fed?

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Bodum Chambord French Press, 34 oz, Copper, $64.99

The perfect gift for the coffee-fanatic on your list!  A classic french press with gorgeous design, this is an appliance they'll never want to store in the cupboard! 

2. Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express 4-Tray Food Dehydrator, $90.86

Help your loved-ones take their snack-game to the next level!  This powerful dehydrator comes with 4 trays but can support up to 12 (think Sims expansion packs) and takes less time than ordinary dehydrators.  

3. Vegan Cuts Subscription Box, $59 for 3 months

Want to give the gift that keeps on giving to that guy or gal on your list who's too busy to take a breath?  Why not send them a 3 (or 6, or 12!) month subscription to a curated box of vegan snacks to keep them going and guessing?

4. WonderVeg Vegetable Spiralizer, $20.32

A must for all of your trendy vegan friends.  Zoodles to the rescue!

5. Ninja Professional Blender, $74.95

I use this blender and I LOVE IT.  It's a great affordable option!  No need to splurge on a Vitamix to make delicious hummus, sauces, nana ice cream, and more!

6. Dr-Cow Tree Nut Cheeses Sample Box, $85

Give the gift of vegan cheese and feel the love from your family and friends!

7. Thirstystone Marble Serving Tray, $64.22

Every foodie needs an understated marble serving tray for entertaining, breakfasts in bed, and beautiful instagram shots!

8. Milk and Honey Luxuries Vegan Hand Stamped Fork, $21.92

An adorable gift for the hungry vegan in your life!

9. Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook, $24.37

A great recipe resource for new and veteran vegans alike.

10. Acme Humane Not Cow's Milk Ceramic Creamer, $35.62

A clean and simple creamer for your vegan foodie's favourite non-dairy milk!

11. Biosta Sprouter, $34.99

This is definitely on my wish list this year... Jason and I are sprout fiends!  Who wouldn't want to make their own sprouts at home?

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I was never what I would consider a foodie until after transitioning to a plant based diet (I'm still not compared to some!) but now I love cooking, trying new foods, and getting creative.  I would love to receive any of the gifts in this guide, and bet the foodie on your list would too!

Until next time,

Did I miss and foodie essentials?  Let me know in the comments!

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Holiday Gift Guide for Yogis!

I'm back with the second instalment of my 2015 holiday gift guide!  (Didn't catch the first gift guide for the beauty lovers on your list?  Here it is!)  This one is all about yoga... you're sure to find the perfect gift for every yogi on your list!

1. Alo Yoga Goddess Leggings in Ombre Blue/Steel Heather, $94

This slimming and flattering legging comes in a multitude of colours to fit every yogi's tastes!

2. Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat in Dreamscape, $68

There's no need for a towel with this gorgeous mat!  It's been specially designed to reduce slipping and is made with eco-friendly materials.

3. Hugger Mugger Pure Mat & Gear Wash, $9.95

This natural lemon and tea tree spray can be used on your mat pre-practice to reduce slippage and post-practice as a cleanser.

4. Daughters of Culture Infinity Bra 2.0, $60

This gorgeous bra will make the yogi on your list swoon!  Super stretchy, sweat-wicking, and anti-microbial properties put this bra a notch above the rest.

5. Swell Water Bottle in Teakwood, $35

I am obsessed with this water bottle!  Not only is the stainless steel bottle painted beautifully to imitate wood grain, but each bottle sold from the wood collection results in a tree being planted!  It comes in three sizes, will keep liquid cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, and is non-toxic and BPA free.

6. Gaiam Sol Natural Cork Block, $15.98

A must for any yogi, new or experienced, a cork block is a wonderful and inexpensive gift that your loved one will actually use!

7. Manduka To and Fro Mat Carrier, $36

A utilitarian yet aesthetically pleasing mat bag for male and female yogis alike.

8. Free People Myna Headband, $24.08

This cotton headband comes in a wide variety of patterns and is great for keeping hair out of your face during your practice.

9. Teeki Mermaid Fairyqueen Teal Mermaid Tank, $38

This lightweight, unlined, tank is great for yoga, swimming, and anything else your day might throw at you!

10. Gaiam No Slip Yoga Towel, $23.98

So they already have a mat, and it's not a Yoga Design Lab combo?  Grab them this sweat-absorbing towel to keep them grounded all class long.

1. Arima Designs Namast'ay in Bed Graphic Tee, $36.86

A great choice for the reluctant yogi on your list, or the one who loves to sleep in!

2. Colour Moon Breathe Print, $15.70

A beautiful minimalist reminder for your home practice room.

3. Brogamats Yoga Joes Green, $25

A funny gift for anyone on your list, these little green army men come packaged in box that looks like a mini yoga studio!

4. Brogamats Quiver of Arrows Yoga Bag, $35

"Turn your muscles into a band of merry men."  Well don't mind if I do!

5. Shiny Little Blessings 3 Sterling Silver Lotus Charms, $10.92

Great for a group of yogis, this dainty lotus can be worn on a chain as a necklace, on a bracelet or anklet, or as a charm on keys or yoga bags.

6. Bohemian Earth Designs Turquoise Wrap Bracelet, $53.22

The tree of life for love and strength and turquoise for wisdom and protection, this bracelet is a beautiful addition to any yogi's collection.

7. Think Typography Motivational Poster, $20.46

A motivational poster for the real-talk yogi in your life.

8. Gaiam Organic Cotton Yoga Strap, 6 ft, $7.98   

A helpful prop for moving into more advanced postures.

9. Hugger Mugger Standard Bolster, $72.95

The perfect practical gift for the friend who enjoys restorative yoga at home!

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I hope this guide gave you lots of gift ideas for this holiday season, and maybe one or two to treat yourself with!  (I may have added every one of these items to my wish list as I was putting this post together.  Oops!)

Until next time,

What gift guide would you like to see next?  Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly Plant Based Bride newsletter (form below the comments)!

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Beauty Lover's Gift Guide (Vegan & Cruelty Free!)

It's that time of year again... The time of year where we all bundle up, head to the overcrowded mall and try to find affordable gifts for the many people in ours lives - the ones we love and the ones we don't really know much about but kind of have to get them a present anyway and are completely lost.  Whichever one you're shopping for, if they're a beauty lover, I've got you covered!  

1. Deux Lux "I Do" Makeup Bag, $24.50    

Adorable for any bride to be on your list!

2. Black Beauty Furless Brush Set, $89.99  

A great starter kit of incredibly high-quality synthetic makeup brushes.

3. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, $6.69 for 8oz  

This all-purpose soap is all-natural and a great brush cleanser!

4. Zoya Nail Polish in Amal MatteVelvet, $10  

The perfect red for a holiday manicure!

5. Dose of Colors Matte Lipstick in Stone, $18

Or try truffle for a warmer shade.  These lipsticks are long-wearing and gorgeous!

6. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $32

For crazy length and volume with one coat look no further than this gem!

7. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, $19  

For a felt-tipped liner that just won't quit.

8. OCC Lip Tar / RTW in Stalker, $15   

You can't go wrong with a red lip for the holidays.

9. Hurraw! Lip Balm, $3.79  

Delicious flavours and wonderful at moisturizing even the most chapped lips!

10. e.l.f. Cosmetics Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette, $10

A great neutrals palette for everyday looks and smokey eyes!

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There's something for just about everyone here, and every price point!  Happy shopping :)

Until next time,

Which gift guide should I do next?  Let me know in the comments below!

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Ethical Beauty: Cruelty-Free and Vegan Brands

Whether you're taking the first step by going cruelty-free with your makeup, or choosing to go 100% vegan, I've compiled lists of brands to help you make informed decisions about your beauty!  Every little bit counts, and every cruelty-free product you buy is making a huge difference to the animals that won't be tested on.

This list is a result of my research of brands and lists from reputable sources.  I have done my best, but it may not be 100% accurate.  Please let me know if you see a mistake so that I can correct it immediately!

First, I wanted to list some popular makeup brands that do test on animals.  If you have makeup by these brands please consider using them up and not repurchasing!

Beauty Brands That DO Test On Animals

• Almay

• Aveeno

• Benefit

• Biore

• Biotherm

• Bobbi Brown

• Burberry

• Chanel

• Chapstick Brand

• Clairol

• Clarins

• Clarisonic

• Clean & Clear

• Clearasil

• Clinique

• CoverGirl

• Dior

• Elizabeth Arden

• Essie

• Estee Lauder

• Garnier

• Givenchy

• Got2Be

• Guerlain

• Head & Shoulders

• Herbal Essences

• Inglot

• L'Occitane

• L'Oreal

• La Mer

• Lancome

• Laura Mercier

• MAC

• Make Up Forever

• Marc Jacobs Beauty

• Maybelline

• Nair

• Neutrogena

• New York Color (NYC)

• Nivea

• Olay

• OPI

• Origins

• Pantene

• Redken

• Revlon

• Rimmel

• Sally Hansen

• Sephora Collection

• Shiseido

• Shu Uemura

• Smashbox

• St. Ives

• Stila

• Tresemme

• Victoria's Secret & Victoria's Secret PINK

• Yves Saint Laurent

• Yves Rocher

For more brands to avoid see this PETA Companies That Do Test On Animals PDF or use the PETA cruelty-free company search! 

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Now that you've gotten rid of all of your makeup that was tested on animals, what should you replace it with?  Why not try some of these awesome cruelty-free brands, many of which are 100% vegan!

Beauty Brands That DON'T Test On Animals

All companies on this list do not test on animals and also carry some vegan products.  100% vegan companies are in bold!  Brands that are cruelty free, but their parent companies are not (or the parent company owns other brands who are not), are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• 100% Pure

• 1121 Apothecary

• 1944 Vegan Skincare

• 19th Volume Cosmetics Corp.

• 2nd Love Cosmetics

• 21 Drops

• 2B

• 415 Labs

• 4mula

• a.dorn

• A Girl's Gotta Spa

• ABBA Pure Performance Hair Care*

• Acid-2-Alkaline

• Acure Organics

• Adorn Cosmetics

• Aesop

• AG Hair Cosmetics

• Ageless Derma

• AHAVA

• Ahimsa Naturals

• AILA Cosmetics

• Ainhoa Cosmetics

• Alba Bontanica

• Alexami

• Alima Pure

• Ambre Blends

• American Apparel Beauty

• Amie Skincare

• Amina Cosmetics

• Anastasia Beverly Hills

• Andalou Naturals

• Annmarie Gianni Skin Care

• Antonym Cosmetics

• Arbonne International

• Ardell

• Aromi

• Aster + Bay

• Athar'a

• Au Naturale

• Aubrey Organics

• Avalon Organics

• Axiology

• AYRES

• Ayushi

• AZATURE

• B.

• Balanced Guru

• Balm Balm

• Bare Escentuals/Bare Minerals*

• Barry M

• Beautisol

• Beaming White

• Beautycounter

• Beauty Blender

• Beauty by Earth

• Beauty Without Cruelty

• Becca

• BellaPierre

• Bella Mari

• Ben Nye Makeup

• Besame Cosmetics

• Biconi

• Bio Follicle

• Bioethique Organic Cosmetics

• Biokleen

• Blackbird Cosmetics

• Black Dahlia Lacquer

• Blinc

• Blissoma

• Bonne Belle

• Botanic Organic

• Box Naturals

• Bronze Buffer

• Burt's Bees*

• ButterLondon

• Buxom*

• Bye Bye Parabens

• Cailyn Cosmetics

• Caitlin's Super Natural

• Caru Skincare

• Certain Dri*

• Charlotte Tilbury

• Cheeky Cometics

• Ciate

• Cocoon Apothecary

• Cocovit

• Colorevolution

• ColourPop

• ColorProof

• Color Club

• Conair

• Concrete Minerals

• Conscious Skincare

• Coola Suncare

• Cover FX

• Crazy Rumors

• Cross Creek Soaps

• Crystal Body Deodorant

• Cult Cosmetics

• Dahliana Naturals

• Daisy Blue Naturals

• Deborah Lippmann

• DermaE

• Dermalogica

• DermOrganic

• Desert Essence

• DeVita

• Dickinson Brands

• D I R T E A

• DN-UNIK

• Dose Of Colors

• Dr. Bronner's

• Dr. Hauschka

• Drybar

• DUO

• Earth Diva Cosmetics

• Earth Tu Face

• Earthbody

• Earthly Body

• Earthwise Beauty

• Ecco Bella

• Eco-Dent

• Eco Tan

• Eco Tools

• Ecover

• ELF - all cosmetics are vegan, but not all brushes are

• Elysian Nail Laquer

• Elizabeth Mott

• elizabeths San Francisco

• Elixery

• Ella + Mila

• Ellovi

• Emami

• Enjoy Professional Hair Care

• EO Products

• Epic Blend

• Epically Epic Soap

• Epice International

• Every Man Jack

• Everyday Minerals

• EVOLVh

• Eye of Horus Cosmetics

• Eylure

• Face Atelier

• Fairypants

• Fairy Girl

• FAR Botanicals

• FiOR Minerals

• First Aid Beauty

• Flo +Theo

• Flower Beauty

• Foreo

• Forager Botanicals

• Forest Creek

• Frank

• Fyrinnae

• Furless Makeup Brushes

• FutureDerm

• Gabriel Cosmetics

• Garden Botanika

• Garden of Wisdom

• Geek Chic Cosmetics

• Georgie Beauty

• Gerard Cosmetics

• Giovanni

• GladRags

• Glam Natural

• GlowGenics

• GOSH Cosmetics

• Gourmet Body Treats

• Green Beaver

• Greenbody

• Green Tidings

• Green Virgin Products

• Gressa

• Gwen's Blends

• Habit Cosmetics

• Handmade Heroes

• Happy Skincare

• Harbingers of a New Age

• Harvey Prince

• Herman Cowboy

• Hemp & Hempz Couture

• Herbal-Medi-Care

• Heritage Store

• Herbal Choice Mari

• Honesty Cosmetics

• Honeybee Gardens

• Hourglass

• House of Lashes

• Hugo Naturals

• Hurraw!

• IAH Cosmetics

• Iconic Luxury Nail Color

• Indie Lee

• Inkling Scents

• Inika Mineral Cosmetics

• Innate Organic Body

• Intelligent Nutrients

• Illuminate Cosmetics

• IsaDora

• J.R. Watkins

• Jack Black

• Jan Iredale

• Jason Naturals

• Jersey Shore Cosmetics

• Jing Ai

• Jordana

• Josh Polish

• Josie Maran Cosmetics

• Juice Beauty

• JustNatural

• Kaeng Raeng

• Kaia Naturals

• Kat Von D Beauty*

• Kelley Quan

• Kept Non-Toxic Beauty

• Kester Black

• Kett Cosmetics

• Kimberly Parry Organics

• Kimono

• Kiss My Face

• Kosi

• Kryolan Professional Make-Up

• KYPRIS

• La Couleur Couture (LACC)

• La Fresh Eco Beauty

• Lamas Beauty

• Lather

• Laughing Devil Designs

• Lalila Beauty

• Lavanila

• Lavina

• Laurel Whole Plant Organics

• Lime Crime Cosmetics

• LimeLily Cosmetics

• Lemon West

• Lewin & Reilly

• Light Mountain Natural Hair Color

• Lily Lolo

• Lime Crime

• Lina Hanson

• Lip Glosserie

• Lippy Girl

• Logona

• Lotus Wei

• Loving Tan

• Lulu BLossom

• LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs

• Lush

• LVX

• Mad Hippie

• Madam Glam

• Made From Earth

• Makeup Geek

• Malin+Goetz

• Manic Panic

• Maple Holistics

• Marc Anthony

• Marcelle

• Marnie's Body Care

• Marie Natie

• Marie Veronique Skincare

• Maxim

• May Lindstrom Skin

• Me & You

• Mehron

• Mei Yin Naturopathics

• Melanie Mills Hollywood - Makeup is vegan, brushes are not

• Melt Cosmetics

• Meow Cosmetics

• Meow Meow Tweet

• Metamour Skin Care

• Method

• Mi-Me

• Michael Todd

• Milani

• Mineral Fusion

• ModelCo

• Modern Minerals

• MOGI MOUSSE

• Moni May Cosmetics

• Montagne Jeunesse

• Moroccanoil

• Mount Purious Raw Skincare

• Mr. Bean Body Care

• Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day*

• Mullein & Sparrow

• MUN

• My Daughter Fragrances

• My Konjac Sponge

• MyChelle Dermaceuticals

• Napoleon Perdis

• NARS*

• Natio

• NatraCare

• Naturopathica

• Natural Glow Sunless Tanning

• Nature's Gate

• NCLA

• Neal's Yard Remedies

• No Miss

• Nonie of Beverly Hills

• North Coast Organics

• Northern Star Cosmetics

• Not A Sponge

• Nourish Organic

• Now Foods

• Nui

• Nurture My Body

• NVEY Eco

• NYL

• NYX Cosmetics*

• Nzuri Organics

• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC)

• OFRA Cosmetics

• Ole Henriksen*

• One Love Organics

• Onesta

• O.R.G. Skincare

• ORLY

• OSEA Malibu

• Overtone

• OVO Skincare

• Own

• Out of Africa

• Overall Beauty Minerals

• Pacifica

• Painted Lips

• Pangea Organics

• Painkiller XO

• Palate Polish

• Parissa

• Paul Mitchell

• Paula's Choice

• Pelle Beauty

• Peony Cosmetics

• Perfekt

• Perricone MD

• Personna*

• Petal Fresh

• Physician's Formula

• PhytoVitamins

• piCture pOlish

• Piggy Paint

• Pirouette Professionals

• Pixi

• Preserve

• Priti NYC

• Prospector Co.

• Purbliss Candle Co.

• Pure Chimp

• Pureology*

• Rainbow Honey

• Rare Elements

• Raven's Creek Soap Co.

• RCMA Makeup

• Real Purity

• Real Techniques

• Red Apple Lipstick

• Reficis

• Relogy

• Replere

• REVERIE

• RevivaLabs

• Rilastil

• RMS Beauty

• Rock Your Hair

• Root Science

• Rosebud Company

• Rosemira ORganics

• Rouge Bunny Rouge

• Routine

• Ruby White Tips

• Saje Natural Wellness

• Sante Natural Cosmetics

• Sappo Hill Soapworks

• Schmidt's Deodorant

• Sienna X

• Seventh Generation

• Sevin Nyne

• SkinAgain

• SkinTea Ochaya Organics by Sayuri Marie

• Shear Mineral Organics

• ShiKai

• Sibu Beauty

• Shiro Cosmetics

• Sigma

• Silk Naturals

• Sir Richards

• Skin Dressing

• skyn ICELAND

• Soapbox Soaps

• Soapwalla

• SoapyLayne

• Sonia Kashuk

• Soultice Spa

• SpaRitual

• Sprout Skincare

• Satrlooks

• Styli-Style Cosmetics

• Sunday Riley

• Sugar & Oats

• SUGARLOOM Cosmetics

• Sugarpill

• Sun and Earth

• Suntegrity

• Supa Herbal Greens

• SVELTA Tan

• S.W. Basics

• Swagger Cosmetics

• Sweet Anthem Perfumes

• Swisspers

• Tarte*

• Tatcha

• Tata Harper

• TAY Skincare

• The All Natural Face

• theBalm

• The Argan Tree

• The Body Shop*

• The Fanciful Fox

• The Gnarly Whale

• The Heritage Store

• The Organic Skin Co.

• The Soap Market

• Thera Wise

• Thesis

• Tiki Bar Soap

• Trader Joe's Brand

• Tres Pure

• Triumph & Disaster

• True Natural

• Trust Fund Beauty

• Tom's of Maine*

• Tome Kobo

• Too Faced (scroll down to see the list of vegan products)

• Ulta Collection

• URB Apothecary

• Urban Decay*

• UTEKRAM

• Ursa Major

• Vapour Organic Beauty

• Vitacare

• VoilaVe

• W.S. Badger

• washbeautyco. by MaskerAide

• Well Scent

• Wen by Chaz Dean

• Wet'n'Wild

• Whitening Lightning

• Whole Foods Brand/365

• Xenca

• Yaby Cosmetics

• Warok

• Yes to Carrots

• Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

• Yu-Be

• Zoeva

• Zoya

• Zurvita

• ZuZu Luxe

Don't see the brand you're looking for on either of these lists?  Try searching the PETA database, check out the PETA PDFs (DO test or DON'T test on animals), or take a look at Logical Harmony's comprehensive list!

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I hope this post can serve as a guide for you to transition your beauty to a 100% cruelty-free and vegan zone!  I know it can be hard to get rid of some of your favourite products or shades, but remember, this is a great opportunity to find new brands, and new products, that are not only ethical but incredible!  You never know what you'll find when you widen your horizons and try something new.  You just might find your new Holy Grail product!

Check out Rhian Hy (WifeLife), Tashina Combs (Logical Harmony), and Leticia (xoloveleti) on YouTube for endless reviews of cruelty-free and vegan products if you feel overwhelmed and would like a starting point.  Also, let me know if you'd like me to do reviews on the blog of some of my favourite vegan beauty products!

Until next time,

Is your favourite product missing?  Want me to do vegan beauty reviews?  Let me know in the comments below!

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