2020 GIFT GUIDE & WINTER GIVEAWAY

"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed."

~ Maya Angelou

Well folks, we have finally made it to December. Praise be. I think I can safely speak for many when I say this has been one of the most challenging and chaotic years I've ever waded through and I am more than ready to put it behind me. Not that 2021 will be a guaranteed walk in the park, but I have to believe that it can only get better. I will say that I have never been more eager to move into holiday mode if only just lighten up my spirits a bit as we come into the home stretch of 2020. I started writing this over Thanksgiving when I was supposed to be down in Georgia visiting my sister and her family along with my parents. Obviously that didn't happen. It has been a really long time since I've seen them and while I know it was the right call it did break my heart a little that we couldn't all be together. The way I see it, or that I'm trying to see it, is that it will just be that much more amazing when we can all meet up again. I'm giddy just thinking about it. Until then, though, I'll be hunkering down with my husband and the girls and enjoying even more quality time with them over these next few weeks. Seriously, though, with all this extra time I've been on the hunt for some fun gift ideas for runners, music lovers and really, for anyone who likes cool things. Which is probably most people. I did my best to cast a wide net and I think I've ended up with a pretty fun and unique group of ideas that you can tap into as you think about what you'd like to treat your loved ones with or, better yet, yourself to during this giving season. You'll notice there are items from some of my favorite companies, like Oiselle and Jaybird. These guys are tried and true and products from their company will likely always be on my list as they have never let me down as far as gifting goes. And then you'll see that I have a few new ones on here and these I am really excited about as I know they will be well received if only because of how different they are. So here it is, my 8th annual holiday gift guide along with a killer giveaway with some of my favorite products. Check the list. Check it twice. Then enter the giveaway for you and friend. Because I'm sure you've both been nice. Sorry, I had to. Cheers, everyone! And Merry everything.

2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

OISELLE FLIPSIDE PUFFY SKIRT - Oiselle calls it a "wearable blanket". I call it a socially acceptable sleeping bag. You can call it whatever you want. But the bottom line is this - it's warm, it's chic and it can be thrown over tights after a run or for a day of coaching outside in the colder temps without having to be awkwardly pulled over the sneakers which never really works out in the end. Genius.  

Price:$118

LANDGROVE COFFEE DOUBLE SHOT PRESS - If you love coffee, then perhaps you also appreciate a fresh cup of joe made with a French Press. This little gizmo enables you to both make it and take it. It has a spill-proof press/drink lid, it's incredibly durable and it has been newly designed with their Brü-Stop press technology for a perfectly smooth brew, anytime, anywhere. Added bonus...the lid can be attached for left or right-handed drinkers. Plus, the base doubles as a container in case you want and/or need a second brew on the go. Given.
Price:$41

LIKE THE WIND MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION - I've been getting Like the Wind for several years now. It's a beautiful quarterly magazine created "for runners, by runners". Really, it's more like a book of short stories, each one paired with it's own unique illustration, the whole thing printed on matte paper. Personally, I like to take my time with it, to stretch it out over a few weeks as I go through it and then, because each issue is full of so many morsels of wisdom, I add it to my book shelf for a future reference. The stories are relatable to anyone so you don't have to be a runner to enjoy this publication. They offer multiple payment methods or you can buy specific issues if one happens to catch your eye. I can honestly say that I have loved every one so far. Click on this link to receive £5 off your order.
Price:Approx $38

WYETH DESIGN EARRINGS - I am really excited about these gorgeous, hand crafted earrings designed by my dear friend, Jason Koob, creator and owner of Wyeth Designs. Jay is a doctor by day but woodworking is another one of his passions and he uses much of his free time to build both furniture and earrings like the ones you see above. In his own words, "My pieces display clean, minimalist lines reflecting my love of Japanese architecture and Scandinavian furniture design. I also try to incorporate natural elements such as stones, grass, and water into my pieces whenever possible." I have three pairs of my own and plan to give both the Strong and Brave sets (designed by his daughter!) to my teammates this season.
Price:Ranges from $12-$42

ATHLETIC BREWING CO. - I love a good beer. But I'm not a big fan of how alcohol impacts my sleep or, for that matter, my performance when I'm training. Last year I was on a quest to find a high quality Non Alcoholic beer and after several fails, which I won't mention here, I finally discovered Athletic Brewing Co. They make a great tasting N/A Craft Beer with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. It's ideal for those with an active lifestyle or anyone who just really enjoys beer but doesn't want to sacrifice taste. Plus, have a few as there is no risk for a hangover. Seriously, if you want to switch things up you will not be disappointed with ABC. My local liquor store sells it but you can also buy it and get it shipped straight from their site. Note: Use code RTRACHSEL20 to save 20% on your first order.

Price:$12.99 per six pack

JAYBIRD VISTA - These were on my list last year. And, well, they just have to be again. Because, in my humble opinion, they are the best accessory since sliced bread. Wireless. Waterproof. Sweatproof. Shockproof. Dust proof. Isn't that enough proof? Pop them in and turn them up. You don't even know they're there. For running or working or doing whatever it is you do with music. Never go quiet again. Note: Use code RWM to take $10 off your order. US & Canada Residents only.
PRICE $179.99

LITTLE TREATS OR STOCKING STUFFERS

NUUN REST - Any product that "aids my relaxation responses" is a no brainer for me. NUUN Rest's blend of magnesium, potassium and tart-cherry are all known to help you relax while also releasing tension from overworked muscles. Please and thank you. I like to heat mine up and drink it before bed. Each tube has 10 tablets. We all need rest during the holiday season, right?

KENYAN RUNNING BANDS - Who doesn't want to wear a bit of motivation while they are working to reach their goal? These beautiful Kenyan Running Bands are handmade by the Maasai people who are based in a workshop in Narok. Artisan Design, founded by Rob Paddock, is the only UK company that stocks these bracelets which are fairly traded direct from Iten. 10% of all sales are given to local young runners as they work to achieve greatness in sport plus you are helping support the local Maasai communities.

HALOLIFE MASKS - Every stocking should have a mask in it this year. Might as well make it a high quality one. The HALOmasks are durable and adjustable. They are available in three sizes and come with replaceable filters. They are also really cool. Well, as far as masks go.

PICKY DRIZZLE - Think taste explosion in your mouth. I mean, that should be enough. Made with cinnamon, vanilla and superfood maca, it's the perfect addition to your oatmeal or a dipping sauce for your fruit....or your finger. I actually put a dollop into my coffee. Mind blown.

***** 2020 WINTER GIVEAWAY*****

4 lbs of Landgrove Coffee

2 pairs of Wyeth Designs Earrings

2 NUUN water bottles

4 Tubes of NUUN

1 jar of Picky Drizzle

1 Bag of Picky PB&J Granola

1 Variety Pack of Picky Bars

1 pair of Oiselle Power Puff mittens

1 pair Oiselle Power On tights

1 Oiselle Trucker Hat

2 Artisan Designs Kenyan Running Bands

2 HaloLife Masks

2 six packs of Athletic Brewing Co.

2 issues of Like the Wind Magazine

1 pair of Jaybird Vistas

Let's get right to to it, shall we? It's been a hell of a year and I just want to give some cool stuff away. No games or questions for this one. Just add your name in the comments below along with the name of a friend that you'd like to share all these goodies with. You can also jump over to RWM on Instagram and enter again there. Winner will be chosen randomly on Friday, December 11th. Huge thanks to all of the companies that contributed to this giveaway. Good luck. *US Residents only

Listen to this:

Solid Gold by Sheppard

wearesheppard · Solid Gold