'Tis the season to be shopping - but make it local and clean if you can.

In the spirit of the holidays and keeping priority on clean, natural gifting for everyone on your list, I've put together an assortment of local to Charlotte, NC brands that offer clean and natural products/services that I LOVE!

Unique, natural cocktail mixers from The Craftsman’s Beverage Co @craftsmansyrups—locally made beverage mixers with minimal, real, non-GMO ingredients and natural sweeteners. I have enjoyed them in cocktails and mocktails! The Spiced Apple & Vanilla is like drinking fall, and the sampler kit makes a great gift!

Elderberry DIY kit + local honey for a fun stocking stuffer or hostess gift--@HonestElderberryCo is my personal favorite local elderberry syrup with organic ingredients and an extra addition of aronia berries for a boost of Vitamin C in each dose! The DIY kits (heres the kit with local to Rock Hill SC Honey) make a great gift paired with some local honey! Local honey is such a great natural supplement because - you guessed it - it contains locally produced pollens! Helping immune systems is always a great gift!

Handmade, naturally sourced jewelry—if you’ve noticed any of the jewelry I wear, it’s 95% from

Noonday because I love the cause as well as the designs (I don’t sell it, just spend way too much buying it). All pieces are mostly handmade, by local artisans with regionally-sourced materials. This supports local economies, reduces waste and transportation costs, and most importantly provides a liveable wage for beautiful people all over the world. Creating jewelry allows many people, especially women, who may not otherwise have an opportunity to earn income-to develop a skill and support their families. There are distributors nationwide, but if you need a quick go-to @stefaninoondaycollection will take good care of you!

Look at how cute these pairs are!

Produce or food membership box—@FarmFreshCarolinas here in Charlotte; Butcherbox @butcher_box; or @ThriveMarket are a few great options for a creative foodie gift idea! Sometimes a membership fee or just getting started with one of these can be intimidating, so getting a friend going may be just the support they need to support a healthier lifestyle.

Clean cookware—not always fun to buy out of necessity, but always a welcoming gift to receive! See my recent blog post on various clean cookware options including stainless steel and ceramic pan options. [read it here] 

Organic skincare—one of my personal faves to indulge in and buy for others! See my recent video for more info on my favorite brands including @EminenceOrganics, @Pure Haven LLC, @Beauty Counter, @Annmaire Gianni, and a local gem Roses & Azalea (@rosesandazalea). [read this blog post on a round up of my favorites from each]

Organic services—I can’t get enough facials or pedicures when I know they are nourishing my body beyond just the surface without contributing to gut inflammation or hormone imbalances. Locally, I love Toccare @tocarredayspa for spa services, and Organic Bronze Bar (@organicbronzebarsouthpark) if you’re forecasting the need for a natural-sans-yucky-chemicals spray tan this winter! For salon haircare options, check out Kevin Murphy products at Meraki Salon @merakisaloncharlotte in Myers Park and Brush’d Salon @brushdsalon in the Ballantyne/Waxhaw area. For manicures and pedicures check out @freecoatmyerspark for fume free and toxin free mani/pedis!

& as always, if you're looking for a gift that will help a loved one or friend on their journey to ultimate health (from the inside out), we can coordinate a sponsored intro session or gift card - just email info@carolinafunctionalnutrition.com for more details!

What items made your shopping list for this holiday season?