19 Air Fryer Recipes for Fall So You Can Give the Crock-Pot a Break

The air fryer might well be the savior of your fall menu.

Maybe it’s the cold weather that sparks a hankering for warm, hearty, comfort eats. When the dog days of summer give way to chillier fall, foods like wings and fries start looking especially good.

While there may really be nothing like greasy, old-fashioned onion rings to hit that spot, an onslaught of fried food can leave us heading into the holidays with a sluggish, all-around blah feeling.

Photography Courtesy of Supergolden Bakes

And who needs that when they’re supposed to be experiencing good vibes all round?

But what if we told you that there was a way to have your favorite fried foods all season long and still feel pretty amazing at the end of it?

Thanks to the air fryer, it’s totally possible to enjoy not only your classic fried dishes like crispy potato wedges and falafel, but also a range of other goodies, like pizza, tacos, and even dessert.

Turn to these air fryer recipes to keep you full, happy, and healthy.

Savory dishes

Yes, there is a healthier way to eat Buffalo wings. And a whole lot else.

1. 10-minute whole-wheat pita bread pepperoni pizza

Photography courtesy of Stay Snatched

When it’s a little nippy outside, the idea of staying home with a movie and pizza is just *so* much more appealing than going out. Plus, with COVID-19 still around, it’s probably the safest option.

Make it even more enjoyable with these customizable pita-pizzas, where you can control exactly how much sauce, cheese, and pepperoni you want.

And there’s no need for a pizza stone or even an oven to make them, either. The air fryer has ’em ready in less than 10 minutes. Take that, oil!

2. Chicken wings with Buffalo sauce

Photography courtesy of Low-Carb Yum

With fall comes football season. With football season comes heaps of food that heads straight for your arteries.

But instead of being that person who brings veggie sticks to game night (and there’s always one), you can instead impress your friends and family with spicy, air-fried chicken wings coated in homemade Buffalo sauce.

You’re the only one who has to know they’re healthy. 🤭

3. Cilantro ranch sweet potato cauliflower patties

Photography courtesy of Cotter Crunch

Take two of fall’s best seasonal ingredients, combine them in an air fryer, and turn them into cumin-and-cilantro-flavored patties fit to put on salads, in wraps, or just on a plate all by themselves.

Or a throne. They’re pretty damn good.

The ranch seasoning kicks up the flavors a notch, while pumpkin seeds add crunch and even more fall-inspired flair.

4. Tempura-style vegetables

Photography courtesy of Mom Knows It All

Not in the mood for a cold salad when there’s a chill in the air?

Usually, a plate of fried vegetables wouldn’t exactly be an appropriate alternative. But the air-fryer method absolutely minimizes how much oil they soak up — so these tempura veggies could be a totally viable salad swap.

Lightly coated in Japanese-inspired bread crumbs and egg before getting tossed in the air fryer, they’re crunchy, light, full of fiber, and the absolute bomb with your favorite dipping sauce.

5. Whole Greek chicken

Photography courtesy of Vikalinka by Julia Frey

With Thanksgiving and other holidays peeking around the corner, you know full well that you might end up roasting a bird for people you love.

But you can then kiss goodbye to most of your morning, as some birds take ages to achieve that golden brown, festive texture.

No more! Just 40 minutes in an air fryer gets this garlicky, lemony chicken an express ticket to your belly. Serve this air-fried bad boy alongside a sweet potato mash or roasties for all the brownie points you can muster.

6. Smoky beer-battered cauliflower

Photography courtesy of Hungry Couple

Because if you’re going to have cauliflower, why shouldn’t it be covered in beer?

While cauliflower is a year-round source of deliciousness for everything from pizza crust to rice these days, let’s not forget that this veggie is at its peak in the fall.

Rather than use it as a disguise for carbs, this recipe puts cauliflower clear in the spotlight. Dredge them in smoked paprika, garlic, cheese, beer batter, and air fry them until they’re golden brown.

7. Brussels sprout tacos

Photography courtesy of Philly Fit Foodies

Brussels sprouts are practically synonymous with fall/winter/your holiday roast, but no one wants to eat them boiled. 🤮

Instead, let the air fryer cook them until they’re charred and crispy, then toss them into tortilla shells with a sweet and tangy balsamic honey sauce. You’ll never call Brussels sprouts boring again.

8. Vegan onion rings

Photography courtesy of From My Bowl

Need a tailgating snack that satisfies hungry eaters but also meets your criteria for healthy munchies?

These onion rings are your answer.

Not only do they require zero oil thanks to the air fryer, but by using plant-based milk, non-dairy bread crumbs, and no egg, these golden, crispy bites also totally vegan.

9. Sweet potato and black bean taquitos

Photography courtesy of Cool Mom Eats

With this recipe, you’ll use the air fryer to both cook the sweet potatoes and to crisp up the assembled taquitos.

With black beans and cheese entering the fray, these completely ace as a satisfying, plant-based meal.

10. Keto lasagna

Photography courtesy of Two Sleevers

Get in touch with your inner Garfield by lazing about during the chilly fall months and knocking up an amazing lasagna — but with a carb-free twist.

Fall is a perfect time for warm and filling pasta dishes, but this lasagna recipe gives you an internal hug without the carbs.

In the absence of noodles, zucchini slices are layered with sausage, marinara (make sure it’s free of added sugar), and cheese (duh), then baked in the air fryer (yep, it bakes too!) until the whole thing is browned and bubbly.

11. Falafel

Photography courtesy of Supergolden Bakes

Falafel is so hearty that it’s staggering to us that it doesn’t make more of an appearance during fall — but we stand by it.

Plus, you can combine it in almost every meal or turn it into burgers. Chili, cilantro, cumin, cardamom, and garlic make this a spicy, flavorsome, warming fall treat.

They can be a side or a main, and you can freeze them for later. So, why not whip up a batch and store them? It’s as simple as making the patties/balls and putting them in the air fryer.

12. Cheesy potato wedges

Photography courtesy of Veggies Save The Day

Oh, man. Warm and hearty, these un-fried potato wedges fit the bill for a perfect cold weather snack or side.

You can make them crispy in the air fryer with just a teaspoon of oil, and they’re then generously drizzled in a non-dairy cashew “cheese” sauce that’s much more heart-healthy than any spray cheese you’ll ever find.

You can win game day without even offering up unhealthy food.

Sweet dishes

Yep, air fryers can even do that. Pick that jaw up off the ground, and get it around some dope eats.

13. Vegan blueberry apple crumble

Photography courtesy of Healthy Slow Cooking

With warm stewed fruit and a buttery streusel-style topping, a crumble is perhaps the quintessential fall dessert. And you can totally use your air fryer to make an amazing one.

This low sugar recipe makes use of both fresh apples and frozen berries for the base, while a vegan brown rice flour topping keeps the dessert gluten-free.

It’s a perfect cozy treat for two.

14. Apple cinnamon dessert empanadas

Photography courtesy of Stay Snatched

You may know empanadas as fried envelopes filled with meat and cheese, but once you try these sweet and spiced pockets, you may actually prefer the dessert version of the usually savory dish.

With no dough to roll out, just a touch of raw honey for sweetness, plenty of fresh apple flavor (yep, we love apples), and zero oil, they’re easy, healthy, and super tasty all at once.

15. Air-dried sweet potato dessert fries

Photography courtesy of Cotter Crunch

Lightly tossed in coconut oil, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and air-fried until crispy, this is how sweet potatoes should always be eaten.

They’re at their sweetest in the fall, making this a try-now-or-wait-a-whole- year dessert treat.

We’ve never met a French fry we didn’t like, but these might just top the pile. And then go straight inside our faces.

16. Small-batch brownies

Photography courtesy of Veggies Save The Day

If any dessert on this list is going to get you brownie points…

Self-control tends to vanish to the wind around a batch of brownies (especially… erm, special ones). If you can’t bake brownies without eating them all in a day (we’ve been there) (a lot), this recipe may be exactly what you need.

Not only does it make a small batch for portion control, but it’s also much healthier, with no eggs, oil, butter, or gluten. So, really, you could technically eat the whole thing and still come out feeling pretty good.

But save some for your buddies. Go on.

17. Homemade strawberry pop tarts

Photography courtesy of Stay Snatched

With back-to-school season in full swing once fall hits, it’s all about easy breakfasts. Ideally those you can grab and go when you’re running late.

Yielding 6 servings that last all week, this recipe evokes your favorite childhood toaster pastry and is way healthier than the packaged kind, thanks to reduced-sugar jam, Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat cream cheese.

18. Chonut holes

Photography courtesy of Glue and Glitter

Is it a churro? Is it a donut? No-nut. It’s a chonut.

It’s as if the noble air fryer was tailor-made for this dessert: A glorious fusion of churros and donuts, two typically oily, fried confections.

But the chonut has all the cinnamon, sugary coating, and flaky dough of both worlds, and thanks to air frying, none of the grease.

More like woahnut.

19. Coconut crusted cinnamon bananas

Photography courtesy of Awe Filled Homemaker

Coconut and banana sound more like a summer combo.

But wait up! Put those flowery shorts/shirts/bikinis back in the dresser. Serving these bananas warm with a hefty pinch of cinnamon make this recipe autumnal as all heck.

Dipped in eggs and tapioca flour, these fruity bites are a ridiculously simple way to satisfy a sweet tooth while still feeling like you’re indulging in a far richer treat.

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When Is It Too Cold to Exercise Outside?

Almost everyone can work out safely in cold weather.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, no temperature is technically too low for exercising outdoors, as long as you suit up to minimize cold-weather risks. (Though they do say to be extra careful if it’s below –18°F. Brr…)

While it’s obvious that high intensity workouts — like boot camp training and running — are better choices for staying warm than, say, yoga, your body will work to maintain a core temp of 98.6°F no matter what you’re doing.

“I still remember working out in 9 degrees,” says Anthony Burdi, co-founder of The Rise, a year-round outdoor workout group based in New York City. “Afterward we said, ‘I can’t believe what we just did!’ But it’s not as bad as you think.”

Exercising outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing does come with some challenges.

Still, that runny nose, while a bit annoying, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s more of an adaptive measure to keep your sinuses from getting too dry. In chilly, dry weather, the inside of your nose moistens to humidify the air you inhale, and the excess fluids creep out your nostrils.

As for that icy air hitting your lungs? It’s basically impossible, outside of Arctic conditions, for freezing air to damage your lungs (though it can irritate your airways). Try wearing a scarf and keeping layers on your chest to feel warmer as you inhale.

There are, of course, a few groups of people who should be cautious before trekking outdoors for a midwinter run.

If you have asthma, cold, dry air can trigger lung tightness and asthma attacks during exercise.

And if you’ve been diagnosed with poor blood circulation or heart problems, check with your doc before hitting the frozen pavement. According to a 2015 study, people with cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of heart attack while exercising in the cold.

How to work out safely in the cold

1. When wind chill is in the negatives, skip the outdoors

“Extreme wind chill can make it unsafe — even if you dress warmly,” says Lipi Roy, MD, an internist and instructor at NYU School of Medicine. As a general rule, if it’s warmer than 5 degrees Fahrenheit, your chances of frostbite are low, Roy says.

But when the windchill brings temps down to below –15 degrees, exposed skin can get frostbitten in less than 30 minutes. Translation: The indoor treadmill is calling your name.

2. Know the warning signs

The first signs of frostbite are cold, red skin, followed by tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation. If you suspect frostbite, head back inside and warm the affected area gradually by running it under lukewarm water or wrapping it in a warm blanket, Roy says.

While you can treat superficial frostbite at home, hypothermia is a true medical emergency. If anyone you’re working out with has slurred speech, intense shivering, or a loss of coordination, get to a hospital stat.

3. Wear synthetic fabrics, fleece, and wool

“The first layer should be synthetic — something that will wick moisture away from your skin,” Roy says.

The second layer should be fleece or wool to help insulate, and the third should be a breathable, waterproof layer to help repel wind.

Another pro tip: Avoid cotton. It loses its insulating power when you become sweaty.

“The one thing I’m always really adamant about is having something dry to change into,” says Chris Lopez, another member of The Rise. “When the workout is over, you don’t want to be stuck in wet, sweaty clothes when it’s 30 degrees outside.”

4. Cover your head, fingers, and toes

Blood flow stays concentrated in your core, perpetually pumping from (and returning to) your heart. This makes your limbs more susceptible to the cold.

In addition to wearing gloves, consider roomier shoes to accommodate thermal or wool socks.

It’s a myth that you lose most of your body heat through your head, but it’s still important to bundle up that noggin to stay warm. For extra protection, wear a face mask or scarf.

And don’t forget sunscreen on your exposed face — especially if you’re skiing. “UV rays are just as strong in the winter,” Roy says.

Lopez also suggests an unconventional idea: Wear latex gloves under your regular gloves. That way, if you’re doing burpees or push-ups on any potentially wet or icy surface, your hands won’t end up wet, even if your gloves do.

The same goes for your feet. “Put a small plastic bag on each foot, then your socks, then your shoes,” Lopez says. Sure, it may look a little goofy, but it’ll be worth it when you’re nice and toasty in frigid weather. (And who’s looking inside your shoes, anyway?)

5. Avoid the rain and wind

When it’s cold out, it’s best to keep the art of racing in the rain to a minimum. Your body has a hard time managing its temperature when soaked — water draws heat away faster than air.

This is, of course, a plus for those times when you’re sweating in hot temps, but it’s not so great for exercising in an icy downpour.

Meanwhile, freezing wind chill can be dangerous (as we mentioned earlier). In addition to quickly making the outdoors feel much colder than the thermometer says, wind pushes air and moisture through your clothes and removes the layer of warm air that surrounds your body. #Rude.

6. Don’t overdress

Since your body warms up once you get moving, it’s OK to feel cold at first. When you’re doing higher-intensity activities, overdressing can lead to excess sweating, which will cause your body to become wet.

Damp skin is, unfortunately, a conductor of heat loss and will lower your body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. The solution isn’t very scientific: “Just experiment [with layers] and see what your body best tolerates,” Roy says.

7. Enjoy the scenery

Don’t forget that being outside likely means better views — no matter where you live.

“For us, we get time to enjoy New York for New York — enjoy all the beauty,” Lopez says. “If you’re at the gym, you always see the same thing.”

Exercise outdoors can even be a chance for mindful meditation as you focus on the beauty of the world around you.

Takeaway

Finding your groove with outdoor exercise in the cold may simply take a bit of trial and error.

If you’re feeling like your early morning run or cycle session through the park is a bit too brisk, there’s no shame in finding a more temperate alternative. (Hey, there’s always hot yoga.)

But if you dig walking (or running or biking) in a winter wonderland, rest assured that if you follow these tips, safety likely isn’t an issue.

from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3fPYk8Q

21 Vegan Tacos Because Mexican Food Doesn’t Have to Be Meat

There aren’t too many things in life that are certain. But one thing we can be pretty heckin’ sure of is that everyone loves tacos. How can you not? They’re just crispy shells of yum with stuff inside.

And who doesn’t love yum and stuff?

Nicholas Roberts/Stocksy United

This is all well and good. But what happens when you’re going meat-free and can’t dig in to the traditional carne asada, chorizo, or carnitas that usually fill up a tortilla? Stand aside, doubters. We’re about to fill you with vegetables.

From riced cauliflower and charred brussels sprouts to marinated tofu and crumbled walnuts, these totally plant-based ideas make sure the herbivores never have to miss out on Taco Tuesday again.

Straight-up veggie tacos

1. Vegan tacos with quinoa and lentils

Photo: Midwest Foodie

Quinoa is boss. Lentils are boss. When they’re combined (inside a taco, of all places), expect a (non-literal) ton of quality carbohydrates and an impressive delivery of plant-based protein.

For an even more balanced meal, top the tacos with plenty of chopped veggies.

We should all bow down to quinoa, a superior force in the universe. Discover these 50 creative ways to work it into meals.

2. Simple veggie tacos

Photo: Eat Love Namaste

The name says it all: With pantry-staple spices and super-customizable toppings, these vegetable-centric tacos take all of 15 minutes to put together.

Taco night can happen even on the busiest evenings. Taco Tuesday? Pfffft. More like Taco ALLTHETIMESday.

Heck — some tacos don’t even need a shell.

3. Vegan tacos with refried cannellini beans and asparagus

Photo: Eat Love Eat

Instead of canned refried beans, which can often contain lard and are not actually vegan, this recipe makes a homemade version using lightly spiced mashed cannellini.

Spread the mashed artwork onto tortillas for a creamy complement to the crisp sautéed asparagus and tart pickled onions.

Beans! Put beans in everything! Or at least 29 more things.

4. Honey lime black bean sweet potato tacos

Photo: JoyFoodSunshine

e combination of black beans and sweet potatoes makes for incredibly filling and high fiber tacos. And a sweet and zesty honey, lime, and cilantro sauce lifts the flavor and ensures the tacos don’t feel too heavy.

More beans, you say? OK, great.

5. Roasted cauliflower and fajita veggie tacos

Photo: M Loves M

A dusting of chili powder, paprika, and cumin transforms cauliflower from bland white florets into the spicy roasted filling for these colorful tacos. Bell peppers sautéed in chipotle paste and shredded cabbage add even crunchier veggie power.

If you fancy kicking off the day with bold Mexican flavors, we have the breakfast recipes for you.

6. Vegan BBQ mushroom tacos

Photo: Blissful Basil

Use barbecue sauce, paprika, and garlic on mushrooms and you get a taco filling so meaty it may even fool omnivores.

These are especially well-suited for those easing into a plant-based diet or for serving a friend who just can’t imagine a meal without meat.

There’s plenty more vegan comfort food out there that makes the transition easier.

7. Panko baked avocado tacos

Photo: Minimalist Baker

Avocado typically lives in the guac on top of tacos, but this recipe turns everything topsy-turvy by putting it inside the taco instead. Yikes. You won’t know which way’s up after eating this — but you will enjoy it.

The avocado slices are panko-breaded and baked until crispy on the outside and buttery on the inside.

These tacos may become your new favorite avocado-delivery vessel. But in case you really just feel like pulverizing an avocado, here are 26 ways to guac-ify them.

8. Cauliflower walnut tacos

Photo: Laura Lea Balanced

Sick of stuffing your tacos with beans? Try this blend of walnuts, mushrooms, and cauliflower instead. If it sounds bizarre, eat it until it becomes your new normal — it’s simply amazing.

Seasoned with a homemade taco spice mix and pulsed to a ground beef-like consistency, this taco filling is a flavorful way to get some proteins and healthy fats.

9. Beet and sweet potato fall tacos

Photo: May I Have That Recipe?

Beet and… potato?

These hearty tacos bring out the best of nature’s fall collection, with the roasted beets and potatoes providing the sweetness and the Granny Smith apples adding a tart edge.

Sunflower seeds add a fun crunch factor, and avocados contribute their signature creaminess. It’s a whirlwind of texture and flavor that’s sure to please even the most discerning vegan foodie.

Look! Here are 45 other things you can do with a sweet potato.

10. Blackened brussels sprouts tacos

Photo: Earth & Oven

It’s like Thanksgiving has come early.

You may not have thought to put brussels sprouts inside a taco, but once you try their crispy, charred leaves in combination with roasted pumpkin seeds and creamy avocado, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Even if you’ve never loved this veggie before, this recipe may make you a fan. You may also fart a whole bunch due to the sprouts, which is intrinsically funny.

If you’re now all about the brussels sprouts, here are 29 more recipes that can bring unexpected joy all year round.

11. Harissa portobello mushroom tacos

Photo: Healthy Nibbles and Bits

Portobellos are often the go-to vegan substitute for meat, but the use of spicy North African harissa paste sets these ’shrooms apart.

That’s not all that’s different about this recipe. Using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, it’s a lower-carb answer to your taco cravings.

12. Roasted eggplant and spiced chickpea tacos with herbed yogurt

Photo: Thoroughly Nourished Life

Intimidated by eggplant? This Mediterranean-inspired recipe might alleviate your fears.

Amused by the eggplant emoji? OK, fine, just this once: 🍆

A quick 20 minutes in the oven makes the diced veggie tender and ready to shove into tortillas alongside garlicky chickpeas and a savory Greek yogurt sauce.

The Mediterranean diet is truly a gift — here’s what it involves.

13. Beer-marinated portobello tacos

Photo: Veggies Save the Day

Crack open a (vegan) cold one. Then, instead of sipping it, pour it over a few hearty portobellos.

The mushrooms soak up the liquid just like meat would and taste perfect with the refreshing corn and avocado salsa.

We recommend enjoying these with a chilled bottle of beer. Come on, what else were you expecting? We rounded up the healthiest beers to go with your tacos.

14. Braised carrot tacos

Photo: Thyme & Love

It’s not all about fancy meat substitutes and elaborate toppings.

This recipe proves that even the humble carrot, when cooked in a simple spiced broth, can work as a creative, satisfying, and tasty taco filling.

Tired of tacos after making all these recipes at once? Try a Mexican-inspired salad.

Tofu, tempeh, and jackfruit

When tacos meet meat subs…

15. Kimchi tacos

Photo: Simple Healthy Kitchen

This taco is fir-meant to be in your tummy.

Beans may be a bit much for your digestive system to handle (sorry, beans — we still love you). In that case, fill your tacos with tofu and gut-healthy kimchi instead.

The fermented cabbage adds probiotic goodness to your meal, and the briny, garlicky goodness totally hits the spot in the taste department.

Here’s how to make kimchi just like Grandma’s.

16. Tofu crumble tacos

Photo: Conniosseurus Veg

Yes, freezing tofu is an extra step in this recipe. But the crumbled, meaty texture you get is totally worth it.

Plus, once the protein is thawed, these tacos come together in a speedy 15 minutes.

If you prefer your tofu more scrambly, we’ve got just the recipe for you.

17. Vegan spicy Thai tacos

Photo: Jar of Lemons

In more locked-down times, you can still take your taste buds around the world.

The corn tortillas give these tacos a decidedly Mexican foundation, but that peanutty tofu filling transports you straight to Thailand. You won’t know where you are geographically, but you’ll love the flavors.

If you want friends in Thai places, here are 11 recipes that just might be as good as what you’d order at your favorite local Thai eatery.

18. 20-minute tempeh tacos

Photo: The Mostly Vegan

If you’ve had your fair share of tofu, it might be time to graduate to the next level of quality soy protein: tempeh.

These fermented soybeans are especially tasty when crumbled and cooked with Mexican seasonings. They make a darn-tootin’ taco “meat.”

If you want interesting ways to get your tempeh fix, we’ve got 23 ways to jazz it up.

19. Jackfruit carnitas tacos

Photo: Fannetastic Food

When cooked, jackfruit has a look and a texture similar to pulled pork, so it’s the perfect substitute for the meat in these vegan “carnitas.”

In fact, when you sauté it with chipotle chiles, cumin, and chili powder, the difference might be hardly noticeable.

If you’ve got a thing for jackfruit like we do, why not try these bangin’ jackfruit recipes?

20. Tempeh tacos with avocado kiwi salsa

Photo: Live Eat Learn

While the cumin-and-chili-infused tempeh filling is delicious, it’s the avocado and kiwi salsa that knocks these tacos out of the park and back again. Flavored with jalapeño and lime juice, it’s the perfect sweet, savory, spicy, and fruity topping. Make an extra batch to eat as a snack later!

While jalapeños are an excellent spicy addition to any meal (apart from desserts), learning your way around the whole wide world of spices can seriously boost your cooking skills. Get in the know.

21. Vegan chorizo tacos

Carlosrojas20/Getty Images

Turning walnuts into anything resembling chorizo may seem far-fetched — that is, until you take a bite of these tacos. Then you won’t even remember pork chorizo.

The nuts look just like actual ground beef when they’re crumbled and sautéed with an earthy homemade taco seasoning mix.

The best part is that you can serve yourself an extra scoopful, knowing that they’re even more heart-healthy than chorizo would have been.

tl;dr

There you have it. Vegans can very much get a ticket for the taco train — first class, no less.

And now, breakfast burritos — with a whole section of vegan options. Don’t say we don’t spoil you.

from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3lgsa7y

Sharing holiday gift ideas for the kids this year! We tend to stick to the purchasing strategy of: “ Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” 

Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. We caught some Black Friday sales online, got our first REAL family Christmas tree (“She’s a beaut, Clark”), decked the halls with everything holly jolly, I caught a glorious hot yoga class, and made dinner for a family in the squadron. Oh, and I also got a new fitness certification! I’m now a NASM-certified Women’s Fitness Specialist. I’m excited to use this training with the Fit Team workouts and plans I create here on the blog, and complemented my new cert with specialty workshops in Cardio for Performance, and Resistance Training.

A couple of exciting announcements before I head into the “meat” of this post: Beautycounter’s 15% off sitewide ends TODAY. If you’re been needing any holiday gifts (or goodies for yourself!) now is the time. Check it out here. Equilibria’s sale also ends today. You get 20% off sitewide plus an extra 15% with the code FITNESSISTA. CBD has been a game changer for me and I’m gifting it to friends and family who also need a little extra relaxation, stress relief, and TLC this holiday season.

I’m really excited for today’s gift guide because kiddos really bring the magic to Christmastime. I’m basically like Buddy the Elf and thought that nothing could possibly make the season more enjoyable… and then we had kids. They just magnify all of the magic of the holidays, even during a pretty weird and otherwise bit of a bummer year. I’m looking forward to doing everything we can to maintain some of our beloved traditions (and create some new ones). Also, exciting news: the Pilot is going to be home for Christmas!!!!!!! He’s missed the last two Christmases, so it’s pretty exciting stuff.

When we holiday shop for the kiddos, we keep things on the simpler side. They get their Santa gifts and stocking stuffers, and then from us, we stick to the “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” This checks all of the main boxes and keeps things from getting too bananas with gifts from my parents and their other relatives. [Another hack: any gifts that aren’t opened in the first couple of days are stocked away in the playroom. I bring them out on a rainy day or when the kids say they’re looking for something to do.]

Today, I’m sharing some of the things on their personal wish lists, along with tried and true favorites if you’re shopping for kids their ages (5 and almost 9) this holiday season!! I’d love to hear your kids’ gift requests in the comments and any ideas you have!

2020 Holiday Gift Guide for the Kids

Something they want:

– Horse earrings (ordered these for the girls!)

– American Girl doll. These are always a huge hit… I think we’re up to 10 now lol

– Puzzle sets

– Zingo! This is their favorite board game. They also love Guess Who?

– New roller skates or skateboard

– Animatronic baby Yoda 

– The most incredible tutu

– Barbie dream house

– Magnatiles (P has been playing with these since she was a toddler and still adores them)

– Power Wheels. We did this a few years ago and they’ve been a huge hit

– Giant Gem discovery kit

Something they need:

– New Ugg boots <— the waterproof ones last the longest

– Rain boots

– Art supplies

– Dance or gymnastics leotards

– A new jacket

– Experience gifts are always a hit, like tickets to a museum or activity they love

– A kids’ yoga mat

– New water bottle

– Practice goal and a new soccer ball

Something to wear:

– The cutest unicorn onesies

– “Ugly” Christmas sweater dresses

– A festive dress or dapper blazer

– Holiday jammies

– Flamingo slippers

Something to read:

– The Babysitter’s Club graphic novels. Liv has read all of these and LOVES them. I highly recommend if you have an 8-ish year old.

– Ivy & Bean

– Pinkalicious collection

– Fancy Nancy

– Pete the Cat

– Where’s Waldo?

– Mad Libs

– The Ramona Set

– The Boxcar Children (this makes a fun read-aloud)

What’s on the kiddos’ wish list this year? Any previous gifts that were a home run?

xo

Gina

Shop this post:

More:

This year’s small business gift guide

And 2020 gift guide for Her

Cyber Monday Deals for other gift guides:

Hannah Andersson up to 50% off everything – perfect for family holiday matching jammies. We’ll be rocking the tannenbaum.

J Crew 50% off with code Cyber. Some top picks: this dress for Liv, this jumpsuit, and this leopard top. 

Madewell 40% off. Love these pajamas, these booties, and these slippers. 

eufy saves the day and is over $100 off.

We love our Ring products!

Equilibria 20% off sitewide + extra 15% off with code FITNESSISTA. Orders over $150 also receive a free daily treatment oil!

Carbon38 is 30% off sitewide! I’ve been ordering all of my athletic clothes from here lately. Use the code GINAHAR at checkout 🙂

Great deal on our favorite Bose headphones for travel and work.

*Note: none of my gift guides are sponsored, and companies are not able to purchase spots on my gift guides. These are all items I curated myself and genuinely think they’d make awesome gifts for someone you love. Affiliate links are included, which don’t affect purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback. Thank you so much for purchasing through these links and supporting small business and our family. <3

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