Dr. Barton Goldsmith’s holistic holiday gift guide for 2025

1. VetSmart Formulas Critical Immune Defense 

This is a powerful mushroom and turmeric supplement for dogs and cats. I am living testimony to how well this stuff works. Last December, when my beloved cat-child Phoenix went in for her annual wellness check, an X-ray found a large mass on her chest, which had grown to the size of a peanut in only 11 months. You could tell she was not doing well. Someone I trust told me that Critical Immune Defense helped heal his cat of something similar. We tried it, and it is amazing. Phoenix is a cat again. Waking up early every day with a meow that means hug me and feed me. Napping mostly but also playing with toys, being demanding and hanging out with the family. She’s 14 now. So yeah, this gets my No. 1 vote. $66 for a 30-day supply, multiple retailers

2. Drinkmate OmniFizz

This beverage carbonation machine works with any drink, from iced tea to cocktails. It really is delightful and can be a talking point at parties. If you like carbonated fluids, this is for you. I love this little device because it helps make me stay hydrated and healthy and creative. I enjoy creating my own mocktails. $100, idrinkproducts.com

3. Foton pearled candle

When this came in, it took us a few minutes to figure out how it works. They key is you can pour the little “pearls” into a container and, like magic, you have made a candle. The wood wicks are very efficient and don’t smoke when you blow them out. These candles are nontoxic and plant based. I enjoy the different smells and the light they give out. $37, fotoncandle.com

4. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Illuminating Peptide-Rich Whipped Moisturizer

Using a daily moisturizer is recommended by just about everyone. This one isn’t oily but leaves me feeling clean and fresh. I’m not concerned with how it makes me look, but I’m told “it does something” for me (LOL). $25, mychelle.com

5. Savannah Bee Company lip and body balms

This is a very “bee conscious” company, and as many people know the bee population has taken a big hit recently. This company’s products are all natural, made mostly from beeswax and honey, right from the hive. The lip balms make lips even more kissable under the mistletoe. $14 for a 4-pack of lip balms, savannahbee.com

6. The CrapKeeper

This handy bag hangs anywhere and goes everywhere with whatever you need to take along. It has plenty of pockets and zippered compartments, the cup holders are big enough for a Yeti, and the straps easily hook onto beach chairs or whatever is near you. This well-designed organizer bag quickly became an essential in our household. $50, crapkeeper.com

7. Formulary 55 handmade soaps

They smell delicious right through the package (the company also make candles). These soaps combine clean botanical fragrances with shea butter and small batches of coconut oils. They are moisturizing, vegan and cruelty free. $13 per bar, formulary55.com

8. Weddell Duo shower filter

Your skin is your largest organ, and taking care of it is paramount, whether wearing a good sunblock or bathing with clean water. If you drink filtered water, washing with it is a no-brainer. Get this water filter for yourself. You deserve it. $90, weddellwater.com

9. Turbobo

This stuffed dog friend can help reduce anxiety and improve mental health in children and elderly adults. An accompanying book introduces the five therapeutic devices that make Turbobo so special. Other storybooks about Turbobo’s adventures are designed to help children (and adults) thrive and conquer everyday challenges. Turbobo is a wonderful healing tool disguised as a toy. $88, turbobo.co

10. SB SOX compression socks

Here’s a gift I’d like stuffed in my Christmas stocking  this season. SB SOX (favored by Travel & Leisure and BuzzFeed) has become a go-to brand for travelers and those seeking recovery solutions. I’d hang mine up for Santa, but I can’t let them go for that long. Price varies, sbsox.com

This year has been a difficult one for so many reasons. May this holiday season brighten your life just enough so that you can see through the fog to better days ahead.