Episode 117: Happiness Scholar’s Top Picks for Last Minute Holiday Gifts and Self-Care Ideas

We have a few days until Christmas. Are you searching for the perfect gift? If so, there is no judgment. Maybe, you are searching for some self-care goodies of your own. You are in the right place.

Happiness Scholar Dr. Kortni Alston shares her top picks to help restore, recharge, and create your retreat. And —- gifts that can bring you joy.

Check out Dr. Kortni’s top picks that will help you make your holiday merry and bright:

#1 Smart Light Bulbs

Get ready to light up your space with the rainbow. The Orein light bulbs will do just that. Dr. Kortni loves these smart light bulbs. “It helps with creating the mood in my home. When I’m ready to unwind I go right the app and adjust it based on how I feel. Sometimes I feel like pink, blue, and even presets like cozy,” she says. The LED light provides 16 million colors and dimmable white light. You can also set the lights at a specific time for sleep or maybe even a surprise party. No matter what, these lights will allow you to be in control of the multicolor options.

#2 Echo Show 8 | HD Smart Display with Alexa

The Echo Show 8 with HD Smart Display provides the benefit of having everything at your fingertips. Dr. Kortni loves it so much she keeps several in her home and at her office at work. One of the things that draws her to it is the magic of Alexa. Dr. Kortni says, “I feel like I have a personal assistant that provides reminders, answers questions, and even plays my favorite podcast. It has given me so much peace of mind.” Next time, ask Alexa play the meditation station. There are countless options like 9 Unexpected Ways Alexa Can Help You Practice Self-Care and 15 Essential Alexa Skills that Amazon’s AI Assistant Can Learn to Help Make Your Life Easier.

#3 Gratitude Jar

“Gratitude jars have increased my well-being. There is something about seeing my blessings grow versus a journal,” says Dr. Kortni. She often discusses the scientific benefits of gratitude on the Kourting Happiness podcast. You can always create your own or you can use the Christian Art Gifts Keeepsake Count Your Blessings Glass Gratitude set with bible verse note cards. Dr. Kortni has many from Etsy that she has in her home and given as gifts. Gratitude jars can be a wonderful activity individually and with your friends and family.

These gift ideas are wonderful to share and to add to your well-being strategy. You might be looking to save time or create a happier space. My hope is these top picks will help make your holidays merrier and bright.
— Dr. Kortni Alston

#4 Send a Meal to a Loved One or Save Time for Yourself

“I remember when I was working on my Ph.D. and I became ill. A friend sent me a beautiful healthy meal from my favorite restaurant delivered by Grub Hub, and she was miles away. I treasure that act,” says Dr. Kortni. You can have fast and contact free delivery with Grub Hub, Door Dash, and Uber Eats. These food ordering and delivery platforms can save time and provide convenience. Surprise a friend or family member with their favorite meal or buy them a gift card. Plus, save sometime for yourself and order from them too.

To help support Dr. Kortni’s podcast, Kourting Happiness, you can use the following code and/or links:

Uber Eats code eats-kortnia17ui

For DoorDash you will receive $30 off ($10 off of your first 3 orders) for using this link.


#5 Give the Gift of Grocery Delivery and add it to your list too

Like tip 4, grocery delivery can also help you save time for yourself and your loved one. Dr. Kortni’s favorite is Instacart. “I will admit I love utilizing Instacart. I even know many of the shoppers at this point, and it’s wonderful. I love getting to know them and saving time with grocery shopping.”

Giving the gift of grocery delivery can help save a trip to supermarket and provide more time to focus on other things like a walking to the park, spending time with the people you love, or catching up on rest.

To help support Dr. Kortni’s podcast, Kourting Happiness, you can use this code at Instacart: K6E64741D9 (You will get up to $20 off when you place your first order.)

Bonus Tip: Purchase merchandise that Keeps on Giving

Searching for a gift that gives back. The Kourting Happiness podcast merchandise store has t-shirts, sweatshirts, cups, and totes. The best part is that your purchase supports the podcast. Your contribution at the Kourting Happiness official merchandise store helps our mission, which is to increase well-being one episode at a time. By the way, all the products are designed by Dr. Kortni.