What Our Experts Actually Give as Gifts
This year, we asked the experts on the Oak Advisory Council what they're giving: an OB/GYN, a women's health physical therapist, a menopause dietitian, a psychotherapist, and an esthetician. Each one shared the two Oak Essentials products they'd most like to give, plus six favorite finds for the kitchen, home, cozy nights, accessories, wellness, and one wild card.
Julia Barna
Licensed Esthetician, Facialist, and Lymphatic Specialist
“I love gifts that invite us to slow down, encourage us to spend time with others, and unplug and turn off our screens. Gift giving is one of life’s great joys: it’s an opportunity to show someone you care about that you see them and think about them.” —Julia Barna
Julia’s Oak Essentials Picks
Restorative Mask: “The quick-fix skin saver for every single skin type and condition. Obsessed with this mask forever.”
Cloud Foaming Bath Oil: “A luxurious invitation to unwind. We all need that.”
Julia’s Gift Picks
Kitchen and entertaining: Gohar World Crumb Catcher — “For the hostess who has everything covered. How chic is this? I love little surprising touches like this.”
Home and bedroom: Studio Ford Blooming Flower Throw — “I adore everything Josie creates and would love any reason to visit her gorgeous showroom in the historic Gaylord apartments in LA.”
Something cozy: Beecasa Hand-Dipped Beeswax Tapers — “These hand-poured and dipped beeswax candles from a Malibu women-owned small business are just as beautiful as they are thoughtful.”
Accessory: Ragbag Lyra Sculptural Bookmark — “For your favorite bookworm with exquisite taste. This is the most beautiful bookmark.”
Wellness and self-care: Celisse The Full Set, Holiday Edition — “Beautifully formulated and designed nail care. I would be so happy to receive this and be able to achieve a spa-quality manicure from the comfort of my couch.”
Wild card: Paper Republic Essential Leather Journal Kit — “This is a journal you keep forever, and it only becomes more beautiful with age. I love giving and receiving gifts that encourage a slower, more analog life.”
Esther Blum, MS, RD, CDN, CNS
Integrative Dietitian, TEDx Speaker, and Menopause Expert
“I buy gifts that I’d want to buy myself. These days, I find experiential gifts that feel like small luxuries are the most aligned with my desire for simplicity that doesn’t skimp on quality.” —Esther Blum
Esther’s Oak Essentials Picks
Ritual Oil: “I’m fully obsessed with how incredible it smells, and it adds so much luminosity to my skin. I always get compliments on my radiant glow.”
Dew Body Oil: “This locks in moisture all day and helps keep dry, scaly winter skin at bay. My skin drinks it in, and it never feels greasy.”
Esther’s Gift Picks
Kitchen and entertaining: Jennifer Fisher Salt Quad — “Everyone cooks with salt, and the flavors from these samples add an unexpected pop to a meal and last a surprisingly long time.”
Home and bedroom: Fishs Eddy Pleasantries Tea Towel — “Swearing is my love language, and these towels make everyone smile. You don’t realize the joke until you get up close to it.”
Something cozy: Petite Plume Olivia Wide-Leg Pajama Set — “I live in this pajama set and have gifted it numerous times to the special people in my life. It is beyond soft and cozy and sets the tone for a relaxing time at home.”
Accessory: T.Nuck Brown Fur Flap Hat — “My grandfather raised mink, so I grew up wearing fur hats and muffs. A fur hat that covers your ears is my go-to for timeless luxury that keeps you insulated from the cold.”
Wellness and self-care: Kiin Sauna and Cold Plunge — “Alternating contrast therapy may help lower inflammation, regulate cortisol, boost dopamine and mood, and support sleep. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and relax.”
Wild card: Garnet Hill Brushed Cashmere Leg Warmers — “I’m a Gen Xer, so leg warmers are a throwback to my jazz dance classes in the ’80s. I now wear them all winter long to stay warm and cozy while playing my favorite Erasure album on Spotify.”
Kasey Crown, MA, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist and Mental and Spiritual Health Educator
Kasey’s Oak Essentials Picks
Firming Plant Peptide Serum: A blend of plant peptides that helps visibly firm and plump while supporting long-term moisture for face and neck.
Moisture Rich Emulsion: Advanced hydration for skin longevity in a lightweight, unscented formula that’s dermatologist tested.
Kasey’s Gift Picks
Kitchen and entertaining: Larchwood Medium One-Hander Cutting Board — “I love these cutting boards. They’re beautiful on the counter.”
Home and bedroom: Victoria Morris Pottery — “I have many vessels by the brilliant Victoria Morris and love every one of them.”
Something cozy: Jenni Kayne Shearling Moroccan Slipper — “The best slippers.”
Accessory: Sherman Field Locket — “My favorite accessory is a locket by Sherman Field with my children’s photos.”
Wellness and self-care: Joovv Red Light Therapy or HigherDOSE PEMF Pro Mat Starter Kit — “There are different options.”
Wild card: Lily Ashwell Tarot Deck — “I’m digging this new tarot deck my sister-in-law gave me.”
Dr. Sarah De La Torre, MD, FACOG, DipABLM
Double Board-Certified OB/GYN and Longevity and Lifestyle Medicine Physician
“I love giving things that make everyday life feel a little more beautiful, something useful, luxurious, or comforting that someone might not quite buy for themselves. To me, caring for ourselves is not about fighting aging; it is about nourishing and appreciating our changing bodies, finding pleasure in simple rituals, and embracing this stage of life with intention and agency.” —Dr. Sarah De La Torre
Dr. Sarah’s Oak Essentials Picks
Dew Body Butter: “I love caring for the skin on our bodies with the same intention we give our faces. This rich body butter turns a simple daily routine into a nourishing moment of self-care.”
Dew Body Oil: “Applying a beautiful body oil after a shower is a small invitation to slow down. I love gifts that help us feel comfortable and connected to our bodies, rather than critical of them. I also really need the moisture these days.”
Dr. Sarah’s Gift Picks
Kitchen and entertaining: Brightland ALIVE Extra Virgin Olive Oil — “A beautiful olive oil makes fresh bread or a simple meal feel special. I love giving something that will actually be used and enjoyed around the table.”
Home and bedroom: The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set — “I believe that creating a beautiful, restful bedroom is one of the simplest ways we can care for ourselves. These naturally breathable, incredibly soft linen sheets make getting into bed feel like a little luxury, and they only get better with time.”
Something cozy: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater — “A timeless cashmere sweater is the ultimate cozy gift: soft, effortless, and something you reach for year after year.”
Accessory: Osprey London Adaline Leather Weekender
Wellness and self-care: Joylux ILYEO — “I believe recovery and caring for our bodies deserve a place in everyday life. ILYEO brings a thoughtful, easy-to-use approach to a self-care ritual.”
Wild card: Alana Fairchild Rumi Oracle Cards — “Inspired by Rumi’s poetry and wisdom, these beautiful cards invite reflection, curiosity, and stillness. I love giving something that encourages a moment of connection with ourselves.”
Dr. Allison Oswald, PT, DPT, WCS
Doctor of Women’s Health Physical Therapy
“I gift as I go. When I spot something that has someone’s name written all over it, I grab it and tuck it away for a birthday, the holidays, or for no reason at all.” —Dr. Allison Oswald
Dr. Allison’s Oak Essentials Picks
Moisture Rich Emulsion: “This is a product that has truly changed my skin. It’s the product I didn’t know I was missing until I started using it, and now I want to give it to everyone in my life so they can experience it too.”
Dew Body Oil: “The best body oil I’ve ever used. It isn’t greasy and leaves my skin feeling so soft.”
Dr. Allison’s Gift Picks
Kitchen and entertaining: Stainless Steel Tea Strainer with Societea Iconic Dream Tonic Loose Leaf Tea — “I use this every single night for my evening tea. The ritual of using loose-leaf tea and the thoughtfulness that goes into making it are part of the winding-down process for me. So you’re gifting a ritual more than just a product, which is so special.”
Home and bedroom: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask — “This silk eye mask is such a dream. It’s incredibly soft and a beautiful way to protect your sleep and overall well-being.”
Something cozy: June Home Supply Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle — “As the evening cools, this is a great way to stay warm and cozy while also settling the nervous system. It’s not something most people would buy for themselves, which is what can make it such a special gift.”
Accessory: Dehanche Hollyhock Leather Belt — “A good belt can last a lifetime, and I think this is one of them. It goes with everything.”
Wellness and self-care: LumeBox Red Light Therapy — “This is a wellness tool that gets used by everyone in my house, all the time. Use it for aches, recovery, and everyday wellness.”
Wild card: The Wild Unknown Spirit Deck — “These cards are such a fun way for anyone to pause, reflect, and feel inspired.”