The 2022 Origin Gift Guide
For our gift guide this year, we asked the expert members of the Origin Advisory Board, plus a couple of our clinical leaders, to share their favorite, present-worthy products. From a luxe vibrator set to budget massage balls, this round-up is sure to make shopping a little easier.
For friends managing menopause:
A Sexy, Self-Care Kit
The details: Remind them that menopause doesn't have to be all hot flashes and brain fog — there's plenty of pleasure to be had, provided you have the right gear on hand. Designed for those approaching or in menopause, Tabu's Golden Hour kit includes a 2oz bottle of moisturizing, water-based lube, plus a 3-speed, silicone wand massager that heats up to 97 degrees, helping to usher in blood flow to vaginal tissues. $145 from Tabu.
"Fun by yourself or with a partner for the sexual pleasure you deserve. Sleek and easy-to-use design with minimal buttons and high-quality materials." - Lindsey Harper, MD, FACOG, IF, Origin Advisor & CEO of Rosy Wellness
For pregnant — or stressed-out — coworkers:
Warming Pads in Prints that Pop
The details: This hand-made set includes a lavender-infused (or unscented — you choose) eye pillow and neck wrap filled with rice (which creates a comforting weight) and covered in brightly-patterned 100% cotton. The wrap's unique shape allows you to drape it comfortably over the curves of your body. $29.99 from Eliza Rios.
"Having a pad such as this one, that can be cooled off or warmed up, can provide relief (just make sure it’s not too hot!) with both its temperature and the weight that it provides. Use it on your forehead or neck, on your feet for grounding, or on your lower back or perineum for relief." - Sabia Wade, CD, aka "The Black Doula," Origin Advisor & CEO of For The Village Inc
For relatives who need to loosen up:
A Compact Massage Gun
The details: About 50% smaller than most massage guns, the Bantam travel-sized massage gun is easier to store in a drawer or pack in your suitcase, yet provides all the power you need to work out muscle tension. (For PT tips on how to use a massage gun, see this post.) $149.99 from Ekrin Athletics.
"Massage guns reduce muscle tension and soreness by increasing blood flow and circulation — and they're one of the only ways you can achieve deep pressure if you're giving yourself a massage. Ekrin Athletics is the brand I recommend most often." - Sarah Clampett, PT, DPT, Head of Clinical Operations at Origin
For every new mom you know:
A Book that Normalizes Postpartum Worry
The details: Created by veteran perinatal mental health therapist Karen Kleiman, the 160-page hardcover "Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts" is the kind of insider gift that only a postpartum expert would know to recommend. $15.80 from Bookshop.org
"My FAVORITE book for new mamas. Did you know that 90% of new moms will have scary thoughts about their baby or themselves? This book is a compilation of 50 stigma-busting cartoons, complete with helpful advice, and simple exercises that cover and normalize all the complicated, messy, scary feelings, thoughts, and emotions you might have after bringing your little one home from the hospital." - Jen Schwartz, Origin Advisor & CEO of Motherhood Understood
For pregnant or postpartum friends:
A Rebozo Scarf
The details: These 2-meter, 100% cotton, artisan-made Rebozos are woven on a foot pedal loom in Mitla, Oaxaca — the place where they were first created and used in countless ways, including as a childbirth aide and baby carrier. $29 from La Matriz Birth.
"There are many ways to utilize a rebozo during labor as a means to support and provide relief, though it is best to find a doula who understands how to use it appropriately and authentically. It can also be used for baby carrying, supporting your body after birth, and even as a tool for connecting with your partner and community. This resource is for the online shop of Tema Mercado, a friend of mine who is a midwife at La Matriz Birth in San Diego." - Sabia Wade, CD, aka "The Black Doula," Origin Advisor & CEO of For The Village Inc
For sex-positive holiday hostesses:
The Ultimate Silicone Lubricant
The details: Beloved by pelvic floor PTs, this silicone lube lasts as long as you need it to, then dissipates to leave skin soft and moisturized instead of wet or sticky. $19.99 for 55ml from Überlube.
"Überlube has a special place in my heart. It's a silicone-based lube which means that it doesn't need frequent reapplication and keeps surfaces lubricated for longer than water-based lube, while being less messy than oil-based lube. For anyone experiencing vaginal dryness during penetrative activity, Überlube can be a huge help. But keep in mind that you can't use this product with a silicone-based toy because it will cause degradation of the material." - Rebecca Maidansky, PT, DPT, Origin Advisor & owner of Lady Bird PT
For Secret Santas or stocking stuffers:
Trigger Point Massage Balls
The details: This set of 100% natural cork massage balls includes two 1.95" balls and one 3.15" ball, a canvas pouch, and a card with simple instructions for how to use them to work out muscle tension and boost circulation. $26 from Scoria
"Trigger point massage can help to reduce pain and bring blow flow and function back to your muscles. These cork massage balls, which come in various sizes to target all your sore muscles big or small, can help you to gently release your own trigger points. Plus, the material is not too hard, or too soft - it's the Goldilocks of trigger point massage balls." - Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT, Clinical Learning & Development Lead at Origin
For your pregnant partner or BFF:
The Doula's Favorite Birth Stool
The details: The Kaya Birth Stool was designed by Kara Springer, an industrial designer and sculptor who relied on cross-cultural and historical research to create a stool that would support birthing people in a wide range of ergonomic labor and delivery positions. $230 from Kaya Birth
"The leverage you gain from using a stool to support your body in various positions can really assist with your labor. This particular stool, the Kaya Birth Stool, is incredibly versatile and a great option." - Sabia Wade, CD, aka "The Black Doula," Origin Advisor & CEO of For The Village Inc
For someone you share sexy time with:
A Candle that Melts into Massage Oil
The details: Maude's Burn massage oil candles are made with jojoba and soybean oil and feature a 100% cotton, lead-free wick and cruelty-free ingredients. Fun for self-massage or sensual play — just remember that oil-based products are not safe to use with silicone sex toys. $30 from Maude.
"This product is for those of you who love sensual massage with a little bit of heat. It's an oil-based candle that once is lit and the oil has warmed, it can be poured or applied to your skin at your pleasure. It also comes in three different scented options and one unscented option." - Uchenna Ossai, PT, DPT, WCS, CSC, Origin Advisor & Founder of You See Logic
Last but not least, you can give the gift of healing with an Origin gift card — ideal for friends and family members who are pregnant, postpartum, or constantly complaining about peeing when they sneeze.