Doing Black Friday Differently: A Nervous-System Friendly Wellness Gift Guide
- The Human Array
- 18 hours ago
- 7 min read
Black Friday (and holiday shopping in general) doesn’t have to hijack your nervous system. This is the holistic, calm, intentional approach to shopping the best in wellness (or opting out entirely).
Let’s start with a bold, honest truth: You don’t need any of this. Not the gadgets.🍴 Not the gizmos. 🧜♀️
Not the “life-changing” bundle that somehow expires in eight minutes, even though the same banner shows up every year...
If you’ve felt the internal chaos of “LAST CHANCE!” “DON’T MISS THIS!” and “THE BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!!!”, we get it.
Black Friday is basically a month-long cortisol spike dressed up as a holiday tradition.
The frantic scrolling. The deal-chasing. The nervous-system-dysregulation disguised as “self-care shopping.”
We’ve been there. We know it all too well.
And we also know this: your wellbeing is worth far more than a flash sale.
But—because we are not here to gatekeep the things we genuinely love, use, obsess over, or lovingly evangelize—this year we’re doing Black Friday differently.
No frenzy. No FOMO. No “must-buy-to-be-healthy” nonsense.
Just: Clarity. Calm. Intention.
And a curated list of things we trust, use, or deeply want for ourselves—shared so that if you’ve already been eyeing them, you can grab them at the best prices without selling your soul (or your serotonin) to The Algorithm.
First Up: How to Navigate Black Friday With an Intact Nervous System
We promise these are actually helpful—not the usual “drink water and don’t panic” from your high school guidance counselor.
1 — Decide what you want before you open your email.
Otherwise, you will absolutely be convinced you need a sauna, a dehydrator, and a 23-piece mushroom-infused skincare line by noon.
2 — Pick your top three “yeses,” and let the rest go.
This alone drops nervous-system load by about 30% (unofficial statistic, extremely official vibe).
3 — Close tabs aggressively.
If it’s been open for more than 48 hours, you don’t want it—you’re just emotionally attached to the browser window.
4 — Don’t buy anything to fix a problem you discovered during the sale.
Black Friday is not the time to learn who you are.
5 — Check in with your body.
If your shoulders are in your ears, your jaw is locked, or your screen-scrolling thumb is numb… step away.
Regulation first. Shopping second.
The THA Team’s Top Picks
A lovingly curated list of the things we use, adore, or desperately hope someone gifts us this year. 🤞
We asked everyone on the team to share their top three holiday wish list and/or Black Friday picks. And… let’s just say some people followed the assignment and some people (ok, all people) enthusiastically did not.
Because when you love this many wellness tools (and you’ve personally tested half the internet), narrowing it down is basically impossible. 😉
So in the spirit of intention—not overwhelm—here are the favorites that rose to the top.
See something with a note in lavender? That means it’s on sale. (And some are limited-time offers, so be sure to double-check the details before you shop.)
Carrie’s Picks
Carrie Allen — Founder & CEO
Bellicon Rebounder The most fun you’ll ever have supporting your lymphatic system. Equal parts playtime and health hack. Currently 20% off.
SaunaSpace A full-body sigh of relief in infrared form. Detoxing, grounding, and deeply restorative. 15% off sitewide.
Bread Box Because homemade bread is a love language—and a nervous system regulation strategy.
Because Carrie is committed to foot freedom and looking good while doing it. Save up to 30%.
ION* Gut + Skin Weekender Bundle A duo of gut + skin support in one smart box. Strengthen your digestion and your complexion together so your inner health shines outward. Up to 50% off.
Instant Hydration Mineral-rich, sugar-free hydration in a stick. French sea-salt + deep-sea minerals = smarter sipping for work, travel, and recovery. Up to 60% off with code ‘BFCM’.
Le Shroom Stack™ Duo Moisturizer + supplement powered by four potent mushrooms. Hydrates from the inside and out, calms stressed skin, and helps you glow without all the fluff.
Well Adjusted Gift Card Maintenance > meltdown (Carrie’s motto for the season) at Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre’s Indoor Oasis Relaxation Spa. Various Black Friday sales.
Erin’s Picks
Erin Barclay — Marketing & Communications Strategist
Glow Therapy Red Light Face Mask Her go-to for glow, collagen support, and “did you sleep 12 hours?” energy. Save 20% with code ‘GLOW25’.
Weighted Blanket (with removable cover) Instant calm, deeper sleep, and nervous system downshifting on demand. 25% off with code ‘BF25’.
Phat Body Butter—Tallow Butter Ultra-nourishing, skin-loving, and the moisturizer she won’t shut up about. Currently on sale, while supplies last.
Crunchy Hydration Electrolytes that actually taste good. Erin is… alarmingly loyal. Buy a CBD 12-pack, get another CBD 12-pack free with code ‘BOGOCALM’.
Truvani Plant-Based Protein Powder + Bars Clean ingredients, great flavor, and her staple for busy days. 25% off sitewide + FREE Snack Pouch.
Jeannette’s Picks
Jeannette Detwiler — Creative Director
Recovery Stone Body Butter A deeply hydrating, small-batch miracle. Luxurious without the toxic load. Free shipping on orders over $75.
Stainless Steel Hydroponic Microgreens Grower Lifetime warranty, zero plastic, and fresh greens on your counter all winter long. 15% off with code ‘HOLIDAY25’.
Bare Botanics 17" Dry Brushing Body Brush Extra-long, extra-gentle, and extra-glowy. A lymphatic drainage MVP.
Rose Quartz Face Roller + Gua Sha A daily ritual for tension relief, circulation, and feeling like you have your life together.
Host Defense Lion’s Mane For brain clarity, creativity, and that “my synapses are firing again” energy.
Old Timey Beeswax 80-Hour Candle (with cover!) Clean burn, old-world vibe, and the candle she’s been eyeing all year.
National Parks Pass The ultimate “experience > stuff” gift. Nature access, river stones, and memories included. Save 15% + free shipping on pass bundles.
Katie’s Picks
Katie Hussong — Copy & Content
VivaRays Glo Clip’N’Go Blue Light Blockers Sleek clip-on with three filters. Protects your eyes + circadian rhythm. 20% off sidewide + free circadian gifts on orders $260+.
Jaspr Air Scrubber Powerful, whisper-quiet air purification for smoke, VOCs, mold + more. $300 off for early Black Friday
Pure, potent plant support for immunity, mood, sleep, and daily wellbeing. Save 25% off retail.
Annwn X Wild Earth Farm Tallow Balm Grass-fed, ultra-nourishing, minimalist moisture your skin will love.
Soleil Wellness Red Light Therapy Battery Powered Pad Portable, targeted red-light relief—no outlet required.
SpringAqua Structured, mineral-rich, vortexed water—an "ecosystem in a box". Reach out to the company if you're interested. $400 off WET7 + $300 off WET5
Amanda’s Picks
Amanda Johnson — Member Support
Frownies The OG wrinkle patches—mechanical, not chemical. And shockingly effective. 20% off with code ‘BF20’.
Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Smooth, jitter-free, and gentle on your gut. Productivity without panic. 61% off + free gifts + free A2 probiotic creamer.
Wilding Facial Cupping Amanda started with a cheaper Amazon set, but this brand is next-level quality.
Sky & Sol Tallow SPF 50 Mineral SPF that blends beautifully and doesn’t trash your microbiome. 25% off.
Wooden Spoon Herbs Magic Magnesium Calm-in-a-bottle. Great for sleep, muscles, and modern life. Free shipping on all orders $85+.
Noughty Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé Delicious, classy, and zero hangover. The holiday hero we all need.
Kind Patches Her Cycle Patches Hormone-friendly support you feel within minutes. Buy 2, get 2.
Kristina’s Picks
Kristina Matthews — Business Development
Made In Cookware Stainless steel, lifetime warranty, and professional-grade quality. She’s eyeing 👀 the measuring cup set. Up to 30% off.
AquaTru Carafe Reverse osmosis filtration, and water that tastes clean, crisp, and actually enjoyable. $80 off.
Bombas Socks, slippers, tees—cozy everything. Amazing customer service, and every purchase donates an item.
Living Libations Seabuckthorn Face Oil A cult favorite for a reason. Dewy, nourishing, and a little goes a long way. 30% off.
Typology Tinted Lip Oil Not on sale for Black Friday—they donate instead. But still worth every swipe.
A daily blend of Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail & Cordyceps—for mental clarity, clean energy (no crash), and immune strength.
Evelyn’s Picks
Evelyn Pacitti — Tech Lead
Untamed Kombucha Wild-fermented, small-batch magic. Bright, bold, and genuinely alive.
Silky, temperature-regulating, and unfairly comfortable. Converts even the old-T-shirt sleepers.
Raw, organic, mood-lifting chocolate that tastes like dessert with benefits.
Portable red-light power for energy, glow, and “yes, I look well-rested” vibes. Save $260.
A Quick Note on Links
Some of the items above include affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase through them, we may receive a small commission—at no additional cost to you.
We only ever recommend things we genuinely use, love, or have thoroughly vetted. No shady stuff. No pressure. Just transparency…and hopefully a little savings for you.
Before You Go: A Loving Reminder
If you buy something today, amazing. If you buy nothing today, also amazing.
The point isn’t to consume more.
It’s to consume intentionally. Consciously.
With a nervous system that feels steady—not hijacked.
So as you click through the deals in these days and weeks ahead, remember:
Your worth is not determined by what you buy.
Your health is not for sale—not even 40% off.
And the best investments in your wellbeing are always the ones that help you feel more like you.
The most regulating, nourishing things for your nervous system aren’t for sale at all—time with people you love, quiet moments in nature, real connection, rest, joy, breath.
That’s the good stuff. The lasting stuff.
If something on this list supports that—go for it. If not, close the tab and keep your peace.
Doing Black Friday (and holiday shopping in general) differently is about staying grounded, intentional, and present.
Preserving your peace… knowing when to opt out, and when to choose what genuinely supports you.
Over to You
Your turn—what’s on your wish list this year?
We’re genuinely curious.
Are you eyeing up a red-light mask? A new pair of barefoot boots? A water filter that makes your tap water taste like a mountain spring?
Tell us. Ask us things. Send us your “should I get this?” screenshots.
We’re open books and professional over-researchers—we truly love helping you shop with more clarity, fewer tabs, and a calmer nervous system.
Drop your questions, your wish-list items, or your “talk me out of buying this” moments. We’re here for all of it. 👇
More to Explore
💌 Daily dose of holistic health? 2-min health tips blending modern science + ancient wisdom—stuff you can actually use right away for better sleep, digestion, focus, energy, and more.
Get the emails! → 🚀 We’re officially fundraising on Wefunder!
Share our vision of a future of health that’s holistic, personal, and connected—rooted in education and real human connection: to self, to others, and to nature?
🖥️ Check out the Hub!
It's free! Find the trusted resources, education, practitioners, and tools you've been seeking—in one trusted space.
📲 Follow along with us on Instagram: The Human Array + The Great Connect