"Don't just give stuff—give gifts that elevate people, spark joy, build skills, and align with your values."

— Kristen Olson

Welcome to the first annual KO's Favorite Things Holiday Gift Guide — a curated, mission-driven list of wellness, fitness, lifestyle, and mindset gifts that KO personally uses, loves, and endorses (not paid ads!). In this episode, Kristen breaks down her top intentional gift ideas across fitness, recovery, skincare, nutrition, mindfulness, local Colorado businesses, and more.

This guide focuses on purposeful, meaningful gifting—supporting mission-driven brands, investing in yourself, and elevating the people you love with items and experiences that spark wellness, confidence, community, and joy.

Featuring:

-Local Colorado gems -Small businesses -Female founders, veteran-owned brands & mission-led creators -Fitness & recovery staples KO uses every week -Mental health & self-regulation tools -Coaching & personal development gift ideas

Whether you're shopping for family, friends, athletes, entrepreneurs, parents, your CrossFit crew… or yourself — this episode delivers intentional, values-based gift inspiration for 2025 and beyond.

LINKS TO ALL FEATURED COMPANIES (AND DISCOUNTS) HERE:)

TimeStamps:

00:00 – Turmeric & Tequila show intro + music 00:31 – KO welcomes you + introduces "KO's Favorite Things" / Holiday Gift Guide 01:07 – Why intentional, mission-driven gifting matters (supporting local + values-based brands) 02:43 – How the list works (quick, tight list – not Oprah-level, price ranges, everyday-use items)

03:00 – Gift A: Colorado Clownfish Swim School – life skills through sports, drowning prevention, private lesson packages, Black Friday/year-long options 05:11 – Gift B: Declan James Watches – Navy SEAL–inspired, legacy brand, donation to Navy SEAL Foundation, KO's dad's retirement watch 06:40 – Gift C: Legion Athletics – why KO finally chose a supplement partner, science-backed formulas, KO's KOFIT code, protein/recharge/pre-workout bundles

07:44 – Gift D: Anaconda Braces – jiu-jitsu–born functional braces KO uses for CrossFit, ACL history, sizing tips & durability 09:34 – Gift E: NutriLax Fiber – gut health, microbiome support, travel staple, staying regular & full, wellness routines

11:09 – Gift F: Element 26 – grips, belts, accessories; why quality gear matters in training & competition 12:40 – Gift G: KO's Amazon Storefront – curated list of everything KO really uses (home, beauty, fitness, dog, hot tub life)

13:49 – Gift H: KO Alliance Performance Coaching – coaching spots opening for 2026, goal-setting, core values, varsity human training 15:48 – Gift I: AAFE Aesthetics (Kaitlyn) – science-based aesthetics, microneedling, Botox, peels, feeling refreshed going into the new year

17:01 – Gift J: Bladium CrossFit – KO's home gym, community pillar, memberships, intro classes, CrossFit myths, why community matters 18:28 – Gift K: Love Tuner – breathwork & 528hz meditation device KO uses on dog walks, nervous system regulation, mental health tool 19:11 – Gift L: Jackie Miller Nutrition Coaching – KO's only nutrition coach, whole-human approach, January programs, leveling up nutrition

20:00 – KO on not "just giving stuff": gifts that build skills, spark joy, support health, wellness, community & values 20:55 – Listener CTA: share fave holiday workouts, foods, wellness hacks & best gifts + episode wrap

Kristen M. Olson ("KO") is a performance coach, entrepreneur, 5x CrossFit Games athlete, and host of the Turmeric & Tequila™ podcast—ranked in the top 2% globally. A lifelong leader and former Division-1 athlete, KO brings her signature blend of grit, humor, and "varsity human" energy to every space she steps into. She's the Founder of KO Alliance, a culture-marketing and strategic partnership consultancy and pup mom of 3! Her mission: empower mission-driven humans to question a better way, build community, and show up as their whole, authentic selves. @madonnashero @koalliance @turmerictequila

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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