Our team of editors has spent the last ten years testing the best organic, nontoxic, and eco-friendly mattresses across price points. These are our top selections in 2025.

We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping — and there’s no better place to invest in our well-being! 😴

Over the last decade, our editorial team has reviewed dozens of organic mattresses in our own homes and with our own families. In addition to hands-on testing, we regularly tour mattress factories in person, investigate proper certification and material use, interview the brands’ leadership teams, scour online reviews, and annually survey our audience for up-to-date consumer preferences. 

Why choose an organic mattress?

Organic mattresses use certified organic materials, including natural wool, latex, and cotton. They avoid the risks of harmful substances that may harm immunity, hormone health, and the nervous system. “Repeated exposure to harmful chemicals in some traditional mattresses can impact your health, starting with how well you sleep. Some of these chemicals can contribute to symptoms including skin and respiratory irritation, hormone disruption, effects on your nervous system, and even impaired immune function,” emphasizes Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino.

Organic materials and production practices also ensure a more eco-friendly environmental impact. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the primary global body that governs a rigorous certification process for organic fibers, but we’ve outlined all the relevant organic certifications. While many greenwashing companies use words like “natural” and ”organic” as unfounded marketing terms, less than 2% of mattresses on the market actually receive organic certifications.

What is our review process?

Each mattress on this list has been individually reviewed by one of our editors. Unlike other review sites, we don’t order mattresses to a showroom; we actually bring these beds into our homes and sleep on them for months (or years!) to test long-term comfort and durability. Our top considerations are health and safety, comfort, environmental impact, durability, and long-term value. In addition to hands-on testing, we regularly tour mattress factories, investigate certifications, interview brands, scour online reviews, and survey our own readers for your preferences.

Rest assured, every mattress on this list has received rigorous certifications for safety and eco-friendly production and has been tested firsthand by one or more of our editors. This guide has also been medically reviewed by Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, a board-certified family physician.

Our criteria:

• ORGANIC CERTIFICATIONS | Every mattress on this list has received rigorous certifications for safe materials and eco-friendly production; each brand’s specific certifications are listed in the icon section above their feature. None of the mattresses on this list contain harsh flame retardants, and all are free from toxic chemicals, PFAS, VOCs, and fiberglass.
• COMFORT | Comfort is key, so we try each mattress ourselves, spend hours scouring online reviews, and represent all the feedback from our readers that we collect through surveys, comments, and emails. The brands on this list are here because they are organic and people love to sleep on them.
• AFFORDABLE | Every brand on this list sells directly to the consumer online and ships the mattress to your home, removing retail costs and reducing the final price. We’ve provided a range of options, from budget to luxury, without compromising safety. 
• ECO-FRIENDLY & GIVE BACK | All of the brands on this list employ eco-friendly production practices that help reduce water pollution, sequester carbon in the soil, and support biodiversity. Many of these companies also give back to their communities by donating high-quality organic mattresses to housing shelters and families in need.

Behind the scenes of our testing process:

1. Avocado Green Mattress

1% for the planet

American made

B corp

Climate neutral

FSC

GOTS certified

Greenguard certified

Made safe

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Vegan

Warranty offered

Best For | Best organic mattress overall
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | 100% GOTS Certified organic mattress (not just materials) made with GOLS and FSC Certified organic latex; full mattress is certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GREENGUARD Gold, MADE SAFE, and EWG Verified; Climate Neutral, B Corp and a 1% for the Planet Pinnacle Award Winner; PETA-approved vegan option available
Features | Handmade in California using traditional needle-tufting, up to 1-year mattress trial, up to 25-year warranty
Mattress Types | Organic hybrid innerspring mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available, including options made with plush Pure Talalay latex.
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Queen Price | $1259

Discounts Available | We’re officially in holiday season! During Avocado’s holiday sale, you can save 10% off sitewide

Avocado stands out as one of the best organic mattresses thanks to its certified materials, comfort, and transparency — and it’s our editors’ top pick. It’s the kind of grown-up purchase that’s truly transformed our sleep, with noticeably better rest (and improved sleep scores) across our team.

Co­-founders Alex and Jeff D’Andrea couldn’t find an affordable, safe, and truly non­toxic mattress for their family — one free from petroleum-based polyurethane foams, toxic flame retardants, chemical adhesives, and off-gassing VOCs. In a marketplace filled with greenwashing and white-labeled beds, Avocado stands apart with ownership in its entire supply chain while meeting the most rigorous standards for health and sustainability.

Each organic mattress is handmade in California using GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool from India, and GOLS-certified organic latex from India and Guatemala. Some premium models even include plush FSC-certified Pure Talalay latex. Every Avocado mattress is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions and built for a wide range of sleepers — from side to stomach to back.

The brand also offers a vegan-certified mattress, an organic cotton mattress protector, a waterproof mattress protector, and a wide range of sustainably made solid wood furniture. As members of 1% for the Planet, Avocado gives back to environmental and social nonprofits, is a Certified B Corporation, and is even a Climate Neutral Certified brand. Our editors have personally reviewed the flagship mattress, the luxurious plush mattress, the budget-friendly Eco Organic mattress, and the popular Eco Organic Kids Mattress.

This year our team of editors visited the Avocado mattress facility in Fullerton, CA, where we joined co-CEO of Avocado Green Brands Vy Nguyen for a tour to see how these mattresses get made. We even got to see a demo of hand needle-tufting, where long steel needles thread cotton straps through the mattress to secure the layers in place without using glue. It’s a highly skilled, time-intensive process that keeps natural materials from shifting and improves durability.

Our Editor’s Review of Avocado

“Somewhere between entering my 30s and settling into the city I plan to call home for the foreseeable future, I realized I needed to stop buying Ikea mattresses off Craigslist. I ultimately decided on Avocado’s Pillow-Top mattress (featuring a Euro-style button-tufted pillow top) since my husband and I are both side sleepers. It’s an added expense but ultimately worth it, in my opinion, since you don’t need to add your own topper. I felt supported and snuggled in. […] Since receiving the Green Mattress, I’ve been getting better rest, and my sleep scores have reflected that. My chiropractor has noticed my spine health is looking great, too. My husband loves the mattress as well, and he’s a hard sell when it comes to mattresses and pillows!”

Kayti Christian, Senior Content Strategist [Read her full review]

Shop Avocado

2. Birch

American made

Greenguard certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Warranty offered

Best For | Fastest shipping
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications |GOLS Certified organic latex, GREENGUARD Gold Certified & OEKO-TEX Certified Talalay latex
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial, 0% financing options, 25-year warranty
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses
Firmness Options | 6–7/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Queen Price | $1499

Discounts Available | During Birch’s extended Cyber Monday Sale, you can save 20% sitewide and receive two free pillows with select mattress purchases — just use code CYBERSALE20 at checkout

Birch’s natural and organic mattress may just be the coziest mattress ever. The NYC-based brand boasts OEKO-TEX and Rainforest Alliance certifications and, for every mattress sold, Birch plants one tree through the National Forest Foundation. This green mattress is made with organic, natural, hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial materials, including a natural cotton cover, hygroscopic wool (from New Zealand), and sustainably-tapped latex to keep even the warmest sleeper cool. For support, the individually wrapped steel coils (steel made in the USA) offer extra comfort and optimized pressure relief. We’ve personally tested this mattress and found it soft and springy, while still feeling supportive (see that it’s a medium firmness) and offering excellent edge support. We especially love the support of the Birch Luxe! With all its awards and natural mattress components, Birch makes it easy to sleep soundly and safely.

Our Editorial Director, Emily, visited the 3Z manufacturing facility in early 2024 and got to see firsthand how Birch mattresses are made from start to finish. John Merwin, the CEO of 3Z and founder of Brooklyn Bedding led the tour for a select group of editors, answering our questions and even letting us get hands-on experience sewing edge seams on tufted mattress covers. (Did you know they pour their foam and make all their springs in-house? It’s quite the production!)

Our Editor’s Review of Birch

“After months of sleeping on our Birch Luxe mattress, my husband and I are well-rested and clear on what we’ve missed out on all these years. We are delighted with this mattress; our 8 and 10-year-old daughters agree. […] My only issue was the edge of the mattress, in other words the full perimeter reinforcement, was flipped up, almost like a lip around the edge of the bed; I believe it was still from the way it was shipped because it has since relaxed a bit, or at least I’ve gotten used to it now. This mattress helps me sleep better, so much so that I’ve gone from avoiding bedtime to looking forward to it. Now, I just have a more challenging time getting up. In addition to deeper, better-quality sleep, I’ve also noticed my body feels refreshed and ache-free. I also went from a restless side sleeper to a comfy combo sleeper — spending a good part of the night on my back and sans any pillow between my knees.”

Randi Donahue, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

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3. PlushBeds

American made

GOTS certified

Greenguard certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Vegan

Warranty offered

Best For | Side sleepers and customizable mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, USDA Certified Organic, eco-INSTITUT Certified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Features | Handmade in the USA, 100-night trial, lifetime warranty, Vegan Certified mattresses available
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King and kids mattresses
Queen Price | $1249

Discounts Available | Now through December 15th, save up to 50% off bedroom mattresses and save 25% on toppers and bedding at PlushBeds! Plus, use code GOODTRADE100 for an additional $100 off your purchase

PlushBeds is a leading online luxury mattress manufacturer and retailer, specializing in organic mattresses and bedding. All products are handcrafted in their GOLS and GOTS Certified organic production facility in California, with free shipping within the contiguous USA. Our Editorial Director, Emily, visited the PlushBeds facility in Camarillo, California, where she learned about how much the brand’s quality ethos is inspired by the most legacy mattress makers in Europe — and how, at the end of the day, quality is the name of the game. The company offers a thorough selection of certified organic and eco-friendly mattresses at accessible prices, especially through key holidays, so keep an eye out for their promotions (although the brand also has luxury mattresses at top-tier price points — trust us, we’ve experienced them firsthand and the quality is unmatched). Each of the brand’s mattresses is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring your bed has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low chemical emissions (plus, the brand never uses PFAS in its production). The company also provides environmental scholarships for college students, gives back to environmental and social nonprofits, and offsets 100% of its carbon emissions via TerraPass. For us side sleepers, we especially love PlushBeds memory foam options, which is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It doesn’t give us too much — or too little — firmness. Medium is just right!

Our Editor’s Review of PlushBeds

“After our first night of sleep on our Signature Bliss mattress, I noticed it was the first morning in weeks that I’d woken up without any aches and pains. Sometimes I’m not aware I’m not sleeping well until I get one really good night of sleep — anyone else? That’s how this particular morning was. Noticing how deeply I’d slept made me realize how poorly I’d been sleeping leading up until that point. […] Another noteworthy anecdote: Since sleeping on our new mattress, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in motion transfer. With a husband who tosses and turns and two little children who occasionally end up in between us, more nights than not I can feel at least one family member or another shifting around in our bed […] since upgrading to our PlushBeds mattress, the motion transfer is at an all-time low.”

Kate Arceo, Community Manager [Read her full review]

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4. Bear

American made

Budget friendly

Greenguard certified

Warranty offered

Best For | Most affordable, and good for muscle recovery
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US Certified foam, eco-INSTITUT Certified
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial
Mattress Type | Memory foam mattresses and natural latex hybrid mattresses
Firmness Options | 7/10; multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Queen Price | $699

Discounts Available | Save 30% sitewide at Bear right now when you use code DEAL30 at checkout, during the brand’s holiday sale

The Bear Hybrid is a GREENGUARD Gold Certified mattress designed for athletes and the most active people. A luxury mattress with coils and cooling foams, it boasts a Celliant Sleep Technology to promote better sleep and faster muscle recovery. Bear’s mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring low VOCs and beds that are free from toxic chemicals and harsh flame retardants. In our testing, we’ve found the Bear Original to be an excellent budget-friendly option for back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel. The Bear Natural offers a cozy pillowtop feel on top of a firm base — which would also make it a good option for folks who toss and turn, since there’s low motion transfer. While most Bear models doesn’t offer the same organic certifications as the top three selections on this list, we still recommend it thanks to its safe certifications and accessible price point.

Our Editor’s Review of Bear

“I’ve always been an unfussy sleeper, but something has changed this year as I barrel toward my 35th birthday: I am now a hot sleeper. So while there was a bit of an adjustment period with the deep tufts on the Bear Elite, they provide airflow underneath me and help alleviate my night sweats — a worthwhile tradeoff if you ask me. The cushy top offers softness without sacrificing stability, and I’ve noticed that I stay asleep more consistently throughout the night, without the anxious wakeups. If you’re looking for a range of fully organic certifications, you might want to check elsewhere; however, Bear mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams. As someone who is currently prioritizing performance, this aligns with my values!”

Emily McGowan, Editorial Director (Read her full review)

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5. Awara

FSC

GOTS certified

Greenguard certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | Hot sleepers
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOLS Certified organic latex, GOTS Certified wool, OEKO-TEX and GREENGUARD Gold Certified materials, Repreve Certified materials
Features | 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid
Firmness Options | 6–7/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Queen Price | $699

Discounts Available | Save up to 50% on mattresses during Awara’s Black Friday sale

Purchasing a quality mattress is an investment, and it can feel like a daunting decision. But Awara makes it easy to take the leap with a 365-night trial, premium customer service, and a forever warranty. Our editor took the plunge with an Awara (and in her dream size, the Cal King!) and she and her husband have slept like babies and never looked back.

We love Awara’s natural luxury hybrid mattress for its breathability and organic components, as well as the nine-inch contouring support core for pressure relief. It’s firm yet plush, and we feel confident the mattress is supporting our bodies and aiding in a healthy night’s sleep. Its ability to keep hot sleepers cool at night is outstanding (hello, fellow sweaty sleepers! 👋), the latex is breathable and the coils boost airflow. The mattress comes straight to your door in a cardboard box, and it’s as easy as rolling it out and using the fabric handles to place it on your bed frame for a supremely cool and comfortable night’s sleep.

Our Editor’s Review of Awara

“I like a firm mattress, so the Awara mattress was perfect for me. It had just enough give (admittedly, I did do a bounce test and it passed with flying colors) while retaining its shape. I’ve been a tosser and turner my whole life, but I slept like a stone on my Awara. From someone who has been called a restless sleeper by everyone I have shared a bed with, this was a monumental achievement. If you prefer an ultra-plush feel, you might find the Awara too firm, even after you’ve slept on it for weeks or months. But for hot sleepers, I can’t recommend the Awara mattress enough. Is this how everyone else has been living during hot summers? I can’t believe cool sleepers have been gatekeeping this from me my whole life.”

Langa Chinyoka, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

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6. Brentwood Home

American made

Climate neutral

FSC

GOTS certified

Greenguard certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Warranty offered

Best For | Memory foam-like mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified organic cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, Fair Trade Certifications, OEKO-TEX Certified materials
Features | Responsibly made in USA, 1-year sleep trial, 25-year warranty, in-home delivery, free shipping
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Crib, Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, 11″ and 13″ height options available on select mattresses
Queen Price | $1169

Discounts Available | During Brentwood Home’s holiday sale, you can save 10% on their most-loved mattresses, no code needed

A California brand through and through, Brentwood Home has been handcrafting natural luxury mattresses here in Los Angeles since 1987. The company sources its natural, organic, and nontoxic materials directly — following rigorous standards for environmental responsibility and the health of the consumer. You’ll get your dreamiest (and greenest) sleep on Brentwood’s Hybrid Latex Mattress, it represents the pinnacle of eco-conscious mattress design and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Brentwood Home also gives back to several social and environmental initiatives and partners with Carbonfund to offset its carbon footprint. They are your best if you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on the organic certifications, their twin mattress is the most affordable on our list and makes going organic more reasonable for the whole family.

Our Editor’s Review of Brentwood Home

“Brentwood Home’s Oceano mattress is medium soft, rated a 4.5/10, but with reinforcement from springs and edge protection. […] I have fewer aches and pains, and I feel so much more comfortable throughout the night. It’s brought me back to a sense of comfort that I thought I left behind in childhood. One thing to note is that this mattress measures in at 14 inches tall, adding 3+ inches to our existing setup. We might have to rethink our current platform bed frame, but it’s more than worth it!”

Ashley D’Arcy, Senior Editor [Read her full review]

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7. Saatva

American made

Greenguard certified

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Luxury shoppers, or heavy people who prefer additional support
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOLS Certified organic latex, 100% natural New Zealand wool, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Features | Made in the USA, made with recycled steel coils, Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment, 180-day trial, eco-friendly production, gives back to charity
Mattress Type | Organic innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Crib, Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Queen Price | $1839

Discounts Available | Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more at Saatva, when you purchase a mattress

Saatva is a leading disruptor in the mattress industry. From latex to memory foam, the company has an impressive collection to fit every person’s sleep needs and, by cutting out retail commissions, the company can sell to consumers at a fraction of the cost. Saatva’s disruptive model goes even further than distribution as the mattresses are made with plant-based, eco-friendly materials and crafted in the USA. The company also gives back, donating hundreds of natural mattresses to high-need organizations around the country.

Several of our editors rave about the luxury innerspring mattress — it’s their forever pick. For a memory foam mattress comparable to iComfort and Tempur-Pedic (but at a fraction of the cost), we love Loom & Leaf, Saatva’s memory foam line. While memory foam is not an all-natural material, these mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foam is low in VOCs. For a latex option, Saatva’s Zenhaven Mattress is 100% all-natural Talalay latex, which is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, microbes, and dust mites. The Talalay manufacturing process is entirely water-based, minimizing the amount of environmentally harmful byproducts. 

Our Editor’s Review of Saatva

“Saatva’s Classic Mattress in Luxury Firm features a patented Lumbar Zone® Technology and responsive dual-coil design made of recycled carbon steel meaning it’s super supportive and will never sag. Nowadays, when I wake up in the morning, I am neither creaky nor cranky and my lower back pain is gone. I recommend this mattress if you suffer from back pain, are a side sleeper who prefers a firmer option, or you want to win at life! If you want a super squishy mattress, or something super firm, you’ll want to opt for a different firmness and perhaps a different mattress altogether.“

Trinity Wilbourn, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

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8. Leesa

American made

FSC

Gives back

Greenguard certified

Made to order

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | Medium-firm mattresses that are just right, with breathable & moisture-wicking options
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | OEKO-TEX Certified Talalay latex, low-VOC & CertiPUR-US certified foam
Features | Designed & assembled in the USA, made with sustainable Joma Wool® and recycled steel supports, no PFAS added, risk-free 100-night trial, 10-year limited warranty, free no-contact delivery, payment plans available
Mattress Types | Hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses
Firmness Options | 6/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King; options available for plus size sleepers
Queen Price | $1574

Discounts Available | Now through December 16th, save 25% on Leesa’s award-winning mattresses, no code needed

For a cooling and supportive rest for our medium-firm mattress lovers, you can’t get better than Leesa’s Natural Hybrid Mattress! Made in conjunction with home decor icons West Elm, this premium mattress is consciously crafted using sustainable materials for a healthy and nourishing sleep. Each layer of this hybrid mattress serves a unique function; this includes a thick responsive support layer made from nearly 1,032 active response springs alongside a buoyant and breathable Talalay latex layer that’s naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and temperature-neutral. All this and more is topped with pure New Zealand wool made from sustainably sourced Joma Wool® to wick away moisture and odor — and help promote a restorative and comfortable snooze! When we tested the Leesa Natural, we found it to be temperature-stable (while still feeling cozy), and have low motion transfer (no bouncy interruptions if you sleep with someone who tosses and turns.) With every purchase, Leesa gives back to both social and environmental initiatives, including donating mattresses to families in need and recovering ocean-bound plastic. Give this mattress a whirl risk-free for 100 nights and see why this eco-friendly and expertly made latex mattress is a hot sleeper’s dream!

Our Editor’s Review of Leesa

“After sleeping on it for a couple of weeks, our Leesa x West Elm Natural Hybrid Mattress feels even more comfortable and slightly contoured to our bodies. My husband and I have both been sleeping more soundly, and any of those minor neck or shoulder pains we’ve had have gone away (!). We credit this to the uniquely designed, individually encased springs. They adjust to the body during the night, so you’re supported in any position you find yourself in. I’ve found it makes a huge difference in how good I’m feeling in my body during the day. This mattress is considered medium-firm due to the supportive spring interior, but it feels more plush overall. If you’re looking for an extra firm mattress, this could be too soft.“

Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Shop Leesa

9. My Green Mattress

American made

GOTS certified

Greenguard certified

Made safe

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Warranty offered

Best For | Child & crib mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex & coconut coir, MADE SAFE Certified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, OEKO-TEX Certified
Features | Made in the USA, 365-night sleep trial, 20-year warranty, free shipping, hand button tufting, financing available
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | 7/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King
Queen Price | $974

Discounts Available | During My Green Mattress’s holiday sale, save up to $200 on organic mattresses and 10% on accessories, cribs, and more — no code needed

As a brand with an impressive number of certifications including GOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD, and MADE SAFE, My Green Mattress offers two hybrid mattresses, a children’s mattress and a crib option crafted from organic coconut coir. Fully hypoallergenic and toxin-free, this Illinois-based company fits its high-quality mattresses with a custom-design Madison spring system. This includes a 7-zone innerspring and nearly 1,140 pocketed coils alongside a thick layer of 2-inch Dunlop latex for a supportive yet comfy rest. My Green Mattress is backed by a 20-year warranty and a year-long sleep trial, so you can rest easy committing to your purchase (trust us, it’s worth it!). Go for these mattresses if you have bunk beds or trundle beds in your home, as My Green Mattress specially designs options that work with these setups, at an affordable price!

Our Editor’s Review of My Green Mattress

“The Pure Eco mattress has just enough plushness on top to give that delicious, sinking-into-a-cloud feeling without being a bean bag that destroys your back. The feeling of this mattress is on par with memory foam, only it’s not made of the synthetic, chemical stuff. Instead, this mattress features a pocketed coil spring system that provides added lumbar and edge support designed for overall comfort for kids and adults up to 400 lbs. The 1 1/4″ layer of GOTS-certified organic and OEKO-TEX certified dunlop latex gives that sink-your-toes-in feeling while being eco-friendly and PFAS-free. After about an hour of too-excited-to-sleep zoomies, our daughter crashed into one of her deepest sleeps on her first night. She’s reported nothing but love for her bed every night since!”

Stephanie Fallon, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Shop My Green Mattress

10. Naturepedic

1% for the planet

American made

FSC

Family owned

GOTS certified

Made safe

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

USDA organic

Vegan

Best For | Hypoallergenic organic latex mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, MADE SAFE Certified, EWG Verified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, UL verified formaldehyde-free, PETA-approved vegan options available
Features | Adjustable firmness, 100-night trial, free shipping, 25-year warranty program, free returns, made in USA, gives back
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available (including customized)
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
Queen Price | $1599

Discounts Available | Naturepedic’s holiday sale of the year is live! Save 20% off your purchase, no code needed

Founded specifically with family-safe nontoxic materials in mind, Naturepedic has been one of the leaders in the organic mattress space for over 20 years. With a range of options, including mattresses for kids, vegan mattresses, as well as luxury customizable and split mattress options, we can see why the brand is so well-loved. Naturepedic mattresses are particularly favorites for hot sleepers and folks who are sensitive to smells or have allergies, thanks to being hypoallergenic. Plus, all of their mattresses are formaldehyde-free, and made without PFAS or chemical flame retardants while still maintaining flammability standards. (Psst — the brand’s crib mattresses are waterproof without the use of harmful chemicals, too!)

While Naturepedic mattresses do run on the more expensive side, you can count on the fact you’re getting a great nontoxic mattress, made responsibly and sustainably in the USA, that will last you decades.

Our Editor’s Review of Naturepedic

“In my research, I found the hypoallergenic properties of latex mattresses are good for people who are sensitive to smells and have allergies (aka me). Since switching to Naturepedic, my sleep has been great (and my fiancé reported his sleep has improved too!). We both noticed the lack of motion transfer — feeling each other move in the middle of the night — and loved the luxury feel of it. And when I had a two-day migraine, it was fantastic to have a mattress that kept me cool and supported my head, neck, and back while I rested — especially because I feel extra sensitive to pressure, heat, and other stimuli during those times. Drawbacks include the high price tag and and the fact that this mattress is quite heavy, so find some help for bringing it in, unboxing it, and setting it up!”

Brianna Schubert, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Shop Naturepedic

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Our editors’ top considerations when shopping for an organic mattress:

There are now over 175 bed-in-a-box mattress brands to choose from 🤯. Selecting a new mattress is totally daunting! Especially since, as Dr. Matthew Walker, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley writes, “[S]leep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.” Mattress shopping is an incredibly personal decision — and a steep investment — so it’s important to find the perfect fit. (Of course, our favorite brands listed above offer sleep trials to make sure you’re completely satisfied, but it’s never fun having to coordinate the return of a mattress that didn’t work out for you.) Here’s a look at what factors you might consider depending on the type of sleep preferences you have!

As Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and sleep medicine expert, notes: “When putting together the ideal sleep environment, it’s not just about optimizing temperature, humidity, noise, and light. Having the right mattress, pillows, and bedding can also help you feel relaxed and ready for a good night’s rest.”

Start your search with a budget and mattress size in mind, which may help you narrow down the type of mattress within your price range before considering other factors. We’ve listed the types of mattresses below in order from least expensive to most expensive.

Which type of mattress should you choose?

• Innerspring mattresses are ideal for people who prefer a more traditional mattress feel (think: a little bouncy), and for folks who tend to sleep hot thanks to the good airflow around the springs.
  • Pros: Often more affordable, supportive, and breathable
  • Cons: You might notice squeaking or creaking, there’s not much motion isolation (so you’ll feel it if your partner tosses and turns), and innerspring mattresses may wear out faster than other types 

• Memory Foam mattresses are excellent for side sleepers and people who deal with joint pain. The foam offers greater motion isolation than innersprings do, which means you won’t wake up if your bedmate moves or gets up a lot.
  • Pros: Contours to your body, offering motion isolation and pressure relief
  • Cons: Can retain heat (watch out, hot sleepers), and depending on the materials you might experience off-gassing odors

• Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of innerspring and foam mattresses. We think of them as the “Goldilocks beds” because they’re just right for a wide range of people. You’ll get support and comfort no matter how you sleep (especially if you sleep in multiple positions!).
  • Pros: A balance of support and comfort (not too firm or soft)
  • Cons: Can be heavy depending on the materials used, and more expensive because of the multiple components

• Latex mattresses offer similar contouring and support to memory foam, which makes them a good choice for smell-sensitive people or folks with allergies. Latex is also naturally well-ventilated, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. And, of course, latex is a natural material so you can feel better about the eco-impact of your mattress. You can find a complete list of all-latex mattresses here. Both Dunlop and Talalay latex are good options — because of their different production methods, Dunlop will be more dense and Talalay will tend to be lighter and bouncier. Dunlop latex can be made with all natural materials, unlike Talalay which needs synthetic additives, which means Dunlop latex is the only option that can receive an organic certification.
  • Pros: Hypoallergenic, responsive without being too bouncy (or making you feel like you’ve sunk into quicksand, like some memory foam), and has impressive durability for many years of use
  • Cons: All-natural latex mattresses can get very heavy if they’re not mixed with other materials and often carry the highest price tags
    

Which firmness should you look for?

• Back Sleepers typically enjoy medium-firm to firm mattresses. For support and spinal alignment, look for memory foam, latex, and firmer hybrid mattresses.
• Side Sleepers will typically sleep well on soft to medium mattresses. Look for softer memory foam and hybrid mattresses to get relief when you’re lying on your shoulders and hips.
• Stomach Sleepers will likely snooze best on firm mattresses. Look for firm innerspring and foam mattresses that reduce sinking so you can keep your spinal alignment.

Other important considerations when choosing a mattress:

• Are you a sweaty sleeper? Hot sleepers will like the breathability of latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses. If you do opt for foam, look for gel-infused or open-cell foam for extra airflow. If looking into hybrid mattresses, we recommend looking for ones with natural fabrics in the top layers — like organic cotton, wool, and natural latex.
• For cold sleepers, beds that you sink into will cover a larger surface area of your body (so think soft!), and you’ll benefit from the heat retention qualities of memory foam and other foam mattresses.
• If you snore, you might want to look for mattresses compatible with adjustable bed frames to elevate your head and breathe more easily. Research has shown that even a 12-degree incline can be an unobtrusive way to reduce snoring and help you sleep through the night.
• If you have allergies, consider hypoallergenic mattresses made from organic latex and bamboo viscose or rayon. These materials also help protect against dust mites!
• Consider your preferences between hand-tufted and other methods of combining layers, like glue. Some brands may use glues that won’t last as long as a quality tuft, or may contain toxic ingredients that you don’t want in your mattress.
• Warranties are typically good for factory defects, but may not always cover standard wear and tear. Check with your mattress maker before deciding to see if you’ll be covered down the line if the mattress wears in ways you don’t like!
• If you tend to roll around a bit at night, or want to maximize the usable surface of your mattress, look for models that offer a high level of edge support, which can help keep you on the bed. This is also handy if you have mobility issues and need extra firmness when getting out of bed in the morning.

What certifications ensure a mattress is organic or nontoxic?

While there are a range of natural materials that offer nontoxic sleep, we look for brands that carry additional certifications to ensure their mattresses are as safe as they claim to be. Here are the certifications we look for when it comes to organic (and sustainable) mattresses.

• GOTS Certified: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the gold standard for organic cotton, wool, and other textile components. Only textile products made from 95% certified organic raw materials can become GOTS Certified. There are also stringent worker protections that ban exposure to toxic chemicals and child or forced labor. Because GOTS rigorous certification requires both environmental and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain, it is the gold standard for ensuring health and safety.

• GOLS Certified: The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensures that the latex in your mattress (and pillows) contains more than 95% of certified organic raw material. Similar to GOTS, GOLS also requires both environmental and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain.

• MADE SAFE: MADE SAFE is a nontoxic certification for everyday products, like mattresses, bedding, and skincare. This certification is extremely stringent, and every product is screened to validate that over 6,500 substances on the banned and restricted list have been avoided or constrained, eliminating the worst hazards commonly found in products used in our homes and daily routines.

• GREENGUARD Certified: A GREENGUARD Certification means that your mattress meets some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures the lowest emissions and off-gassing (making it especially good for folks who might be extra sensitive).

• OEKO-TEX Certified: OEKO-TEX is a consistent, independent testing and certification system that ensures every component in a mattress is free from harmful substances (from raw materials to the final product). 

• CertiPUR-US: While CertiPUR-US doesn’t consider organic or natural materials, it does set a nontoxic standard for the flexible polyurethane foam used in many hybrid and memory foam mattresses. This certification ensures that foams meet safety standards and are made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates, and have low VOC emissions.

• B Corporation: B Corporations meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Organizations must be verified through B Lab, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a fair and sustainable global economy to become a B Corp. 

• Climate Neutral Certified: Climate Neutral Certified brands measure and offset their entire carbon footprint and implement plans to reduce future emissions — we look for these when searching for more sustainable options. Some companies even claim to be carbon-negative by removing more carbon than they emit, although that is not an official certification.

• Fair Trade Certification: One of the most rigorous social standards, the Fair Trade certification means that materials are sourced ethically and workers are paid fair wages.

• USDA Certified Organic: The USDA Organic seal assures consumers that raw materials like cotton or wool are 95% or more organic. This seal does not cover any chemicals used in the production process — or the entire mattress like GOTS does.

• eco-INSTITUT Certification: The eco-INSTITUT label is awarded to mattresses that have been tested for harmful substances, odors, and emissions in order to ensure healthier indoor air quality. 

• FSC Certified: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) examines wood components like bed frames, as well as paper packaging materials. This certification ensures that these products come from responsibly managed forests.

• PETA-Approved Vegan: The PETA-Approved Vegan certification assures shoppers that no animal products were used in the manufacturing process (such as wool, down, or leather). Many organizations offer other vegan certifications, too, like the Vegan Action certification. Just make sure that the entire mattress is vegan — not just a handful of the components.

• 1% for the Planet: Members of 1% for the Planet donate 1% of annual sales to environmental causes, which is a bonus when we’re looking for sustainable bedding options.
  

What are common harmful substances found in traditional mattresses? 

While you can find more affordable mattresses than the options on this list, it’s important to recognize that not all mattresses are created equal. Most conventional mattresses available online and in-store contain harmful substances that impact your home’s air quality as well as your health with chronic, long-term exposure. Here are a few to look out for:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses emitted from certain solids or liquids, including many synthetic materials used in mattresses. (They’re also common in paints!) VOCs have health impacts ranging from mild irritation and nausea to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs are even known carcinogens.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used in some mattresses and furniture for their water and stain-resistant properties. Research on these “forever chemicals” by the CDC and the EPA has linked PFAS to liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer.
• Chemical flame retardants, like brominated or halogenated flame retardants, are added to mattresses to ensure they meet fire safety standards. These flame retardants have been linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental issues, and cancer, especially in vulnerable populations like infants or the elderly.
• Fiberglass is used in some mattresses as an inexpensive flame retardant, but fiberglass fibers can be released into the air and environment if the mattress cover is removed or torn. Aside from short-term irritation, chronic inhalation of fiberglass can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
• Polyurethane is a commonly used foam in mattresses, but it can release VOCs through off-gassing. (That new mattress smell? It might be the polyurethane!) This can cause respiratory irritation and headaches, and some research suggests potential endocrine disruption.
  

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is the term for when a company pretends to be more environmentally friendly — or nontoxic — than they really are, usually through misleading marketing language. This is particularly prevalent in the mattress world, so our reviews focus only on brands that have trusted third party certifications like the ones listed above. Not every mattress will be perfect, but when it comes to such big investments in our daily routines and wellbeing, we want to know that the brands are accountable to outside sources for their claims about nontoxic materials and sustainable production.

How to care for an organic mattress (and why they last longer!) 

A mattress can be a steep investment — especially when you opt for an organic or natural one. But the perks of a well-crafted mattress include longevity, with many of our favorite mattresses lasting for 25+ years while still maintaining quality and comfort. (And, compared to more “mainstream” brands that release more VOCs and can crumble as they age, you won’t get that funky smell or degradation with natural mattresses). That doesn’t mean you don’t have any upkeep; in order to keep your mattress cozy for the long haul, here’s how to best take care of it:

• Always use a mattress protector to prevent spills from absorbing into the mattress (the number of times we’ve spilled coffee in bed has taught us this lesson firsthand).
• Rotate and flip the mattress according to the manufacturer’s suggested timeline. Each timeline may differ, but the standard is to rotate once every three to six months.
• Snuggle up with natural and organic bedding to get the most breathability out of your new mattress — it’s a game-changer!
• Clean spills immediately (and use a mattress protector, as noted above) to keep your mattress dry and mold-free. If you live in a humid environment, consider getting a dehumidifier to reduce moisture retention.
  

How long will an organic mattress last?

Standard mattresses have a 7-10 year lifespan, but many organic options on our list feature lifespans of 25 years and longer! Some even offer lifetime warranties; that’s how deeply the brand stands behind their product. Review each brand’s recommendations for how frequently to replace your mattress, but know that generally, the higher the investment, the longer the mattress should last.

How does The Good Trade’s editorial team review mattresses?

The Good Trade’s editors are a diverse team of writers and sustainable product enthusiasts who offer trusted brand recommendations based on our own hands-on testing and extensive research of third-party verifications, certifications, and accreditations. We rigorously test the products featured in our guides so we can provide you with sincere recommendations that meet our standards for sustainability and health.

We’ve slept on mattresses from these brands for over ten years, and have recommended them to friends and family based on our own experience. Additionally, we’ve met with the teams of each and every brand — often the founders and makers of the mattresses — and even toured massive mattress manufacturing facilities to see just how each mattress is made. We’re especially proud to be able to offer direct feedback to each brand to push their sustainability and nontoxic certifications further to ensure our readers can *actually* get a healthier night’s sleep. 

We’ve also personally tested and reviewed the best organic bedding brands, including mattress toppers, protectors, and pillows, so you can make the most informed decision. If you have any questions or are in search of a recommendation, drop a note in the comments and we’ll point you in the right direction!

Editor’s note: This piece was originally published in March of 2016 and is updated monthly to feature new products, prices, certifications, and new brands based on our reviews. The current content reflects our most recent evaluations of the best organic mattresses on the market.

Best organic mattress toppers

Best mattress protectors

Best nontoxic pillows

Best sustainable sheets

Best organic comforters

Best wood bed frames

Best twin mattresses

Best crib mattresses

Header image from Amber Interior Design

Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming. Say hi on Instagram!

Psst! Google launched a new feature that lets you choose “Preferred Sources” — so your searches highlight trusted, values-driven outlets instead of clickbait. To add The Good Trade, tick the box beside our name. That’s it — our stories will be waiting whenever you search. Read more about it here.

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The ceilings in my parents’ home are 20 feet tall, so the tree was always, quite literally, a Clark Griswold tree, complete with sap and melting snow. We used a ladder to place the ornaments and the angel while Nat King Cole crooned on the stereo (no streaming music then). The wood-burning fire—our primary heat source—filled the house with warmth as we wrapped gifts, made cookies, and dusted off our stockings from their 11-month break in the attic. From December 1 through the New Year, my parents’ home transformed into a magical holiday abode. Christmas time became a favorite childhood memory, and now that I have my own home, I hope to replicate that childhood experience or at least bring a little bit of the festivity into my smaller city apartment. 

Of course, decorating for the holidays in a small space can be challenging, especially when working with a budget. How does anyone afford a Christmas tree—something that will die in three weeks—in this economy, let alone haul it up various flights of apartment stairs? And that’s if you are fortunate enough to have a car that could transport said tree to begin with. 

“How does anyone afford a Christmas tree, let alone haul it up various flights of apartment stairs?”

Even if you don’t live in a city apartment, finding ways to make a small space cheery and bright, especially with sustainability in mind, can present a few challenges—no matter if you’re decorating for Christmas or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or another December holiday. But that, for me, isn’t reason enough not to try. I won’t let minimal square footage or a balmy Los Angeles “winter” stop me from harnessing my holiday spirit! Here’s how I’m making my apartment as festive as my parents’ home:

1. Start with aroma and fragrance

During the holidays at my family home, the wood-burning stove was constantly roaring, a warm roast or stew was seemingly always on the stovetop, and the 15-foot evergreen tree fragranced the front half of the house. These combinations created the most wonderful aroma I’m convinced could turn even the most stubborn Scrooge into a holiday softie.

“Not only do candles provide a warm ambiance, but they can also make your space smell festive, too.”

To make my space smell just as festive without all of those things, I have a few favorite tips, including the most simple option of lighting a natural holiday candle (this is the collection I’m currently burning). Not only do candles provide a warm ambiance, but they can also make your space smell festive, too—just try to burn sustainable and nontoxic candles to keep your home healthy.

Additionally, you can fragrance your space with a simmering pot recipe or by creating a citrus garland. If you don’t have space for a tree, evergreen trimmings, or a natural wreath from Trader Joe’s or your local grocer, it smells wonderful, too! Another favorite trick is to diffuse holiday essential oils—like these warm and spicy blends from Saje. I love my little portable diffuser for moving around the apartment and filling each room with cheery scents. 

2. Pick a festive focal piece 

Growing up, the holidays never felt like they began until our tree was up and decorated. We always waited until after Thanksgiving (no judgment to the early birds!), which signaled the beginning of the Christmas season in our home.

“Whether it’s a menorah, a Christmas tree, or a mantle decorated with your favorite trinkets, every holiday space needs a festive focal point.”

Whether it’s a menorah, a Christmas tree, or a mantle decorated with your favorite trinkets, every holiday space needs a festive focal point, even the smallest ones. For me, it’s the live tree—we usually keep the height to about six feet, so it’s easy to manage up a flight of stairs with two people (pro tip: add a cordless vacuum to your Xmas list for swift pine needle clean up!). At the end of the season, check with your local municipal guidelines for disposing of your tree. Or, for a more sustainable option, call your local nurseries to see if they are collecting trees for compost! 

If you don’t have a car, consider a small tabletop tree or another winter plant. Your festive focal point can be anything that brings you joy and makes your home feel warm and cozy. Ideally, it will be low waste and something you can recycle or use for years. 

3. Cook your favorite holiday meals

On Christmas Eve, my mom always made a pot of chili. After church, we’d drive around the fancy neighborhoods to see all the houses lit up; then we’d head home, get in our holiday pajamas, and eat big bowls of chili at the kitchen counter. This became our tradition. 

Think about the meals you love most that remind you of your best holiday seasons. If it’s something your grandparents or parents made, ask them for their recipe and try to put your own spin on it. Food has a way of making any space feel just like home; it’s also a low-waste festive option as it’s consumable and can even be shared with neighbors or friends.

4. String the lights

When I think back to Christmas at my parents’ house, it’s not the gifts or cookies or holiday films I remember most; it’s the way the entire house sparkled in the dark, how the windows seemed to glow from the end of the street and how the lights danced every night down the hallway.

“Twinkle lights have a way of cozying up any space and adding a bit of magic and warmth.”

Twinkle lights have a way of cozying up any space and adding a bit of magic and warmth—no matter the holiday you’re celebrating. Consider hanging a few strands inside your window (for neighbors to see!) or drape a strand across your TV console. Twinkle lights are also a wonderful way to boost your mood during what can sometimes be a difficult or lonely season. Littles love them, too, if you’re trying to make a small space festive for kids! For a more sustainable option, try solar twinkle lights or source your local buy groups for secondhand strands. 

5. Fill your home with love and tradition

Thinking back on my childhood, it wasn’t just the decor or smells or even the food that made my parents’ home feel festive; it was the traditions we kept and the people we had over. I can’t tell you how many years I slept on a crowded mattress with my three siblings—so we could stay up for Santa, of course, but also because other beds were taken. Likewise, our traditions were everything in December. From nostalgic films (Christmas Vacation) to the town parade to my mom unboxing her holiday village and sprinkling the ceramic roofs with artificial snow.

“Filling your home with people can be more of a challenge when living in a small space, but why not try?!”

Space doesn’t matter when it comes to tradition, so embrace the ones you loved from your younger years and create a few new ones. For my husband and I, our tradition is to sort through all the ornaments and decorations we’ve collected from traveling and living abroad. I also have a very faded and wobbly Nutcracker from when I was seven that I put out every year. Most importantly, I make cinnamon rolls from scratch for Christmas morning, and it’s a tradition I hope to continue with my own kids someday, no matter the size of the home we’re living in.

Filling your home with people can be more of a challenge when living in a small space, but why not try?! Sure, my box of an apartment doesn’t offer the same space as a larger home, but the love and laughter my friends bring when we get together for “mini holiday parties” feel the same. Space size becomes irrelevant. 

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, and no matter your home’s size or budget, I hope you can find ways to bring a bit of festivity and magic into your living space. If you’re struggling to figure it out, may these ideas help. And if you have your own, I’d love to hear about them in the comments. To you and yours this season. ✨

The post How To Make Your Small Space As Festive As Your Parents’ Home appeared first on The Good Trade.

“Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while,” says Malorie Blackman, a Black British writer. The transportative quality of a good book is more than just entertainment — it’s a powerful experience that allows us to drop into another person’s consciousness. It is one thing to hear someone tell you about their life, but it is quite another to spend time in their mind and experience their story almost firsthand. Studies show that reading fiction increases empathy, and helps us to behave with more care and consideration for others.

“The transportative quality of a good book is more than just entertainment — it’s a powerful experience that allows us to drop into another person’s consciousness.”

Reading is also a powerful way to help us feel less alone when we experience grief, trauma, or heartache. James Baldwin said, “It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive or who had ever been alive.” Learning that the greatest hardships in our lives can connect us across time and space with other humans is not only healing but nearly magical. When resources and energy are scarce, it is incredible that we can still travel, find community, and connect with others just by opening a book.

If you’re seeking stories that spotlight Black voices, you’ll find many below — including writing below that reckons with difficult histories and generational traumas while, at the same time, showcasing incredible resilience and enduring joy. You’ll also find romance novels, comedies, poetry, and other collected writings that capture a diversity of experiences. Read on for my personal recommendations of books by Black writers, both fiction and non-fiction, that offer us the gift of experiencing someone else’s story.

What are some books by Black voices that you have read and loved? Let us know in the comments so we can add to our stacks!

1. Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

This powerful work examines the American legacy of racism in a letter from the book’s author to his young Black son. Part memoir, part critical history, Coates asks us to consider the cost of the social construction of race on Black and Brown bodies by putting us into his shoes as he recounts revelatory personal experiences of his life as a Black man in America. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook to hear the writer read the work himself for an even more immersive and intimate experience.

Read Between The World And Me

2. Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey

This book of poetry is my most well-loved and often revisited collection for its precise and vivid imagery, powerful subject matter, and lines that I can’t stop thinking about. Titled for one of the first Black regiments called into service during the Civil War, Trethewey reclaims the lost legacy of these soldiers and blends their voices with the memory of her mother, a Black woman whose marriage to a white man was illegal in their native Mississippi during the writer’s childhood in the 1960s. Trethewey’s artful weaving of national and personal narratives of the difficult history of the Deep South won this profound collection the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. Another book I highly recommend listening to as the writer’s voice will give you chills.

Read Native Guard

3. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

If you want a rich, multi-generational family novel that digs deep into the shifting sands of social identities, this is the book for you. Spanning forty years and two generations of women, the story begins with the Vignes twins whose identical upbringing takes a sharp turn that results in one sister living and passing as a white woman while her twin remains Black, living in their home southern community she’d once tried to escape. When they have daughters of their own whose lives intersect, the story takes a compassionate look at the ways that our expectations, desires, and loyalties must reckon with the influence of the past. It’s a gripping read, and there is a point in the book where no reader (including this one) can put it down.

Read The Vanishing Half

4. Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

It’s no secret that I love romance novels, so this list would be incomplete without one of my favorite contemporary Black voices in the genre: Talia Hibbert. This book is the first in a series that follows the three Brown sisters and their romantic adventures, all of which are compassionate, deeply charming, and extremely sexy.

Chloe Brown has a near-death experience and decides to make some changes in her life. She makes a list of ways she can “get a life,” beyond the confines of her quiet experience bound by computer work and a chronic illness. Goals like “ride a motorcycle,” lead us to the perfect rebellion mentor: Red, the sexy bad boy with a gruff exterior and secret habit of painting shirtless that Chloe may or may not spy on just a little bit (and, yes, he definitely has a motorcycle). It’s sort of enemies-to-lovers but entirely funny, sensitive, and very hot.

Read Get A Life, Chloe Brown

5. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are at the beginning of a promising life together, deeply in love and poised to launch into success in their respective careers. But then Roy is arrested for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. While he is serving a twelve-year prison sentence, Celestial’s art career takes off, and she finds unexpected solace in the arms of the best man from their wedding. Roy’s conviction is overturned after five years, and while he is ready to return to their American Dream and resume their marriage, Celestial’s life and heart have moved on.

This work is a deft and masterfully told story about the realities of wrongful conviction on a Black family. It’s a heartbreaker, but the writer’s tenderness toward her characters amidst a hard look at the realities around race and the criminal justice system in America manages to keep humanity at the core.

Read An American Marriage

6. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

This book absolutely floored me for its sheer scope and absolutely unforgettable writing. Spanning eight generations of a Black family, the book begins in eighteenth-century Ghana with two sisters –– one marries an Englishman and lives a life of luxury in the Cape Coast Castle, and the other is captured in a raid and sold into slavery. Each chapter follows their descendents as the story moves through 300 years of the legacy of slavery and colonialism on both the lineage that remained in Ghana and the one that crossed the Atlantic in the slave trade. This book is a truly singular work of art, bringing our global history into an intimate, unforgettable reading experience.

Read Homegoing

7. New People by Danzy Senna

A perfectly crafted novel, this smart, darkly funny book inspired a passionate argument in my writing group that only made me love it more. The story takes place at the end of the twentieth century following couple Maria and Khalil as they plan their wedding while living in a Black bohemian enclave in Brooklyn. With their matching beige skin tone, they are co-starring in a documentary about “new people” like them, a designation that begs the question of the nebulous nature of social and cultural identities. But Maria, deep in her dissertation work about the Jonestown massacre, has a growing fixation on a Black poet she barely knows, leading her to blur the lines between fantasy and reality, as the bounds with which she has defined her very self begin to unravel.

Read New People

8. The Fire This Time edited by Jesmyn Ward

An essay collection in conversation with James Baldwin’s seminal 1963 collection “The Fire Next Time,” this book brings together some of the most powerful contemporary writers on race and racism today (including many names on this list!). Jesmyn Ward’s selections are alive with purpose, centering Black experiences across a breadth of topics from music to mass shootings. Each masterful poem and essay is grounded in a willingness to confront the brutalities of our country’s harshest truths, all while showcasing a level of piercing intellect that made me pause, take notes, and then go back to read each sentence again and again.

Read The Fire This Time

9. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

As the title suggests, Noah’s mixed-race parentage was considered an imprisonable offense in apartheid South Africa, and the author was kept hidden for the early years of his life. Once liberated, he and his mother begin a new life together exploring a world suddenly free of centuries-long oppression and struggle in which Noah was never meant to exist. Despite navigating the bleak realities of poverty and violence, these stories are often laugh-out-loud funny, weaving together the ordinary drama of puberty and dating with the ups and downs of a nation recovering from apartheid. The relationship between mother and son is at the core of each story, with a nuanced, complicated, and deeply moving portrait of the ways they grow and change together. This is another I recommend listening to: Noah’s voices for the various characters, and his expert delivery, add a layer of comedy that only he can achieve!

Read Born A Crime

Bonus — On my TBR: Everything Inside: Stories by Edwidge Danticat

A collection of short stories is, in my opinion, the perfect bedside book if you are a compulsive “Just one more chapter!” type like me. Reading a complete story gives me a sense of satisfaction and something whole to think about as I drift off, carrying over with me into the next day. This collection from the great Edwidge Danticat is at the top of my stack, and I can’t wait to dig in.

Read Everything Inside

Stephanie H. Fallon is a writer originally from Houston, Texas. She has an MFA from the Jackson Center of Creative Writing at Hollins University. She lives with her family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where she writes about motherhood, artmaking, and work culture. You can find her on Instagram or learn more on her website.

The post 9 Books By Black Authors Our Editor Loves appeared first on The Good Trade.

One concussion, followed too quickly by another, wreaked havoc on my mental and physical health, causing a cascade of negative effects that would lead to a prolonged recovery and PTSD diagnosis.

I became terrified of what my brain would endure in the world outside my door. Anything that would threaten my head in any way, however small, became something to avoid — low-hanging tree branches, other people, a missed step and subsequent “jostling” sensation. 

“All of it was rooted in anxiety. None of it was real. But I couldn’t tell the difference.”

All of it was rooted in anxiety. None of it was real. But I couldn’t tell the difference.

The PTSD showed up as nightmares and panic attacks. I would hardly leave my house. I thought I was protecting myself, but in fact I was shrinking my world down, making things worse. What I was experiencing is called hypervigilance. PTSD and anxiety mimic the symptoms we’re worried about, convincing us we’ve relapsed when we’re just flooded with cortisol. This vicious cycle makes us feel stuck, even when we’re making progress.

As a writer and a singer-songwriter, my life was built around language. After the injuries, I couldn’t access any of it — not reading, not writing, not singing. When your brain is injured, it can’t process information the way it used to. Anything too complicated — complex sentences, layered melodies, even conversations — quickly overtaxes your system and worsens symptoms. Headaches. Nausea. Dizziness. Light sensitivity. I couldn’t read. I couldn’t think clearly. I couldn’t listen to music. 

“I couldn’t read. I couldn’t think clearly. I couldn’t listen to music.”

As Tove Danovich wrote in The Atlantic, describing her own concussion recovery: 

“For months, a five-minute phone call made me exhausted, as though I’d been swimming laps for an hour. I couldn’t drive, and even as a passenger, looking out the window made me nauseous. Observing anything felt like work; my eyes skipped, as though the world was a slowed-down film reel. My real work…was impossible. Fun, too, was out of the question. Trying to retrieve thoughts felt like rummaging through one empty file cabinet after another. My self, that person who exists in the wiring in my brain, had gone missing. I worried that she might be gone for good.”

For weeks, I lay in darkness, unable to move, unsure of who I was without the things that had always defined me. My guitar and piano would sit untouched for years, and my way back to music would be anything but linear. I was hopeless, convinced I would never get those things back again. 

As I started to heal, I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling overwhelmed and anxious. The numbers tell a stark story: Anxiety rates have surged 25% globally since the pandemic, and things haven’t leveled off. In the U.S., 43% of adults report feeling more anxious than they did the previous year — up from 32% just two years ago. That’s a sustained upward climb, not a temporary spike. And despite all this, only 24% have talked with a mental health professional. That leaves a lot of people looking for other tools.

What changed when I stopped using words

Talk therapy and EMDR helped with the worst of the PTSD, alongside medication. Intensive physical and occupational therapy helped my brain recover. Eventually, I started listening to music again, but for years, I stayed away from writing my own music entirely. It wasn’t really a choice — my brain simply couldn’t handle it.

Helping my brain mend meant protecting it from overstimulation: avoiding overly complicated music or writing, keeping phone calls and visits short, and minimizing time on screens. As my brain healed, I was drawn more and more to quieter music — classical, ambient, neoclassical — genres defined by their unobtrusiveness. 

“I was drawn more and more to quieter music — classical, ambient, neoclassical — genres defined by their unobtrusiveness.”

In 1975, Brian Eno famously invented what we now think of as ambient music while sitting in a hospital bed, recovering from a car accident. His friend had brought him a record player and a record of 18th-century harp music, but Eno couldn’t reach the volume control. 

The music was playing too quietly for him to hear it, but as he lay there, he listened to the rain outside, the din of the hospital, the crinkle of his sheets rustling, all while the distant harp music continued at a barely discernible volume. It was then he realized music could simply be a part of our surroundings, not necessarily the focal point. This kind of listening became important in my recovery.

Eventually, something shifted and I found myself drawn once again to picking up an instrument. But when I did, I didn’t want to write the way I used to — complex song structures, lyrical turns of phrase, any singing at all — because none of it was accessible.

Instead, I played simple chord progressions. Repetitive patterns. Nothing complicated. And something unexpected happened: 20 minutes at the piano would leave me calmer than anything else I’d tried. My hands would be steady. The constant tension in my chest would ease. My hypervigilant brain would go quiet.

I started playing daily, and it became part of my healing toolkit alongside therapy and medication — each addressing different aspects of recovery. Only later did I learn that what I’d stumbled into has significant scientific backing.

Why instrumental music works differently

Researchers have found that instrumental music activates specific neural pathways that help regulate stress responses. In fact, a 2021 meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that simply listening to music (what researchers call “receptive music therapy”) significantly reduces anxiety symptoms, with instrumental music proving more effective than vocal music.

The key difference with instrumental music? No lyrics means no language processing. Your brain doesn’t have to work to decode meaning. It can simply respond to sound, rhythm, and pattern. For those of us with overstimulated nervous systems, that makes all the difference.

“No lyrics means no language processing. Your brain doesn’t have to work to decode meaning.”

A 2013 study published in PLOS ONE showed that music listening significantly reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and improves autonomic nervous system recovery — the body’s automatic regulation of heart rate, breathing, and digestion — after stress exposure. That’s because music engages multiple brain regions simultaneously, activating auditory, motor, memory, attention, and emotion processing systems, as reported in a 2025 review published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 

What I didn’t know during my recovery — but research is now confirming — is that music is uniquely suited to brain healing and neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and heal itself. A 2021 study from the University of Helsinki found that neurological music therapy improved behavioral regulation and executive function in people with traumatic brain injuries. It’s why I could play simple melodies when reading a paragraph was impossible.

Why this matters right now

What started as my personal pathway out of trauma has become something larger. Through my newsletter Fog Chaser, more than 8,000 subscribers tell me this music helps them through anxiety, work stress, panic attacks, and grief. They describe it as “a dose of calm when everything feels too loud.”

This resonates because instrumental music addresses the specific way our nervous systems are failing us right now. We’re not just stressed — we’re overstimulated. 

“Instrumental music addresses the specific way our nervous systems are failing us right now. We’re not just stressed — we’re overstimulated.”

Many of us are searching for accessible tools to help manage this overwhelm. Listening to instrumental music offers something uniquely suited to this moment: It’s immediately available, requires no special equipment, and calms your nervous system without requiring cognitive effort.

The science suggests most of us can benefit from intentional instrumental listening — we just need to know what to listen for and how to use it.

How to use instrumental music for nervous system care

Based on both research and experience, the music that works best tends to share certain qualities: A moderate tempo (you’ll feel this even if you can’t name it); no lyrics competing for your brain’s language centers; familiar harmonic structures your brain can predict without working too hard; and minimal sudden changes in volume or intensity. Consistency matters more than complexity.

“Consistency matters more than complexity.”

You don’t need to overhaul your routine to benefit. Just 10–15 minutes is enough for your nervous system to respond. And remember what Brian Eno discovered in that hospital bed: The music doesn’t need to be your focal point. Let it sit in the background at a low volume, creating an environment for your body to settle rather than something demanding your attention. 

Pay attention to what actually works for you. Some people respond to solo piano, others to strings or layered ambient textures. Your nervous system will tell you what helps — trust it.

As for when to use it: I’ve found certain moments especially receptive. Morning transitions, before you check email or start work. During focused tasks, when your attention networks need support. Between meetings, as a way to reset. Evening wind-down, when you’re signaling to your body that it’s time to shift gears. These small pockets of intentional listening add up.

Where to find music that actually works

The biggest challenge is knowing where to find music that has the right characteristics to help. Most streaming platforms don’t let you search by tempo or harmonic structure, so you need different strategies.

“The biggest challenge is knowing where to find music that has the right characteristics to help.”

When searching Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, try terms like “neoclassical piano,” “ambient instrumental,” “slow classical,” or “focus music no lyrics” — these typically surface music with the simple, predictable structures that help rather than distract. Many traditional classical pieces also have the characteristics we’re looking for. 

If you’re new to instrumental music, I’d start with some of these artists, many of whom create layered, textural soundscapes that feel like being wrapped in sound:

Piano-focused:
Hania Rani, Poppy Ackroyd, Eydis Evensen, Agnes Obel, Gia Margaret, Nils Frahm

Ambient/Electronic: 

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Elori Saxl, Hollie Kenniff, Julianna Barwick, Vines (Cassie Wieland), marine eyes, Ólafur Arnalds, Philip Glass 

Strings & Harp:
Lara Somogyi, Mary Lattimore, Anna Phoebe, Arvo Pärt

I’ve created a playlist specifically for The Good Trade featuring pieces that helped me heal — all embodying the tempo, simplicity, and structure research shows works best for nervous system care. You can find my stress relief and recovery playlist, Healing Sounds, here.

What I’ve learned about healing

My guitar and piano sat untouched for years. I thought they’d stay that way forever. But here’s what I didn’t know then: Sometimes the things we think we’ve lost are just waiting for us to come back differently.

“Sometimes the things we think we’ve lost are just waiting for us to come back differently.”

Years later, I play piano most days — not the way I used to, but in a way that matters more. Simple patterns. Quiet melodies. Nothing complicated. My hands are steady. The chest tightness is gone. The hypervigilance has loosened its grip.

Healing isn’t linear, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. But our nervous systems need help in this overstimulated world, and instrumental music offers something immediately accessible, scientifically backed, and genuinely effective.

If you’re struggling right now — if your world feels too loud or too threatening or too much — instrumental music might give you what it offered me: a way back to yourself. ✨

What helps your nervous system settle? I’d love to hear what’s working for you in the comments.

Matt Evans is a composer and songwriter who turned his recovery from traumatic brain injuries into Fog Chaser, a newsletter delivering original instrumental music for focus and calm. New compositions monthly at fogchaser.substack.com 

The post How Instrumental Music Saved Me—And Why It Might Help You Too appeared first on The Good Trade.

Winter can be a challenging time for many of us. The long bouts of darkness, the unwelcoming winter air, the pressures of the holidays, and complicated family dynamics. While it’s easy to focus on the downsides of winter, I believe this season can be deeply nourishing and enjoyable. The key is to stop resisting what is universally true — that there is medicine in quiet and darkness.

“While it’s easy to focus on the downsides of winter, I believe this season can be deeply nourishing and enjoyable.”

Below, you’ll find 99 ideas to help you embrace and romanticize your time spent inside. Whether you’re in the mood for productivity, socializing, crafting, or deep relaxation, there’s something for you here. Use this time indoors to care for yourself. And remember, spring will return eventually. If we missed your favorite winter activity, share it with us in the comments! 

If you’re feeling crafty

“Handwrite some of your favorite quotes, song lyrics, or poems into a little notebook. Doodles and squiggles are also welcome.” 

1. Make your own candles with essential oils, dried herbs, or winter spices.
2. Try needle-felting or punch-needle art.
3. Upcycle old sweaters into mittens, leg warmers, or pillow covers.
4. Make homemade infused oils or vinegars (garlic, rosemary, citrus peel are great options).
5. Press dried flowers and frame them.
6. Make clay ornaments or tiny trinket dishes.
7. Knit or crochet something simple like a scarf or mug cozy.
8. Build a DIY bird feeder to hang outside your window.
9. Make homemade granola or spiced nuts to gift to friends.
10. Craft paper stars and hang them up with string lights.
11. Start an indoor herb garden.
12. Make your own botanical incense bundles with rosemary, pine, or lavender.
13. Make a batch of homemade elderberry syrup or fire cider to support immunity.
14. Try an adult coloring book.
15. Bake your own bread. Try this no-knead recipe if you’re feeling a bit intimidated. 
16. Practice sewing. My Grandma started me out with pillowcases when I was young. It’s pretty easy!
17. Make a seasonal wreath.
18. Tap into your inner Rupi Kaur and write some poetry. There are no rules, but here’s some inspiration if you need it.
19. Make your own pasta.
20. Write a letter to someone you love who lives far away.
21. Start a scrapbook of memories from the past year.
22. Make a retro fleece tie blanket. Remember those?
23. Practice your at-home barista skills. 
24. Try watercoloring winter scenes or botanicals.
25. Build a little winter altar with candles, greenery, and meaningful objects.
26. Handwrite some of your favorite quotes, song lyrics, or poems into a little notebook. Doodles and squiggles are also welcome. 

If you’re feeling productive

“Tidy up your space. Focus on a single area or room that could use extra TLC. Set the mood with your favorite music and lit candles, then clear out unnecessary items, making the space work better for your present needs.”

27. Tidy up your space. Focus on a single area or room that could use extra TLC. Set the mood with your favorite music and lit candles, then clear out unnecessary items, making the space work better for your present needs.
28. Grab your journal and sit down for a life edit: reassess what’s working and what needs releasing.
29. From there, you can set goals for the next year or next season.
30. Or, for something a little less colossal, create a winter wellness plan. Think movement goals, sleep intentions, nourishing recipes, and rituals to help you feel grounded through the season.
31. Batch cook a few freezer-friendly meals for future you. 
32. Wake up with the sun and take your coffee outside to enjoy the sunrise. But wear a jacket!
33. While you’re at it, you can practice some yogic Sun Salutes (Surya Namaskar A) to wake up the body and create some heat.
34. Take a free online course to learn something new. Lots of prestigious universities offer digital courses for free. You can emerge from winter having completed a course from Harvard.
35. Practice a new language. You can use a digital resource like Duolingo, or opt for analog by borrowing language learning workbooks and tapes from your local library.
36. Start dreaming and planning about future travel. Perhaps the promise of the future sun will warm you up. 
37. Try an energy-clearing herbal floor wash to reset the energy in your home.
38. Research your family tree. Sites like Ancestry.com are good resources, or, just ask your family!
39. Clear out your closet and sell or donate things you don’t love anymore. (Then, see #70)
40. Rearrange your furniture for better energy flow and winter coziness.
41. Do a pantry audit and get creative with the ingredients you already have.
42. Have a money date (either solo or with your partner.) Light a candle, pour a cup of tea, and review your finances and set goals with compassion, not stress.
43. Create a vision board (digital or physical) for the upcoming season.
44. Update your bookshelf. You can style it with a color theme, family photos, and special trinkets.

If you’re feeling cozy

“Create your own at-home winter spa, complete with a fluffy robe, warm socks, your favorite mask, and a foot soak.”

45. Have a movie night with nostalgic winter classics.
46. Simmer a stovetop pot of cinnamon, clove, orange peel, and star anise to make your home smell magical.
47. Create a cozy “wintering” playlist with songs that make you feel warm and cozy. Burn it to a CD if you’re feeling extra. 
48. Do a puzzle — they rival the benefits of meditation!
49. Make a cozy stew, soup, or curry. Nothing is better on a chilly winter day.
50. Reread one of your favorite books from childhood (or tweendom).
51. Or, try a new book you’ve been curious about.
52. While you’re at it, build yourself a reading nook with cozy blankets and big pillows.
53. Steam your face over a bowl of hot water and herbs like rosemary, eucalyptus, or lavender.
54. Revisit old journals or photo albums and reminisce on your past selves.
55. Start a comfort-movie rewatch series (Harry Potter, LOTR, Studio Ghibli, Twilight — your call).
56. Or try a cozy nature docu-series. “Planet Earth” is always a hit.
57. Bake something slow and fragrant, like banana bread or apple crisp.
58. Create your own at-home winter spa, complete with a fluffy robe, warm socks, your favorite mask, and a foot soak.
59. Throw in an at-home mani-pedi if you have the time.

If you’re feeling social

“Invite friends for a “bring a board” night: dessert boards, cheese boards, breakfast boards, board games? Get creative.”

60. Host your friends for a movie marathon. Might I suggest “Freaky Friday,” “Pitch Perfect,” or “13 Going on 30”?
61. While you’re at it, try a curated wine and takeout combo to accompany your cozy night in. (Or choose a similar non-alc option!)
62. Have a paint and sip night, solo or with friends.
63. Host a game night.
64. Have friends over for a virtual concert viewing party (the new Eras tour concert film, anyone?). 
65. Host a themed dinner night (snowy cabin, Mediterranean winter, cozy Nordic, etc.) For copious amounts of inspiration, I suggest checking out the Instagram series Dinner at Isabelle’s.
66. Throw a winter mocktail or cocktail night with seasonal ingredients (pomegranate, ginger, or rosemary are great for this).
67. Use your libations to power a karaoke party.
68. Host a favorite things party. They’re most popular during Christmas, but can be done any time! 
69. Host a book swap.
70. Or try a clothing swap. (See idea #39)
71. Have a “creative hour” together. Everyone works on their own project at the same time with good music.
72. Spend an intentional evening with your partner and a deck of conversation cards. 
73. Call or FaceTime a loved one.
74. Host an afternoon tea party.
75. Invite friends for a “bring a board” night: dessert boards, cheese boards, breakfast boards, board games? Get creative.
76. Organize a winter solstice gathering with candles, journaling, and intention-setting.
77. Host a potluck brunch with cozy morning foods: Cinnamon rolls, egg bakes, baked oats, and bevvies.

If you’re feeling low-energy

“Take a nap. Yes, you heard me. You deserve it.”

78. Sip a warm herbal tea and listen to a good audiobook or a podcast.
79. Try a gentle somatic shake-out or humming practice to reset your nervous system.
80. Practice Yoga Nidra, the yogic sleep meditation. 
81. Rest under a weighted blanket and focus on slow belly breathing.
82. Try a slow, grounding winter bath with lavender, Epsom salts, or eucalyptus.
83. Cuddle with your pet, or borrow a friend’s pet for an hour of comfort.
84. Practice Pranayama, or yogic breathing, to reset your nervous system.
85. Write some positive affirmations on sticky notes and place them around your house where future you will see them. 
86. Put on an ambient fireplace video and journal.
87. Make a gratitude list, it’ll help you tap into an abundance mindset and boost your mood.
88. Do a DIY facial massage with warm oil to release tension.
89. Play a cozy video game like Stardew Valley, Cozy Grove, or Animal Crossing.
90. Try a cozy, candlelight restorative yoga class at night.
91. You can also try a simple hand-mudra practice to calm your mind (like Anjali or Hakini). 
92. Try a digital detox. Put your phone away for the whole evening and just relax.  
93. Take an “everything shower.”
94. Cozy up on the couch and binge one of your comfort shows. No guilt necessary. 
95. Practice Tratika, a fire gazing meditation. It’s a simple way to hone your focus if you struggle to meditate regularly. 
96. Find a recipe for an old favorite comfort food and recreate it. A Crunchwrap Supreme hits a lot harder when it’s homemade.
97. Lie on the floor with your legs up the wall. Close your eyes. Spend at least five minutes here and let your whole body soften.
98. Put on a cozy winter playlist and stretch intuitively for five minutes.
99. Take a nap. Yes, you heard me. You deserve it.

Sierra Vandervort is a writer and yoga teacher based in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not writing about wellness, culture, or travel, you can find her at a concert, reading a good book, or hiking in the beautiful PNW. Say hi on Instagram or Substack!

The post 99 Cozy Indoor Activities For The Winter Months appeared first on The Good Trade.

But life experience is a lot like birthday cake — best when it’s shared. 🎂 So this year, we decided to reach out to you, our readers, for even more advice across every decade of life.

And let us tell you — you delivered. We spent hours poring through advice from people in their teens all the way up to their seventies, grateful for all you had to share. Some of you even gave advice for years you have not yet reached, and they read like beautiful manifestations and affirmations of what you want for your life and for others. 

We selected some of our favorites below, but know that every tidbit of wisdom was received with warm hearts (and some teary eyes). Thank you, friends, for making the internet a kinder place, and for making aging seem a lot less scary.

Have your own piece of advice? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! ✨

Table of contents

• Advice for your teenage years
• Advice for your 20s
• Advice for your 30s
• Advice for your 40s
• Advice for your 50s
• Advice for your 60s
• Advice for your 70s (and up!)

Advice for your teenage years

“Trust in yourself and what you know. Don’t feel like you need to fit into a mold or what everyone else says you should be into, look like, dress like, etc. Let your inner voice guide you, and when in doubt, read some books!” —Ifrah A, 20s

“Meditate.” —Colette G, 20s

“Build self-confidence through keeping promises to yourself while you still have a ton of energy! Trust yourself to follow through on doing the things you deserve, like moving your body, eating whole foods, spending time with friends, and everything that makes life fun.” —Anonymous, 20s

“People aren’t thinking about you nearly as much as you think they are.” —Rachel T, 30s

“I don’t know who started the rumor that women need to be hairless to be attractive, but men don’t care. Anytime I’ve mentioned not being waxed or shaved the answer is always ‘so?’ Do what you want, it’s your beautiful body.” —Jacqui D, 30s

“Keep tweezers and wax far away from your eyebrows.” —Hanna S, 30s

“Slow down. You’ll grow up faster than you think and there are so many experiences to be had right now. Savor the time. Learn from the good and the bad. The intensity of your emotions are a gift, don’t ignore them. Sit with them. Consider them. And never be afraid to ask for help. You are loved.” —Laurie N, 40s

“Give yourself some grace and learn about how hormones impact your experience and perception. Be kind to yourself. Enjoy the freedom of your teens while respecting it and take into account how future you may be impacted by present choices.” —Elizabeth C, 40s

“Your parents are on your side. Your family is always going to be there. Value your time with them.” —Manjusha G, 40s

“As much as you want to moan and groan when your parents start acting ‘all young and silly,’ LET THEM. Life flies by REALLY fast and reliving teenage moments to them feels like yesterday.” —Nic K, 40s

“Find a mentor that you can share feelings with and ask important questions Don’t worry about not being in the cool gang, you will find your groove and tribe many times over throughout your life” —Sandi C, 50s

“Find your hidden gem. What makes you tick? Claim it. Find a good therapist. Go at least 4 times then you’ll have the rapport in place for when you need it. Avoid alcohol. Don’t ask why…just wait.” —Lisa PS, 50s

“Be open and learn from your elders. They have life experience which turns into wisdom as it ages.” —Amy S, 60s

“Oh darlings, just hold on tight. It’s all so confusing and wonderful all at the same time. Choose your friends carefully and don’t be afraid to be yourself and love that person.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Oh darlings, just hold on tight. It’s all so confusing and wonderful all at the same time. Choose your friends carefully and don’t be afraid to be yourself and love that person.”

Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 20s

“Find something you enjoy that you can go to when in tough times.” —Anonymous, 20s

“You should not compete with others, drink way less, and ask a lot of questions. Also, suffering in relationships is not love. Leave.” —Mariana CR, 20s

“Know your worth and that it’s okay to make changes. You don’t have to be locked into a path and follow that to its end. You can shift and change course. Your skills and time are valuable, never let anyone else undermine that.” —Ifrah A, 20s

“You definitely don’t have to know your next step (your 20s are for figuring yourself out), but you should have a strong set of values by your mid-20s that guide the decisions you make. That way, you’ll end up in the right place, even if you don’t know what that place is right now.” —Anonymous, 20s

“Be intentional about your relationships, learn to invest in those people that also invest in you. Continue to love others. Go at the pace you’re called to go, you don’t need to get married right away, or have kids right away, or get a house right away. Everyone has their own pace.” —Shine R, 20s

“Celebrate your friends’ accomplishments, big or small. A new apartment, an engagement, leaving a crappy job…Be happy for the people around you!” —Celia W, 20s

“Everything will be constantly changing during your 20s, so try your best to build a relationship with yourself that can ground you when things become confusing or overwhelming. Get to know yourself (and your inner child, very important!), meditate, move your body, do more of what you like, say no to the things you don’t and try not to take life too seriously.” —Iris G, 20s

“You can change. And change again. And change again.” —Farrin M, 30s

“Have fun! Make mistakes and learn from them!” —Jen K, 30s

“Approach this decade with ferocious curiosity” —Kimberly H, 30s

“Sexual health is important, get your pap smear every year, get tested for STDs, and make sure your partner does as well.” —Jacqui D, 30s

“Everyone is struggling. It’s not just you.” —Hanna S, 30s

“Don’t turn down road-trips or special moments with one or both of your parents. You’ll regret it if you turn down some sweet bonding time.” —Anonymous, 30s

“Life is long: don’t rush to work and have a stable life. Don’t obsess over money, clout and status. Dance, cook, have sex, do drugs, stay at home, sleep in the streets, do whatever except obsess over work and money.” —Elena S, 30s

“Even though everyone says you should find a career in something you love, not everyone should. Depending on that about which you are passionate for your livelihood can take the joy out of it. Find a job you enjoy, one that is fulfilling, but it’s okay to keep your passions for yourself.” —Laurie N, 40s

“Be kind to yourself. Learn how to enjoy spending time on your own.” —Elizabeth C, 40s

“You will not be the same person 20 years, don’t take it too seriously.” —Michelle L, 40s

“Eat healthy, drink water, take care of your skin and get exercise, and build healthy routines, rituals, and habits—your 40+ age self will massively thank you.” —Nic K, 40s

“Work on yourself in little ways (with that therapist from your teens :). Start saving money. Start thinking about needs vs wants. Kiss a lot of different people. Say nice things to yourself in the form of affirmations. If you have a shitty mom or dad, find new role models. Journal. Travel to as many countries as you can. Begin in this decade.” —Lisa P, 50s

“My 20s were the toughest decade for me, trying to find my niche. Explore. Try different jobs. Live in different parts of the world. Be open to learning more about yourself. I was drawn to Tarot cards and astrology to understand myself. Therapy never hurts.” —Amy S, 60s

“Get out of your head and into the world, experience is much better when you feel it with your heart.” —Susan M, 60s

“Fall in love with everyone.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Get out of your head and into the world, experience is much better when you feel it with your heart.”

Susan M, 60s

Advice for your 30s

“Develop an awareness of how you feel and follow it. Drink your water, wash and moisturize your face. Quit that job. Find a new one thing and follow it like a rabbit down a hole.” —Farrin M, 30s

“Don’t panic if you seem to be doing things later than everyone else. We all grow and discover at different rates. At the same time, don’t let fear hold you back. You are so much stronger than you think.” —Jessie C, 30s

“This is where transformation happens. This is when you learn about yourself more than ever. Allow it, embrace it and be proud of how far you’ve come” —Allison R, 30s

“Glass of water before bed. Glass of water before morning coffee. Now that does a body good.” —Hanna S, 30s

“If you’re not happy, make a change until you are. Life is too short to spend living someone else’s narrative. Nothing matters as much as being true to yourself. So do the things that make you happy and distance yourself from those that don’t.” —Cris A, 30s

“Trust your gut but don’t always do as your experience tells you: take chances, risk things, cry a lot.” —Elena S, 30s

“I felt like this was the time when I started to settle into my being, my life, and my future but that wasn’t quite right. We should constantly learn, change, evolve, and expand. From our souls to our bodies to our surroundings, seek growth. Surround yourself with love and people who nourish you. Find your community (if you haven’t already) and build upon your foundation.” —Laurie N, 40s

“This is the stage for some belly button gazing and doing some self work.” —Michelle L, 40s

“Be patient with your partner — you are together for a marathon, not a sprint.” —Manjusha G, 40s

“Perfect the art of being attentive and buying quality gifts people will love to receive. Invest in a quality mattress and quality bedding — sleep is important and you best love being in the place you do it every night” —Nic K, 40s

“Take care of yourself, this includes your: feet, mental health, and physical strength. Also, if you’re interested in starting a family and haven’t yet, it can still be done — admittedly, having my one and only baby at 40, I can tell you that you can do it, just know your body can struggle more if you’re not actively working towards improving yourself (exercise, etc.).” —Rebecca W, 40s

“Be kind with your changing self. Life is happening now. You don’t have to be perfect to be accepted or loved.” —Marie C, 40s

“There is no perfect time to start a family.” —Michelle Q, 40s

“Stop trying to be happy all the time. Strive for contentment and appreciate happy when it happens.” —Regina M, 50s

“Stay true to yourself. This is the decade when you might erode/lose who you are at your core due to life changes, partnerships, children, and peer pressure.” —Cathy V, 50s

“Travel. Travel. Travel. Develop grounding daily practices. Trust. Begin investing. Learn new things. Read all the time. Be a good friend. Find your inner wisdom. Talk to her regularly. Keep checking in with your therapist. If they suck, definitely find a better one.” —Lisa PS, 50s

“Eat well, watch alcohol consumption.” —JA, 60s

“Don’t feel that you have to take on everything. Job, marriage, parenthood. You’ve still got some time, you’re still growing. No unnecessary pressure.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Trust. Begin investing. Learn new things. Read all the time. Be a good friend. Find your inner wisdom. Talk to her regularly.”

Lisa PS, 50s

Advice for your 40s

“If you’re lucky, you still have as many years ahead as behind. What an amazing time to exist. The knowledge you have earned over the last few decades can make this the most beautiful time in your life so far. This can be the decade of comfort and exploration. You’ve likely established yourself in one way or another. Maybe it’s time to lean into that or maybe it’s time to renew yourself. It’s also time to make sure you’re taking care of your body and mind. Feed and exercise both in a way that rejuvenates. You will be rewarded for that love.” —Laurie N, 40s

“Take care of your skin (full body), do more of what you love, and go to bed by 10 — or find a way to get all your sleep.” —Anonymous, 40s

“Be kind to yourself. You are still so young and don’t forget it. Appreciate your body.” —Elizabeth C, 40s

“If you haven’t started already, spend as much time and collect as much wisdom you can from the elders in your life you’re close to. […] Your 30s will have flown by and your 40s go even faster. Stop filling your life with clothes, make-up and other material things. Spend the money on trips and memories and experiences, and savings.” —Nic K, 40s

“You still have plenty of time ahead of you. Make this time yours and not others’!” —Marie C, 40s

“Remember that even those people in your life that you trust fully will eventually cause hurt to you through betrayal, dishonesty, or just plain bullying (yes, bullying is still a thing). Having the grace and strength to get through these challenges are built throughout your earlier decades. Don’t lose who you are because those of peer pressure.” —Cathy V, 50s

“Trust your inner wisdom. Claim your voice. Keep traveling. Nurture friendships. Hire help. Limit alcohol. Keep your practices strong. Give time to your community. Take your neighbor’s garbage cans in and out. Travel. Volunteer in another country. Keep learning. Get a dog. Write. Teach others what you know best. Be kind. Tip a lot. Save and spend. Do both equally.” —Lisa PS, 50s

“I felt my strongest, internally in my 40s. Sex is great. Go for it.” —Amy S, 60s

“Buckle up. Contribute to 401k, patience, enjoy life while kids are still home.” —JA, 60s

“Ok now you are a big person….an adult. You may think you were before but most people shouldn’t have made life altering decisions before now.” —Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 50s

“I have just turned 50 and although I’ve just moved countries, changed my career, learning a new language, I’m still searching out things to do, places to go….. live life to the full. I’m focused on my health because I want to be fit and independent for as long as I can. I make sure people I love and my well-being are at the forefront of my life. Looking back I probably have only one wish which is that I probably should have invested more but it’s only a minor practical thing that I can say from hindsight.” —Sandi C, 50s

“Continue to learn every day, especially through younger and older people. Be open to evolution and keep in mind that the world is so incredibly different than when you were growing up. Practice patience with those who feel like their old ways are the best ways but also free yourself from their company when you realize that their values and philosophy about living are completely contrary to yours.” —Cathy V, 50s

This is a good time. If you’ve taken care of yourself, your body is probably perfect. So is your mind. You have gained knowledge and experience enough to give good sold information and advise. It’s a decade to reevaluate and look at some of the things you wanted to do but didn’t. If you are a parent you can start to have a meaningful adult relationship with your children.” —Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 60s

“WOWOWOW…how did I get here and what is next? I spent too many years surviving, sometimes thriving, sometimes crying, but 60 wasn’t on my radar. Dream of your next life early on.” —Susan M, 60s

“60s are a time to reflect and think about the person you are. If you’re retired and worked all of your life you most probably didn’t take the time to tweak any emotional flaws that may have been their all your life. It’s time to sit back any really look at the way you are, or not loving yourself. It’s time to stop giving any of your energy to criticism, negativity or judgment to yourself and to people and things around you. It’s time to realize that what you think is who you are. Be soft, be accepting. We’re all, including you, doing the best we can.” —Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 70s (and up!)

“It’s really a lovely decade. BTW, I forgot to say all this time you should have been moving and breathing! If you have, and you’re healthy, enjoy every minute. It’s one of the best times in your life. Spend time being kind, generous. Laugh a lot. Stay mindful, love every moment this life continues to give you. Being is a privilege and an honour. Don’t ever take it for granted. Love yourself. See beauty in the world. And look in the mirror every day and tell that reflection looking back how wonderful they are. The world is Divine and so are you.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Love yourself. See beauty in the world. And look in the mirror every day and tell that reflection looking back how wonderful they are. The world is Divine and so are you.”

Dianne S, 70s

Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her cat, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.

The post We Asked Our Readers For Advice On Aging By Decade — Here’s What You Had To Say appeared first on The Good Trade.

“There are so many takes on food in the world that it can feel impossible to know what’s noise and what’s actually helpful.”

In my functional medicine practice, we zoom out from the trends and look at something much simpler and much more powerful: Food as information.

Every bite you eat sends a message to your body. It tells your hormones how to communicate, your nervous system how safe you are, your mitochondria how much energy to produce, and your gut microbiome which bacteria should thrive. Food shapes inflammation, blood sugar, sleep, mood, and how well your body repairs itself.

That’s what functional medicine is really about. It reminds us that the body isn’t guessing. It’s responding to the inputs we give it. And while food is, of course, fuel, it’s also one of the most consistent streams of data your body receives all day long.

When we understand that, eating stops being about perfection or pressure. We don’t have to moralize food to appreciate its impact. We simply need to understand the science of how it speaks to the body — and that’s where functional medicine shines.

It becomes a conversation, one where your body is always listening.

Your body reads food like code

When we talk about food as information, we’re talking about biochemistry. Every bite you take triggers a cascade of signals throughout the body.

Here’s what the science tells us:

• Protein signals your body to build and repair tissue, stabilize blood sugar, and produce satiety hormones like GLP-1 and peptide YY.
• Fiber feeds your gut microbiome, which produces short-chain fatty acids that lower inflammation, support immunity, and regulate mood.
• Healthy fats help create hormones, stabilize energy, and support brain function, because your brain is nearly 60% fat.
• Colorful plants deliver antioxidants that protect cells, support detoxification pathways, and calm oxidative stress.
• Sugar-rich or ultra-processed foods spike cortisol, destabilize the gut, and create blood sugar volatility that affects mood and sleep.

Nothing you eat is neutral. That doesn’t make food moral or immoral — it simply means everything you eat contains information that your body has to interpret.

How food talks to your hormones

Your hormones respond directly to the information they receive from your meals. When you eat protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates, your body gets a steady, predictable signal: Your blood sugar stays stable, inflammation stays low, and your metabolism feels supported.

When meals are irregular, imbalanced, or built mostly from ultra-processed foods, your body gets a very different message. Your blood sugar swings. Cortisol ramps up. Insulin spikes. And over time, these signals disrupt hormone balance — especially estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and even testosterone.

Functional medicine views food as a powerful hormonal regulator, not because of restriction, but because of rhythm, quality, and information.

“Functional medicine views food as a powerful hormonal regulator, not because of restriction, but because of rhythm, quality, and information.”

That’s why it pays close attention to:

• Protein intake for hormone synthesis
• Healthy fats for estrogen and progesterone production
• Fiber for detoxification pathways that metabolize hormones
• Micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3s that regulate hormonal rhythm

Your body’s takeaway is simple:

Balanced meals = balanced hormones.

When you feed your body well, your hormones respond with steadiness, resilience, and clarity. When you don’t, your hormones compensate — often with symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, cravings, acne, irregular cycles, or sleep disruption.

Your hormonal landscape is dynamic, and food is one of the biggest levers you have.

Your gut microbiome is listening too

The gut microbiome is one of the biggest information hubs in the body. Functional medicine also teaches us that eating is relational. You’re not just feeding yourself; you’re feeding trillions of microbes that live inside you. The bacteria in your gut help regulate inflammation, immunity, digestion, and neurotransmitters like serotonin.

“You’re not just feeding yourself; you’re feeding trillions of microbes that live inside you.”

The food you eat is the primary factor shaping which microbes thrive.

• Fiber and plants feed beneficial bacteria.
• Ultra-processed foods feed inflammatory bacteria.
• Polyphenols (in berries, greens, herbs, cacao) act like instructions for the gut lining to repair itself.

This is why functional medicine often starts with the gut. When the gut receives the right information, everything downstream — hormones, mood, skin, metabolism — improves.

Food and your nervous system: Safety vs. stress

Most people don’t think of eating as a nervous-system experience, but it is. That’s because your body is constantly asking, Am I safe right now?

When you eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and engage your senses, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” state where digestion and absorption actually happen.

When you eat distracted, rushed, anxious, or standing over the sink, your body gets the opposite signal. In fight-or-flight, digestion slows. Acidity changes. Enzymes decrease. Nutrients aren’t absorbed efficiently. Cortisol takes over, and your body prioritizes survival over digestion.

“When you eat distracted, rushed, anxious, or standing over the sink, your body gets the opposite signal. In fight-or-flight, digestion slows.”

You could eat the healthiest bowl on earth, but if you’re eating in fight-or-flight mode, your digestion won’t fully activate because your body is focused on “urgent” matters.

You cannot metabolize what you don’t feel safe enough to digest.

This is why, in my practice at Love Life, I teach my patients to “activate” their meals: a few intentional breaths before eating, putting your phone away, relaxing your shoulders, letting your body know the stressor is gone.

That small shift reactivates the parasympathetic system. Digestion improves. Blood sugar stabilizes. Your gut-brain axis gets the message: You’re safe to eat.

Food is emotional too — and that matters

Functional medicine is not rigid. It doesn’t ask you to eliminate the joy of food. Food is connection. Food is memory. Food is culture. Food is comfort and celebration and it’s even identity and love.

From a physiological standpoint, positive emotion around food increases oxytocin, the hormone that fosters safety, bonding, and relaxation. This improves digestion and lowers stress hormones, which means your body absorbs nutrients more effectively when you feel at ease.

“Positive emotion around food increases oxytocin, the hormone that fosters safety, bonding, and relaxation.”

You don’t have to choose between nourishing your body and enjoying your food. Functional medicine believes in both.

Eating for energy, not exhaustion

Your mitochondria — the energy powerhouses in your cells — respond directly to your meals. This is a big part of your metabolic health.

Nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3s, antioxidants, and amino acids give them the raw materials they need to function. Ultra-processed foods, chronic blood-sugar spikes, and nutrient-poor meals leave them depleted, which is why they’re so often tied to fatigue and burnout.

“Your mitochondria — the energy powerhouses in your cells — respond directly to your meals.”

Food gives your mitochondria instructions: Make energy, or slow down to protect me.

Another cornerstone of metabolic health is steady blood sugar, one of the most foundational pieces of functional medicine. Because when blood sugar is chaotic, everything else is chaotic. Unstable blood sugar can impact:

• Hormone balance
• Sleep
• Mood
• Energy
• Thyroid function
• Cravings
• Inflammation
• Stress response

Even if your labs are “normal,” daily blood sugar swings can disrupt your adrenal system and push your body into a pattern that feels like burnout.

One of the simplest principles is the “protein-and-fiber-first” approach. When you build meals that include protein, fiber, and healthy fat, you slow down glucose absorption, improve insulin sensitivity, and create a steadier internal terrain for your hormones and nervous system.

Your biology thrives on steadiness, not spikes.

The functional medicine approach to eating

Functional medicine isn’t about rigid food rules. It’s about understanding the impact of food and using that information to nourish the whole system.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Food Without Morality

No “good” or “bad” foods — just understanding how different foods communicate different things to your body.

2. Stable Blood Sugar

Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber send a calming message to hormones and metabolism.

3. Eating With Awareness

A few breaths before eating and slowing down helps your body drop into the parasympathetic state where digestion actually happens.

4. Feeding the Microbiome

More whole foods, more colors, more fiber. This is information that heals.

5. Choosing Pattern Over Perfection

What you do consistently matters more than any single meal.

Functional medicine meets you where you are and helps you understand why your body feels the way it feels — and how food can support you, not overwhelm you.

Food is a conversation, not a test

When we look at food as information, we stop chasing trends and start understanding our own bodies. We stop eating from fear and start eating from clarity. We stop labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and start asking better questions: What message is this sending to my body? How does this help me feel? What is my body telling me in return?

Functional medicine doesn’t expect perfection. It asks for awareness. It invites you to slow down enough to ask your body what it needs. It reminds you that your body isn’t trying to make your life difficult — it’s always communicating, always adapting, always doing its best with the information it’s given. What you eat becomes part of that information.

“Your body isn’t trying to make your life difficult — it’s always communicating, always adapting, always doing its best with the information it’s given.”

When you choose foods that support steadiness, safety, and nourishment, your body responds in kind. And the good news: Uou don’t have to overhaul your life to start. Small shifts create real change.

Food can be medicine.

Food can be grounding.

Food can be comfort, culture, and connection.

Food can be information that helps your body do what it was designed to do: heal, repair, restore, and thrive.

Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino is a Board-Certified Family Physician and the Lead Functional Medicine Physician at Love.Life. Specializing in women’s health and hormone optimization, she has been featured in Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, and Women’s Health. As a functional practitioner and a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Tolentino is dedicated to uncovering the root causes of health challenges, employing a holistic, whole-person approach to empower lasting wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram here for more insights.

The post Food Is Information: What Functional Medicine Gets Right About Eating appeared first on The Good Trade.

“We rehearsed every Monday, and when I first joined, I really needed that structure.”

What’s my obsession with Mondays, you ask? A couple of years ago, I decided to join a community choir in Chelsea. We rehearsed every Monday, and when I first joined, I really needed that structure. I was clouded by depression (which I later found out was due to an acne medication I was taking), and my remote job only made me feel more isolated. 

Music has always been intertwined with my DNA, as tangled up in it as corded headphones at the bottom of your bag (a lost art, right?). My dad plays Chopin on the piano like it’s as easy as Hot Cross Buns; my mom’s voice rivals an angel’s. So as soon as I could sit on the piano bench without sliding off, I was taking lessons. Then I married the keyboard to the vocal chord, taking voice lessons, singing in select choirs, and even sometimes playing out with my dad. 

So when I needed something to lift me out of my melancholy, community choir seemed like just the thing. And it was. For a while. 

But then I started to get burnt out by the whole “every Monday” thing. I couldn’t say yes to other plans, or even have the option of doing nothing on what is famously the most draining day of the week. The commute to choir was lengthy, almost an hour each way, made more hectic by rush hour, near-certain train delays, and the anarchic bedlam that is the Times Square subway transfer. I spent most of the rehearsal not focusing on the music, but impatiently checking my phone to see how close we were to the end. 

“I started to get burnt out by the whole ‘every Monday’ thing. I couldn’t say yes to other plans, or even have the option of doing nothing.”

So, I thought about quitting. And then not quitting. Over, and over, and over again. I imagined how calm I’d feel having a Monday evening with no obligations. But that fantasy would be swiftly shattered, or at least fractured, when I would think about Betty, the older woman in the tenor section who always smiled when I walked in. Or the two women I sat next to in the soprano section, and how we’d snicker between measures, the adult version of passing notes in class. And Dusty the golden doodle, who was adamant that belly rubs were far more important than the SATB arrangement of “Smooth Operator.” 

Because, of course, choir was about singing. But I can sing in the shower. The people (and dogs) made the choir worth it, and I felt as if quitting meant I didn’t appreciate them the way I should have. Despite that guilt, I couldn’t hide that I just wasn’t looking forward to choir anymore. And once I was able to admit that, it seemed like it should’ve been easy to leave the choir behind. So why was I having such a hard time making this decision? 

“I felt as if quitting meant I didn’t appreciate them the way I should have.”

Rebecca Hendrix, LMFT, helped me unpack that. As I described my dilemma, Hendrix noticed that this was more than a mild case of indecisiveness. I was judging myself, terming myself a “quitter” and allowing that declaration to color how I thought about myself. 

She suggested a reframing of my decision from one that condemns change to one that celebrates my ability to listen to my needs, both now and in the past. When I started choir, I was listening to my needs at the time: More social interaction, a new routine to soften my depression, a return to more musical roots. Now, I have different needs: More downtime during the week, and space for more spontaneity, should I want it. 

While quitting felt so negative to me at the time, I now realize that the ability to let go of a hobby is just as vital as taking the leap to start one. But acknowledging that is one thing. How do you actually do it? 

Accept that you won’t be 100% certain 

We’d all like to be unflinchingly sure of the decisions we make, but that’s not the reality. That tug in the other direction, that gray area that never seems to settle into black or white, can cause us not to act on very real feelings. But as it turns out, being uncertain about something and doing it anyway, that is where progress is made. 

“We’d all like to be unflinchingly sure of the decisions we make, but that’s not the reality.”

Being a marriage and family therapist, Hendrix remarked on her experience with couples, saying, “I can’t tell you how many couples walk down the aisle, feeling like they should be 100% like, ‘This is the best day of my life, I’m absolutely certain this is the best person for me.’ They’re not. But they walk down the aisle anyway, and they have a very healthy, long-term, successful relationship.” 

Certainty can be comforting, but it can also make us more rigid than we need to be. Uncertainty just means that thing you’re quitting is nuanced — not all good, not all bad. 

Listen to your gut, but don’t judge it

If you’re feeling like you might want to quit something, there’s probably a reason. Whether it’s dread, boredom, burnout, or some cocktail of the three, those are flags worth paying attention to. Your job is to give those signs a nod, without slipping into judgment. 

“If you’re feeling like you might want to quit something, there’s probably a reason.”

Hendrix gives the example of choosing to end a friendship. “Someone might ask, what does it mean about me that I don’t want to be friends with this person anymore? Well, I make it mean that I’m not kind. Can I forgive myself and say that just because I’m not going to be friends with that person doesn’t mean I’m not kind?”

She calls this a self-honoring choice, one where you resolve not to draw conclusions about your character based on a single decision. We can apply this to everything, including the hobbies we choose to step away from. 

“She calls this a self-honoring choice, one where you resolve not to draw conclusions about your character based on a single decision.”

Okay, so what if it’s something more important than a hobby? What if you’re volunteering for a cause where people depend on you? Isn’t it selfish to quit in that case? 

Hendrix says no. “It’s not selfish, it’s self-honoring to take care of myself first. Because if I do, I’m going to have more to give.” 

It all comes back to the ever-evolving nature of our needs. Just because you commit to volunteering in one period of your life doesn’t mean you have to do that forever. And it also doesn’t mean that the time you did show up is worth less because you didn’t stick with it. 

Your hesitancy to quit might be exactly why you should

If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who makes decisions methodically. That doesn’t mean you break out a pros and cons list to buy a new pair of jeans (though if you do, I would not judge it). But you’re less impulsive when it comes to the way you distribute money, time, and energy. 

“We’re hard-wired to persevere, to follow through, even when it’s inconvenient.”

That’s a good thing! We’re hard-wired to persevere, to follow through, even when it’s inconvenient.

Your hesitancy to quit means that you’re a thoughtful person who makes grounded decisions. And sometimes the best decision is to grant yourself the fluidity to let go of a hobby, rather than digging your heels in as if to say, “I planned to like this, so I have to like it.” 

Just because you quit something doesn’t mean you can’t come back to it

Viewing my decision as permanent is what made it stressful for me. I felt like I was operating within some kind of “The Little Mermaid” logic: You can trade your tail for legs, but you have to give up your voice forever. 

Again, it comes back to self-judgment, or even the judgment you imagine others are casting on you. Those people stuck with choir, those people aren’t quitters, those people are better at balancing life than I am… the list goes on. 

“It comes back to self-judgment, or even the judgment you imagine others are casting on you.”

Chances are: No one is analyzing your decision that deeply. If you take some time off from a hobby and decide to go back to it, no one is going to think that you’re lesser for it. 

You shouldn’t either.

Olivia Macdonald is a NYC-based writer. Her advertising work for clients like the Harris-Walz campaign and the state of Connecticut have been featured in AdWeek and AdAge, but more importantly, have been a big hit in the family group chat. You can read more of her writing in her newsletter, om nom, and on her website.

The post How I Learned That “Quitting” Isn’t Always A Bad Thing appeared first on The Good Trade.

The movement once captivated early adopters chasing superhuman performance, but many of us are now seeking something far more grounded: Steady energy, increased resilience, and a life that feels expansive.

“Many of us are now seeking something far more grounded: Steady energy, increased resilience, and a life that feels expansive.”

Health optimization is available to all of us, not just those willing to “hack the system” by restricting their diets or pushing the limits of their human potential.  

In the early days, biohacking resembled a Silicon Valley science experiment built on performance enhancement and metric manipulation. Its unofficial mascot, Dave Asprey, proudly crowned himself the “Father of Biohacking,” and inspired an entire generation of tech bros who willingly put butter in their coffee and strapped sensors on every limb.

Their goal was to upgrade their biology in the pursuit of longevity, often at the expense of quality of life. Strict bedtimes, restrictive protocols, meals manufactured for precise macros rather than enjoyment. It may have been longevity stripped of joy, but it did spark a broader conversation about health in a country struggling with chronic disease and a healthcare system that doesn’t prevent illness.

Now that health optimization has gone mainstream, it’s clear that biohacking takes many forms. And, if you ask most women about how they define their quest to optimize body, mind, or life, you’ll receive a more nuanced and sustainable approach.

Why women are the original biohackers

When it comes to female physiology, biohacking serves a different purpose — one that brings the body back to homeostasis. We want to extend our healthspan, the number of years that we live without disease or disability, not just make it to 100.

“When it comes to female physiology, biohacking serves a different purpose — one that brings the body back to homeostasis.”

Women already live longer than men (on average until 80), but we spend more of those years in poorer health, with higher rates of heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis. 

That said, women have always been biohackers. Our complex biology has always required us to adjust our diets, routines, and rituals based on our symptoms long before wearables existed. 

We have a long lineage of healers, herbalists, and midwives who had their own form of biohacking without the Silicon Valley branding.

What I’ve learned from biohacking

I experimented with biohacking four years ago, and it transformed my health in a remarkably short time. Within 90 days, I reversed the early signs of prediabetes and cleared stubborn symptoms that had followed me since my twenties, including recurring acne and digestive issues.

At the advice of Dr. Molly Maloof, a physician specializing in female biohacking and functional medicine, I tried a continuous glucose monitor. That single device changed my entire approach to wellness. Seeing my blood sugar in real time showed me how every choice I made impacted my metabolism, which drives everything, including energy, digestion, brain function, and even long-term disease risk.

Over those three months, I gathered insights that allowed me to overhaul my daily habits. Everything improved, and it didn’t require an extreme routine. Simply by understanding my body’s responses and adjusting my meals and movement, I was able to keep my blood sugar steady.

“Over those three months, I gathered insights that allowed me to overhaul my daily habits. Everything improved, and it didn’t require an extreme routine.”

After that experience, I explored other evidence-based tools like peptides and red light therapy, which helped me recover from injuries in record time. It became obvious to me that thriving in this modern world doesn’t mean choosing between nature and technology. We can benefit from utilizing both — starting by supporting the foundations of health (whole foods, deep sleep, muscle maintenance) and layering in tools that give us more visibility into how our bodies work. 

What the biohacking boom means for everyday health

According to Grand View Research, the global biohacking market is projected to reach $69 billion by 2030 based on the rapid growth of apps, at-home genetic test kits, wearable trackers, and consumer products that allow people to create personalized wellness protocols.

But, with this explosion of innovation, it’s harder than ever for the average person to figure out what to buy or where to start.

“With this explosion of innovation, it’s harder than ever for the average person to figure out what to buy or where to start.”

These days, almost nothing is off-limits in terms of optimization:

• Throne, a smart toilet-seat sensor, analyzes your bowel movements to monitor your gut health and urinary wellness.
• Feno, a newly launched “full-mouth smartbrush,” uses 18,000 precision bristles and an oral scanner to evaluate dental health in twenty seconds and predict risk for chronic disease.

The tools are impressive but mostly unnecessary to improve wellbeing. The real value of biohacking is understanding your body well enough to make more empowered decisions about your specific needs.

My protocol for biohacking in the real world:

So how should a wellness or fitness enthusiast navigate this wave of emerging technology and set realistic expectations for what it can do to improve quality of life and extend healthspan? Start with the tools that help you understand your biology and support the foundational pillars of health — diet, movement, sleep, and recovery.

“Start with the tools that help you understand your biology and support the foundational pillars of health — diet, movement, sleep, and recovery.”

In my coaching practice, I suggest that clients begin their biohacking journey by choosing one primary area of focus — then layer in supportive tools or practices as they work towards that goal.

Below are the biohacking tools I most often recommend, organized by category and usefulness. Scroll down to read through them all, or click the links below to follow topics you’re most interested in.

1. Biosensors
2. Biowearables
3. Bio-tracking apps
4. Environmental biohacking devices
5. Recovery and regeneration tech
6. Metabolic and musculoskeletal tools
7. Skin regeneration

1. Biosensors

Internal sensors understanding what’s happening inside the body, typically in real time.

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) + Levels App

• Now available without a prescription for anyone looking to manage blood sugar levels, a CGM (such as Stelo) is a small, painless sensor that you wear in your arm that tracks your glucose in real time.
• When paired with a lifestyle app like Levels, it can help you interpret the raw data to make changes to what you eat, how you sleep ,and when you move — all levers that can affect your glucose, energy, and long-term metabolic health.
• If you’re curious about this, you can read my deep dive: “How To Steady Your Glucose Levels With Or Without A CGM”.

Comprehensive Labs (from Function Health or Joi+Blokes)

• At-home lab testing lets you order comprehensive bloodwork panels without a doctor’s visit.
• These tests give you personalized insights into your hormones, inflammation and metabolic markers, as well as nutrient levels so you can address issues early and optimize proactively.

2. Biowearables

Physiology and recovery trackers for monitoring stress, sleep, readiness, and how well your body adapts to the stressors of your life. 

Oura Ring 

• This biowearable tracks sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and recovery, especially good for perimenopause when all of these levels fluctuate wildly
• They have partnered with complementary tracking apps like Apple Health, Clue, Natural Cycles, MyFitness Pal, Cronometer, and even Stelo, the over-the-counter CGM, for an integrated look.

WHOOP Strap

• The WHOOP is a wrist-based recovery tracker that measures strain, sleep, HRV, and stress load continuously.
• Best for fitness enthusiasts who want to understand how their workouts and lifestyle choices impact their cardiometabolic fitness, recovery, and healthspan.
• They are now offering Advanced Labs with 65 biomarkers that include a clinician-reviewed plan to tie together all of your data to reach your goals.

3. Bio-tracking apps

These apps monitor lifestyle and behavior, capturing and tracking habits, symptoms, or inputs to change behavior or analyze patterns. The menstrual cycle apps are excellent for collecting historical data, and the nutrition apps are helpful before (and during) any new protocol.

Menstrual tracking (from Clue or Natural Cycles)

• Both apps track menstrual cycles, hormonal patterns, and fertility windows.
• They help women understand their monthly periods, predict symptoms, and navigate perimenopause more intentionally.

Nutrition tracking (from MyFitnessPal or Cronometer)

• Both apps record what you eat (macronutrient breakdown and calories) to help you understand your patterns and change behavior.
• By logging detailed macro and micronutrient data, it helps with accountability while you optimize body composition and metabolism.

4. Environmental biohacking devices

For deliberately changing your environment through heat, humidity, or light to create controlled stressors and induce beneficial physiological responses.

Sauna (infrared or traditional)

• A sauna uses heat to raise your core temperature, improve circulation, and trigger detoxification and recovery.
• Regular use can reduce stress, improve sleep, support cardiovascular health, and boost metabolic rate. According to biomedical researcher and Founder of FoundMyFitness, Dr. Rhonda Patrick, PhD, one of the leading public educators on sauna science, frequent sauna use (4–7 times per week) is associated with a 40% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Her work helped popularize the landmark Finnish studies showing powerful cardiovascular, metabolic, and longevity benefits from regular heat therapy.

Red Light Therapy (Low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation)

• Red and near-infrared light panels deliver wavelengths that help cells produce more energy (ATP).
• These panels, masks, handheld wands, or full body mats or beds all use LED or near-infrared hardware that can support skin health, collagen production, inflammation, muscle recovery, and overall cellular function.

5. Recovery and regeneration tech

For healing, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system.

Higher Dose PEMF Mat

• A PEMF mat uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to support cellular repair, calm the nervous system, and reduce inflammation.
• They’re simple to use at home for relaxation, recovery, and grounding the nervous system.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

• Originally developed and used for divers experiencing decompression sickness, HBOT  delivers concentrated oxygen under pressure to accelerate healing, recovery, and tissue regeneration.
• It’s an excellent tool to enhance wound healing after surgery, reduce inflammation caused by autoimmune flares or long-haul viral symptoms, and for general cognitive enhancement.

6. Metabolic and musculoskeletal tools 

For improving how your body builds muscle, burns fat, and measures true body composition, which is much more valuable than just “weight.”

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)

• EMS devices stimulate muscles with controlled electrical pulses to make your muscles contract more deeply and frequently than you’d be able to do on your own.
• The suit straps onto your biggest muscles (glutes, quads, core, biceps) to enhance strength, tone, and metabolic output without strain on your joints.

Hume Smart Scale 

• Not your average scale, this device uses a safe, low-level electrical current to estimate body fat, muscle mass, and total body water so you can optimize body composition.
• These metrics, combined with your age, sex, height, and activity level, gives you a much more accurate picture of your metabolic health, especially for women looking to build muscle during perimenopause.

7. Skin regeneration

For stimulating collagen, repairing tissue, and improving firmness and radiance of the skin.

Microneedling treatments

• Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that creates controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. 
• It stimulates your body’s natural wound-healing response to produce fresh collagen and elastin — two proteins responsible for firmness, texture, and resilience.

Symbiome Stell Cell Serum

• Topical stem cell serums can boost natural collagen production and be used in conjunction with microneedling for faster cellular turnover.
• It’s a simple biohack found in the beauty aisle that is suitable for all skin types, but especially on mature skin.

How to avoid overwhelm

I’m a big fan of harnessing the power of biohacking to support overall health. However, it can be excessive. Can your devices offer too much data? Absolutely! I believe that the pendulum has swung from being in the dark about our biological metrics to becoming overwhelmed by them. 

We’re becoming data-rich but often insight-poor. And, in an era where many people feed their personal data and health questions into ChatGPT (which are not HIPAA-compliant), what we truly need are meaningful insights that translate into sustainable, actionable steps. Ideally, that happens with the guidance of a clinician or a trained expert who can help interpret the information with empathy, context, and clear direction.

“Biohacking doesn’t need to be extreme, expensive, or overwhelming. The most effective practices are often the simplest ones.”

Biohacking doesn’t need to be extreme, expensive, or overwhelming. The most effective practices are often the simplest ones that stabilize blood sugar, prioritize sleep, build muscle, manage stress, and give us more freedom to do the things we love. 

Start with one focus area, add tools that genuinely support your goals — and ignore the ones that strip joy, connection, or balance from your life. 

The real upgrade isn’t about becoming superhuman but instead, evolving into the best version of yourself.

Celia Chen is a certified health optimization coach, brand consultant and founder of Chenessa, an advisory that offers private coaching, and corporate workshops on menopause, metabolism, and longevity. Follow her on Substack and Instagram for more wellness insights.

The post How Women Can Biohack For Better Quality Of Life appeared first on The Good Trade.

If you’ve been waiting for a sale on your favorite sustainable item, we’ve rounded up the best Cyber Monday offers from brands we love.

As a kid in the ‘90s and ‘00s, I watched grown adults on the news, fist fighting over TVs and trampling one another for an iPod on Black Friday. The horror stories I’ve heard have only ever kept me far, far away from any retail store the day — and now, even weekend and Monday after — after Thanksgiving. It’s nearly impossible to avoid the noise of sales and stuff literally the day after a holiday apparently committed to gratitude here in the US. (And which deserves its own conversation — read more about the true history of Thanksgiving).

But one of the biggest conversations we have frequently, with each other and with our readers, is how to make sustainable choices on a budget. Well-crafted and fairly made goods are inherently more expensive than those available on the ultra-mass market, sometimes leaving folks who have less money to spend feeling excluded. But exclusivity is not a sustainable approach, either.

So to make these purchases more accessible, we’re sharing a roundup of brands offering holiday sales over Black Friday and Cyber Week — and we encourage you to use this list as a reference for gifts and goods you were already planning to buy. If you’re stumped on gifts this year, our reader survey roundup provides valuable insight on over 400 of our dedicated readers favorite sustainable brands. For even more inspo, we’ve also curated gift guides on the best sustainable gifts for her (and him!), experience gifts, wellness gifts, sleep gifts, gift boxes, and gifts under $50. (You’ll find some of the brands on these lists also included in the sales below!) If you already have a specific brand or item in mind, skip all the rest and hit Ctrl+F or ⌘+F on desktop to search the page for what you want. (If you’re on mobile here’s how to find on page on Apple and Android devices.)

Bear with me as I update daily as new sales are announced and others end; this guide is meant to be a living, breathing resource for you to check back in on and see if any products on your list are available at a discount. I’ll be updating through the first couple days of December to include some Cyber Monday and Cyber Week sales, so keep an eye out!

So this year, maybe you’ll find one or two items you’ve been looking for, but I also wish for you a weekend of rest, community, and quiet.

**Editor’s Note: This piece is being updated as sales go live!

Bedding & Mattresses

• Now through Monday, December 8th, save up to 20% sitewide at Avocado (includes mattresses, pillows, furniture and more)! Plus receive up to 50% off select bedding, loungewear and body melts, and up to 30% off luxury natural merino & cashmere throw blankets. Read up on some of our favorite Avocado pieces here!
• Unwrap the best deals at My Green Mattress, one of our favorite brands for organic mattresses for both kids and adults! Through December 3rd, save up to $200 on certified organic mattresses and 10% on bedding and accessories.
• Designed for recovery, Bear’s memory foam and coiled mattresses are certified clean. This cyber week, use code CYBER to get 35% off sitewide along with a free sleep bundle when you purchase a mattress. (Includes two pillows, mattress protector, and sheet set.)
• Bed Threads is serving up cozy savings through December 1st with 20% off sitewide and a generous 35% off bundles. A few exclusions apply, but most of their linen goodies are fair game!
• Birch is going big this year: Now through December 7th, you can snag 27% off with the exclusive code GOODTRADE27. Their luxurious mattresses are an editor-fave!
• Through December 3rd, get 25% off sitewide with no minimum when you use code GOODTRADE25 at Boll & Branch, makers of toxin-free and fair trade bedding, sheets, and towels (exclusions apply).
• Save 15% off sitewide on mattress, pillows, bedding, yoga, and kids at Brentwood Home now through December 8th. Plus save up to 60% off clearance items!
• Chilipad is kicking off the holidays this year with 20% off all Chilipads and a sweet 25% off the Mini Chilipad Bundle through December 8th. Our editor loves the thermoregulating properties of Chilipad’s cooling mattress topper. If better sleep is on your wish list, this is your sign!
• Delilah Home’s Cyber Monday deals are live — through December 2nd, enjoy 20–50% off sitewide, plus extra stacked savings when you buy more (up to an additional 25% off when you grab 8+ pieces). Spend over $200 and they’ll throw in a free Drytek Sports Towel, and U.S. orders over $100 ship free. 
• Through December 3rd, DOZ (by SIJO) is offering 20% off sitewide! Final-sale items, bundles, and already marked-down goodies are excluded.
• Helix is rolling out major mattress savings this month. Right now you can score up to 25% off sitewide with code CYBERSALE — a perfect excuse to upgrade your sleep setup before the holiday chaos hits.
• Leesa’s USA-made hybrid mattresses are especially crafted to support a regulated, ache-free sleep for both adults and children. No code is needed to get 30% off select mattresses. Only valid through December 8th!
• Affordable linen? Say less. Check out MagicLinen now through December 5th for the following offers: Christmas collection 10% off;
towels and sets, kitchen, and clothing 15% off;
couch covers, blankets and throws 20% off;
bedding 25% off;
bundles 30% off. Oh, and if you’re shopping from November 14th through 21st, use code EXTRA5 for a 5% discount for orders over $100. 👀
• Enjoy up to 25% off mattresses, 70% off pillows (woah!), 50% off bedding, and 15% off furniture at Nest Bedding when you shop through December 8th. 
• From now through December 15th, save up to $1,500 off PlushBeds nontoxic and organic mattresses, and receive $799 in organic bedding for $99 (two organic pillows, sheet set, and mattress protector) with each mattress purchase. You can also shop up to 25% off the brand’s toppers, pillows, bedding, sofa mattresses, and RV mattresses. You’ll also get free shipping and returns. For an additional $100 off mattresses, don’t forget to use code GOODTRADE100 at checkout! Read our PlushBeds mattress review here.
• Premium bedding and furniture company Saatva is offering $400 off your purchase of $1000 or more with a mattress in-cart, through December 2nd. We adore how luxurious and supportive their mattresses feel!
• SIJO carries the softest bed sheet sets we can’t get enough of, and now you can experience them and their other bedding essentials at a discount! Get early access to their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale now through December 3rd and save 25% sitewide and 30% off all cotton bedding. Some exclusions apply.
• Thoughtfully-made mattress and furniture brand Silk & Snow has a Black Friday sale that you won’t want to miss: 25% off sitewide through December 2nd! Read on for all the deats:
  • Up to 15% off sheets
  • Up to 25% off bedding essentials
  • Up to 20% off furniture
  • Up to 20% off couches (Read our review of their PFAS-free couch here.)
  • Up to 20% off bath
  • Up to 36% off bedding bundles
  • Up to 36% off bath bundles
• Under The Canopy is going big with up to 65% off sitewide through December 4th when you use code CYBER at checkout.

Fashion

• Brilliant Earth’s diamond giveaway starts now! For purchases over $1k, you’ll get a free pair of 1/2 carat lab-grown diamond stud earrings; for purchases over $3k, get those lab diamond stud earrings AND a 1/2 carat lab-grown diamond necklace 😍. Use code CYBERWEEK to redeem this offer, through December 7th.
• B-Corp certified clean clothing brand MATE the Label offers 30% off sitewide for a limited time, no coupon code needed. Their organic sock packs and PFAS-free activewear are a TGT-editor staple!
• Quince is offering everyday deals on select items this Cyber Monday — a rare chance to snag their high-quality essentials at even better prices. Read our review of some of their most popular cold weather styles.
• Allbirds‘s Cyber Week sale is live now — save up to 50% off sitewide now through December 4th. Scoop up those comfy sneakers everyone won’t stop talking about!
• Alterre is going all out this season — now through December 2nd, you can save up to 75% off sitewide. No codes, no fuss.
• Through December 1st, AMO Denim is offering 30% off sitewide, including their cult-favorite jeans. No code required.
• Ana Luisa’s Black Friday offer is extra gift-worthy this year: Enjoy up to 35% off sitewide, plus get a free piece of jewelry (worth up to $85) when you spend $100 or more. Enjoy this special offer through December 2nd.
• From November 20th through December 2nd, And For Good is giving you 25% off sitewide and donating 5% of sales to their Good Give Program. Use code 25BFCM5 to save while supporting a cause you can feel good about.
• Bario Neal fine jewelry is offering 15% off orders up to $5,000 from November 24th through December 2nd. (Not combinable with other coupons or discounts. Gift cards and charitable items are excluded.)
• Beek’s sale runs through December 1st and comes with two ways to save: Enjoy up to 40% off newly added sale styles plus 15% off sitewide when you use code STOCKUP. A perfect moment to snag those leather mules you’ve been eyeing!
• BEHNO’s Black Friday event is live with up to 50% off through December 4th on their beautifully crafted, luxury accessories.
• Cakes Body is offering 25% off sitewide on their bestselling sticky and grippy nipple covers and bras through December 1st.
• Looking for those boots that are simply made for walkin? You can save 25% on Chalo’s cowboy boots from November 21st through December 5th with code CHALOTGT25 at checkout. A portion of the proceeds from this sale will support Chalo’s on-going initiatives, including education programs for the children of artisans and organic farming projects.
• Globally inspired, ethical handmade clothing maker Cleobella is running a 25% off sitewide sale through December 5th.
• Enjoy up to 30% off almost everything at Cuyana, through December 1st!
• Deux Mains shoppers get 20% off sitewide on their Fair Trade leather goods plus a free handcrafted leather bookmark from November 28th through December 1st.
• Earth Shoes is rolling out a two-part holiday sale on their responsibly-made footwear. From November 18th through 24th, you can get 25–50% off select styles (prices as marked). Then from November 25th through December 2nd, it gets even better: Receive up to 50% off boots and booties (prices as marked) plus an extra 30% off everything else at checkout. 
• Elizee Shoes is offering up to 50% off select products through December 2nd, making it a great moment to treat yourself to a pair of Italian handcrafted heels or flats before they’re gone.
• Embrace is hosting a sitewide 20% off sale on their premium intimate wear from November 24th through December 1st. Just use code BF20 at checkout. This discount can’t be combined with other promotions, but the savings are solid on their own.
• Fundae is serving festive, sustainable style with 20% off sitewide now through December 5th when you use code GOODTRADE20. Each shoe is made with eco-conscious materials like wine grapes, cork, recycled components, corn-based linings, and 100% recycled soles from Italian automotive parts. Stylish, playful, and planet-positive!
• Goldie Tees is giving you 30% off sitewide plus free shipping from November 22th through 27th with code BF30. It’s the perfect chance to stock up on their ultra-soft basics before they sell out.
• Upgrade your loungewear to an organic, USA-made matching set during Harvest & Mill’s holiday sale. Take 15% off sitewide with code HOLIDAYS25 at checkout starting November 28th through December 1st.
• From November 27th through December 2nd, Hendon Heritage is offering 20% off sitewide with code THEGOODTRADE. The brand creates small-batch luxury lingerie made from 100% Pima cotton grown in Fresno, California. 
• Now through December 1st, you can enjoy up to 20% off sitewide on idyl’s modular fine jewelry. 
• Through December 1st, Jackalo is offering up to 25% off its Black Friday Collection with tiered savings (15% off $150+, 20% off $200+, 25% off $300+) and daily bonus gifts perfect for stockings.
• Jenni Kayne is running 25% off almost everything sitewide for their annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday event, through December 1st. Read our review of their cozy fall essentials here!
• Jenny Lemons is spreading the cheer starting November 24th all the way through December 1st. Take 30% off sitewide with code STUFFED. Their cute and quirky hair accessories are the perfect stocking stuffers!
• Jungmaven is keeping it simple and sustainable with 25% off sitewide on their hemp clothing through December 2nd.
• Kent is giving 25% off sitewide from November 28th through December 2nd — and on Giving Tuesday, they’ll plant a tree for every order; all their compostable, plastic-free basics are made from GOTS-certified organic Supima cotton.
• From November 24th through December 1st, Kinn Studio is offering 15% off sitewide. (Custom pieces, engagement rings, and the Janessa Leone collection are excluded from this sale.)
• Kotn’s 2025 Black Friday event runs Nov 28–Dec 2 with a free $50 gift card on any purchase, and 100% of proceeds support the ABCs Project to build two new primary schools in farming communities in Egypt.
• Mejuri’s biggest sale ever is back, offering up to 30% off when you spend $150 USD/$150 CAD/ £100 GBP/Є125 EUR ROW from November 24th through December 1st — but M+ members get the first shot now through November 24th, complete with a free gift while supplies last. Upgrade your collection with some of our favorite pieces!
• Minus33 is keeping everyone cozy this season with 20% off select Merino wool sweaters for men and women through December 7th. 
• Now through December 3rd, save up to 50% off sitewide during NAADAM’s Cyber Monday sale, our go-to for affordable and ethically-made cashmere sweaters! You can even save an extra 10% off orders $350 or more.
• Native Shoes is stepping into Black Friday with up to 50% off sitewide from November 24th through December 1st. Spend $75 or more and you’ll also get a free gift with purchase — a little bonus to brighten your day!
• Nazeerah is offering up to 50% off sitewide on their regenerative Egyptian cotton apparel through December 2nd.
• NOOD, known for its inclusive, skin-tone-matching adhesive bras and shapewear, is offering 20% off sitewide starting November 26th through December 1st. Just use code BF20 at checkout.
• Numi is keeping things simple this Black Friday with 30% off sitewide from November 23rd through 30th. Once you try their sweat-proof basics, you can’t go back.
• From November 27th through December 1st, Outerknown is offering 30% off sitewide  — including fan-favorite Blanket Shirts at $98 — plus 40% off all lounge styles on Cyber Monday and a Surfrider Foundation give-back for Giving Tuesday.
• P448 is dropping huge sneaker savings, with 40% off sale styles plus an extra 20% off on top. This offer is only from November 20th through 24th.
• Pact has weekly deals running now through December 2nd, offering up to 40% off their organic cotton and Fair Trade essentials. 
• Petal The Label is offering 15% off sitewide on their organic kids clothing from November 27th through December 1st.
• From November 26th through 30th, P.J. Salvage is offering up to 50% off their giftable, ultra-cozy styles. Pajamas for everyone? Yes, please.
• Plum Diamonds is running a major holiday sale now through December 2nd on their stunning jewelry. Enjoy 15% off fine jewelry and ready-to-ship rings, plus 10% off engagement rings (including lab-grown center diamonds) and wedding bands. Purchases made between November 28th through December 2nd will also be entered to win a Petals Diamond Pendant worth $990.
• Quay is turning Cyber Week into a full-on event with 50% off from November 24th through December 3rd. And from November 27th through December 1st, don’t miss their $19 doorbusters — perfect for scooping up extra sunglasses.
• Reformation is serving up 25% off sitewide from November 25th through December 1st, giving you the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe with sustainably made, forever-chic staples.
• Save up to 30% off more than 6,000+ styles on sale on REI‘s outdoor essentials. Only through November 24th!
• For Cyber Monday, Reprise is offering 10% off one item, 20% off two, or 30% off three+ on all their soft, sustainable Tencel pieces.
• Rothy’s is offering up to 30% off shoes, bags, and accessories while supplies last — running now through December 1st both online and in stores. If you’ve been eyeing a pair, now’s the moment.
• Simply Chickie’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale runs November 27th through December 2nd, with plenty of playful, eco-friendly children’s apparel ready for gifting.
• Through November 26th, Summersalt’s “Buy More, Save More” sale offers up to 35% off when you use code JOY at checkout. And from November 26th through December 2nd you’ll get an extra 10% off on top — plus surprise doorbusters.
• From November 20th through 23rd, The Checkroom is offering 20% off sitewide. A great excuse to refresh your outerwear and accessories with high-quality, timeless pieces.
• Through December 1st, The Tote Project is offering 35% off sitewide on their ethically made totes, pouches, and gifts that give back.
• B-Corp shoe brand TOMS is giving you 30% off sitewide through December 2nd when you use code CYBER. Classic comfort, now on sale.
• AAPI and family-owned sustainable knit brand Verloop is offering offering 30% off, sitewide with promo code COZYGIFTS, through December 1st. Grab some cute and cozy upcycled yarn accessories for the holidays!
• We Dream in Colour’s sale gets you 30% off their dreamy, hand-painted jewelry with code DREAMON through December 1st. A beautiful way to treat yourself or someone you love.
• Worldclass Clothing is all about colon health awareness, and from November 24th through 25th are offering 20% off with code EARLYBF20, followed by 20% off select items from November 26th through December 2nd.

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Home Decor & Furniture

• TGT editor-tested and approved nontoxic cookware brand Made In is offering 30% off their restaurant-tested and chef-loved kitchen tools. Select purchases on their website will also receive FREE cookware. (Omg!) We recommend picking up their Kitchen Candle Set and Roasting Pan Rack for the best savings. Offer available through December 7th.   
• Makers of our favorite cloud couch dupe, 7th Avenue is giving you 10% off sitewide plus free pillows when you use code BFCM at checkout. Offer available through December 7th.
• AeroGarden’s offering an impressive 40% off sitewide from November 24th through December 2nd. Even better, select discontinued products will be up to 50% off — perfect for anyone dreaming of fresh herbs all winter long.
• AirDoctor’s Black Friday deal happening through November 30th is a major score: Save anywhere from $100—$300 off select air purifier models, 15% off air filters, and free shipping over $600 and on bundles. Say hello to clean air at home!
• Through December 14th, get up to 35% off sitewide at Albany Park plus free white glove delivery during their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. This sale includes 35% off their Kova Collection and 30% off their Barton & Lido Collections.
• Anyday’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday lineup spans from up to 40% off their sale page through December 23rd, to up to 50% off sitewide from November 24th through December 1st. Plus, a 48-hour secret sale on November 28th through 29th with an extra 10% off minimum orders of $100 with code VIP2025, and a Cyber Monday stackable discount.
• AquaTru’s Black Friday sale (November 29th through 30th) is packed with savings for all your water purifying needs:
  • $80 off all Carafe and Under Sink units
  • $100 off all Classic models
  • $300 off Model 1 & $800 off Model 3
  • $30 off the Shower Head and $56 off the Shower Bundle
  • 15% off filters and accessories
  • 20% off filter combo packs
• Use code CYBERMONDAY to get 20% off sitewide and 40% off cards at Artifact Uprising — a premium photo printing service. Offer available now through December 2nd.
• Through November 28, take $40 off Auk Mini, the award-winning Scandinavian indoor smart garden.
• Bluecorn Candles is offering 25% off their entire Black Friday collection from November 20th through 30th with code BFCM25. Stock up on clean-burning, cozy holiday scents.
• If you’ve been eyeing ergonomic office upgrades, now is the time to make your workspace shine. Through December 4th, Branch is running a sale that gets you 15% off sitewide plus free shipping, and 20% off bundles. 
• Cozy sheet maker Brooklinen is offering 50% off linen, flannel, and cashmere sheeting bundles through December r3d! 
• Upgrade your cookware or add a new piece to your kitchen lineup during Caraway’s Black Friday event! From November 28th through December 6th save up to 20% off sitewide. 
• Chasing Paper is offering 20% off sitewide through December 1st. Refresh your home with their removable wallpaper or decals!
• Get 25%, 30%, 40%, and even 50% off selected items at Coop Sleep from November 19th through 30th across both their site and Amazon. Serious comfort at serious savings.
• Through December 8th, you can stack ettitude’s Black Friday deals with the code TGT33 for an exclusive 33% off sitewide.
• Great Jones is serving up their strongest discounts yet with up to 50% off through December 1st. If you’ve been waiting to grab a Dutch oven, sheet pan, or their internet-famous cookware, this is your moment!
• Hardman is offering up to 50% off, including special flash sales on select solid wood furniture. Discounts apply automatically at checkout for easy, effortless savings.
• Häti Home is offering 20% off sitewide through December 3rd, plus a handcrafted Senja Side Table free with orders over $3,000.
• HEXCLAD’s Black Friday sale is their biggest of the year. Enjoy up to 52% off customer favorites — including their hybrid cookware that everyone talks about — through December 2nd. 
• Hydroviv has two rounds of savings: Through November 27, take $25 off your entire order with code EARLYBF. Then from November 28th through December 9th, you’ll get an automatic $25 off all individual filters — no code needed.
• Through December 1st, Joybird is offering up to 45% off best sellers and 35% off sitewide on sectionals, sleeper sofas, accent chairs, daybeds, modular sofas and more. Our editor loves her outdoor sofa that she picked up from Joybird this past summer!
• Koala’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale is live with up to 30% off sitewide on their sofa beds through December 3rd.
• Lion Brand Yarn is hosting back-to-back deals this year:
  • From November 24th through 26th receive 50% off select yarn and get Yummy Friends Crochet Kits at 3 for $30.
  • From November 27th through December 1st get Santa Sacks for $19.99, Build Your Own Mystery Bags, more Yummy Friends deals, and bundles up to 70% off.
• From November 26th through December 2nd, Lostine is offering 20% off sitewide plus free shipping. A few items are excluded, but most of their artisan home goods are included.
• LUXOME’s sale runs November 19th through December 1st with up to $40 off bedding, loungewear, sleepwear, and more. 
• Medley’s Black Friday sale runs November 27th through December 4th. It’s a great chance to save on their beautifully made, eco-conscious furniture — including their organic sofas!
• From November 20th through December 1st, you can save up to $200 on Mill’s odorless food recycler: Get $200 off the stainless steel finish, $175 off the black finish, and $150 off the white finish. 
• MiiR is giving shoppers free personalization sitewide on their drinkware through December 1st, plus a $25 credit when you spend $100 — and from December 2nd through 4th, a portion of sales supports the International Rescue Committee.
• Save up to 70% off sitewide on Obakki’s ethically made home goods and accessories from November 24th through 27th. 
• Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide through December 2nd — including the lowest prices ever on bestselling cookware and first-ever Black Friday deals on the Wonder Oven Pro and Titanium Pro expansion.
• Outer’s biggest outdoor furniture sale of the year is here with up to 30% off plus a complimentary matching piece on eligible orders for a limited time.
• For smart diffusers big and small, check out Pura during their Black Friday sale for up to 30% off sitewide through November 29th.
• Riley Home is offering 25% off sitewide plus an extra 10% off when you spend $350 or more with code BF2025, now through November 30. 
• Ruggable’s biggest sale ever this Cyber Monday is live with up to 40% off through December 1st. Get 40% off fall and holiday rugs, 30% off most of the other rugs, 25% off re-jute rugs, outdoor rugs, and mats, and 20% off plush rugs, pillows, and pet beds. Basically, every room gets a refresh. Read our review of their washable rugs here.
• Sabai, our editor’s favorite couch brand for the past two years, is now having their biggest sale of the season! Get up to 20% off orders over $1,000 and 25% off orders over $3,000, sitewide. Offer runs through December 8th.
• Slow North is offering 30% off from November 28th through December 1st with code GoodTradeDeal. Gift certificates and workshops are excluded, but it’s still a great chance to pick up some beautifully crafted, nature-inspired goods.
• Through December 2nd, Sundays furniture is offering up to 40% off everything, free shipping on all orders, and free assembly on large items — hello stress-free furniture shopping! Read our review of their solid wood coffee table.
• Symbol is running 15% off sitewide on their stunning audio furniture through December 1. 
• From November 24th through 28th, The Bouqs Co. is offering 30% off when you use code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout. Get fresh, sustainably grown flowers at a rare discount — perfect for gifting or brightening your space.
• The Citizenry is marking down 25% sitewide and up to 70% off archive items now through December 1st — while supplies last.
• Whether you’re a beginner or collector, it’s a perfect time to add something special to your plant family during The Sill’s biggest plant event of the year! Starting with VIP early access on November 21st and launching sitewide on November 24th, the sale includes rare and unique plants that almost never get marked down. From Nov 28th through December 1st, they’ll also feature deals of the day that you won’t want to miss.
• Urban Natural is offering up to 30% off select brands — including American Leather — now through December 8th. Discount codes vary (BFCM10, BFCM15, BFCM20, and BFCM30), so you can shop for high-quality, sustainable furniture at a range of price points.
• Pure ceramic cookware brand Xtrema is offering 30% off sitewide through December 1st, no exclusions! Get a free wooden utensil set when you spend $499+ as well.
• Year & Day’s holiday sale gets you 20% off sitewide with auto apply code THANKS20 when you shop through November 27th and auto apply code BFCM2025 when you shop between November 27th through December 3rd. They’re also offering an extra 25% off bundles with code BFBUNDLE25 between November 27th through December 3rd, plus a free napkin set automatically added to qualifying orders on December 1st.
• Homecourt is all about luxe, beautifully scented home essentials for your daily routine. From Nov 28th through Dec 1st, they’re offering up to 40% off along with a complimentary Cece Rollerball. 
• Starting November 26th through December 1st, Public Goods is giving you 20% off sitewide. It’s the perfect time to re-up on clean, minimalist essentials for your home, pantry, and personal care cabinet!

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Beauty

• Annmarie Skin Care — purveyors of MADE SAFE certified wildcrafted skin care — is going all-out for Black Friday this year with tiered savings and a ton of luxe gifts with purchase:
  • Through November 20th get a free travel-size Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant + Rejuvenating Facial Oil bundle on $100+ orders, and on November 21st, get a free Aloe Herb Cleanser travel size + Restorative Cleansing Oil deluxe sample size on $50+ orders.
  • Their pre–Black Friday event (happening November 22nd through 26th) brings 25% off sitewide, along with your choice of a free Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant ($75 value) or Concentrated Boosting Elixir ($125 value) when you spend $200.
  • The main event (happening November 27th through 30th) introduces tiered savings — get 20% when use code GOOD20, get 25% off when you spend $50-$299 with code GOOD25, and get 30% off when you spend $300+ with code GOOD30 — plus stacked gifts: A Smoothing Hair Serum at $100+, Sun Love Sunscreen at $200+, and their luxe Restorative Facial & Neck Cream at $300+.
• Well People is kicking off Black Friday with an exclusive early access event from November 26th through 27th—use code HOLIDAY25 to score 25% off every single order before anyone else. Then from November 27th through 30th, the brand rolls into its biggest sale of the year, offering the same 25% off sitewide so you can stock up on clean beauty favorites all weekend long. For all the scoop on our favorite Well People products, checkout our latest reviews!
• 100% Pure makes skin care, makeup, hair care, and body care products from all natural ingredients. Their “Beauty Deals” are now officially back November 20th through 30th — add $45 of regular priced products to your cart to unlock your “Beauty Deals,” starting at $5.
• Act+Acre is offering one of its best seasonal deals yet, with 25% off sitewide from November 17th to December 3rd, plus 30% off for first-time subscribers.
• Our favorite for plastic-free lipsticks and multisticks, Axiology is offering 25% off sitewide when you use code HOLIDAY25 at checkout, now through December 2nd. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $40, and receive free gifts when you spend $75 or more! (Psst — they just launched new serums that we can’t wait to try.)
• Babo Botanicals is offering 30% off (excluding gift sets and bundles) through December 1st with code BLACKFRIDAY.
• cocokind makes plant-powered conscious skincare for all skin types, including vegan ceramide serums that support your skin barrier. Take advantage of their 25% off sitewide promo from November 23rd through December 1st. Bonus: Purchases over $75 get cocokind’s new Be Magnetic lip balm, while purchases $100+ will receive the lip balm plus a limited-edition Bluree Beauty Bag.
• Daybird, known for their makeup, skincare, and sunscreen hybrids, is offering 25% off sitewide, including their 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint (auto-applied at checkout) from November 25th through December 4th. Read our review on the tinted skincare that does it all!
• Vegan and genderless fragrance brand Dedcool is giving you 30% off all your favorite scents from November 21st through December 1st.
• The Dieux Infinitely Reusable Eye Mask is the perfect budget-friendly gift option for the skincare lover in your life! Now through December 1st, enjoy 20% off all Dieux products, 25% off orders $125+, and 30% off value bundles and sets! You’ll even get a free gift with orders over $150.
• EverEden is giving you 35% off their clean kids and tween skincare through December 1st, along with a free gift with purchase.
• Gisou is teasing its Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals running from November 20th to December 1st — expect strong savings across its honey-infused lineup. Read our review of their most popular products!
• Goop will be offering 30% off select beauty, wellness, and GWYN products from November 28th through December 1st.
• ILIA is treating clean beauty lovers to 20% off sitewide and 25% off for VIPs, now through December 3rd. Plus, get a free Complexion Stick on $75+ orders, $100 in free gifts (includes their Complexion Stick, Multi-Stick in Lady Bird, and a Mini Limitless Lash Mascara) on $150+ spends, 40% off select favorites, bonus points on VIP orders, and a lineup of curated holiday sets for effortless gifting. Read our review of their popular skin tint!
• Jones Road Beauty won our editor over with its long lasting no-makeup makeup formulas! If you’ve been curious to try out these clean makeup products, now is the time during Jones Road’s Black Friday sale! From November 18th through December 1st, enjoy up to 20% off!
• KORA Organics is taking 25% off sitewide from November 24th through December 1st (excluding gift cards and subscriptions). All bundles and holiday kits are included for even deeper savings.
• LYMA’s luxe laser device is discounted through December 2nd — originally $2,695, now $2,021 for a total savings of $673.
• Marie Veronique’s science-backed skincare will be 20% off sitewide from November 24th through December 1st, with exclusions for gift cards, bundles, travel sizes, and virtual consults. Orders over $275 also earn a $25 reward code toward a future purchase. Discounts are auto-applied at checkout.
• MERIT is running its only sale of the year — and it’s a good one: Enjoy 20% off sitewide plus a free gift with purchase through December 1st. Our editors can’t stop raving about their Flush Balm!
• For farm to face skincare, check out Mudita Earth during their Black Friday sale, where you can save 30% off from November 24th through December 2nd.
• Beloved beauty brand Nécessaire is running layered offers from November 21st through December 1st: 20% off all orders, 25% off orders $100+, and orders made between November 28th through December 1st will receive a gift-with-purchase of The Hand Cream.
• Omnilux’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday event (running through December 3rd) includes up to $275 off devices, up to $175 off bundles, and 20% off topicals and minis.
• OSEA’s Black Friday event is HUGE this year! Now through December 1st, the more you spend, the more free gifts you unlock — starting with four free travel-size best-sellers when you spend $125, all the way up to seven free gifts at $225 (including full-size treats). They’re also dropping limited-edition bundles that automatically qualify you for gifts, making it easier than ever to stock up! Their limited edition Age-Defying Face & Body Trio and Undaria Body Collection automatically qualifies you for the four free gifts. 
• Ouidad is offering a major 40% off sitewide on their curly hair goodies from November 23rd through December 3rd.
• Through December 2nd, enjoy 30% off sitewide on Peace Out Skincare’s simple and effective products. 
• Don’t miss Proven Skincare’s Cyber Monday sale with over 40% off their personalized 3-step skincare routine, plus get a free gift with purchase!
• RMS Beauty is bringing the glow this Black Friday with up to 30% off sitewide through December 1st. Our editors tested RMS Beauty on 38-year old skin vs. 65-year old skin: Read up on our findings here!
• RoseSkinCo. is offering 30% off sitewide plus two free Glow Gloves with any Lumi or Lumi Routines purchase from 11/28–12/3, then rolling straight into a Holiday Sale with up to 30% off from 12/4–12/25.
• From November 28th through December 2nd, dermatologist-design haircare brand SEEN is offering 25% off orders over $75 plus a free gift with purchase. From November 27th through 29th, Ulta shoppers can enjoy $15 shampoo + conditioner + deep conditioner sets, and Amazon shoppers can save 20% off the full line through December 1st.
• Known for the popular lip butter balms, skincare and hybrid makeup brand Summer Fridays is taking 20% off sitewide from November 23rd through December 1st, with 30% off their Dream Lip Oils and a gift with purchases over $75.
• Sunniemade, loved for their sustainable personal care products like shampoo bars and bar soap, is offering 25% off sitewide when you use code GOODTRADE25 at checkout, from November 21st through December 1st. 
• Three Ships Beauty is hosting its biggest sale ever through November 30th: Receive 30% off sitewide (including bundles) and free shipping on $50+ USD orders. Additional holiday offers run from December 4th through 12th, including a free full-size Soft Serve Lip Treatment on orders over $80 USD/$105 CAD.
• True Botanicals is running tiered savings through December 3rd: Enjoy 30% off sitewide, 40% off $400+, and 50% off $1,000+. Get a free gift with purchases over $300!
• VERSED is kicking off the holiday season with 25% off sitewide on their glowy skincare through December 1st.
• No code is needed to get 30% off sitewide at Volition Beauty! Only from November 24th through December 1st.
• Heritage skincare brand Weleda is offering 25% off sitewide and a gift with purchases over $30 with code MORECYBER25. Get this offer through December 2nd!
• Get tiered discounts at YSE Beauty (made by Molly Sims!) from November 22nd through December 1st: 15% off $100+, 20% off $125+, and 25% off $175+, auto-applied at checkout. There will also be special gifts with purchase on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
• Clean, natural, and effective haircare brand Briogeo is running a major sale through December 3rd with up to 60% off sitewide, plus a free hair mask on orders $100+.

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Wellness

• AG1 is our favorite way to get our greens, vitamins, and pre/probiotics in on the daily! Through December 31st, first time subscribers will receive a free welcome kit, which includes a canister, shaker, and an AGZ Flavor Sampler (3ct), AG1 Travel Packs (3ct), a bottle of D3K2, and the Morning Person Hat for only $79. 🌿 (Check out our recent AGZ review here.)
• LELO is turning up the heat this season with an extra 20% off all products when you use code GOOD20 at checkout — this exclusive offer is stackable with existing discounts for a limited time. Read up on our editor’s honest experience with LELO!
• Save on Ritual’s traceable and third-party tested vitamins during their Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer: Get 40% off sitewide through December 2nd.
• Sunmed’s Black Friday sale is seriously stacked with 30% off sitewide, a free gift, and doorbuster deals up to 70% off. Use code GOODTRADE30 to get in on the savings from November 29th through December 3rd.
• Momentous is making it easy to kick off a healthier new year with big Black Friday/Cyber Monday savings. From November 28th through December 1st, you’ll get 40% off new subscriptions and 20% off one-time purchases — including their buzzy new Creatine Chews, perfect for brain and body support.
• Ancient Nutrition’s Black Friday sale kicks off early with 30% off sitewide and free shipping from November 21st through December 1st when you checkout with code BLACKFRIDAY.
• ARMRA has a double holiday event: From November 26th through December 2nd, new subscribers get 30% off with code WELCOME30 and everyone gets 20% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY. Orders $120+ also score a free ARMRA Whirl from November 30th through December 2nd! Read up on why ARMRA is our no-hype supplement of choice.
• Enjoy 30% off sitewide through December 22nd on Beekeeper’s Naturals’ immune-boosting favorites.
• Cornbread Hemp (makes of THC-infused wellness products) is running two major promos! From November 18th through 25th, get 30% off one-time orders with code CYBER30 and 40% off for new subscribers, covering all USDA Organic CBD + THC products (plus new THC seltzers). Then starting November 26th through December 2nd, all gummies, oils, topicals, and merch except seltzers goes BOGO with code BOGO, and orders $90+ get a free Variety Pack Seltzer. Wild!
• Coway is offering deep deals November 20th through December 1st across their popular Airmega air purifiers (up to 41% off) and Bidetmega bidet seats (31% off), plus their hybrid Airmega Aim is 46% off for the rest of the year.
• Culligan’s water solutions is taking 30% off all devices (excluding the 7-cup pitcher) through December 8th.
• Performance sleep brand Dream Recovery is offering 30% off sitewide starting November 18th through December 3rd, with custom bundle savings too.
• Fatty15 is offering a major deal with its 90-day subscription priced at $99 (normally $119.95) with code CELLYEAH from November 25th through December 2nd. Our editor tested out Fatty15 for three weeks — read all about her experience here!
• FORIA’s Black Friday sale runs through December 2nd and includes 30% off sitewide. You can also get a free sleep mask with $50+ purchases while supplies last when you shop starting on November 28th. For extra savings of up to 50% off, use code GOODTRADE20 at checkout!
• If you’ve been hunting for a premium collagen or gelatin supplement, you’ll love this deal! Great Lakes Wellness has tiered offerings you won’t want to miss for Black Friday (November 21st through 29th) — 15% off $50, 20% off $100 + free 6-ct variety pack, or 25% off $150 + free 12-ct pack — then 20% off sitewide for Cyber Monday (December 1st through 2nd). 
• Headspace is offering 50% off its annual plan through December 4th — just $34.99 for a full year of mindfulness.
• High Light Rituals is hosting its only sale of the entire year on their healing crystal jewelry! Get 25% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY25 through December 2nd.
• Receive up to 55% off select Hometown Hero’s premium cannabis bundles from November 27th through December 1st.
• HUM Nutrition is taking 30% off sitewide on their vitamins, plus 20% off subscriptions, doorbusters, and gifts with purchase (min order spend of $49, new customers only). This offer is available from Nov 18th through December 2nd.
• LEKFIT — makers of celeb-loved rebounders, rollers, and sculpting gear — is taking 25% off everything through November  30th.
• Live It Up Super Greens is offering 15% off sitewide plus free bundle gifts on first time orders (select sets include a frother, shaker bottle, and hydration sticks) with code FRIDAY15. If you’re looking for an easy gift, you’ll love that their holiday bundles come in ready-to-gift boxes! Promo runs through December 6th.
• Loftie is taking 25% off their smart alarm clocks from November 28th through December 2nd (excludes refurbs and gift cards). The Loftie is TGT-editor tested and approved for improving sleep quality!
• Now through December 1st, maude is offering 30% off massage candles and from November 28th through December 1st up to 40% off intimate wellness sets.
• Mimio Health — makers of cell care and longevity supplements —  is offering 25% off from November 25th through December 2nd with code BOOTY!.
• MIRA is giving both new and returning customers of their fertility trackers 30% off sitewide (all kits and wands) plus free shipping from November 24th through 30th with code ULTRA30.
• Neeshi offers functional nutrition products for people with periods or who are going through perimenopause. Get free shipping on their offering from November 28th through December 1st. 
• Nutrafol is hosting its first-ever 25% off sitewide sale from November 24th through December 1st! Shop on December 1st for a free travel kit on new subscription purchases.
• Nyssa creates thoughtful postpartum recovery wear for moms after birth. You can save 30% on all their products from November 25th through December 1st.
• Use code OLLYBFCM30 to get 30% off all OLLY vitamins and supplements from November 28th through December 1st.
• Rated 8/10 by TGT’s founder, ŌURA is discounting the Oura Ring 4 up to 30% off on their titanium styles from November 20th through December 1st.
• Paired offers fun tools for couples looking to deepen their relationship. They’re now offering 30% off plus free shipping through December 1st when you use code GOODTRADE at checkout.
• Perelel, one of our favorite brands for doctor-made vitamins for both men and women who are conceiving, is taking 25% off sitewide for new customers with code BF2025 through December 2nd.
• Our editor recently got a Pranamat, which uses acupressure to help with relaxation and renewal — and it works! Now through December 3rd, you can save 20% off all massage sets.
• Quip is running 20% off sitewide sale on their award-winning oral wellness products plus free shipping for everyone from November 28th through December 3rd.
• We’re building better habits as we move into 2026, and our supplement routines are getting a major upgrade. You can save 40% off sitewide on Ritual’s daily supplements through December 2nd.
• RunStar is offering up to 40% off its smart scales — featuring 28 advanced body analytics — from November 20th through December 1st.
• The Fullest is giving you 20% off all subscriptions plus free shipping with code BFCM20 through December 1st — perfect for gifting their saffron lattes and supplements.
• Tonal is dropping its biggest deal of the year from November 27th through December 2nd — score the Tonal 2 for a massive $1,200 off.
• Plant-based protein brand VEGA has tiered Black Friday discounts from November 21st through 30th:
  • Save 15% when you spend $50,
  • Save 20% when you spend $100
  • Save 25% when you spend $150
  • 20% off sitewide from December 1st through 2nd.
• Your Reformer is offering two major savings routes through December 4th: Save $400–600 when buying a reformer outright (plus over $600 in bonuses), or rent a studio-grade reformer for just $4/week for the first 4 weeks — a 90% discount!

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Food & Beverage

• Alcohol-alternative brand BRĒZ uses the power of THC, CBD, and lion’s mane mushrooms to bring you a euphoric experience — without the hangover. Through November 21st, save some serious coin when you purchase any one of the following packs. (Psst — subscribe and receive an additional 10% flat discount on your next recurring order!):
  • Save $10 on a 12 pack
  • Save $15 on a 24 pack
  • Save $35 on a 48 pack
  • Save $125 on a 96 pack
• Delta Beverages is pouring out 25% off sitewide on their 0 calories, 0 sugar, and 0 proof THC seltzers starting November 28th through December 2nd. Orders $150+ also get a free limited-edition hat!
• For that special someone who loves mindful rituals and café-quality matcha at home, Cuzen Matcha is offering 20% off its award-winning Starter Kit with code BF2025 through December 6th.
• Factor is gifting serious value this season with free MyFitnessPal Premium plus 50% off your first box (premium applies on your third box) through December 7th.
• Fishwife fans can enjoy 20% off sitewide with GOODTRADE20 through November 30th (exclusions apply). Their beautifully packaged tinned fish makes a surprisingly chic stocking stuffer or pantry upgrade.
• Gift the trending chili crisp, bold pantry sauces, and spicy sets everyone loves during Fly By Jing’s Black Friday sale! Enjoy up to 50% off sitewide November 25th through December 1st.
• For fresh, ready-to-eat meals delivered, look no further than Gardencup. From November 22nd through December 2nd enjoy 30% off your first two orders with code CYBER30.
• Ghia is offering up to 25% off sitewide starting November 25th through December 1st. Their herbal, zero-proof apéritifs and spritzes are one of our favorite picks for the sober-curious or cocktail-lovers who want something different.
• Green Chef is giving shoppers 50% off their first meal box + 20% off for 2 months — a great way to gift stress-free, organic meals through the holiday season. This offer is available through December 7th.
• HelloFresh is including a free Misen chef’s knife (a $119 value) plus 10 free meals on your third box through December 7th.
• Holistic Spirits Co. is offering free shipping on their plant-forward zero proof spirit bundles from November 28th through December 2nd.
• Calling all iced matcha lovers! Jade Leaf Matcha has tiered savings for Black Friday (15% off $50, 20% off $100, 25% off $150 through November 29th) and 20% off sitewide for Cyber Monday. 
• Makers of botanical, alcohol-free cocktails, Little Saints is running a spend-and-save event starting November 24th through December 1st. Get 20% off $100+, 25% off $150+, and 30% off $200+ with codes HOLIDAY20/25/30.
• Manukora is giving a complimentary 30-pack of MGO 850+ Superhoney Sticks (an $80 value) with every Superhoney Starter Kit (MGO 850+) through December 1st. Honey purists will love this one.
• Mike’s Mighty Good craft ramen has 15% off sitewide with BLACKFRIDAY through November 28th.
• From November 26th through December 2nd, enjoy $100 off four boxes plus free shipping at Purple Carrot, a plant-based food delivery service that offers the yummiest meal kits and ready to eat options. 
• Recess is offering a cozy Black Friday/Cyber Monday perk: Buy two cases of Recess and get a free Recess scarf from November 28th through December 1st. Shopping on Amazon? Instead you’ll get 20% off their Peppermint Barktini + Holiday Party Sampler.
• Sightglass Coffee is taking 25% off sitewide plus free shipping from November 28th through December 1st with code HOLIDAY25. A great pick for gifting small-batch, beautifully roasted coffee.
• Spring & Mulberry is running a tiered sale on their decadent treats through December 2nd — take 20% off orders $100+ with code BLACKFRIDAY20, or 15% off under $100 with code BLACKFRIDAY15 (email subscribers get early access!).
• THE ZERO PROOF is offering up to 60% off sitewide through December 2nd, with a free bottle of Wilfred’s with every order on Cyber Monday!
• Through December 2nd, Tomorrow Cellars has a Holiday Kickoff Sale! Save 15% off the brand’s Red Blend and Sparkling Blanc du Rhone. 
• On Black Friday, spend $50, save $10 and spend $75, save $20 at Unreal Snacks.  You can also save 15% off sitewide for Cyber Monday. Yum!

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Parenting & Family

• Needed‘s products provide much-needed support for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and general women’s health. Their products are recommended by 10,000+ women’s health practitioners – and for good reason. From now through December 7th, you can get 25% off a subscription purchase with code HOLIDAY25. It’s the perfect time to stock up and support your new year’s goals! Be sure to check out our comprehensive review of some of the brand’s pregnancy supplements. 
• Burt’s Bees Baby‘s early Black Friday sale is finally here! Get up to 50% off (almost) everything — plus free shipping — for a limited time. Pick up everything you need for your little one, from organic cotton PJs to bedding and bath essentials. 
• Through Dec 1, new Bobbie customers can get 50% off infant formula plus free Organic Probiotic Drops, with total savings up to 66%. New customers also receive 30% off their first subscription and free shipping for their baby’s entire feeding journey. Read why Bobbie is our top choice for formula this year!
• Happiest Baby is running a major sale from November 18th through December 7th, with 30% off the beloved SNOO and up to 40% off sitewide. Whether you’re an expecting parent or helping someone prepare for their newborn’s arrival, these bestselling sleep solutions bring serious peace of mind.
• Enjoy up to 30% off sitewide at Baby Brezza with steep discounts across formula makers, sterilizers, warmers and bundles, plus free shipping and returns.
• Little Spoon is offering 60% off (up to $40) on a first order with code OMG60 through December 2nd — feeding nutritious meals, snacks, and smoothies to little ones just got easier.
• Little Sleepies’ only sitewide sale of the year runs through 12/1 with 30% off sitewide and doorbusters up to 65% off, plus new prints and restocks at Black Friday prices (code COMFY, exclusions apply).
• Now through December 1st, Momcozy’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale is in full swing, with 20% off sitewide and up to 50% off 10 bestselling essentials, including the Wearable Breast Pump Bra, PureHug Baby Carrier, and M5 Pump.
• Sage & Wild is offering up to 30% off sitewide now through December 5th – snag a new cozy rug for the nursery!
• Through December 4th, Snuggle Me Organic’s beloved Lounger Curve hits its lowest price ever at 40% off ($119.99 → $71.99), with more baby must-haves up to 40% off — including feeding pillows, wraps, and their new play gym.

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Thank you to our 2025 holiday partners: Avocado, Sunmed, Burt’s Bees Baby, Quince, AG1, Brilliant Earth, Annmarie Skin Care, Made In Cookware, My Green Mattress, MATE the Label, LELO, Ritual, Needed., Well People & Momentous

The post The Best Cyber Monday Sales From Sustainable Brands — Updated Daily appeared first on The Good Trade.