This Christmas will be very different for many of us. With a lot of people out of work due to the pandemic, I found it hard to write a gift guide knowing some families’ Christmas may be a bit more low-key this year. Along with my gift guide, I wanted to make sure to bring awareness to some great charities. Instead of just buying presents for your loved ones you can provide aid, donate or support charities that are directly helping important causes around the country.
My personalized gift guide below.
The most popular book of the holiday season, the first volume of former President Obama’s memorrs. The 44th preseident reveals the internal on goings as his first term as President. At over 700 pages its a great gift for an avid reader.
I purchased this Kninja Air Fryer a few months ago and I can honestly say I never use my oven anymore. I’ve made salmon, brussels sprouts, and kale chips in my air fryer and they all came out delicious! Definitely a great addition to your kitchen appliances.
After a year like 2020, it’s important to always count your blessings. A gratitude journal helps to remind us to be thankful for not only the big things in our lives but also the small things. Be kind and stay grateful!
I recieved this weighted blanket for Christmas last year and it was one of my favorite gifts. These blankets are fulled with pellets or plastic beads to make them heavier. Weighted blankets are known to decrease anxiety and insomnia. When I use my blanket I notice I fall asleep much faster and sleep through the night.
I purchased this Netvue monitor when I visited family this year for the weekend. It’s great for keeping an eye on your place or pet while you are away. Once you download the app to your phone you will be able to see a clear view of your place.
This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the current time we are living in. This contactless tool allows you to reduce your point of contact with surfaces. This device works on touchscreens, doors, and handle. I like to use it when I’m using the ATM or when I’m entering my pin number in the debit card machine.
Chromecast is a media streaming device that plugs into any tv or monitor with an HDMI port. It allows you to stream content from your phone or computer onto your TV. Perfect for us avid binge-watchers.
I usually don’t splurge on slippers but these water-resistant UGG Scuffette slippers are worth the money. When I wear these I don’t even have to wear socks because the inner shearling lining keeps my feet super warm. Also, the bottoms are sturdy and don’t wear down after a few months.
Black-owned business Harlem Candle Company was created by Terry Johnson six years ago and has grown in popularity via social media. I purchased their Speakeasy candle and I love it. What I love most about this candle is that it even gives off scents without being lit.
I first became aware of the Mcbride Sisters Collection via social media over the summer. Robin and Andrea Mcbride are the first African American duo to found and establish a wine company. These sisters have a unique story where they grew up across the globe but reunited over their love of wine. The wine industry has lacked diversity for a long time, it’s great to see two black women breaking down barriers.
Charities
Fair Fight– Stacey Abrams created this organization to help fight voter suppression and to get ou the vote ahead of the Georgia Senate runoff in January 2021. By donating you be part of the movement to ensure free and fair elections in places like Texas and Georgie. We should all send Stacey Abrams a thank you note this year! Donate here
No Kid Hungry– With so many people out of work due to Covid food lines are longer than ever. Many kids can no longer depend on getting their daily meals in school now with remote learning. By donating to No Kid Hungry it helps to promote SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Covid- 19 Relief Funds: Restaurant Worker’s Community Foundation: We all know how hard the restaurant industry was hit due to the covid. With the possibilities of a winter full of more lockdowns, restaurants all over the country are struggling. The Restaurant Worker’s Community Foundation is operated by restaurant workers and distributes funds directly to individual restaurants.
National Bail Fund Network: This year we saw the horrible police shootings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and the countless others who were killed by wreckless police officers. This summer protests spread across the country speaking out against police brutality and racial injustice. You can donate to the National Bail Fund Network to help the people who may have been arrested fighting while for justice.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: The domestic violence rates have increased throughout this year due to the pandemic. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is working to provide support to survivors. Their hotline answers calls 24/7 for domestic violence survivors and those who are concerned for others.
