WHEW! This was a rough year in the TGATP household! From weird health issues from long Covid to a layoff in June to my projects all being stalled to the stealing of an election and the possible reentry—there is still hope that he will not be inaugurated — into the White House of a criminally insane, demented moron, Russian-puppeted, coup-staging traitor and the worst President in US history, the Diaper Don aka Donald J Trump, I can’t WAIT for this year to be behind me.
Because of all this hubbub and the need to focus on my new gig, I decided not do my extensive holiday gift guide. But here are the things I covet and plan to buy for myself and others this Christmas.
1619 (Illustrated version) — Now more than ever, we need to start educating ourselves about our history. I read the 1619 in its original format and both gifted this beautifully illustrated version to my family members and myself. With newly commissioned artwork and archival images, The New York Times Magazine’s award-winning reframing of the American founding and its contemporary echoes, places slavery and resistance at the center of the American story. My family and I will be using this to educate our children during regular Saturday sessions this year.
MacBook Pro 2024
— With the Orange Menace idiotically threatening our trade partners with tariffs that will send prices in the US soaring, best to buy any electronics or large appliances you need before January 20th. I am in love with this new MacBook Pro in sleek black. I DO wish that it came in the same gold as the MacAir.
Kindle Colorsoft
— I have had every single generation of Kindle and upgrade every time a new one drops. One of the limitations of the Paperwhite is that you can’t read magazines or graphic novels on it. So I am mad excited about the latest color version which solves that problem.
Gigi Pip Hats
— I have about 14 GigiPip hats! They are stylish and quirky and always garner compliments when I wear them. Gift one to yourself and to the fashionistas on your list. I bought this one — the Paige Western — for myself for Christmas and it is one of my favorites now.
ZeroWater 12-Cup Ready-Pour 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher Dispenser — I don’t know what took me so long to get this. I was drinking gallons of bottled water when I was advised to just get a filter to avoid all that plastic. This is the most delicious water I have ever had. One of my goals is to drastically up my water intake this year, so I drink a pitcher of this every day now. This makes a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list.-
Lush Products — Lush makes the very best fresh facial masks and scrubs. I am also loving their haircare products for us, curly gals. Plus, the amazing bath bombs are also a must year-round. Stock up on these for yourself and everyone you know. -
Ninja Creami® 11-in-1 — Because I love to cook, I believe in a kitted out kitchen even in a small apartment. Vegan ice cream and frozen drinks and delicacies are among my favorite foods, so this new ice cream maker from Ninja — that is getting rave reviews all over TikTok — was top of my Christmas list this year. With the Ninja® CREAMi® Deluxe, you can turn almost anything into ice cream and so much more. Make classic CREAMi® treats like ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and mix-in masterpieces. And now, make new CREAMi® scoopable and drinkable treats like Italian ice, Slushi, Creamiccino™, frozen yogurt, and frozen drinks right at home.
This is the perfect gift for everyone on your list! -
Ninja Cold Press Juicer — One of my main goals this year is to eat healthier and to get in more fruits and veggies. Juicing is an amazing way to reach that goal. Thus, I can’t wait to get this cold press juicer from Ninja. It’s engineered to power through tough ingredients for non-stop juicing and you can customize the amount of pulp in every glass based on your preference
6-month subscription to Netflix — We are going to need a lot of ways to escape this next 4 years. After the horror of the last election, I have had a total news blackout in my house and have been binge watching streaming. I like to gift family and friends, particularly people that I know do not have a platform, at least 6 months worth of viewing pleasure.-
Levain Bakery — Levain cookies are the best cookies in the world bar none. I like to have these delivered to the important people in my life, like my doctors and lawyers. They also would make wonderful teachers gifts if you have children. Uber Eats will deliver in Manhattan and Brooklyn, which will make your gift giving easier. Or you can have them shipped nationwide.
