Holiday shopping. Just the words alone are enough to send shivers down your spine. That’s unfortunate, since gifting is all about finding something special for the people you love. And shouldn’t that be, well, kind of fun? Of course, with all the planning that goes into having a safe holiday this year, finding gifts usually becomes just another item on an increasingly lengthy to-do list. Add the inability to really shop in store this year, and it’s an even bigger task. Let us save you some stress—and turn gift shopping into something you might just enjoy. Below, we’ve rounded up four picks to help you with your gifting. These apps and websites (including two Webby Winners) will make shopping more convenient, save you some cash, and help you find unique, meaningful gifts. That way, you can go easy on your wallet and wrap up something really special this year.
It’s important to be a conscious consumer and support brands you care about, but finding companies worth supporting usually involves quite a bit of research. That’s why we love WeBuyBlack. It’s a massive online marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses, and it makes an ideal resource for tracking down meaningful holiday gifts (and everyday essentials, too). Take it a step further by donating to a local mutual aid network to help those who need a little help. For those in New York City, check out Mutual AID NYC.
Know a thrifter in your inner circle? Give them the perfect sweater for cozy season or designer finds while supporting sustaining fashion with ThredUP! This online thrifting site can help you find clothes and accessories your friends actually want, at a discounted price.
Google Assistant Shopping—a 2019 Webby People’s Voice Winner—is about as close as you can get to having a genie in a bottle grant your wishes. With Google Assistant, simple voice commands allow you to shop your favorite online retailers and check the status of orders, all without touching a keyboard. That’s even better than magic.
How do you shop for everyone on your list without draining your bank account? Hunt for deals—or better yet, let PriceBlink do the hunting for you. Install this browser add-on, and it’ll automatically search for lower prices on items as you shop. A simple dropdown menu lets you instantly compare retailers so you can score a bargain every time.
Struggling to find the holiday cheer? Here’s the perfect remedy: The Queen of Christmas released a star-studded holiday spectacular to lift our spirits. Fire up Apple TV+ to see performances from Mariah Carey, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, and Tiffany Haddish.
