Wow.  2020 has been a very challenging year. First and foremost, I hope this post finds all of you safe, happy and healthy! Many of us who never wish time away are looking forward to a fresh start in 2021. This year’s “best-of” list is specially designed to help people struggling with self-isolation, social distancing and to support those in need as we navigate this global pandemic.

The Festival of Lights is around the corner with the big guy in red trailing close behind.  So let’s get started.

Hope you enjoy my 2020 picks.  As always, I welcome your feedback.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or tweet me at @mindylevy.

Day One

Okay, let’s face it.  Covid-related anxiety, stress and all-over discomfort have hit family and friends alike.  Business Insider provides 27 small gifts and gestures for those of us who are having a hard time self-isolating or social distancing.  It’s timely as it’s unlikely we will return to any semblance of normalcy any time soon.  Staying connected is sooo important.  Most of these products are contact-free delivery so your friends can get a personalized gift without even opening their door for delivery!

This web page features personalized gift boxes, subscriptions to calming meditation apps, meal kits and more.  Check it out!

Day Two

Irving, my Mensch on a Bench, is sitting comfortably on the mantel next to Dreidel Dog, He got really, really tired of talking Bubbe’s incessant kvetching.  She was relegated to the other end of the mantel after several heated conversations. Crisis averted!  Every year Irving puts more Funukkah in our Hanukkah!  If you don’t have one, you need one.  If you DO have one, his faithful sidekick, is your go-to 2020 gift to yourself or fellow Mensch enthusiast.

The Mench has made my list five times!  Irving lights up our lives and our holiday.  And, while others aspire to be the person their dog thinks they are, he is the quintessential mensch- a person of integrity and honor.

Ask Bubbe, the talking Grandma doll, is a great addition to the mantel tribe.  She’s full of wit and wisdom, and sounds just like my Bubbe!  But beware, the Mensch can take only so much of her kibitzing.

Remember:  Even a secret agent can’t lie to a Jewish mother. – Peter Malkin

Follow Mensch on a Bench on Facebook and Twitter.

Day Three

WE NEED MORE SCHMALTZ!  Indeed we do.  And Schmaltz Deli was waaayyyy ahead of the Covid curve offering delivery right to your door.  With Schmaltz Delie,  everyone has a Jewish deli right in our back yard!  They deliver goodness, pure, anadulterated gooness!  So keep calm, stay home, and eat brisket and latkes.

Craving those unique holiday tastes from your childhood? Of course you are.  Don’t go to the market then spend all day in the kitchen rolling rugelach or frying latkes. My friends at Schmaltz Deli WANT to do it for you!   They ship Jewish deli goodness anywhere in the country.  I’ve surprised friends of all faiths with these delicious, traditional Jewish dinners and desserts.  Sides, too!

This year let’s go full on comfort food for Chanukah.  Start off with Chicken and Matzoh Ball Soup.   Follow up with some sliced brisket and potato knishes.  Top it off with something sweet.  How about a pound of oversized rugelach to make for a tummy full enough to spin the dreidel for hours on end.

Everything is delicious, packed with traditional tastes and, best of all, you don’t turn on the oven OR clean pots and pans.  Doesn’t get much more Jewish than that, does it?  My mom bought her dream retirement home, insisting on a double oven.  Oh, not because she loved to cook.  I don’t think the dials were ever turned in the “on” position.  “It’s for resale value, honey.”

Click here to order your Schmaltz online now!

Day Four

There has never been a better time to give back than now.  Don’t wait and think, “I’ll get involved next year.”  Or “I don’t have time or money to donate.”  Kindness is free, from the heart, you can’t buy it in a store and everyone needs it.

I love love love this post from Inspire Kindness15 Ideas to Practice Kindness During The Coronavirus / COVID-19.  They share some awesome ideas on how you can be kind and still protect yourself and your loved ones. Be kind to your community.  Be kind to your friends and family.  Be kind to yourself. 

Looking for a way to get involved in your local community during thse uncertain times? Visit http://www.volunteermatch.org/.

If you don’t have time to donate, please DO find gifts that GIVE.  One of my favorite nonprofits is Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.   They connected me with Stella who rescued me in 2016.

Day Five

“The world is a university and everyone in it is a teacher. Make sure when you wake up in the morning, you go to school.” ―T. D. Jakes

What better time than now to learn something new at home?   Masterclass let’s you learn from anywhere, anytime.  They offer thousands of lessons from the best as they share their stories, skills, shortcuts, failures, and successes.

Right now they have a 2-For-1 Holiday Offer!  This is a GREAT gift for adults and kids alike with classes that run the gamut:

Arts & Entertainment             Home & Life Stule                 Business

Music                                      Food                                        Writing

Design & Style                       Sports & Gaming                    Community & Government

Home & Lifestyle                   Science & Tech

So go for it.  Send someone a subscription and never stop learning!

Day Six

How about really surprising someone with something special?  Consider making a custom photo tile or coffee tumbler with a family picture, your friend’s pet or even if a little self indulgent, a photo of you and your bestie.  Shutterfly offers all of these and they deliver!  Trust me, I have sent everything from reusable shopping bags and calendars to photo tiles and coffee mugs with memorable photos with and of friends and family.  You can’t go wrong with this gift.

So…. Perhaps a photo book or custom ornament would look good on the coffee table or Chanukah bush?  Check it out.  Here are a few of my own creations to inspire you!

Day Seven

BOMBAS SOCKS!

These gusy believe a more comfortable world is a better world. I agree! Everyone, no matter their circumstances, deserves to put on clean clothes that feel good. They perfected socks and t-shirts you’ll want to live in. The best part?  For every item you purchase for yourself, we donate an item to someone affected by homelessness.

Day Eight

Every year Day Eight is the same.  Why?  Because this little gem is free, has no bad side effects and is available to EVERYONE!  What is it, you ask?  LAUGHTER.   Everyone can, and should, give the gift of laughter to someone.  I challenge you to bring at least one smile to the face of a family member, neighbor, coworker or stranger each and every day.   Laughter is indeed the best medicine.

Get a copy of my book, Mindy’s Musings, free.  Tweet me at @mindylevy and I’ll be happy to send you a copy.  My little way of passing along that smile to you.

Happy Holidays.  Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  Be kind,  and keep smiling!

XO

Mindy

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