As COVID has upended life as we know it and the Delta variant rages, tension abounds. What’s the antidote to processing the news, heading to the office wherever that may be and trying to stay safe? Taking in some lighthearted entertainment could do our soul and temperament good. Our heads and hearts could benefit. If you’re going to watch something on your TV, computer or phone anyway, why not make it a refreshing experience with uplifting themes and even rip roaring fun? Here are 10 suggestions to take your mind off the outside world and smile.  

Schitt’s Creek

“Terrible name, terrific sitcom: how Schitt’s Creek became a surprise hit.” The title of a post in The Guardian about this series says it all. Well, not all, but a lot. This Canadian TV product from the Levy boys – son Dan and father Eugene – tells the riches-to-rags story of the Rose family. The patriarch, Johnny, who once reigned over a video store empire, loses all of his money thanks to his unscrupulous business manager. Left destitute after an elaborate embezzlement scheme, the Roses find themselves without hearth and home. They relocate to Schitt’s Creek, a rural town, the deed to which the dad bought for his son as a gag gift years back. This extravagant and avant garde family doesn’t mesh with the town residents, at least not initially and pretty much for the 80 episodes over six seasons. But they give it a go in their own most unusual ways. The concept for the series came from Dan Levy’s musings about what life could be like if wealthy people hit rock bottom. Although the reception to this show was middling for the first two seasons, it hit the heights when production moved to Netflix. “The Rise of Schitt’s Creek” explains: “Thanks for a daffy charm – a winning combination of its characters’ caustic wit and the show’s fundamental warmth… the series rose from humble origins to the pinnacle of TV acclaim.” It “set a new record for most Emmy wins by a comedy series in a single season.” Watch it on Netflix; it’s also on Amazon Video and syndicated TV at times.       

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

The TV program Seinfeld was supposed to be “a show about nothing.” Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which started as a web series, masters that theme via the directorial and hosting skills of Jerry Seinfeld himself. The 84 episodes over 11 seasons follow the same basic formula. Seinfeld, a fan of vintage cars, selects one just right to ferry a particular guest to and from a café. They talk and talk some more in the vehicle and the restaurant. No, that’s not exactly right. They enjoy one another’s company and engage in banter, repartee and musings of the very funny kind. That’s better. Most of the segments last between 12 and 20 minutes. They move quickly as jokes and laughter whizz by. Get ready for a star-studded line up, which includes comedy greats Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks together in one show. There are many others, such as Aziz Ansari, Stephen Colbert, Larry David, Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Silverman and Garry Shandling. In one of the top-rated installments, Alec Baldwin “steals the show and makes an appearance as Jack Nicholson.” In a mirthful moment, Baldwin says to the host: “Your life has been one unbroken boulevard of green lights, hasn’t it?” You’ll see why Screenrant.com says: “The idea of the show that is nothing more than two people driving around and getting coffee doesn’t sound like entertaining television. However… Jerry Seinfeld… turned Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee into a truly great talk show.” Suggestion: don’t watch this series on an empty stomach when streaming it on Netflix.     

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

It’s “a sitcom with one of the most outlandish premises one would ever see. Yet it manages to strike a universal chord with viewers, making almost anyone relate to the show’s characters.” That’s how TheCinemaholic characterizes Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This series, which ran on network TV and transitioned to Netflix, where it is now, is about rebirth. Why? Kimmy and three other women were kidnapped and held captive by a doomsday cult in a town in Indiana for 15 years. These were not pleasant times for these victims. They lived in an underground bunker, brainwashed that an apocalypse was in the offing. As the series starts, the authorities rescue the group. They open the doors to the bunker and the ladies emerge to see the light of day. But now what? Do these “mole women,” as the media refers to them, go back to their roots and resume their former lives? Not Kimmy. She decides to venture to New York City to start anew. There she quickly meets an eccentric landlady and an equally unconventional roommate and employer. These three form and ensemble cast that is, in a word, zany. “It’s a Miracle!” is a phrase in the catchy theme song, which frames the upbeat nature of the show. Rolling Stone says that this “off-kilter comedy remains true to its roots as an always absurd, often poignant show that survived, like its title character, against the odds.” And TheCinemaholilc adds that Kimmy’s “optimistic attitude proves to be infectious and makes the show one of the best feel-good productions of recent times.”    

Nailed It!

This madcap streaming series has perfected the recipe for great laughter. Recruit a pleasant, yet pointed comic host and a world-class pastry chef who oozes easygoing charm. Add a roster of happily self-effacing amateur contestants to collaborate as daring duos and assign them amped-up baking projects to recreate from intricate models. Then, after too short a time, ask those aspiring to win the $10,000 grand prize to reveal their entries. When they do, they shout “Nailed It!” in more than a bit of hopeful jest. Do their works resemble the masterpieces? A hilarious judge who knows nothing about baking, similar to the emcee of the show – not a clue – also weighs in on the verdict. Oh, the decision makers have to not only view the pastries, but also sample them. The winners of the first of the two challenges in every episode receive giant golden chef hats, which they wear on air. Everyone gets along and has a blast for all 46 episodes – no sore losers here. Netflix, which airs Nailed It! describes it as: “Part reality contest, part hot mess.” By the way, the phrase “nailed it” refers to “the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It’s often used sarcastically in reference to efforts that comically failed.” How has this series fared? It received “critical acclaim and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, including twice for Outstanding Competition Program and once for Outstanding Host for a Reality of Competition Program.” The celebrity chef took this role because other cooking shows “are too serious.” This one is not! 

Kim’s Convenience

Warning: Beware of belly laughing! Humorous and heartwarming, Kim’s Convenience will delight you. Every 25-minute episode opens with a brief sketch, which pokes fun at the incongruities of life. Appa, Korean for dad, who appears in all of them, is shrewd most of the time and a pawn for social commentary at others. He is Mr. Kim, owner of a neighborhood general store in Moss Park in Toronto. He and his wife, who their children call Umma, or mom, left their Asian homeland for greater opportunity in Canada. But this series does not focus on the Kims exclusively; there’s more to it. Vanity Fair on “Why Kim’s Convenience Matters,” claims this is “a show about an Asian family that isn’t just about an Asian family.” It tackles a cross-section of social, business and other issues in mainly a cheerful way. The series originated as a play written by a co-creator of it, who wasn’t getting acting roles at the time. He based it on his own experience, which parallels the main plot. How do influencers regard Kim’s Convenience? The first season, which aired on CBC TV in Canada in 2016, received “100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 12 critics’ reviews.” One called it “a clever, generally engaging screwball comedy with an eye on entertainment.” Another said “the dialogue is sharp, on point and borderline subversive,” and added “it has the potential to be a future classic. It has bite. It’s funny and true, but not a reality we typically see reflected on television.” Watch all five seasons on Netflix.  

Doc Martin

“Make an appointment with the brilliant but socially awkward and neurotic Doc Martin,” suggests Amazon. To that it adds the plot line. “When Martin develops an aversion to blood, he abandons his career as a celebrated London surgeon and becomes the only doctor in a sleepy small town where his tactless manner soon has the whole town in an uproar.” This description covers some of the bases; but It doesn’t cite the strong comedic pull of the series, which stems from the doc himself and the villagers. This brilliant medical practitioner has no filter. He tells his patients – and everyone for that matter – exactly what he thinks. Gasp! It’s shocking, refreshing and a source of wonderment and perhaps envy. As for the denizens of Port Wenn, they have eccentricities in the nicest and most amusing of ways. Put it together and it’s an Rx for a streaming experience that is sure to capture your attention and likely your devotion. What’s more, you may even learn something about medicine and maladies in the process. Doc Martin aired originally on British TV before being picked up by Public Broadcasting in the U.S. The New York Times celebrated its arrival in a post on “Small-Town Crank Finds His Following” and refers to it as a “fish-out-of-water comedy.” A post on “3 Reasons Why We Love Doc Martin” sites countless ways but highlights: “he’s socially awkward; despite his lack of warmth, he’s always honest; the good doctor does have a soft-spot.” So will you for this series. Watch it on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Acorn.  

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

In real life, aspiring comics hang out on the stand-up circuit for years until – or, more likely, if – they make it. In this series, the lead character Midge Maisel, who starts out as a housewife, performs a spontaneous set on stage in a drunken state after her husband leaves her. He, by the way, is the one who desires a career in comedy. And she, by the way, is good. Make that “marvelous.” Oh, that’s just the beginning of this witty series, which provides a cultural tour of the 1950’s/’60’s, complete with couture galore. Other regulars in the cast form a tightly knit ensemble of the most sidesplitting type, e.g., Midge’s theatrical agent and Midge’s dad. The creator of the series, Amy Sherman-Palladino, is known for her “caffeine-powered dialogue that’s laced with pop culture references aplenty.” Her father, by the way, did stand-up initially in New York City. All of this comes through clearly and happily in this “effervescent comedy.” The pilot episode, which aired in 2017 on Amazon Video, was one of its most successful ever; the average viewer rating achieved 4.9 on a 5-point scale. The A.V. Club ranked the production design as “outstanding” and noted: “this is a series that’s as confident as its heroine – and what a heroine she is.” In its three seasons – with one more in the works — the series won award upon award. Examples include Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Emmys for directing, writing, lead actress, supporting actress and actor – just about everything. Watch it on Amazon.  

Cobra Kai

Remember The Karate Kid movie? It’s back in the form of this comedy-drama series. It features the same main characters and those who portrayed them – Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence. Only it’s 34 years later and they have gone onto other pursuits, well at least one has successfully. Both have not forgotten the fateful All-Valley Karate Tournament playoffs; their bitter rivalry festers and continues to sear. Oh, it’s intense and a test of good against evil. Karate proves to be a path for underdogs to pursue to find their inner strength, protection against bullying, friends and especially babes. It’s all reminiscent of the Rocky Balboa saga and entertaining to the hilt. “’Cobra Kai’ is not good, but it is awesome,” declares The Washington Post. What’s the appeal? This piece cites “solid retconning and generational satire.” Retconning is short for “retroactive continuity.” That refers to picking up from where a fictional work left off with enough creative freedom to make it work. The latter – satire – is superb. “The premise is good, but the show’s humor is better.” The main characters are middle age and often lack the savvy to immediately pick up cultural cues and changes. This comes across in how they relate to teenagers, to the world at large and definitely to each other. If you grew up in the 1980’s or admire the music from that era, this series is for you, but not limited to you alone. It launched on YouTube in 2018 and has moved to Netflix. It’s sure to move you too!  

The Good Place

“If you like your sitcoms surreal, thought-provoking and generally warm, this one’s for you.” That’s the word from The New York Times in its post entitled “Comforting Streaming TV Shows for Stressful Times.” The series revolves around an engaging main character and her cohorts. The woman in the starring role finds herself in an unlikely predicament with a curious outcome. After living a life of mixed behaviors, this recently-deceased person has been sent to “the good place” rather than the bad one. However, her destination is supposed to be for those on the highest end of the ethical scale. It’s a utopian-like environment, idyllic and the best after-life alternative versus the underworld. How did this mistake happen? Or did it? What’s the point? What should she do? Are others there like her too? And how can she – and they – stay true to the principles of The Good Place, such as not using profanity and adhering to other saintly rules? Each resident has a soulmate assigned, so it’s not as easy as it seems to toe the line. There’s plenty of banter and good versus evil jokes, such as “If you’re a devil, how come you’re not wearing Prada?” As the plot evolves, the characters are kept off balance and viewers are too, over the course of the series’ four-year run of 53 episodes. It’s fun and absorbing. The show received “critical acclaim for its writing, acting, originality, setting and tone.” It ran on network TV from 2016 to 2020. It’s now a Netflix property, where you can watch it in its entirety.  

Atypical

This series is among “The best 9 under-the-radar sitcoms you can stream on Netflix right now.” It’s unlikely and truly atypical. Why? The plot revolves around an 18-year old boy from Connecticut, who is on the autism spectrum. Make no mistake about it – it is a comedy, an endearing one at that. Here’s what the same Insider post said about Atypical: “Told with heart, it’s an elongated coming of age story, and moreover, it’s downright hilarious.” The comedic touches span the gamut, from outright clowning to dark humor; this continuum is emblematic of the tenor of the entire show. Sam, the subject of Atypical, longs to be typical in many ways. At the beginning of the show’s four-season run in 2017, he wants to get a girlfriend. He strives to achieve his wish list with the help of a therapist, who counsels him on deciphering social cues and bridging how to interact and communicate effectively with others. As the series unfolds, so too do his goals, such as attending college and moving out of his parents’ home. As for the parents and other members of the family, the series delves into how autism affects all of them. They are lovingly supportive but coping with their own battles. TV Guide proclaimed: “Atypical Remains the Most Surprising Family Comedy on TV.” It’s more than likely you will agree with that statement. To find out, go to Netflix and start viewing it. Atypical is trying and touching, quirky and elevating. The series is set to wrap up in 2021 with the final episodes in production.  

More…. You may also wish to check out Grace and Frankie, Great News, The Kominsky Method, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Queer Eye. And the parting message no matter if or what you watch is: Enjoy! 

About the author. 
You name it, she covers it. That’s the can-do attitude Sherry M. Adler brings to the craft of writing. A polished marketing and communications professional, she has a passion for learning and the world at large. She uses it plus the power of words to inform and energize stakeholders of all kinds. And to show how all of this can make a difference, she calls her business WriteResults NY, LLC. 

How keen are your critical thinking skills? Wait a sec — don’t rush to judgment. Find out now. Tackle a sample question from TestPartnership.com. It consists of a passage, followed by a conclusion and several answers; those multiple choices reflect the possible relationship between the information in the passage and the conclusion. Pick the best response — the one that accurately links the two. Do so by reading everything completely. Base your selection solely on the facts given here. Note: There is only one right answer. Here you go….

Passage:
The Red Bus stops every 10 minutes. The Green Bus stops every 20 minutes. Both buses stop at Lansdowne Road. The Red Bus has twice as many stops as the Green Bus.

Conclusion:
The two buses never stop at Lansdowne Road at the same time.

Answer Choices:
1) True

2) Insufficient Data

3) False

Finished with this one? Try another. Then see how you did on both.

Passage:
Multivitamins supplements containing all vitamin types are taken by an average of 30% of adults. Many have Vitamin D deficiency — the production of which is aided by sunlight. Daily takers tend to be more health-conscious than others. People may rely on multivitamins to prevent deficiencies.

Conclusion:
Multivitamin supplements are always taken daily.

Answer Choices:
1) Conclusion Follows

2) Conclusion Does Not Follow

The correct answers are: 2) Insufficient Data for the first; and 2) Conclusion Does Not Follow for the second. Did you score 100%? If so, don’t get smug about it. According to the source, “These example questions will be easier than those in the real test, which will contain questions of varying difficulty.”

Huh, “real test,” what’s that? It’s the actual use of items like these to gauge a person’s critical thinking aptitude. Does this happen? The correct (and only answer) is yes. Some professions routinely go this route. They administer exams that combine critical thinking with other reasoning and knowledge-based assessments to prequalify candidates. Law enforcement does so as a preliminary means to screen would-be police officers, corrections and probations officers, court officers, and dispatchers. The same goes for firefighters, criminologists, and supervisors. There’s more. During job interviews, hopefuls may have to respond to open-ended questions designed to judge their critical thinking. Even before that, some companies ask job candidates to take a critical thinking test as the first step in the interviewing process.

I know about this last initiative firsthand. In vying for an opening as a senior writer/analyst, I found out when scheduled for an interview that I would start with an on-site critical thinking test. Apparently, everyone applying for a job at this firm had to do this. So when I arrived for my interview, I was escorted to a workstation. On cue, I began working through a sizable series of critical thinking questions. The clock ticked; this was a timed exercise. Resigned to this requirement, I found it fun. But I prepared in advance on my own, starting with learning about what critical thinking is.

What Is Critical Thinking?

The meaning of critical thinking is not what may pop into your mind when you first come across the term. Many may view the word “critical” in its negative or unfavorable context. Critical thinking is essentially the opposite of that. The rationale of critical thinking is to weed out all bias, both bad and good. It aims to get an untainted understanding of what’s going on.

What should you believe in a certain situation? What should you do? The hallmark of critical thinking is to use “purposeful reflective judgment” to reach a decision or course of action. Logic guides critical thinkers; that is, logic, marked by meticulous attention to detail. Critical thinking inquires. It explores. It teases out subtleties.

Who knows more about critical thinking than an organization devoted to it? The Foundation for Critical Thinking promotes training and education in this skill set. The group advocates for the clarity and value neutrality that result from using it. They note: “Critical thinking cultivates substance and true intellectual discipline.” Easy and spontaneous it is not. “It entails rigorous self-reflection and open mindedness.” Critical thinkers get to the core of an issue through fine-tuned reasoning.

Now about that reasoning — we all think, right? So what’s the fuss about critical thinking? The Foundation explains. Critical thinking “embodies intellectual empathy, intellectual humility, intellectual perseverance, intellectual integrity, and intellectual responsibility.” That’s a whole lot of “intellectual.” This repeated use drives home a major point. Critical thinking is deliberate and focused. It snuffs out facts; then it separates them from fiction. Above all, it filters preconceived notions to achieve its goal. And that is objectivity.

Now for the formal definition:

Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

What Do You Know at Face Value? An Ancient Philosopher Said: ‘Nothing’

That’s a mouthful, that definition of critical thinking from The Foundation. In line with the nature of this thorough, complex process, it captures its full essence. That said, let’s check with others for a user friendly, working understanding.

The Miniature Guide on Critical Thinking is perfect for this purpose. It offers the following definition. “Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it.” To hone this capability, critical thinkers “question information, conclusions, and points of view. They strive to be clear, accurate, precise, and relevant.” What’s more, they do a deep dive. They “think below the surface, to be logical, and fair.”

Here’s another view. Critical thinking pertains to “judging the true value of statements and seeking errors.” Wikipedia describes this subject as “complex.” It notes that definitions vary; yet they align on several key points. Those have to do with “rational, skeptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation of factual evidence.”

In case you were wondering, critical thinking has been around a long time. That horizon is not quite eons but thousands of years. The Foundation provides a rough count. “Critical thinking is a rich concept that has been developing throughout the past 2,500 years.” Why does it cite that number? That timeframe coincides with “the teaching practice and vision of Socrates 2,500 years ago who discovered by a method of probing questioning that people could not rationally justify their confident claims to knowledge.”

In other words, do not accept ideas at face value. They require validation. How? Closely examine evidence as well as the source, assumptions and implications surrounding it. Put everything through this sieve because, as Socrates said: “I know that I know nothing.”

“To maintain the state of doubt and to carry on systematic and protracted inquiry – these are the essentials of thinking” – John Dewey, often considered father of modern critical thinking.

Importance of Critical Thinking

Who benefits from critical thinking? Everyone. The positives that flow from it cut across all categories, groups, and situations. They culminate in two words that form a powerful advantage when put together: better decisions.

But let’s narrow the scope and focus on the work sector. How important is critical thinking in business? Very. Here’s a compelling proof point. The World Economic Forum positions critical thinking as “one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce.”

The benefits by segment are:

Companies, Business and Hiring Managers

Without doubt, leaders and managers need to make the best possible decisions for their organization. That includes ensuring those who work there do so too. Both day-to-day and longer term thinking should revolve around logic, be systematic, open-minded, and devoid of emotion. Critical thinkers refuse to believe what they hear, see, and receive without proper vetting. Widely held beliefs must go under the microscope too. They question, analyze and come to their own conclusions. “To think differently, we need to think critically. Different thinking also generates creativity thus innovation.” That is one of the salient points expressed in “Why Critical Thinking Is Required for Better Decisions.”

Certain Occupations

Some roles require critical thinking on an out-and-out basis; it’s at the core of their on-the-job activities. People in these lines of work must process information impartially. They need well-honed analytical and observational skills, often on the spot. They cut through the clutter to get to the proper context and heart of a matter quickly and decisively. Indeed lays it out. “For career success in law, education, research, medical, finance and many other career fields, it’s important to display critical thinking skills. It’s an essential facet of any profession where the goal is to deduce information objectively without bias, analyze the content, solve creative problems and come up with realistic solutions.” See “Jobs That Require Critical Thinking Skills.”

Employees and Job Seekers: Resume Tips

Critical thinking is an asset for all career pathways. The same holds true for all stages of employment, including vying for a job. Critical thinkers are good problem solvers and communicators; these are valuable skills for every member of the workforce. Tips: Bring these capabilities to the forefront on resumes. Cite them as action items; add brief examples to substantiate. Also use words such as: analyze, evaluate, identify, interpret, resolve. Prepare to demonstrate critical thinking during interviews. Situational interviews test for this. Take a cue from the previous sentence — prepare. Start with “Situational Interviews and Stress Interviews: What to Make of Them and How to Succeed in Them.”

How Do You Become an Ace Critical Thinker?

As noted, becoming a critical thinking pro doesn’t come easy. Borrowing a line from The Foundation: “Excellence in thought… must be systematically cultivated.” The question is: How? Appreciate the process and familiarize yourself with it. Then practice, practice, practice.

What’s the drill? Different sources offer varying views of how to scale the critical thinking learning curve. The Foundation starts by dividing the method into two main buckets:

Analyze
Identify the purpose of an idea and question at issue as well as the information, inferences, assumptions, main concepts, and points of view.

Assess
Check for clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance, logic and fairness.

Then it fine tunes these principles into a succinct guide. “A well cultivated critical thinker” navigates the critical thinking highway as follows:

• Raises vital questions and problems — formulates them clearly and precisely
• Gathers and evaluates pertinent information — uses abstract ideas to interpret it
• Connects dots to form judicious conclusions — tests options against applicable standards
• Maintains open-mindedness – gauges assumptions, implications, practical consequences
• Communicates effectively with others to devise solutions and resolve complex problems

Indeed offers a short how to in the form of five steps to enhance critical thinking skills:

1. Evaluate all new information
2. Take the source into account
3. Question, question, question
4. Then do your own research
5. Develop a conclusion

For another more descriptive viewpoint on this process, see The Steps of Critical Thinking section in “Critical Thinking Skills: Definition, Examples & How to Improve.”

What to Expect When You’re Testing

Know that critical thinking tests measure how adept a person is at five core skills. Here’s what they are and how they appear on tests, thanks to JobTestPrep.

Inference – How well can a person interpret a conclusion from the information provided? That’s what this skill is about. Questions of this type start with a statement of facts, which test takers must deem as true. What follows is a conclusion drawn from the opening paragraph and then various options. Which of the alternatives best represents this relationship? Is it true, false or any of the others?

Assumption Recognition – What are the assumptions in a statement? Critical thinking tests measure a person’s ability to arrive at certain conclusions based on the information offered. This type of question starts with a statement. What follows is a series of possible assumptions that may be drawn from it. Which of the choices is logically justified? The answer must be based only on what is there.

Deduction – “Deductive reasoning, also deductive logic, is the process of reasoning from one or more statements (premises) to reach a logical conclusion.” A test question starts with a statement or hypothesis. A set of options follows. Which one represents a logical conclusion that can be drawn from the opening paragraph? This gauges a person’s ability to process information and decide on the merit of the end point.

Interpretation – How does information relate to a conclusion? Does it follow beyond a reasonable doubt? This type of question weighs a person’s ability to process perspectives. On a test, it starts with a short paragraph, which must be deemed as true. Next comes a conclusion. What is the relationship between the two? The critical thinker must pick the best option given, from definitively true to various gradations.

Evaluation of Arguments – Critical thinkers apply logical reasoning when analyzing arguments. On tests, an item that measures this skill consists of a question followed by an argument. The test taker must establish whether that argument is strong or weak. Is it important and relate directly to the question? If so, it is strong. A weak argument is the opposite. Which option provided is the correct one?

Now for the Practice Part: C’mon, Try One More

The gold standard of critical thinking tests is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA). The business and academic spheres use it as well as others. More and more employers are gravitating to it as a pre-employment requirement. It helps them with the candidate selection process.

Test takers: Get ready to step lively. The word is that “all tests are timed.” So read carefully and answer away. What is the significance of the clock here? “The justification for this is that making informed decisions under time constraints is more demanding.”

WGCTA comprises five sections in line with the main skills outlined above. Each section has a time limit — no going back after the time expires, you’re done. The online format now prevails. For that reason, practice in that format to get used to the experience. That’s what I did and highly recommend it. And, as suggested, try to enjoy this exercise. As in most things, a positive attitude helps.

How much have you learned about critical thinking up to this point? Here’s another sample to try, this time directly from Watson Glaser. Work on it directly below or online as part of a larger test. You have 2 minutes and 45 seconds to finish it.

Statement:
One hundred young adults in their 20s and 30s paid to participate in a recent speed dating event at a bar in a big city. At this event, education and occupation were the most commonly discussed topics among the speed daters, because young adults today view these topics as the most important for fining an ideal partner.

Conclusion:
A majority of young adults had not previously discussed the topics of education and occupation with their previous potential partners.

Answers:

True

Probably True

Insufficient Data

Probably False

Hope you did better than I on this one. The correct response is 4) Probably False. That brings to mind one more thing about critical thinking skills — it’s good to refresh them at times.

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About the author.
You name it, she covers it. That’s the can-do attitude Sherry M. Adler brings to the craft of writing. A polished marketing and communications professional, she has a passion for learning and the world at large. She uses it plus the power of words to inform and energize stakeholders of all kinds. And to show how all of this can make a difference, she calls her business WriteResults NY, LLC.

It happens all the time. You’re waist deep in an exciting but stressful project, when it hits you: this is going to take way more time. Or this is going to take way more money. (Sometimes even ‘this is going to take a lot more alcohol’—haha totally kidding!) Whatever it is, you simply cannot hit the deadline or deliver your deliverables as originally planned. It happens, and it calls for a rescope.   

Rescoping can be somewhere between annoying and stressful, but there are ways to make the process smoother and make sure all parties are satisfied — because who doesn’t love the wonderful feeling of completing a project? Like with many things, project management, scoping, and rescoping is all about keeping open communication, managing expectations, and being honest with your capacity.  

Back To Square 1

Smooth rescoping comes down to smooth scoping initially. We obviously can’t go back in time, but it never hurts to revisit how we create scopes of work (SOW) to begin with. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and go over what exactly is in a SOW:  

Objectives: What’s your goal? What are you accomplishing with this project? Why are you doing it in the first place? 

Outcomes: Objectives and outcomes are intertwined. While the objective is a bit more tangible, it ends at the deadline, whereas outcomes extend beyond that. Will this grow readership? Will it increase audience engagement?  

Stakeholders: Identify everyone who needs to be in the loop with this project.  

Deliverables: What are the tangible items you are creating? How many? What do these items need to contain? 

Timeline/Schedule: Timelines are all about defining progress. Yes they’re about start dates, deadlines, phases, and milestones, but creating deadlines is an opportunity to define what progress looks like to you and to check in with yourself about what you’re taking on.  

Tasks: Time to get specific. What are the steps you have to take within each phase? What are the objectives of each step? 

Budget/Estimates: What are the estimated costs? What is your compensation? Will you be paid by the milestone or all at the end? If you are being paid for a certain amount for a chunk of time, what is your hourly rate should you surpass that time? 

Change Opportunities: The best way to rescope a project is to have the opportunity built into the project. This doesn’t mean you’re giving your client permission to completely change the deliverables or outcomes on a whim — at all. But it’s a safety net that allows you to deal with unexpected changes. Timelines are a great place to make room for rescoping. With every milestone, give yourself a chance to make sure you’re on track with a little wiggle room to pivot if necessary. You can also incorporate a change request process: if your client finds they need to make changes, create a specific plan for how that would work, including an approval process, and a way to track the changes. 

Scopes of work are like any outlines whether it’s art or writing: the more specific the better. If you can add visual elements, you should. Remember, this is an agreement between you and your client, and you need to be on the same page at all times.  

Now, onto rescoping.   

Communicate!

Okay so you and your client have been on the same page, but you’ve run into an issue (ideally, at one of the change opportunity points you have created for occasions like this!). Identify the problem, and communicate that to all the parties involved as soon as you can. Sometimes you can fix an issue quickly, and sometimes it takes more effort but either way, letting your stakeholders know as soon as possible and maintaining open lines of communication is really important.  

Reorganize.

Outline exactly how you’d like to address the problem and any ripple effects it may create in a realistic manner. Do you need a new timeline? Do you need a bigger budget? Do you need to bring in a subcontractor? Do you need different deliverables or even different milestones or benchmarks? Creating a solution will probably require even more detail than the original scope, so give yourself space to thinking of consequences, intended and unintended. 

It’s also really important to be honest with yourself about the work and what you’re able to do. Be realistic with your plan. Timeliness will always be crucial, and certain projects will push us, but creating timelines or tasks you cannot follow through on will only make things worse and more frustrating.  

Communicate again!

That’s right. Even if time is really tight, it’s best to make sure all parties involved agree and approve the changes or the new plan. And while on certain projects the client may trust you to do what you gotta do, in general, try not to go rogue and make decisions on your own.  

I know I spent the last few hundred words talking about how important openness and communication are, but at the same time, you still want to make sure you have clear boundaries for yourself. At the end of the day, your time belongs to you, and a client calling you when you’re not on the clock is not cool!   

Do the thing.

It’s time to put the new plan into action with the updated changes. And it will go well because you’re good at your job and are also good at communicating!  

As you probably know, the only constant thing about life is change, and that goes for everything, especially work. Things don’t always go according to plan (in fact, sometimes it seems rare when they do), so when they don’t go right when you’re waist deep in a project, just remember it’s all about being prepared, keeping in touch and communicating, and being honest. 

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About the author.
Sam Mani writes about work, creativity, wellness, and equity — when she’s not cooking, binging television, or annoying her cat.  

From the nagging mother in the Doo Wop hit who hounds her son to “Get a Job” sha na na na, sha na na na na to the four lads AKA the Beatles who “should be sleeping like a log” during “A Hard Day’s Night,” many songs throughout the years have a common theme. Work! They celebrate it, berate it, ponder it, reject it but nonetheless use career issues as the centerpiece for the lyrics. Even the Seven Dwarfs factor into this discussion. As they march in unison, they hum “heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to work we go” in the 1937 animated Disney film Snow White.   

Find out about a cross-section of such songs and sample them too. Directly from the vault of Creative Circle comes this playlist all about business and employment. As you’ll note, those chosen to provide a mix of points of view and genres. Some are iconic; others are lesser known. Irksome at times, yet entertaining, they are, above all, good listening.  

Click here to view the playlist. 

“Workin’ for a Living” – Huey Lewis & The News, 1982

Rocking the Bay Area sound, frontman Huey Lewis and company croon about the rigors of certain occupations. The band does this in clever tongue-and-cheek style. “Somedays won’t end ever/And somedays pass on by/I’ll be working here forever/At least until I die.” The daily routine for this job segment is a grind, yet it provides barely enough money for rent and car payments. “I get a check on Friday, but it’s already spent.” That’s why “I’m taking what they giving ‘cause I’m working for a livin’.” Lewis wrote the song based on his experience as a truck driver before becoming a musician. He held some of the other jobs mentioned, namely busboy and bartender. These stints motivated him to create this “tribute to the working man” and woman. Catch the ‘80’s vibe and harmonica solo in this portrait of what it’s like to be “workin’ for a living.”    

“She Works Hard for the Money” – Donna Summer, 1983

Inspiration can come from any source at any time. In this case, an encounter with an exhausted restroom attendant at Chasen’s restaurant in Los Angeles served as the springboard for Donna Summer to co-write this song. It tells the story of a woman, a blue-collar worker, who “works hard for the money.” Summer credits the role model, Onetta Johnson, in the lyrics. “Onetta there in the corner stand/And she wonders where she is/And it’s strange to her/Some people seem to have everything.” This tune skyrocketed to number one on the Billboard R&B singles, where it stayed for three weeks. A signature piece for Summer, she performed it to open the Grammy Awards in 1984. Its message lives through the years: “She works hard for the money/So hard for it, honey/She works hard for the money/So you better treat her right.”  

“Work to Do” – The Isley Brothers, 1972

He’s a busy guy. The person portrayed in this song has “so many things to do/Oh, I got work to do/I got work baby/I got a job baby/I got work to do.” Perhaps his lady love feels ignored, as though his interest in her has waned. But he insists that’s not true. He would “love to spend more time.” But he can’t because “I gotta make it for you and gotta make it for me.” Don’t fret, that’s the way it has to be for now. “So keep your love light burnin’” and “get used to me/Coming home a little late.” The Isley Brothers tell it like it is with a cool blend of funk, rock and soul and heavy percussion. After all, “everybody’s got work to do/Oh, so much work baby/I got work.” It’s rhythmically pulsating and in the groove!      

“Get a Job” – Gossip, 2012

Perfect ring tone material, this catchy tune makes a decisive point. “Girl, you better get a job/Oh girl, you need to work real hard.” The number of occupational pursuits is endless but the need for one is critical. Why? Lacking gainful employment “was adorable when you were in your 20s/Not so cute anymore now that you’re pushing 30.” From the album A Joyful Noise, this song is the creation of the singer-songwriter known by the stage name Beth Ditto. She formed the indie rock band Gossip in 1999, which recorded five studio albums, this being on the first. The lyrics underscore the importance of work, which it conveys by repeating that word consecutively eight times. And it acknowledges that finding it takes grit and effort. “You gotta try, try, try/I know it’s hard but/You never know, how it’s gonna go, end up tomorrow.”   

“Hard Workin’ Man” – Brooks & Dunn, 1993 

The title track of the album by the same name, this song tells the story of a man who “Got everything I own/By the sweat of my brow/From my four-wheel drive to my cowboy boots/I owe it all to my blue-collar roots.” He “can ride, rope, hammer and paint/Do things with my hands that most men can’t.” But he “can’t get ahead no matter how hard I try.” So, he’s “burnin’ my candle at both ends” by doing many things. He also “like[s] to party hard.” But “Come Monday mornin’, I’m the first to arrive” on the job. Decidedly country with an up-tempo beat, this song hit number four on the US Country Charts and won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1994. No wonder — it’s rousing and rhythmic. Try not to tap your feet when listening — impossible! 

“Career Opportunities” – The Clash, 1977

Here’s something novel: a punk rock song that presents a life lesson. This English rock band advocates that, in considering “career opportunities,” even those who are unemployed should be careful. Don’t jump, if at all possible. Assess each option. “They offered me the office, offered me the shop/They said I’d better take anything they got.” That’s because “Every job they offer you is to keep you out the dock.” Don’t be pressured or shamed into saying “yes.” Hold out for something challenging, rewarding, and suitable. Being without a job until the right one comes along may prove better than getting stuck in a role that provides no future and no hope. This boy band conveys this message in not such eloquent language and dulcimer tones, but gets the point across in raw style. When mulling over “career opportunities,” aspire to “the ones that never knock.”  

“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton, 1985 

A work playlist must, this is a Dolly Parton standard. She wrote it, performs it and, upon its release, saw it peak on three Billboard charts and receive an Oscar nomination for best song. The lyrics scale the emotional highs and lows of working, starting with “I tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen/Pour myself a cup of ambition.” It transitions to the frustrations of “working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living/Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving.” Then it stays downbeat: “They just use your mind, and they never give you credit/It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.” And flips to the upside: “The tide’s gonna turn, and it’s all gonna roll your way/Working 5 to 9, making something of your own now.” Over the years, this rollicking tune has become an anthem for workers, especially women.  

“Take this Job and Shove It” – Johnny Paycheck, 1977   

Let’s face it — at one time or another, we all wanted to walk off a job. Something or everything gets to you. Who but a country singing star by the stage name of Johnny Paycheck could wail those thoughts into a number one hit for two consecutive weeks? When you pay close attention to the words, you may get the impression the man featured in this song is only contemplating this drastic action. Or is he actually calling it quits? “I’d give the shirt right offa’ my back/If I had the guts to say/Take this job and shove it/I ain’t working here no more.” It’s a powerful phrase, forceful, seething with resentment and memorable. It must be all that and more because it spawned a movie of the same name in 1981. Both the writer of this song and Johnny Paycheck had minor roles in that film.   

“All Work and No Play” – Van Morrison, 2002    

More than 30 years after scoring a mega hit with “Moondance,” Sir George Ivan Morrison, known to most of us as Van Morrison, laments about “All Work and No Play.” Why? Because it “makes Jack a dull chap.” Moreover, “When it comes to the crunch/It’s too much I’ve got to stop/No pain and no gain it’s driving me insane.” Sounds like a serious situation. So, what does this stressed out Jack do? He daydreams about being elsewhere, such as “down at the beach/Relaxing at the sugar shack.” What’s the moral of this story? Take a break, as in “chill out in style.” But don’t operate heavy machinery while in this mode. By all means, give this thumping bluesy work by this Northern Irish singer-songwriter and instrumentalist a try. It could be the pause that saves the poor chap in this song from “going down the drain.”     

“Money, Money, Money” – ABBA, 1976 

The Swedish pop group ABBA presents an interesting point of view. Not everyone relishes a career or sees work as a means to obtain the stuff you need to live and then some. The woman lead in this song presents an alternative to resolve this situation. “I work all night, I work all day to pay the bills I have to pay/Ain’t it sad?/And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me/That’s too bad.” Is what she proposes an idea or fantasy? “In my dreams I have a plan/If I got me a wealthy man/I wouldn’t have to work at all. I’d fool around and have a ball.” Why is that? Because she’ll have “money, money, money” and days will be “always sunny.” Aha, the concept is to marry and marry up, way up. Hmm… exactly how does that work?  

Creative Circle wishes that you enjoy the melodies and messages in this collection of music. Now, with that said and done, get to work! 

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About the author.
You name it, she covers it. That’s the can-do attitude Sherry M. Adler brings to the craft of writing. A polished marketing and communications professional, she has a passion for learning and the world at large. She uses it plus the power of words to inform and energize stakeholders of all kinds. And to show how all of this can make a difference, she calls her business WriteResults NY, LLC 

I have spent the last roughly 15 years convinced that not only can I multitask, but I’m actually quite good at it. When I was in high school, I would listen to music while doing homework, much to my parents’ chagrin, and even though I insisted that music helped me concentrate, I often found myself getting carried away with singing along to what I was listening to. While studies have shown that listening to certain kinds of music can help if you’re doing certain tasks, I can confidently say from personal experience that listening to Jimmy Eat World does not help you focus on algebra homework (although I’m sure if “lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to” was around in my day, I’m sure I would have been all over that).

But earlier this year, I sat down to watch TV and work on an assignment all while the group chat was popping off, and it occurred to me that I was getting nothing done. And that while I was trying to make the assignment a bit easier by doing other things, I was actually making things harder, juggling three screens and endless apps.

There’s an increasingly endless amount of distractions, and now that many of us have the option of working from home, it’s easier than ever to multitask. Whether it’s doing work while you have a TV show on in the back, switching between multiple gigs you’re juggling as a freelancer, or scrolling through Twitter while you’re a Zoom call, it feels like multitasking has become second nature to us in our screen-abundant world. Doing multiple things at once feels productive — in fact, it sometimes feels like if you’re not doing at least two things simultaneously, it’s something of a waste.

Here’s the thing: multitasking is not what it’s cracked up to be! The fact that we have these amazing computers that can run several programs at the same time does not mean that we can — or that we should. So here are some scientifically backed tips on why multitasking can actually be detrimental to our work-life balance.

Doing multiple things at once doesn’t make you more productive

Folks tend to think that multitasking is the foundation of productivity. You are technically doing more work, so doesn’t that mean you’re being more productive? Actually, no! According to the American Psychological Association, our human brains were not meant for intense multitasking like rubbing our belly and tapping our head or trying to do anything while talking to our mothers (the APA did not use these examples).

Multiple task-switching experiments found that switching between tasks ends up costing more time. Multitasking is part of the “executive control” processes, and according to research, can be broken down into two stages: “goal shifting” (or the decision to pursue a different task or goal) and “rule activation” (or the process of taking yourself out of the task and its procedure and adjusting to the procedure of your new test).

Multitasking can reduce your memory

Switching between multiple media can be really distracting, but a Stanford paper that looked at several studies indicated that it’s a little deeper than that. It found heavy duty multitasking “is associated with poor performance on cognitive memory tasks.” Multitasking can really impact your memory, which is probably why I can’t remember the plot of the shows I watch while I’m trying to do something else (sorry, Emily in Paris).

Chronic multitasking can impair your ability do one task

A 2009 study found that too much multitasking can actually be harmful to your ability to focus in general. The researcher, Clifford Nass, the Thomas M. Storke Professor at Stanford University told NPR:

We studied people who were chronic multitaskers, and even when we did not ask them to do anything close to the level of multitasking they were doing, their cognitive processes were impaired. So basically, they are worse at most of the kinds of thinking not only required for multitasking but what we generally think of as involving deep thought.

The idea that multitasking too much can impact your ability to really think critically for a sustained period of time is pretty scary, but it does make sense. Switching back and forth between tasks doesn’t really allow us to fully focus on anything, and focus is like exercise. You have to work on it. Nass also explained that chronic multitaskers are also attracted to irrelevant information because they’re “suckers for distraction,” which, wow drag me.

(I’d also like to take a second to point out that having to socially distance during the pandemic, and constantly being on our screens to do everything from work to socializing to buying groceries has forced us to be chronic multitaskers for over a year now. So some things are out of our hands, but it also underscores the need to get away from our screens!)

It’s not fair to you

So we’ve learned that multitasking doesn’t actually improve your productivity — and in fact can make things worse. But more than that, it’s not really fair to you, your time, or your energy. Even if multitasking worked the way we’d like it to, it’s important to let yourself be present in the things you do so you can regain your focus and actually be in the moment.

If you’re the type who feels the need to work while watching junk TV so you’re not just watching junk TV, maybe the question is less about feeling productive and more about why you feel the need to qualify your TV viewing habits. Either way, you’re watching it, so why not just enjoy it? Being fully present in the moment forces us to be accountable, but it also forces us to let an indulgence or guilty pleasure simply be that.

Still, there are some benefits to multitasking. According to Quartz, “Listening to music while you exercise makes you exercise more. Doodling during a boring lecture, or listening to instrumental music while you program computers or study helps you focus.” Even some task switching can help — putting yourself in a different headspace for a bit can help you work through the problem you return to.

How to cut down on chronic multitasking

The thing about multitasking is that it’s really hard to catch yourself doing it. Since sitting down to write this very blog, I’ve probably opened Twitter, Spotify, and lord knows what else countless times, only to remind myself that I’m in the middle of doing something. Setting small goals and doing a bit of planning can help you stay focused and on point.

Give yourself a break

When you’re tired, your brain is more likely to look for distractions, so let’s get preventative and make sure you’re in a good enough headspace to focus to begin with. Getting a good night’s sleep is a great start, and so is taking breaks.

Set a timer

Yes, like you’re in time-out. It’s called The 20 Minute Rule, and it’s pretty self-explanatory. Set a timer for 20 minutes, and completely focus on one task. No texts, no emails, no TV shows, just the task at hand. When the timer is up, take another 20 to do something else, whether it’s another task or watching an episode of the show you didn’t watch. When that 20 minutes is up, return to the original task at hand with no other distractions.

Declutter

Part of focusing is removing distractions whether it’s the pile of papers you have to get around to taking care of or the crushing weight of all those unread emails. If it’s possible, clear your work area as much as possible. To me, decluttering can also mean clearing your inbox or even turning off notifications so you can have a completely unfettered time and headspace to work in.

Plan Ahead

Multitasking typically happens when you have to get a lot done in a short amount of time, so like getting a good rest, try to prevent the need to multitask by staying ahead and managing your project effectively and according to your timeline.

Multitasking may make us feel like we’re working smarter and not harder, but according to science, the opposite may more so be the case. The world is full of distractions, making it that much harder to stay focused on one task. But not only will avoiding multitasking allow us to save time and energy, it will help to hold ourselves accountable and let us simply be present in the moment.

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About the author.
Sam Mani writes about work, creativity, wellness, and equity — when she’s not cooking, binging television, or annoying her cat.

Welcome to Holiday Season 2020, where gathering with friends and family is a moral dilemma and celebrating in the ways we actually can feels like huge effort.

It can be hard to figure out what’s appropriate to send as a gift this year, especially when shopping for a client or coworker. If you’re looking for something unique, thoughtful, local and impactful, however, we’ve got you covered—for every kind of budget.

FOR THE PLANT PARENTS

As the winter months approach, and darkness falls, so, too, does the foliage fade (unless you live down south like me). With the outside plants sleeping for the winter, you could send something to bring the greenery inside and infuse some life into indoor spaces.

Plant the Future
This Latina-owned and Miami-based business has grown as a labor of love, creating intricate terrariums and other bespoke pieces. While some offerings are too delicate to ship beyond South Florida, Plant the Future offers many shippable items to send goods across the nation.

Recommended Items:

Amethyst Crystal with Cactus

Moss Heart

MUNNY with Air Plant

Shop Plant the Future online or follow @plantthefuture on Instagram.

Succulent Kreations
This one-woman shop was born out of COVID as an attempt to spread a little happiness during dark times. Encouraged by personal stories of the cheer and hope her boxes have brought people and their loved ones, this LA-based lady is thrilled to continue to serve up succulents and other intimate gifts.

Recommended Items:

Holiday Gift Box

Corporate Thank You Self Care Kit

Shop Succulent Kreations online or follow @succulent_kreations on Instagram

FOR THE GOOD VIBE CURATORS

Maybe you’re just trying to get some good vibes over to a client with something to switch up the energy in the desolate office people may be visiting less frequently, or something to brighten up the home. Here are a few shops that can help you send some unique forms of brightness along with holiday cheer.

Casa & Estilo
This Miami-based home decor and accessories shop is a Latinx family owned and operated shop* that strives to bring in a range of items and accessories to fit any budget. With a range of art from established and local artists, curated accessories that include candles, glassware, planters, bags and more, you’ll find something for your most eclectic style mavens here.

The Casa & Estilo family is behind the creation of Design TECHO, a growing community of creative professionals working to end global poverty for the past 7 years, raising money to provide strategic solutions for local communities and building homes in Colombia, Argentina, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. 10% of all Casa & Estilo purchases go towards funding Design TECHO’s efforts. Learn more on their website.

Recommended items

Apotheke Candles

Decorative Planters

Planter + Air Plant

Shop Casa & Estilo online or follow @casaestilomiami on Instagram

Everyday Magic
For your more new-age clients, a spiritual space cleanse might be just what the holistic doctor ordered. This woman-owned, Raleigh-based shop curates crystals on crystals on crystals, guaranteed to blow your mind. You can check their Instagram for first dibs on their epic crystal sales or browse the website for some choice pieces that remain ranging from sweet baby crystals to, in HWIC Bakara’s words, “big daddies.”

Other magical objects include ritual candles, Florida water, tarot decks, and epically luxurious crystal soaps and bath bombs for the beauty minded.

Recommended Items

Amethyst Calcite Specimen

Abundance Ritual Candle

Crystal Bar Soap

Shop Everyday Magic online or follow @everyday_magic on Instagram

Eva Woolridge Photography
Acclaimed photographer Eva Woolridge offers prints of her powerful protest photography and creative portrait series. Her award-winning series, The Size of a Grapefruit, offers a visual narrative based on a traumatic medical event. Her work has been featured in V-Magazine, Teen Vogue, and most recently her protest photography has been featured in BLM. Some purchases offer a portion of proceeds to various black-led organizations

Recommended Items

BLM: We Stand Tall

Embrace Your Essence: Felicia

Size of a Grapefruit: Inspection

Shop EW Photos online or follow @ewphotos1 on Instagram

 

FOR THE FREAKY FOODIES

Food is always a great gift. Great food is an even greater gift. Here are a couple of unique gift basket options to sate your giftee’s palette.

Mouth
Mouth curates small-batch goodies made by independent artisans from around the US. It’s like a hipster foodie’s dream. With insanely artisan snacks like gin and juice lamb salami, to decadent truffled chocolates, you can select any of their premade boxes, or create your own!

Recommend Items

Wellness in a Box

Snack Sustainably

Winter Morning Kit

Shop Mouth online or follow @mouthfoods on Instagram

UnBoxMeGifts
UnBoxMeGifts is a female-founded and owned gift boutique located in Denver. They partner with dozens of incredible family- or female-owned businesses all across the country to offer curated gift packages filled with artisanal hand-crafted foods and unique gifts. Each gift box is hand-packed with love and includes a personalized greeting card with a message.

Recommended Items

Holiday Gift Box

Hot Cocoa Kit

Shop Unbox Me Gifts online

Heritage Bee Farm
This family-owned and operated bee farm in Myakka, Florida, offers an even more specialized array of goodies, all handmade with the help of bees! From honey, to beeswax candles and other delightful treats, they offer a range of gift baskets for you gifting needs.

Recommended Items

Christmas and Holiday Gift Basket

Ultimate Honey and Hive Gift Basket

Shop Heritage Bee Farm online or follow @hetitagebeefarm on Instagram

FOR THE LOVE OF SELF CARE

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of self-care. Reminding you clients and employees to take the time to take care of themselves might be very appreciated, especially during these times.

Bison Star
Help your clients stay clean with an array of natural soaps and lotions from this Taos-based family business. Their in-house made soaps and lotions have people raving, but they also curate local delicacies like hot sauce, local honey, hand crafted chocolate, and coffee. They also sell sage and cedar bundles made in the Taos Pueblo.

This Taos Pueblo affiliated family is currently rebuilding their workshop. You can follow their progress here.

Recommended Items

Ultimate Gift Set

Taos Gift Set

Corn Soap Bundle

Shop Bison Star online or follow @bisonstar on Instagram

Primal Derma
Primal Derma offers raw natural skincare using tallow sourced from farm-raised cattle. Tallow is the fat that would be thrown away but is instead used here to nourish your skin with a cream that is bio-identical to human skin, making it more easily absorbed by your cells.

Recommended Items

Primal Derma BODY

Primal Derma HAND

Shop Primal Derma online or follow @primalderma on Instagram

Rawra
What started as a hobby 15 years ago has flourished into a woman-owned and operated small business. All ingredients are hand-selected to nourish + soothe, fragrances are chosen to lift + elevate, and essential oils are infused to calm + relax. Gifts are curated to include select pieces from local artisans, with in-house poured candles in small batch processes.

Recommended Items

Honey Oatmeal Gift Set

Christmas Gift Box Set

Get Well Care Package

Shop Rawra online or follow @rarawbotanicals on Instagram

FOR THE COFFEE + TEA CONNOISSEURS

If you’re having a hard time selecting something more personal, coffee and tea can be a beloved gift for most — just make sure you know if they’re a coffee-only or tea-only person. The following shops have ethical sourcing practices and will deliver a delightful surprise to anyone on your list.

Grounds for Change
Offering fully certified fair trade and organic coffee, this family-owned and operated coffee roaster also offsets all carbon emissions with tree planting. All their practices support local communities including Peruvian farmers who received a higher price per pound to support domestic violence intervention programs and small business loans for women. They also sell fair trade chocolate bars and include both coffee and chocolate in their gift boxes.

Recommended Items

Holiday Coffee Gift Box

Equity Coffee Gift Box

Shop Grounds for Change online for follow @groundsforchangecoffee on Instagram

Bellocq
This woman-owned and led shop utilizes sustainable practices, sourcing their products from micro-lots that yield aromatic and decadent teas from around the world. They also have gorgeous aesthetics. You can rest knowing whatever teas you choose will be lovingly sourced and packaged, with a promise of luxury, decadence, and ritual.

Recommended Items

Bellocq Holiday Collection

Corporate Tea Gifts

Shop Bellocq online for follow @bellocq on Instagram

BLK & BOLD
Another way to give coffee and support a cause. Not only does BLK & BOLD source fair trade specialty micro-roasted coffee and tea, they donate 5% of their profits to non-profit organizations that support at-risk youth. This Black-owned coffee roaster sets a high standard for ethics and integrity, so you can rest assured your dollars are going somewhere good.

Recommended Items

Farm to Cup Limited Edition

Whole Bean and Ground Coffees

Shop BLK & BOLD online or follow @blkandbold on Instagram

FOR THE AUDIOPHILES + ARTSY

LSTN Sound Co.
These makers of quality, unique headphones, speakers, and earbuds offer a consistently excellent audio product while giving back. Every LSTN purchase helps give hearing aids through Starkey Hearing Foundation. LSTN purchases have helped more than 30,000 people received hearing aids around the world.

They also offer customizations for corporate gifting.

Recommended Items

Beacon 2.0 True Wireless Earbuds

Troubador 2.0 Wireless Luxury Wood Headphones

Satellite 2.0 – Wooden Bluetooth Speaker

Shop LSTN Sound Co. online for follow @lstnsound on Instagram

FOR THE COVID-COMPLIANT STATEMENT MAKERS

RESP Mask by Das Design
The RESP Mask was designed and assembled by a dude in a basement during a pandemic. It also makes you look like a dystopian hero (or villain). If you’re planning a gathering, or simply want to spread the gift of safety, these masks offer a range of designs for whatever kind of character you’re going for — including a partnership with Marvel so you can look like Iron Man or Wolverine.

Recommended Items

RESP Mask – Custom

RESP Mask – Wolverine

Shop the RESP Mask online or follow @das_design on Instagram

FOR THE GENEROUS + OPEN HEARTED

Maybe you’d simply like to give back this holiday season. Here are a few organizations that are doing great work and would love to receive your gift.

Dig Deep
This human rights non-profit serves the 2.2+ million Americans without running water (that’s right, homes in our own US of A). They invest in research advocacy and workforce development to close the Water Gap. Two of their projects target some of the communities in most need: the Navajo Nation and Central Appalachia.

But they are not a charity. They are a non-profit working to solve a problem by advancing community-led solutions, developing an evidence base, mobilizing America, and building an ecosystem of change. Learn about their delivery truck in this video.

You can send you gift to Dig Deep online or follow @digdeepwater on Instagram

TECHO
This youth-led organization is devoted to restoring dignity and hope to families living in extreme poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean. Over the past 22 years, 1 million volunteers have built over 150,000 homes in 19 countries. They invest in community leadership, social awareness and action, as well as political advocacy.

You can join a corporate partnership with TECHO, go on a building trip (once it’s safe to travel again), or become a recurring donor through the TECHO BFF program.

You can learn more about TECHO online or follow @techo_us or @techo_org on Instagram.

Need something more unique, personal, service-oriented, artistic, or magical?

You can check out my personal write-up on The Boneseed Blog featuring creators, artists, witches, and more small businesses to support!

*I’m not involved with Casa & Estilo, but some of family is. I am part of the Design TECHO team 😉

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About the author.
Alessandra is the mentor, educator, and writer behind Boneseed, a private practice devoted to deep self-inquiry through a range of physical, energetic, and mental modalities. She has over 500 hours of yoga, mentorship, and facilitation training and can be found slinging knowledge on her website, newsletter, and @bone.seed.