Hi friends! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links!

Is anyone else ~*sLiGhTLy nErVoUs*~ about their Thanksgiving dinner? My family is a hodgepodge of staunch conservatives and diehard liberals – a recipe for very interesting conversations around the table. I usually try to take on the role of peacemaker; I really try to see all sides to an issue, so I don’t begrudge anyone their opinion (with some limits – some things are just plain wrong). My game plan is to nip any and all political conversation in the bud – it just can’t lead to anything good. And OF COURSE there’s always room for advocacy in life, but sometimes you have to pick the time and place. So that’s my two cents on the matter.

Then, of course, we have the great American celebration of Black Friday coming up. No matter where you stand on Black Friday, there ARE opportunities to do good on that day, especially if you support small business or charity. And while I’ll be posting the Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide soon, I wanted to share some of my personalized picks for gift-giving to have in your back pocket:

Cookbooks

1 // The First Mess Cookbook

This cookbook won’t come out until after Christmas, but you should buy it because Laura is an amazing person and her work is sublime.

2 // Naturally Nourished

Sarah Britton’s much-anticipated second cookbook is sure to be amazing. It hasn’t come out yet, but it’s definitely worth the pre-order.

3 // The Help Yourself Cookbook For Kids

The perfect gift for your little ones who love animals. This book gently explains why eating animals is wrong, and provides fun and colorful recipes that the whole family can partake in. I personally have this cookbook in my kitchen and I highly recommend it.

4 // Blissful Basil

This book hasn’t come out yet either (I know, I know) but it promises to be great. I’ve seen a little sneak peek and I can tell you that the recipes are health-oriented and charming. Also, Ashley is awesome.

5 // Whole Bowls

Another book by a food blogger that inspires me. And this one is actually out!! In my opinion, this cookbook has not gotten the recognition it deserves. I really recommend checking it out!

Charities

1 // Pack Leaders Rescue

This is the organization where I rescued my pup, Ivy. Although they are Connecticut-based, they are a very worthy organization that helps hundreds of animals. Consider adopting or donating!

2 // American Humane Association

One of the top-rated animal rights charities on Charity Watch. 76% of the money that comes in is actually allocated to helping animals (with 24% going to overhead). Right now, they have a Holiday Matching Gift Challenge going on, where every dollar you donate will be matched one for one. This is the time to give!!

3 // The Trevor Project

This amazing organization provides a 24-hour suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. While America is slowly becoming more tolerant, there are still so many ways we could improve as a country. Please share this organization on Facebook, Twitter, wherever, to spread awareness for this cause – you may save a life.

4 // Rainforest Alliance

The rainforest is such a valuable resource for our planet, holding a vast wealth of biodiversity in flora and fauna. But over 2,000 trees per minute are cut down in the Amazonian Rainforest – a horrifying rate of destruction. The Rainforest Alliance is a top-rated charity on Charity Watch and is worthy of your donation.

I hope you and your families and friends have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Love and light,

Sarah

P.S. I know it might seem counterintuitive to post a Christmas Cookie recipe the day before Thanksgiving, but in case any of you are super excited for cookie swaps (like I am!!), these cookies are ready for you!!

This recipe is under construction. In the meantime, try out these vanilla almond cookies with dozens of five-star reviews!