You know how the meme goes, “getting all dressed up even though you’re just going to end up sitting in your living room.” Or something like that. Regardless, we know it’s true. On Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, you go all out with your fashion look just to walk outside of your room or go to your uncle or aunt’s house and just chill in the living room until the food’s ready.
Every holiday. You know the drill.
But this year, be sure to pack for the occasion. We know it can get a little boring (depending on how your family celebrates, of course) so we’ve rounded up the best little trinkets, board games, books and other essentials to keep you busy while you wait for dinner to be served.
1. A mobile charger
First things first, you’re going to need that juice if you want to scroll through your social feeds before the feast is served. And this concha power bank is PERFECT.
2. “Useful Phrases For Immigrants” by May-lee Chai
If you’re more of an introverted book nerd and would much rather get lost in a book than make small talk with family before dinner is served, then get lost in this.
3. A rubix cube made for latinas by latinas.
Solving a rubix cube isn’t something we’re usually into, to be honest. But this one is just too cute to pass up on, and it might be the perfect thing to hold you over until dinner is ready.
4. “American Like Me” by America Ferrera
In case you haven’t heard yet, America Ferrera recently published a collection of writings from celebs like Issa Rae and Diane Guerrero about the experience of growing up in between cultures and countries–and it’s the perfect read while you wait for dinner, tbh.
5. “Dear America” by Jose Antonio Vargas
Another good book alert! A short, powerful, and beautiful read by Jose Antonio Vargas should be in your checkout cart like right now.
6. Millennial Loteria
If you’re of the extroverted type then gather ’round your cousins and play Millennial Loteria all night long. This is the perfect twist on a classic game, and you’re bound to get some laughs out of it, too.
7. An adult coloring book
You’re never too old for coloring books. Remember that. So, before you go off to your tia’s house for Thanksgiving dinner or the Christmas tamaleada, make sure to pack Sasha O’Hara’s “Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Coloring Book.” Don’t forget the crayons or colored pencils!
8. A board game
We love the 90s, and we love board games. So this is the perfect combo of both! Test your knowledge on the 90s with your cousins, just don’t get too competitive.
9. Selena loteria
One can never have too many loteria sets. Especially if one of them is Selena-themed. Anything for Selenas!
10. “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez
More books! Get lost in this powerful novel by Cristina Henriquez about immigrants in America.
11. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
OR learn more about our favorite First Lady of the United States with Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming.”
12. Guacardo plushie
Don’t forget to bring your Guacardo Plushie to keep you company in la sala while you wait for the feast, just don’t show your younger siblings–they might want to keep this cutie.
13. A card game
“What Do You Meme?” is probably one of the funniest card games out there. I mean, everyone loves memes. Memes bring people together so you really can’t go wrong with bringing this card game around for everyone to play.
Buy here.
14. “Her Body and Other Parties” by Carmen Maria Machado
If you’re in the mood for more literature by Latina women, then Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado is the perfect book for you. A collection of stories that ranges between psychological realism and science fiction, comedy and horror, fantasy and fabulism, Machado’s writing is flawless.
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Read: My Abuela’s Distaste For Cooking Taught Me To Appreciate The History And Taste Of A Good Mole
