Lockdown Weekend Scoop: World Kindness Day Edition

Happy World Kindness Day! There’s definitely a feeling of love and positivity in the air with the promise of a vaccine, the (imminent) end of Trumpism and more good news hitting the headlines in the past week. Since we’re on lockdown, I’ve put together a special edition of the Weekend Scoop focused on ways to be kind to yourself and to others, while celebrating some of the best of London and things to do with the kids at home.

10 Ways to Spread a little Kindness this Weekend

Celebrate the 5 Days of Diwali 

There’s no ceremony in Trafalgar Square this year so Diwali in London have taken the party online. Originating in India, Diwali is the annual festival of light, a wonderful multi-faith celebration of love, joy, hope, food, diversity and unity. Head to the website to take part in various free activities and of course look out for fireworks across the city skies throughout the weekend.

Send someone a food box

Build a box of thoughtfully sourced ingredients from the African Food Box company. They provide fresh products and easy recipe cards so your loved one can whip up delicious, authentic African dishes in no time at all. African Food Box delivers across the UK and standard delivery is usually 3-5 working days. They even have a single or double-recipe box that can fit through the letterbox!

Take them to the ballet

Surprise someone who might not easily get access to the ballet. The Royal Ballet returns to the Royal Opera House stage with ‘Back on Stage’, featuring a mix of greatest ballet hits. Available online for £16 (much less than you’d pay to see it in person). A lavish gift that’s easy on the pocket. 

Or treat them to a movie night

Also this weekend, the popular indie Raindance Film Festival is doing it online and all their films are available for FREE. 

Shop from an Independent Bookstore

There’s been a lot of noise about the launch of Bookshop, an alternative to Amazon that allows you to buy adult and children’s books online with profits going to independent bookstores. This is a great way to support bookshops that don’t have an online presence. If your local shop does have an online storefront, be sure to give them your love too. Check out my list of Black owned bookshops and independent bookshops. And don’t forget you can pick up Bringing Up Race online from one of my locals, the charming Word on the Water book barge. 

Give a Homeless Person a Warm Hug

Why not donate an old winter coat to a homeless person via Wrap Up London, who offer collection points around London. You’ll have to hurry, drop off by November 14 so they can be distributed between Nov 15-25.

Buy a Christmas gift

There are just 6 weeks until Christmas day, believe it or not. The longest year of all our lives has suddenly whizzed by. Get ahead of the curve by buying your gifts early. I’ll be putting together some Gift Guides and giveaways soon. In the meantime, check out Becky’s list of Bloggers with Christmas Gifts on offer — including yours truly. 

Support a Black owned business

Black Pound Day takes place every first Saturday of the month. But you don’t need a calendar date to shop at one of the fabulous Black owned businesses near you or online. Have a browse through my Black Pound Day Directory and look out for the Black owned Gift Guide (coming soon). 

Spend time baking with the kids

Bake Christmas tree cake pops or a Giant Cookie Pizza, just some of the treats in store with the Bread Ahead Junior Baking Club. Rebecca teaches live from the bakery every Saturday morning 10am and 12pm and you can get a recording of the event so your junior bakers can practice until perfect. Classes are £10 per household/screen. 

See Some Christmas Lights

Escape cabin fever with the family and experience the joys of London’s Christmas lights, now twinkling and putting some festive cheer over everything. Head to Oxford Street for a cheering celebration of those who put their lives and hearts on the line to help us through the pandemic. And in Carnaby Street, the theme is all about kindness in partnership with the charity Choose Love. How spot on.

And of course, you can pick up a copy of Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World on Amazon UK, Waterstones, iBooks and other bookshops in all formats. I’m getting lots of great feedback for the audiobook version, if you prefer listening to a recording of my voice!