For this rendention of our xoNecole Gift Guide, this list is comprised of some of the hottest technology out right now. It doesn't matter if you're the tech lover or you're in love with one, there's a contraption to catch your attention. Please don't be intimidated by all of the options out there. We tried to narrow down the catalog with some feasible, entertaining alternatives.
From self-rolling yoga mats to digital pens, you don't want to miss out on these shockingly fabulous products.
MotoChic Rose Keychain With Charging Cords
This is for the friend who loves technology but always needs a charger. We love when an item is fashionable and functional. Whether you decide to hang it on your work tote or simply use it as a keychain, you'll be styling and profiling.
Eone Bradley Mesh Black 36mm
Eone
Time is of the essence and so is this watch. There are still some souls who prefer not to have a digital watch. The most impressive feature on this watch is the raised markers that allow you to feel the time by touch. It includes a triangular marker for twelve, elongated line segments for three, six, and nine, and shorter line segments for the other markers.
Tile Mate (2020) - 1 Pack
Amazon
We all have that one friend that loses everything. They would lose their head if it weren't attached to their body. Tiles were specifically made for them. They can use their smartphone to make the Tile ring when they misplace something within 200 feet.
NAPATEK Digital Photo Frame 1920x1080
Amazon
Make it last forever with this digital photo frame. Your favorite person or photographer will enjoy this gift with its customizable, easy plug and play features. When you give this gift, you could even load the frame with some photos of you and them for a sentimental touch.
NeoLab Smartpen M1 With Pink Hardcover Notebook
Amazon
When I found out that this pen has a built-in camera that captures your handwriting and converts it to digitized text, I was sold. It would be a match made in heaven for the artists or writers in your life because they will have a collection of their doodles, stories and so much more.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera - Ice Blue
Amazon
Nostalgia is a great holiday gift and we think gifting your tech master with an instant camera will fulfill that sentimentality. It snaps a perfect picture every time and we know that's no small feat. It also has a selfie mirror so you can get yourself together and capture the perfect selfie photo every time.
Backslash Fit Smart Yoga Mat
Amazon
The techie who also does trap yoga will live for this smart yoga mat. This mat just may be smarter than all of us. Powered by Women's Health, you can access bonus yoga routines using a smart speaker; it's self-rolling and it has a soft but silky and grippy texture.
Bandai Americia Pac-Man Connect and Play 12 Classic Games
Bandai Americia Pac-Man Connect and Play 12 Classic Games - Walmart.comGame lovers can fight til the death with this old-school joystick. Help them bring back their childhood with this gift. It can be paired with almost any TV.
Campark X20 4K Action Camera 20MP
Amazon
We live in a world where seizing the moment via forms of media is a must. That's why copping the Campark Action Camera is a great choice. With crystal clear resolution and an anti-shaking feature, you can take the perfect shot and create beautiful content.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Amazon
Cooking has been made easier over this last decade and boy are we thankful. Treat your loved one with this nano precision cooker to cook like a pro. Word on the street is that it delivers perfect results every time. It makes it easy to cook, control, and keep track of your recipe from your mobile device with a super-fast Bluetooth connection.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
xoGift Guide 2019: Gifts For The Fashion Fiend
xoGift Guide 2019: Gifts For The Self-Care Enthusiast
xoGift Guide 2019: Gifts For The Beauty Lover In Your Life
11 Places To Buy Black This Holiday Season
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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