Here at EBONY.com, I’m consistently crossing “T”s and dotting “I”s to keep #teamEBONY on point as Digital Production Manager. But outside of the office there are some beautiful things in this world like the new nephew I welcomed into this world (hey Chance!) so, while I’m not a mother yet, I learned I need to step my kid toy game up. At the same time, I figured, why not improve on my personal style to compete with the trendsetters here in New York.

So if you’re looking at making out your holiday shopping list the way I am, take a look at my suggestions for the #teamEBONY Holiday Guide:


The Company: Alvin Ailey

The Product: My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey Children’s Book

Why Buy: Alvin Ailey’s Artistic Director chronicles his storied path to the helm of one the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. The story takes readers from Battle’s childhood wearing leg braces to his his study of martial arts, then to ballet and finally to his leadership of the storied dance company.

Order Up: ($14.66; amazon.com)

Image: Amazon.com


 The Company: 

 The Product: GoldieBlox Ruby Rails Skydive Action Figure Building Set

 Why Buy?  Ruby Rails encourages young girls to  become more tech-savy, develop their spatial skills and build self confidence. Kid character Goldie Blox’s best friend is a software engineer who can help your child learn basic physics principles. With Ruby Rails, kids can access videos at Bloxtown.com where they’ll learn even more about building.

Order Up: ($24.99; toysrus.com)

 Image: ToysRUs.com


The Company:

The Product: Kano 1000C-02 Computer Kit

Why Buy: Does your child use the Internet a lot? Should he or she start learning how the web works? Well, this build-your-own computer kit teaches kids to code and more. But surprise mom and dad! You can learn basic Internet coding as well with this set.

Order Up:  ($149.99; amazon.com)

Image: Amazon.com


The Company: 

The Product: Beats by Dre Solo HD Headphones

Why Buy: These Solo HD headphones are lighter, brighter and more flexible for even the most active of teens. They’ve got high-definition sound and feature in-line microphone and calling controls for switching easily to your cellphone. These are the latest in the Beats by Dre product line of audio gear, which include headphones, earphones and speakers.

Order Up:  ($169.99; target.com)

Image: Target.com


The Company: 

The Product: OYOBox in Aqua

Why Buy: Are you the type to own several different pairs of eyewear? Do you have trouble keeping up with them. No worries. This handcrafted organizational system was specifically engineered to effortlessly house your designer eyewear. It’s handcrafted with lacquer, has a shatterproof glass top and a leatherette interior for keeping your eye gear safe and your eyewear style cool.

Order Up: ($250; oyobox.com)

Image: Oyobox.com


 The Company: 

 The Product: Penguin Book’s “The Sartorialist: Closer by Scott Schuman” Paperback

 Why Buy? Let’s take a new look at what’s trendy around the world! Scott Schuman’s blog, TheSartorialist.com, keeps us in the know as far as what’s fashionable and his first boot by the same name was a style literature classic. This new work gives us street style as it’s finest. This stocking stuffer provides endless inspiration.

Order Up: ($30; NET-A-PORTER.COM)

 Image: NET-A-PORTER.com


The Company:  

The Product: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Nook

Why Buy: The new and improved Nook packs an entertainment punch in a sleek 8-inch package. Its 8-inch Super AMOLED display more vivid and richer colors than before and it comes with 32GB of storage, which is expandable to 128GB with the MicroSD card.

Order Up:  ($399.99; barnesandnoble.com)

Image: Amazon.com