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45 gifts from Target for everyone on your list — plus free 2-day shipping on nearly everything

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Keurig K Mini Coffee Maker, $79.99

Going to a different store for every item on your holiday shopping list can be a huge headache, so it's important to start with stores that have a wide selection of gifts.

Target is a one-stop-shop year-round, so it's a super convenient destination during this time of year. On top of that, the retailer is offering free two-day shipping on almost everything. 

To help you shop, we rounded up 45 awesome gifts to buy at Target. With everything from bikes and toys to tech to smart home gadgets, and even kitchen appliances and beauty products, you'll be sure to find something for everyone on your list, regardless of your budget.

Shop at Target now, or keep reading for our top picks.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides, in one place

DON'T MISS: 25 creative and unexpected gifts for 'Star Wars' fans of all ages

An instant film camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, $59.99 (originally $69.99) [You save $10]

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a modern take on an old-school way to capture life's moments instantly. Instead of using Instagram, this pocket-sized film camera will print your photos on demand as a fun alternative.

 



An electronic ice cream maker

Cuisinart Electronic Ice Cream Maker, $119.99

Since ice cream makers aren't a kitchen essential, there's a good chance the foodie or chef on your shopping list doesn't own one yet. The Cuisinart Electronic Ice Cream Maker can be used to make up to two quarts of frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato, and sorbet in minutes.



A Super NES Classic Edition for throwback Nintendo gaming

Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition, $79.99

Loaded with 21 classic Super NES games, this console will bring a nostalgic feeling to Nintendo gamer from the '80s and '90s.



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7 heartbreaking images show why US lawmakers want to stop supporting the brutal Saudi-led war in Yemen that's seen indiscriminate attacks and left millions at the brink of famine

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A nurse comforts a girl infected with diphtheria at the al-Sabeen hospital in Sanaa, Yemen October 21, 2018.

The Senate on Wednesday advanced a resolution to end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

The resolution, which calls on the president to remove most US troops in Yemen, passed 63 to 37. The resolution failed to pass earlier this year.

Democrats unanimously voted in favor of the resolution, and even prominent Republicans, including Sens. Bob Corker, Lindsey Graham and Rand Paul, also voted in favor of the measure.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia formed a coalition to defeat the Iranian-backed Houthis fighting the Yemeni government.

The US has supported the coalition with limited intelligence sharing, training with the professed aim of making aistrikes more precise, limiting civilian casualties and mid-air refuels for coalition jets.

Amid the political backlash against the kindgom over the killing of a journalist by Saudi operatives, the Pentagon announced in November that it would stop refueling coalition jets. 

The coalition has conducted airstrikes that have indiscriminately killed and wounded thousands of civilians, and implemented a host of economic measures, such as periodic blockades and import restrictions, that have caused severe food insecurity and disease.  

In fact, the war in Yemen has been described as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. But it took the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi for US action against the Saudi-led coalition to grow stronger. 

Here are 7 facts to know about the Saudi-led coalition's brutal war in Yemen. 

SEE ALSO: Senate votes in favor of a key resolution to end US support of Saudi Arabia in Yemen

Approximately 84,701 children have died from severe acute malnutrition between April 2015 and October 2018. Children in such a state are in terrible pain, but often don't have the energy to cry.

Source: Save the Children, CNN



17.8 million people are food insecure, and approximately 8.4 million civilians are on the brink of famine.

Source: World Food Programme, The New York Times



There have been 1,115,378 suspected cases of cholera between April 2017 and July 2018, with 10,000 new cases reported every week since June.

Source: World Health Organization, Reuters



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9 subtle signs of emotional abuse you could be missing

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woman tired stress sleep head desk worker stressed upset angry exhausted

  • Emotional abuse can be harder to recognize than physical abuse because abusers look innocent at first.
  • A person that is incredibly negative about everything that doesn't please them could be manipulating you into the behavior that they want.
  • Early signs like possessiveness and jealousy can seem romantic at first.

Due to its nature, emotional abuse is not as easy to spot in relationships as physical abuse.

"Although we typically envision relationship abuse as physical violence, emotional abuse can be just as harmful. The scars aren't visible but can often take longer to heal from," Amy Pohl, associate director of Violence Free Colorado, told INSIDER. Bullying and manipulation tactics by a partner, friend, or relative can create negativity in your life.

INSIDER spoke with abuse experts and survivors on signs of emotional abuse you may not realize could soon take over your life.

Read more to find out the subtle signs of emotional abuse you can decode before the big red flags appear.

Neediness can seem flattering at the beginning of a relationship.

"People love attention so if someone is giving you a lot of attention, that feels good at first, even if it's through negative behaviors," Jessica Vanacoro, LMSW and associate executive director at Camp Herrlich, told INSIDER.

Before someone demands you spend all your time with them, that person may first try to win you over with extravagant gestures. These could be in the form of trips with them that take you away from other people, clothes, books, and movies they think you should enjoy, and even classic romantic comedy tropes like bouquets of flowers to show that they're romantic.



They want to spend an intense amount of time with you.

They may tell you they need to see you all the time because of how much they like you or just show up all the time. Dr. Caroline Madden, MFT, relationship therapist in Burbank, California, explained that if someone wants to see you to the point of canceling other plans for you in the beginning of a relationship, "they are setting up the relationship (you) to be their primary source of happiness. And if they aren't happy for some reason they will turn it on you and say that you are responsible."

When they pivot to more negative behaviors, it's easy to want to please someone who has given you so much attention, so if they jump into a very involved relationship from the get-go, they may be looking to trap you.



They make you question your own feelings and experiences.

Gaslighting, according to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline, is an "extremely effective form of emotional abuse that causes a victim to question their own feelings, instincts, and sanity, which gives the abusive partner a lot of power." The prevalence of this tactic happens gradually, so it may start with something as simple as denying a statement you made about the weather before they start denying a statement you made about how you feel.

"One of the first signs you are dealing with an emotional abuser is that you start to think you are going crazy," says Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, BCD. "You start second-guessing your decisions and accept the blame for things that are not yours." If you start to feel unhinged or confused, try and pinpoint if you only feel that way around one person.



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15 of the most festive Christmas markets around the US

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bryant park christmas market

  • One of the best holiday traditions in the world is the Christmas market, made famous by the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.
  • But there are plenty of amazing holiday markets throughout the US, too.
  • The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco, California, is inspired by "A Christmas Carol."
  • Enchant Christmas in Arlington, Texas, has the world's largest Christmas light maze.

Nothing screams the holidays like grabbing some mulled wine and hand made gifts at a holiday market. And while Germany may be famous for its Christmas markets, there are plenty in the US that give them a run for their money.

We've rounded up 15 of the most merry and bright markets across the US.

The Christkindlmarket — Chicago, Illinois

The Christkindlmarket in Chicago is a traditional German Christmas market in Daley Plaza. The market has called Chicago home since 1996, and continues to be the city's largest open-air Christmas festival.

The market opened on November 16, and will stay open through Christmas Eve, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on week days, and till 9 p.m. on weekends.



The Christmas City Christkindlmarkt — Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem calls itself the Christmas City, and this market is one of the reasons why. It includes stalls from more than 150 artisans and ice carving and glassblowing demonstrations. Unlike some of the other markets, this one does require tickets. An adult ticket will set you back $10.

The Christkindlmarket is open every weekend through December 23, and starting November 29 Thursdays will be added as well. The hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.



The Great Dickens Christmas Fair — San Francisco, California

If you're a "A Christmas Carol" fan, then the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls is the place for you. The market includes "a world of music halls, theaters, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with handmade holiday treasures," plus 800 Dickensian characters wandering the streets, making this a truly immersive Victorian experience —at $30 a pop.

The fair is open every weekend through December 23, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.



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Elon Musk says Tesla will bring more video games and other Easter eggs to its cars — but one obvious choice won't be included (TSLA)

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Elon Musk

  • Tesla vehicles will receive new video games and other Easter eggs before the end of this year, CEO Elon Musk said on Thursday via Twitter.
  • "Super fun software Easter eggs coming to all Tesla S/3/X cars before the holidays! Romance mode, toilet humor & more video games," he said.
  • Tesla declined a request for comment on what "romance mode" and "toilet humor" referred to or what additional games it will include in its vehicles.

 

Tesla vehicles will receive new video games and other Easter eggs before the end of this year, CEO Elon Musk said on Thursday via Twitter.

"Super fun software Easter eggs coming to all Tesla S/3/X cars before the holidays! Romance mode, toilet humor & more video games," he said.

Tesla declined a request for comment on what "romance mode" and "toilet humor" referred to or what additional games it will include in its vehicles.

Read more: Tesla's cars are full of hidden Easter eggs — here the coolest ones

When a Twitter user asked Musk if a version of the Nintendo racing game "Mario Kart" would be included in Tesla vehicles, Musk said Nintendo didn't give Tesla permission to license the game.

"We tried. Nintendo won’t license it to us," Musk said of Tesla's effort to include the game in its vehicles.

In October, Tesla said it included classic Atari video games as hidden Easter eggs in its latest software update, but didn't specify which games were available. Musk said in August that he had hoped to include "Pole Position,""Tempest," and "Missile Command" in the software update.

Four games were available as of early October, according to a video from the YouTube channel, "What's Inside? Family," three of which Musk had not mentioned in his August tweet.

These are the games that were available in Tesla vehicles as of October, as well as the ones Musk has said he wants to include.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk said 'nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week' — and he couldn't be more wrong

Asteroids

Is it available in Tesla vehicles?: Yes



Lunar Lander

Is it available in Tesla vehicles?: Yes



Missile Command

Is it available in Tesla vehicles?: Yes



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Michael Cohen's latest plea deal reveals more about the most pivotal time of the election

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michael cohen

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, on Thursday pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his involvement in a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the election. 

The guilty plea came after Cohen struck a deal to cooperate with the special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.

Read more: Michael Cohen's latest plea deal shows Mueller's 'starting to finally get to the truth' behind Trump and Russia

The president's former fixer offered stunning revelations regarding Trump's alleged business dealings with Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign, according to the charging document. 

One of the most significant details in Thursday's court filing on Cohen's new plea deal relates to a time period that's come up over and over in the course of Mueller's probe: the summer of 2016. 

Read more: Michael Cohen reaches a new plea deal with Mueller, and his dozens of hours of testimony could severely damage Trump

Cohen's plea deal with Mueller sheds new light on the weeks leading up to the Republican National Convention in July 2016.



The month of June stands out in particular, as it continually resurfaces as one of the most consequential time periods in the Mueller investigation.



Cohen on Thursday said he was involved in discussions on the Trump Tower Moscow deal until June 2016, well into the campaign season and after it was clear Trump had clinched the nomination. He'd previously told Congress the discussions ceased in January, shortly before the Iowa presidential caucuses.



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22 of the longest-running comedies on TV

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charlie and mac it's always sunny st patrick's day

Not all shows are built to last, but these comedy series have lasted for many years— and some are still on the air today.

Here are just 22 of the longest-running comedies on television.

"Coach" ran for nine seasons with Craig T. Nelson at its helm.

The ABC comedy "Coach"ran for nine seasons from 1989 to 1997. It followed Craig T. Nelson ("Parenthood", "The Incredibles") as Hayden Fox, the head coach of the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles football team. Shelley Fabares played his wife, a television anchor, and Jerry Van Dyke and Bill Fagerbakke played assistant coaches.

In 1992, Nelson won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role.

"[It's] not exactly the freshest premise for a comedy," wrote critic David Friedman for Newsday in 1989. "But what 'Coach' lacks in flash or originality, it makes up in steady execution. A winning cast and decent writing will do that."



"All in the Family" was a nine-season show that centered on clashing cultures.

The sitcom "All in the Family"ran for nine seasons from 1971 to 1979. It followed the lives of the Bunker family as two generations — the G.I. Generation and Baby Boomers — clashed on contemporary controversies and political issues.

Though the show ran for a long time, it's been widely criticized for its handling of controversial issues. 

Hollywood Reporter writer Sue Cameron described her first impression of the show when it premiered in 1971: "The main problem with this show is that in order to achieve laughs in a family satire, there must first be an underlying feeling of love among all parties. Without that foundation, all that comes out is just plain hate."



"Murphy Brown" was recently revived for a new season.

"Murphy Brown" initially ran for 10 seasons on CBS from 1988 to 1998. The show starred Candice Bergen, Faith Ford, and Lily Tomlin ("Grace and Frankie"). The series followed Bergen as a journalist and news anchor for the fictional news network, FYI.

In the current trend of rebooting old shows like "Will and Grace" and "The X-Files,""Murphy Brown" was recently revived for season 11, with Bergen now working as an anchor for a morning show called "Murphy in the Morning."



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The wildest outfits in the history of Miss Universe's National Costume Show

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miss germany

  • In honor of Miss Universe 2018 (December 17), we're taking a look back at all the best costumes from the National Costume Show.
  • The National Costume Show is a separate part of the pageant, and doesn't count towards contestants' overall scores. It's a chance for them to honor and celebrate their countries.
  • In the last decade, the costumes have become more elaborate, ornate, and, in some cases, a bit confusing.


Miss Universe 2018 is quickly approaching, and some contestants have already revealed what they'll be wearing to represent their countries.

In honor of (perhaps) the best part of the entire pageant, we've rounded up the most elaborate national costumes for your viewing pleasure. Whether you loved Miss Canada's hockey ensemble with a working scoreboard or Miss Japan's samurai costume with an actual sword, there was probably something for you.

Keep scrolling for some of the best national costumes in Miss Universe history.

Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady's Transformers-inspired costume made a statement.

The costume is a patriotic Optimus Prime.



Miss Brazil 2013 Jakelyne Oliveira wore a cape that depicted indigenous peoples of Brazil.

There are indigenous tribes living in the wilds of Brazil's Amazon even today.



Miss Thailand 2015 Aniporn Chalermburanawong rocked a dress inspired by a tuk tuk.

A tuk tuk is the most famous symbol of transportation in Thailand. It's a three-wheeled motorized scooter/taxi hybrid with no windows or doors.



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Inside Eurostar's business lounge at London's St Pancras train station, which has a free cocktail bar with its own brand of gin

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champagne

  • The Eurostar is the high-speed train that links London to European cities like Paris and Amsterdam.
  • On a recent weekend trip to Paris, I checked out Eurostar's newly revamped lounge for Business Premier passengers at London's St. Pancras International.
  • It was pretty luxurious — and even has a free cocktail bar with its own brand of gin.

The Eurostar, the high-speed train that links London to European cities like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Marseille, is arguably one of the best ways to travel — especially in business class.

Called "Business Premier," passengers travelling in this cabin are treated to express check-in and complimentary drinks and fine dining on board, as well as access to a lounge which was recently given a shiny new cocktail bar.

Read more: I drank at the best bar in the world, and I was surprised by one thing

On a recent weekend trip to Paris, I checked out the new business lounge at London's St. Pancras International.

Here's what it's like inside.

SEE ALSO: I've lived in London for 5 years — here are the 50 places where you should actually eat

The Eurostar, the high-speed train that links London to European cities like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Marseille, is arguably one of the best ways to travel — especially in business class, where the experience starts before you even get on board.



After getting through security and passport control, Business Premier passengers can turn right for the brick-exterior entrance to the two-floor business lounge.



The first floor is sleek and stylish, with glass, exposed brick, and blues and greys.



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MORGAN STANLEY: Buy these 25 growth stocks to profit from huge gains, even if the global economy tanks

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traders

  • Morgan Stanley's equity analysts expect 2019 to be a year of consolidation for the stock market. 
  • They compiled a list of 25 stocks that should be able to grow their earnings independently of broader market weakness or an economic slowdown.

The stock market has reached a critical juncture that changes the game for investors, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley.

They expect the growth companies that have led gains for most of this bull market run to give way to value stocks. Also, they expect valuation metrics like price-to-earnings ratios to matter more than earnings growth in stock selection.

But don't take this viewpoint as the death knell for companies with outsized growth. Morgan Stanley expects select stocks to continue growing their earnings — and, subsequently, their stock prices — even as the market consolidates. Additionally, these companies offer competitive advantages like market share gains and pricing power that should help them continue growing even if there is a slowdown in the global economy.

In a client note, they listed 25 of these North American companies that have been classified as growth companies for 48 straight months, and have generated positive revenue growth in each of the last 12 quarters. 

What's more, only stocks they rated overweight or equal-weight made the cut.

That's where Morgan Stanley's work ends, however. The analysts cautioned that investors still need to study the specific risks and opportunitities attached to each company so they know the range of outcomes to expect. But they have high conviction that these 25 names will stand tall in the face of market adversity.

Here are the stocks:  

SEE ALSO: MORGAN STANLEY: The best group of stocks to own has shifted for the first time in years — here's why it will be more permanent than most investors expect

1. Adobe

Ticker:ADBE

12-month performance: 41%

Comment:"Adobe is participating in a ~$108B total addressable market (TAM) with strong secular tailwinds around digital content creation, digital marketing,and eCommerce," Keith Weiss said. 

"As Adobe integrates recent acquisitions of Marketo and Magento into an already rich product portfolio, we see the possibility for the company to widen its competitive moat. Together, we see these secular forces supporting both revenue and above-market EPS growth."

Source: Morgan Stanley



2. Alphabet

Ticker:GOOGL

12-month performance: 5.5%

Comment:"As the dominant player in paid search, Google continues to benefit from secular growth as advertising dollars shift into digital," Brian Nowak said. 

"Google also owns YouTube, the leader in online video advertising, an industry we believe will grow by nearly 25% from 2017 to 2020 to ~$22bn in the US alone."

Source: Morgan Stanley



3. Amazon

Ticker:AMZN

12-month performance: 44%

Comment:"As the dominant player in US eCommerce, Amazon continues to experience secular growth as retail dollars shift online," Nowak said.

"As Amazon scales its logistics network and expands its Prime membership program globally, we see a significant opportunity to capture a larger piece of the ~$1tn worldwide eCommerce market (ex China)."

Source: Morgan Stanley



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The glamorous partners of the world's best tennis players, including a tech millionaire, an MLS heavyweight, and a friend of Prince William

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Serena Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian arriving at the royal wedding

  • Tennis is one of the most stylist sports you can watch.
  • It's only natural that its athletes end up in relationships with some of the most glamorous people on the planet.
  • We've profiled the boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, and wives of the tennis stars.
  • The list includes a friend of Prince William's, a tech millionaire, and an American soccer heavyweight.

Tennis is one of the most stylish sports in the world.

The men and women on the ATP and WTA Tour get to serve in some of the most famous cities in the world, competing for prizes that run into the millions.

But they are not the only ones bringing the glamour. No — their partners can often be just as interesting.

INSIDER has profiled the boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, and wives of some of the most popular athletes in men's and women's tennis — and some pretty impressive people make the list.

The list is ranked in ascending order by the number of Grand Slam tournaments each tennis star has won.

Keep scrolling to meet 11 of the most glamorous partners of the best tennis players in the world.

11. Nick Kyrgios and tennis player Ajla Tomljanović.

Ajla Tomljanović is a tennis player in her own right, though lesser-known than her boyfriend Nick Kyrgios, who is one of the most polarising personalities in the sport despite never having won a Slam.

Tomljanović, 25, turned professional in 2008, broke into the top 50 ranked women in 2014, and reached her first WTA final in 2015. She is yet to win a WTA tournament, but has reached a final on three separate occasions — two of which arrived in 2018.

Tomljanović may be one to watch to watch next year, and could be seen practicing with Kyrgios should they be competing in the same event on the same day.



10. Karolína Plíšková and sports commentator Michal Hrdlička.

Michal Hrdlička, husband of 2016 US Open finalist Karolína Plíšková (who has also never won a Grand Slam), is a media personality and comments on sports events for Czech Republic television shows.

He has a particular interest in winter sports, soccer, and tennis, and began dating Plíšková in 2016. They got married in Monaco in 2018.



9. Sloane Stephens and Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore.

Jozy Altidore is one of the most famous names in American soccer.

He burst onto the scene as a promising 16-year-old at New York Red Bulls in 2006, before moving to Europe to play for the La Liga team Villarreal in 2008. He represented the Dutch team AZ and the Premier League side Sunderland, before moving back to the MLS in 2015 to play for Toronto FC.

He is a two-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year, has played for the United States men's national team 110 times, and has scored 41 international goals.

Altidore can often be seen supporting girlfriend one-time Grand Slam winner Sloane Stephens, the 25-year-old 2017 US Open Champion, at tennis events and has been spotted in the crowd at the 2017 Rogers Cup (see above) and the 2018 French Open.



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What it's really like to attend an Ivy League school

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Yale Law School Facebook

  • Life at an Ivy League school isn't as glamourous as Hollywood would have you think. 
  • While it's true Mark Zuckerberg graduated from Harvard, the dorm room from which he started Facebook was no more luxurious than a dorm room at any other top school. 
  • When it comes down to it, eating, sleeping, studying, and working out at an Ivy looks a lot like it would at any other university. 

It's no wonder people put Ivy League schools on such a pedestal. Between all the movies and television shows featuring Harvard and Yale — remember Rory Gilmore's inner struggle when it came to choosing between the two? — and the clout of having a degree from one of the elite eight northeastern universities, who wouldn't think everything about the schools is a dream?

While the academics at these schools is unquestionably prestigious — and they have educated some of the country's most well-known minds — it doesn't mean life on the campuses is as well. 

Dorm rooms are small and dining hall food is exactly that. The campuses are beautiful, but there are a vast amount of non-Ivy campuses that are as well. While the Ivy League was originally formed to create a sport conference, and its teams often make it into tournaments, there are plenty of teams at schools all across the country that are constantly beating them out for titles. 

Take a look at these photos proving life at an Ivy is no different from life at any other top university in the country. 

SEE ALSO: What it's really like to be a student at Harvard

DON'T MISS: The oldest college in every US state

Growing up, it's easy to think of Ivy League colleges as the pinnacle of higher education in every way.



Whether you watched "Gilmore Girls" ...



... "Legally Blonde" ...



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'Pick-and-shovel' stocks are the best way to get into the marijuana industry, money manager says

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marijuana


High-flying and volatile cannabis stocks have caught the attention of both Main Street and Wall Street this year, especially with Canada and Michigan recently legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.

While traders are embracing the opportunities of the "green rush," they should be aware of the high volatility of pot stocks, said Ken Mahoney, the CEO of the New-York based Mahoney Asset Management.

"When there is a lot of excitement about it, I get worried because the valuations are stretched," Mahoney said. "People don't do enough homework before they invest."

Mahoney, who offers clients retirement solutions, says his experience shows smaller investors always end up in the wrong direction when a new concept comes to the market because there's always a high level of uncertainty.

"It’s hard to find the ultimate winner," he said. "It's hard to be the stock picker."

So, instead of buying individual cannabis stocks such as Tilray, Aphria, Cronos Group, Aurora Cannabis, or Canopy Growth, Mahoney recommends using a "pick-and-shovel" strategy, which involves investing in the underlying technology needed to produce cannabis rather than in the final product.

Most weed stocks are new to the market and don't have a record of revenue or profits to support what Mahoney calls their "outrageous valuations." But pick-and-shovel companies, which provide services such as fertilizing, real estate, and packaging for marijuana producers, already have a well-established business and can capitalize on the opportunities that cannabis brings.

Below Mahoney gives four stock picks and explains why he likes them:

Innovative Industrial Properties

Ticker: IIPR

Industry: Real estate

The first marijuana-related real estate firm to be publicly traded, Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) provides real-estate solutions and capital for the medical-use cannabis industry. With big bank and direct equity investments hard to come by due to strong federal laws and regulations, IIPRs sale and leaseback option is becoming increasing popular in the industry. It currently runs over 10 properties and has more than half a dozen growers in operation.

 

Source: Mahoney Asset Management

 



Scotts Miracle-Gro

Ticker: SMG

Industry:Growing & Fertilizing

A manufacturing firm with a 150-year history. Scotts Miracle-Gro offers fertilizers, plant foods, seeds, soils and pest controls. SMG purchased of one of the top hydroponic companies in the United States, Sunlight Supply, for $450 million began to develop its presence in the marijuana market.

Coupled with the recent law changes in Canada and some US states legalizing marijuana, its hydroponics business, which is the process of growing any plant, including marijuana, has been improving.

SMG has more than 1,000 retail locations spread across major legal marijuana states in the US, so any soil, fertilizer, pest control, or even simple gardening products bought will most likely fall under the SMG brand.

 

Source: Mahoney Asset Management



GW Pharmaceuticals

Ticker: GWPH

Industry:Testing & medical treatment

A British bio-pharmaceutical company recognized for its use of cannabinoid-based drugs for medical treatments. In 2010, one of its products was approved and used in the UK to help treat multiple sclerosis. But more recently (June 2018), here in the United States, it was the first drug-maker to be approved for a cannabis derived drug by the US Food and Drug Administration.

 

Source: Mahoney Asset Management



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7 latke hacks that will take them to the next level this Hanukkah

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latkes_fry

  • Latkes, or potato pancakes, are one of the two most popular foods that Jewish people eat while celebrating Hanukkah.
  • Since they're so beloved, people tend to overlook how time consuming it can be to cook them, or how unhealthy they are.
  • These latke hacks will save you time and shave off a few calories from this classic holiday treat.


Hanukkah 2018 starts on December 2 after sundown and will conclude on the evening of December 10. Hanukkah, sometimes called the Festival of Lights, has many time-honored traditions such as lighting the menorah, spinning a dreidel, and feasting on latkes.

Latkes, or simply potato pancakes, are a delicious, crispy treat served with sour cream and applesauce. But there are ways to cut time on making this straightforward snack that improve both tastiness and health.

We've rounded up the seven best latke hacks on the internet. Keep scrolling to up your latke game this Hanukkah.

Use pre-shredded potatoes or frozen hash browns instead of grating your potatoes by hand.

Any seasoned latke maker knows that grating the potatoes is the most time-consuming — even dangerous — part of making potato latkes.

A hack that has been taking the internet by storm bypasses this altogether by relying on the frozen food section. Most supermarkets sell pre-shredded potatoes (aka hash browns) in the freezer aisle. Using them instead avoids the mess and potential finger slicing of grating.



Or you can avoid grating by using the wet chop method with a food processor.

Wet chopping originated with Vitamix blenders, but any high-powered blender or food processor should do the trick.

To wet chop your potatoes, cut them into chunks, put them inside the blender, add water to the top, turn the speed on low, and voila! Your potato will be cut into the perfect latke-sized chunks. Don't forget to strain the water, though. Soggy latkes are not great ...



Potatoes are notoriously high in carbs. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try other vegetables like zucchini.

Potatoes are very starchy vegetables, so some people try to avoid them at all costs. But fear not! Latkes don't have to be cut out completely.

There are plenty of healthy, low-carb alternatives to potatoes out there, like zucchinis, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts.



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The best weighted blankets you can buy

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

The Best Weighted Blanket

  • Weighted blankets provide an evenly distributed amount of pressure and steady sensory input that help ease anxiety and stress, allowing you to sleep better.
  • Our top pick is the Gravity Blanket because it is a premium-grade, therapeutic weighted blanket that helps improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

If you’ve spent countless sleepless nights tossing and turning, it might be time to try a weighted blanket. These cozy therapeutic blankets may look and feel like a normal comforter, but instead of being filled with lightweight down feathers or cotton, they are stuffed with anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds of glass beads or plastic pellets.

The constant pressure provided by the weights helps produce a hug-like sensation that stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, the naturally occurring chemicals our bodies use to feel calm, relaxed, and happy. Your body then converts these chemicals into melatonin, which makes you sleepy.

Studies have shown the soothing effect caused by weighted blankets can help both children and adults that suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, autism, and ADHD. But they are just as useful for anyone who just wants to fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night.

The benefits of a weighted blanket are not limited to sleeping at nighttime either. You can snuggle up in the blanket any time you are feeling anxious or stressed throughout the day or when you just need to feel the comfort of a hug.

Here at Insider Picks, we take our sleep seriously. That’s why we've done the research and trawled through hundreds of buyer and expert reviews to find with the best weighted blankets you can buy. Whether you are in the market for a hypoallergenic option or one that keeps you cool throughout the night, these weighted blankets will help you sleep soundly.

Here are the best weighted blankets you can buy:

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best weighted blanket overall

Why you’ll love it: The Gravity Blanket uses deep touch pressure stimulation to help you relax and sleep better.

What started out as a Kickstarter campaign has quickly become one of the most popular weighted blankets available. The Gravity Blanket is a high-quality therapeutic blanket that comes in three different weights, ranging from 15-25 pounds. It measures at  72 by 48 inches making it the perfect size to ground one person at a time.

The blanket features gridded stitching that ensures the blanket's internal weighted beads are distributed evenly throughout each use. Each blanket also comes with a super-soft, removable micro-fiber duvet cover that comes in three colors: galaxy blue, moon ivory, and space gray. Both the blanket and duvet cover are machine washable and super cozy.

Business Insider tech reporter Avery Hartmans is a huge fan of the weighted blanket saying it helped her have “some of the best naps of my life.” She said that it helped her fall asleep instantly every time she used it before adding, “the Gravity Blanket helps me feel calm, relaxed — and very, very sleepy.”

Shoppers on Amazon agree, giving it a 3.8-star rating. One reviewer named Lola said, “This is one of the best purchases I have ever made. I place it on top of my comforter when I go to bed. I fall asleep in a quarter or half of the time that it used to take me.”

Pros: Helps you fall asleep fast, super soft, removable duvet, machine-washable, three different weights to choose from

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Gravity Blanket on Amazon for $249



The best cooling weighted blanket

Why you’ll love it: The YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket is a high-quality weighted blanket that will keep you cool throughout the night.

Many weighted blankets are made with fuzzy fleece or microfiber fabrics that are very cozy but can cause you to overheat throughout the night. The YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket is made from a breathable, moisture-wicking 300-thread-count bamboo viscose fabric that will keep you cool all night long, making it the perfect option for people who get hot while they sleep.

The inside of the soft blanket is filled with thinner polyfill and premium glass beads. There are three different weights to choose from: 15, 20, and 25 pounds. The 15-pound option is sold in a 48-by-72-inch size, while the 20 and 25 pound options both measure at 60 by 80 inches. The blanket is machine washable and comes with a three-year warranty for free mending if unexpected damage occurs to your blanket.

While the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket comes in a more breathable fabric, the rest of the blanket works the same way as the brand’s original option that was tested by Insider Picks reporter, Mara Leighton. Mara had this to say about the blanket, “It has markedly improved the quality of my sleep, and it's something that has made me genuinely excited to climb into bed after a long day.”

Shoppers on Amazon seem to agree with Mara’s assessment, as the blanket has a 4.3-star average rating with more than 1,700 reviews. One reviewer wrote, “I love this blanket. I have a thicker fuzzier weighted blanket that gets way to hot for me with night sweats going on. This one is nicely heavy but also cool. Thinner and less bulky. The fabric is luxurious feeling and well made. The pellets shift a little in their pockets but plenty of division to keep the weight distributed evenly. Best nights sleep ever!!”

A few reviewers mentioned that they wished there was more of a variety of colors. The cooling version only comes in grey or teal, while the brand’s original weighted blanket has 10 different colors to choose from.

Pros: Affordable, keeps you cool at night, moisture-wicking and breathable, good weight distribution

Cons: Only has two color options

Buy the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket on Amazon for $125 - $165

Read our full review of the YnM Weighted Blanket



The best hypoallergenic weighted blanket

Why you’ll love it: If you have allergies or sensitivities towards certain fabrics and materials, opt for the hypoallergenic Good Knight Weighted Blanket.

The Good Knight Weighted Blanket is a quality-made hypoallergenic weighted blanket. It is made from 100% premium cotton and is weighed down with tiny, non-toxic, poly-pellets. You can also separately buy a duvet cover for the blanket which is also made from 100% premium cotton.

The blanket comes in three different weights — 15, 17, and 20 pounds — and they are all measure 60 by 80 inches. It comes in a sleek dark gray color that complements practically everything. Shoppers also loved how soft and cozy the blanket was.

Peruse the reviews on Amazon, where the blanket has a 4.6-star average rating and you’ll see buyers saying that the blanket made them feel warm and comfortable throughout the night.

One reviewer named Jade wrote, “The blanket is durable and is soft even without a duvet cover. I got this as an alternative to having a million blankets piled on me as the weight helps me sleep. My boyfriend describes it as "the full body hug blanket" which is pretty accurate, the weight is evenly distributed and the stitching feels very strong, as these were my main concerns when looking for for a weighted blanket.”

Pros: Hypoallergenic, made with 100% premium cotton and non-toxic pellets, soft and comfortable, helps you sleep faster

Cons: Duvet cover sold separately

Buy the Good Knight Weighted Blanket on Amazon for $74.98 - $94.98



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Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have been together for more than 11 years. Here's a timeline of their relationship

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Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen at the Met Gala 2018

  • Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have been together for more than 11 years. 
  • They have two children together. 
  • They've supported each other through tough losses. 

Perhaps one of the most well-known celebrity couples, supermodel Gisele Bündchen and five-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady have become one of the world's most well-known couples.

We went back in time to run down their love story. 

December 2006: The couple met for the first time.

Although Brady was in a relationship when he first met Bündchen, both individuals seemed to know their connection was something special. Shortly after meeting, Brady broke up with his then-girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan. Meanwhile, for Bündchen, she said she knew it was love at first sight.

"I knew right way—the first time I saw him,” she told Vanity Fair. “We met through a friend. The moment I saw him, he smiled and I was like, That is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I’ve ever seen! We sat and talked for three hours. I had to go home for Christmas, but I didn’t want to leave. You know that feeling of, like, you can’t get enough? From the first day we met, we’ve never spent one day without speaking to each other.”



January 2007: The couple “officially” started dating.

While the couple had been dating for about a month, celebrity magazines didn't recognize the couple officially until January 2007.



February 2007: Brady found out he was going to be a dad but not with Bündchen.

Moynahan announced she was pregnant with the quarterback's son in February 2007. At the time, Brady and Bündchen had been dating for two months, and the supermodel later said she considered breaking up with the football star after the pregnancy announcement.

“It was a challenging thing because here I am, you know, thinking, I’m dating this guy, we met, and we started dating and everything is great and then this happens,” Bündchen told CBS This Morning, according to People magazine. “So, then I felt like I didn’t know what to do. It was kind of one of those moments of like, ‘Do I just run away?’ ”



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12 TV shows that were inspired by the lives of real famous figures

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the bold type freeformSometimes TV series creators and producers draw inspiration from real lives and real people. In some cases, the series is directly inspired by the star, and in others, the series is very loosely inspired by them.

Here are 12 TV shows that were inspired by the lives of celebrities and other well-known public figures. 

O.J. Simpson's alleged double homicide is the focus of the first season of "American Crime Story."

Created by Ryan Murphy, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story," debuted on FX in 2016.

The series was based on the 1995 murder trial of former football player O.J. Simpson, who was accused and acquitted of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.

In 2016 on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," Khloe Kardashian said the creators did a great job with the show and she appreciated how they portrayed her father, but "not all the facts are accurate" and it was a bit sensationalized. 



Season two of "American Crime Story" explores the murder of the Italian fashion designer, Gianni Versace.

The second installment of Murphy's anthology series, "Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,"centered around the death of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the hands of serial killer Andrew Cunanan.

But, Antonio D’Amico, Gianni Versace's long-term boyfriend at the time of Versace's death, told The Guardian that parts of the series were "ridiculous."

"The picture of Ricky Martin holding the body in his arms is ridiculous," he told the publication. "Maybe it’s the director’s poetic license, but that is not how I reacted."



"Feud: Bette and Joan" followed the real-life rivalry between actresses Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.

The first season of another Murphy anthology series, which debuted in 2017, "Feud: Bette and Joan" was inspired by the real-life rivalry between actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The feud happened while they were co-stars in the movie "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."

Actresses Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon play Crawford and Davis, respectively. E! fact-checked the docudrama and concluded that a lot of what's portrayed in the movie was fairly accurate, even though some events were fictionalized or false



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7 great movies you can watch on Netflix this weekend, including the 'A Christmas Prince' sequel

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a christmas prince royal wedding

  • Every week, we put together a list of seven great movies you can watch on Netflix over the weekend.
  • This week's list includes "A Christmas Prince: Royal Wedding," which dropped on Netflix Friday, and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," the third installment in the blockbuster franchise. 

Netflix has too much content. It's a great thing, but it also leads to hours spent trying to figure out what to watch, instead of actually watching something.

We're about to make your streaming a little easier. We combed through Netflix's current inventory and collected some relatively recent movie adds that might spark your interest.

From "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding" to "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," these are some great movies on Netflix that you can watch over the weekend (along with their Rotten Tomatoes scores).

Here's seven movies you should watch on Netflix this weekend:

"A Christmas Prince: Royal Wedding" (2018)

Netflix description: A year after helping Richard secure the crown, Amber returns to Aldovia to plan their wedding. But her simple tastes clash with royal protocol.

Critic score: N/A

Audience score: N/A

The sequel has a few glaring flaws, but in the end it is still an irresistible follow up. At moments, it suffers from taking itself too seriously and reduces one new character to an offensive stereotype. But for some reason, we keep watching. And you will, too. 

Read our review here.



"A Christmas Prince" (2017)

Netflix description: Christmas comes early for an aspiring young journalist when she's sent abroad to get the scoop on a dashing prince who's poised to be king.

Critic score: 75%

Audience score: 51%

Trust me. You will want (maybe even need) to watch this terribly addictive film as soon as you finish watching the new sequel. Even if you don't feel a burning desire to revisit this instant classic, you should, because it's silly but also full of joy. 



"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" (2009) -- available Saturday, December 1

Netflix description: When inventor Flint Lockwood makes clouds rain food, the citizens of Chewandswallow can feed themselves. But a bowl of disaster is about to follow. 

Critic score: 87%

Audience score: 71%

This film tells a cute story based on a beloved book, and the colorful animation and well-cast voice actors, including Jay Baruchel, bring it to life. It's adorable, and it will make you very hungry. 



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Here's everyone who has been charged and convicted in Mueller's Russia probe so far

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Robert Mueller

On November 29, President Donald Trump's long-time personal lawyer and "fixer" Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress regarding the dates of when President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization pursued a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 election.

Since 2017, special counsel Robert Mueller has investigated Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, and whether the Trump campaign collaborated with Moscow to tilt the race in Trump's favor. 

Since taking over the probe last May, Mueller's team has charged five Americans once affiliated with Trump's campaign or administration, 13 Russian nationals, 12 Russian intelligence officers, three Russian companies, and two other people.

Here's everyone who's been charged in the Mueller probe so far.

SEE ALSO: Meet Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and tenacious investigator leading the Trump-Russia probe

DON'T MISS: Robert Mueller has reportedly begun drafting his final report in the Russia probe

Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer

On Nov. 29, Trump's former personal lawyer and "right-hand man" Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress and reached a new plea deal with the special counsel.

Cohen pleaded guilty to lying about the dates during which the Trump Organization actively pursued a business deal to pursue a Trump Tower in Moscow, initially claiming the discussions ended in January 2016 when they in fact continued into the summer of the year. 

Prosecutors from the special counsel's office also charged that Cohen lied to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in testifying that he had never offered to travel to Russia and that he didn't recall any response from the Russian government regarding the deal.

He is now expected to provide substantial cooperation, including dozens of hours of testimony, in the special counsel investigation. 

In August, Cohen pleaded guilty in the Southern District of New York to five counts of tax evasion, one count of bank fraud, one count of making an unlawful corporate contribution, and one count of making an illegal campaign finance contribution — which he said were made "at the direction" of Trump. 



Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was found guilty on eight federal counts of bank and tax fraud and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of conspiracy against the US.

He also entered into a deal that included an agreement to cooperate with Mueller's investigation instead of going to trial in the District of Columbia on a separate indictment of counts of money laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent.

Manafort previously faced a total of 18 counts, but the 10 remaining were dismissed during the plea hearing after a judge declared mistrial in a Virginia trial.

On Nov. 26, however, Mueller's office said in a court filing that in the course of his cooperation, Manafort had lied to the FBI and the special counsel on "a variety of subject matters," which could land him in even more legal jeopardy. 

He surrendered to federal authorities on October 30, 2017, after he was indicted, along with his business associate Rick Gates, on 12 counts, including conspiracy against the US and money laundering.

Manafort was forced to step down as Trump's campaign chairman in May 2016 after coming under fire for his connections to Russian oligarchs and his past lobbying efforts abroad.

Trump's former campaign chairman is accused of committing crimes while working as an unregistered lobbyist in the US for the Ukrainian government and pro-Russia interests beginning in 2006.



Konstantin Kilimnik

Mueller charged Manafort's "right-hand man" Konstantin Kilimnik in June with witness tampering in a superseding indictment that charges the Russian citizen and Manafort with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice.

Mueller reportedly began further investigation into Kilimnik in November with the help of three of his associates, including Manafort, to examine their political consultancy and lobbying work that connected them with prominent Russian oligarchs.

The special counsel has said Kilimnik has strong ties from past work with Russian intelligence and was in contact with top figures in Trump's 2016 campaign.



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27 companies to shop from that give back all year long — not just around the holidays

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

allbirds

The end of every Christmas movie likes to remind us that the holidays aren't actually about the extravagant light displays, the indulgent treats, or the number of gifts we receive — it's simple kindness and the spirit of giving that really count. As overdone this sentiment is, it wouldn't be a proper cliché if it didn't hold a bit of truth. 

Other than volunteering with or sending direct donations to nonprofits that make our world a better place, one way you can do your part this holiday season is to support businesses that are doing the same. If you're gifting your loved ones, it'll only benefit more parties if you buy from companies with a social and environmental conscience. 

Giving back is woven into the business and daily operations of these 27 companies. When you buy a gift here, you're also helping to plant a tree, improve livelihoods in underserved areas, save an animal, and many more charitable initiatives. 

Learn more about how the following brands give back all year long. 

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.

Everlane

Shop gifts from The 100% Human Collection at Everlane

Everlane donates $5 from every purchase in this collection of tees and sweatshirts to an organization that fights for human rights. It currently supports three organizations: ACLU, Equality Now, and the Human Rights Campaign. 

 



Bombas

Shop gifts from Bombas

Whether you'd like to gift athletic socks, hiking socks, or holiday socks, Bombas has you — and the feet of someone in need — covered. For every pair purchased, it donates a specially-designed pair to a homeless shelter. It has donated more than 11 million pairs to over 1,700 giving partners in the US. 



STATE Bags

Shop gifts from STATE Bags

When you buy a STATE bag, the company fills another with school supplies and gives it to a local student in need at a "Bag Drop" rally. It also shines light on issues like mass incarceration, the Flint water crisis, and Black Lives Matter through its #WhatDoWeTellTheKids initiatives. 



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