upworthy

Skip Black Friday and shop discounts at these companies making a positive impact on the world

Michelle Gant
11.27.19
Courtesy of DoneGood

While Thanksgiving is meant to celebrate all we have to be grateful for, it's also the unofficial kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Last year, Americans spent about $1 trillion on gifts. What if we all used that purchasing power to support companies that reduce inequality, alleviate poverty, fight climate change, and help make the world better?

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the coming days will have spending on everyone's brains. But in an effort to promote the companies doing good for the world, DoneGood founder Cullen Schwarz created Shop for Good Sunday (which falls on December 1 this year.)

Dubbed the "Alternate Black Friday," Shop for Good Sunday is dedicated to encouraging people to shop brands that do good for people and the planet. It also serves as a reminder to support local businesses making a positive impact in their communities.

While Shop for Good Sunday technically falls on a single day, this year, participating ethical and sustainable brands are running discounts for the whole week prior.

Where you invest your dollars matters, and there's great potential to put that money to good use if you know how. Check out these six brands that sell amazing products while also making a positive impact on the world. You'll not only be getting your loved ones meaningful gifts, but also making the world a brighter place along the way.

Isn't that what the holidays are really about?

Functional outdoor gear

Parque Rain Shell

Cotopaxi makes unique, sustainable outdoor gear, like this Parque rain shell, while keeping ethics at the core of its business model. The company gives 1% of its annual revenue to organizations that fight poverty and improve the human condition.

Modern furniture

Simbly Coffee Table

Simbly is a direct-to-consumer furniture company that sells modern, sustainable products built in the U.S. made of FSC-certified wood. And for every product sold, the company plants a tree.

Beautiful jewelry

Tho Bar & Geo Buffalo Horn Earrings

Hathorway is a jewelry company that handcrafts its accessories with materials like ethically-sourced up-cycled buffalo horns and handwoven rattan. Each item is designed and assembled in the U.S. with thoughtfully selected materials sourced from Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea. A portion of the company's profit goes to initiatives that empower young, underprivileged women.

Luxe linens

Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Set

Ettitude crafts its home textiles from CleanBamboo fabric, a unique material made from 100% organic bamboo, the most resource-efficient plant on the planet. It also requires significantly less water to grow and produce than traditional cotton textiles. The products are also ethically made and come in packaging made from extra pieces of fabric.

Unique wood wares

The Charcuterie Board

Would Works creates and sells beautiful household wood products handcrafted by people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. The company works with its artisans to provide job skills, financial literacy, and an income so they can reach their financial goals.

Empowering candles

She Inspires Candle

Prosperity Candle products are created by women refugees building a brighter future for themselves and their families. Each candle is made of soy-blend wax with essential oils hand poured in a well-designed container that is easily refilled or repurposed.

Find more of these great deals at DoneGood!

*Upworthy may earn a portion of sales revenue from purchases made through affiliate links on our site.

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Business

Mom shows 9-year-old how to leave uncomfortable conversations and it's advice everyone should hear

You don't have to let someone make you uncomfortable.

via Canva/Photos

A young girl with her hand over her mouth.

Few things are more uncomfortable than sitting like a deer in the headlights while someone pushes you into an incredibly awkward conversation. Whether it’s a TMI (too much information) conversation or they want to talk about politics or religion, it’s hard to tell someone that a subject is off-limits.

However, in a viral Instagram post, Charisse Sims makes an essential point about these awkward situations: it will be uncomfortable whether you tell them to change the subject or if you have to sit through the conversation. So, it’s better to take the option that’s less harmful to you. Sims is a mother of six and the host of the Parenting for the Culture podcast. She is also an awarded Educator by PBS and PBS Kids and founder of The Sims Library of Poetry.

How do you leave uncomfortable conversations?

In an Instagram reel from last spring, Sims shares advice with her then nine-year-old daughter, who she could tell felt very awkward about a recent conversation. “Immediately, when she started having that conversation, I could see on your face that you felt uncomfortable,” Sims told her daughter in the video. “When you have that feeling, your response to them should be, ‘I feel uncomfortable in this conversation. Let's talk about something else.”

Sims then asked her daughter to repeat the phrase a few times to burn it into her brain for when she needed it. Her daughter then admitted that telling someone to change the conversation would be difficult. Most people probably agree that telling people you’d like to change the subject is uncomfortable.

However, Sims makes a great point: you will be uncomfortable both ways, so choose the one that best suits you.

“Which one is a longer discomfort, taking 10 seconds to say, ‘I feel uncomfortable in this conversation. Can we talk about something else?” Sims asked. “Or, sitting in a 20- to 30-minute conversation that you feel uncomfortable in?”

stop, child, girl says stop, talk to hand, hand out, stop hand, conversation, awkward A young girl holding her hand out saying "stop."via Canva/Photos

“It is uncomfortable telling people stop. It is uncomfortable being like, ‘I don't really like what you're doing,’ because you're worried you're going to hurt their feelings, and you want them to like you,” Sims continued. “But it's also uncomfortable to sit there and be uncomfortable for a long time. So choose your discomfort, and choose the one that's going to help you, not hurt you.”

Candace Smith, an etiquette expert, says it’s also helpful if you have another topic on deck that the person may be interested in to make the transition smoother for both parties. “When you think it’s time to let the other person know you will change the subject, be positive, and smile. Keep your eye contact warm and direct,” she advises. She then gives an example: “I’m going to change our subject here. Let’s talk about something cool like the Marvel movie!”

mom, daughter, advice, lessons, parenting, how to Mom and daughter.via Canva/Photos

Sims' advice is important because it’s something that all of us, adults included, can use next time we are forced into an uncomfortable situation. Her advice is a great tool for making sound decisions when we feel awkward and unable to think on our feet. “I wish when I was growing up, I was taught more how to navigate tricky situations rather than just being told to stay out of them,” Sims wrote in her post. “As simple as that is, It’s not always that easy. Our children need more support and actual practice navigating these awkward situations.”

This article originally appeared last year. it has been updated.

adviceart of conversationawkward conversationscharisse simsconnectionconversation hackskidslearningprotectionsubject changetalkingteenstweensparenting
Motherhood

Hugh Grant finally tells 'Bridget Jones' co-star Renée Zellweger what he always thought of her

Grant and Zellweger have been friends for over 25 years.

Images of Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger via Wikicommons

Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger were co-stars in the hit movie "Bridget Jones's Diary".

Hugh Grant and Renée Zellweger have made movie magic with their roles in the Bridget Jones film series. The two first co-starred in the original Bridget Jones's Diary back in 2001. Since then, there have been three additional Bridget Jones movies: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025)—although Grant did not appear in 2016's Bridget Jones's Baby.

The result has been a long-standing friendship between the actors off-screen, with Grant developing a soft spot for Zellweger. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2016, Hugh agreed with his original assessment that she's "delightful. Also far from sane. Very good kisser."

When pressed, Hugh jokingly said, "She is genuinely lovely, but her emails are 48 pages long. Can't understand a word of them."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Now, ten years later, Renée is returning to her Bridget Jones character, and the two reunite for a piece called "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" for British Vogue. Apparently in their OG Bridget Jones days, had tons of questions between on-set shots for Renée. Examples include: "If you had to marry one of today's extras, who would it be?" and "Who is a better kisser, me or Colin Firth?"

This time, there was a new slew of questions for each actor. Here are a few key things we find out:

What did Hugh always think of Renée?

He says candidly (of course), "With a lot of other actors, you think they're really great, and then suddenly you see a little glint of steely, scary ambition, and you realize this person would trample their grandmother to get what they want in this business. But I've never seen that glint coming off you. So either it's very well disguised, or you are quite nice."

What does Renée really think of Hugh?

"You're hilariously brilliant at everything you hate. And, though you hate humans, you're a very good and loyal friend. I like you very much. And I love working with you."

And during a February 2025 interview on TODAY while promoting Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Jones shared about Grant, "He's mastered cute-grouchy for sure...I mean, 25 years of coming together and catching up through this experience, I've come to know him in a really lovely way... I just adore him."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

What did Hugh really think of her English accent?

After discussing Renée's dialect coach, Hugh tells her that her attempt at an English accent is…"perfect."

Why does the Bridget Jones franchise remain so appealing?

Hugh says, "In a nutshell, I say it's an antidote to Instagram. Instagram is telling people, especially women, 'Your life's not good enough.' It's not as good as this woman's or that woman's, making you insecure. Whereas what Helen (the writer) did with Bridget is celebrate failures, while making it funny and joyful."

Renée makes some jokes and then says, "I think maybe folks recognize themselves in her and relate to her feelings of self-doubt. Bridget is authentically herself and doesn't always get it right, but whatever her imperfections, she remains joyful and optimistic, carries on, and triumphs in her own way."

@thisisheart

Renee Zellweger on what goes down in her email thread with Hugh Grant! #bridgetjones #reneezellweger #hughgrant #Fyp #foryou #celeb #movies

What does Hugh think of Renée's fashion?

After asking if people in general should be a "bit more stylish," Hugh tells Renée she's "very chic." Renée pushes back with, "I'm wearing a tracksuit." To which Hugh retorts, "Yeah, but a sort of PRICEY one."

And finally, those emails:

"You have sent me the longest emails I've ever received. I can't understand a single word of them. They're written in some curious language that I can't really understand."

"No!" Renée exclaims. "If you reference something in your emails that makes me laugh…I will circle back to that. And if you've forgotten that you wrote it, I don't think I should be held accountable for that!"

This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated.

hugh grant moviesrenee zellwegerrenee zellweger movieshugh grant renee zellwegerhugh grant renee zellweger friendshipbridget jonesbridget jones's diaryhugh grant bridget jonesrenee zellweger bridget joneshugh grant interviewrenee zellweger interviewhugh grant
Pop Culture
Community

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Family

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Scottish-Mexican woman switches between thick Scottish accent and perfect Spanish in mesmerizing style

The "Brave" meets "Coco" combo is fascinating to listen to.

Courtesy of Yanett Steven/TikTok

Yanett Steven grew up in Scotland in a bilingual family.

People who grow up in bilingual households have a distinct leg up on second-language fluency. When you grow up hearing native speakers speaking their languages, you pick them up naturally, and it's not unusual to hear a child in a bilingual family switching back and forth between languages.

What is unusual, however, is hearing an adult Scottish-Mexican woman doing that switch-up mid-conversation. Yanett Steven effortlessly flips from her dad's thick Scottish accent to her mom's native Spanish (with a Mexican accent), and it is fascinating to listen to. Steven shares that her mom didn't speak any English when she was little, so she learned Spanish from her mom, but she has the accent that one would expect from someone growing up in Glasgow.

@yanettsteven

As a Scottish Mexican I always feel so at home in Texas 🥰 #mexicanscottish #britishlatino #mexicanamerican #scottishlatino #scottishmexican

The Brave meets Coco combo feels super unusual, and people in the comments had some things to say:

"What just happened to me?"

"The switching back-and-forth between Scottish and Mexican accents is like scratching some weird itch in my brain"

"First time I've ever heard scanglish."

"Also 'cute wee summer dress, en CHANCLAS' was a wild ride I never imagined this blend of accents it’s lovely I’m so curious."

"I’m like blown away right now. How is the Scottish accent and the Spanish accent blending so smoothly???"

"I want 3000 hours of people speaking 'Spanglish' in a Scottish accent. This is actually the only way I want to hear anyone speak ever again. Also hi, I live in Texas and love visiting Scotland."

"This is tripping me out 😂 my mom is Scottish (my parents & brother live in Scotland) and my husband is from South Texas and is Mexican… it's like my two worlds have combined in one video 😵💫"

Steven shares a lot about her cultural and linguistic background that offers some cool insights into living in a multicultural family. Even just hearing her talk about her mom speaking Scottish English with a thick Mexican accent is a wild ride.

@yanettsteven

Replying to @Xzeken Maybe I’ll post her speaking English but I bet you’ve never heard a Mexican woman sound so Mexican but so Scottish at the same time 😅 #mexicanscottish #britishlatino #mexicanamerican #scottishlatino #mexicanbritish and

Steven shares that the two languages bring out different parts of her personality. "I feel like when I speak Spanish, I'm a bit more happy and fun. I smile more," she said (in Spanish) in another video. "And I feel like in Scottish, I'm a little bit more timid, a bit more quiet, a bit more reserved into myself." She wondered if other people from bilingual families feel like they have different personalities when they speak different languages, or if people who learn languages later in life also feel that way.

@yanettsteven

Replying to @Jasmine Rivera Going to Texas and shocking people is my favourite past time lmao Does anyone else who’s bilingual feel this way or just me ?#mexicanscottish #britishlatino #mexicanamerican #people #scottishmexican

Other bilingual folks confirmed that they also feel a personality difference in different languages:

"Yes girl, both languages bring out a different side of you. I think it’s because words in Mexican Spanish are meant to be loud and with attitude and humor And English words are so much more subtle or quiet, if that makes sense lol."

"I'm German/Scottish I totally get what you mean 😂"

"Yes!! Totally get this!! I feel like completely different people 😂"

"Omg. I'm bilingual and I feel like this!!! Was just trying to explain this to a friend yesterday! I think it’s bc Spanish feels like being at home. 💛"

"When I get in my feels, my husband says, 'Your Latina is coming out.' I definitely feel more passionate 'in Spanish.' 😂"

"Si. Es porque el español tiene el “sazon/chispa” that english doesnt have."

"Yes ma’am when my Mexican side comes out I feel free, outgoing, funny."

Steven has also shared some other interesting insights into growing up bilingual. For instance, the Spanish she learned growing up, which is the Spanish spoken in Northern Mexico, was sometimes a problem when she started learning Spanish in school. Spain's Spanish is different than Mexican Spanish in some ways, so what she had learned growing up was deemed "wrong," even though it was just different from the Spanish taught in school. It's fascinating how the same language can be spoken so many different ways.

@yanettsteven

Replying to @Frank Rhodes I swear Spain Spanish was the biggest shock to my system when I was wee , and some Spanish teachers being rude but that’s another story 😭 #mexicanscottish #britishlatino #scottishlatino #mexicanamerican #mexicanbritish

You can follow Yanett Steven on TikTok for more.

Culture

Michael J. Fox saw Harrison Ford's Parkinson's acting on 'Shrinking,' and immediately reached out

Their conversation resulted in a powerful performance from Fox.

Apple Tv/ Youtube

Harrison Ford and Michael J Fox in the trailer for Shrinking Season 3

The Apple series Shrinking centers around actor Jason Segel, who plays a therapist juggling grief, fatherhood, and experimenting with unconventional therapy practices with his patients. It also stars Harrison Ford, who plays Segel’s mentor and boss and happens to be in the first chapters of living with Parkinson’s disease.

Actor Michael J. Fox, who notably has Parkinson's in real life, was so moved by Ford’s “human” and “accessible” portrayal of the condition that he called up Bill Lawrence, his former Spin City boss, who also co-created Shrinking.

And, as he shared in an interview with the LA Times, Fox didn’t mince words:

@comedycentraluk Always listening... ⏺️ 📞 #SpinCity #MichaelJFox #DeniseRichards #ComedyCentralUK #CCUK #Comedy #Sitcom #NYC ♬ original sound - Comedy Central UK

“Bill, why the f— am I not on the show?”

Truly, only Fox could deliver such a line in a way that immediately feels charming and friendly. Pretty soon, plans were set in motion to have Fox guest star, marking his first return to acting since 2020.

In the Season 3 premiere, which aired on January 28, Ford’s character comes in for a doctor’s visit. While waiting to be seen, he encounters a fellow patient with Parkinson’s, played by Fox. It’s clear that Fox’s character will serve as a mentor and friend throughout the season.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

As to be expected, the Back to the Future star does not fall short on comedic expectations. For instance, during the scene (which you can see in the video above), Fox asks Ford what he’s in for. Ford responds, “Parkinson’s. You?” Without missing a beat, Fox replies, “Just a haircut.”

He follows with the quip, "I fall three times a day. I'm thinking of taking up stunt work."

Castmates instantly knew that seeing two icons, Marty McFly and Indiana Jones, acting together for the first time was something special. As Shrinking co-star Michael Urie noted, “Everyone’s hearts grew” in anticipation and nostalgia once Fox showed up to set.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

But perhaps no one was more affected than Fox himself. Speaking with Vanity Fair, he shared, “I wasn’t prepared for how much of [Ford’s] own understanding of the disease he brought to it. I mean, I recognized Parkinson’s in his eyes. The things I was feeling, I recognized in the way he was expressing himself."

It was such a powerful performance that Fox told the outlet, "I was just brought to tears by it."

"I should say he’s an underrated actor because everybody knows how great he is, but the subtlety of his work—so brilliant and so fun to work with," Fox continued.

Ford’s sentiment, it seems, was the same. In the same interview, he called Fox “an extraordinarily powerful person."

New episodes of Shrinking drop Wednesdays on Apple TV.

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