farain@tribune.com
Smooth moves at Suhoor
For the pre-dawn meal (called “Suhoor”) before a daylong fast, the Vitamix Professional Series 200 Blender is a great way to sneak all the fruits and veggies you’ll need to keep you energized into a delicious breakfast smoothie lickety-split. Want protein without the bother of cooking up eggs? Add an egg protein powder to boost your smoothie’s nutrients.
Details: $449.95; williams-sonoma.com
Deck the halls
Perk up your home, locker, office or party by draping a felt Star and Moon Garland around the space. Each string of large 6-inch felt decals spans about 10 feet and includes eight moon-and-star sets. Available in combos of blue/green, yellow/blue, brown/red and pink/purple.
Details: $7.99; eidway.com
Countdown fun
Children don’t have to fast until they’ve come of age, but young and old (and kids at heart) will get a kick out of marking the 30 days of Ramadan with a handmade Ramadan Joy Calendar. There’s a buttoned pocket for each day, and kids can embellish each passing day with a gold star. Parents can fill the 3-inch squares with a special treat for their children to uncover each day.
Details: $40 (includes shipping), $5 additional to embroider with a name; ramadanjoy.com
It’s better to give
Charity to those less fortunate is a big part of Ramadan, so this month is a great time to make a donation — however big or small — to an organization with a benevolent mission you believe in. Islamic Relief USA’s programs promote education, hunger relief, health care and women’s programs to impoverished communities of millions around the world, and the organization is a BBB accredited charity (bbb.org/charity) that has repeatedly been awarded a four-star rating by Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org).
Details: Whatever amount you can; irusa.org
Party hearty
Ramadan and the celebration at the end of the 30 days of fasting — Eid — are about willpower, spirituality and feeling empathy for those who have less … but they’re also about family, friends and community. As such, the month is filled with parties to mark the fast-breaking meal (called “Iftar”), not to mention the great Eid celebration. Silver Envelope has gobs of festive ways to throw a party in style, from cupcake wraps ($5 for a pack of 12 wraps) to gift wrap, greeting cards, decor and more.
Details: Prices vary; silverenvelope.com
Something sweet
After a few days of detoxing from indulgent eating (plus caffeine and sugar), we warn you to be careful around these chocolate treats from Patchi, a world-famous maker that’s found at such esteemed stores as England’s Harrod’s. If you aren’t able to gift them all away, you might find yourself among a pile of pretty wrappers sometime between sunset and bedtime.
Details: Boxes from $10.25-$105; patchi.us/ramadan-menu.html
