Ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr., things to do, deals

— The recommendations are selected independently by the editors of Reviewed. Purchases you make through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

We hope you’re ready for a long weekend, because Monday 16 January marks Martin Luther King Jr Day. Because it is a federal holiday, many people have Monday off from work and school. If you’re looking for ways to spend the long weekend, we’ve got a few ideas, from honoring the late Martin Luther King Jr. to spending time with family and friends.

Start the year strong. Sign up for our newsletter to get reviews, deals and expert advice straight to your inbox.

What is MLK Day?

Signed in 1983, Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognizes the achievements of the famous black civil rights leader who has been the focus of several protest campaigns such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Selma to Montgomery Marches and of course the March on Washington where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” held.

What day is MLK Day 2023?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. This year it will take place on Monday 16 January 2023.

►MLK Offers:dr Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday – shop the best deals on Amazon, Coach and QVC

Ways to honor MLK Day

There are several ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. While several businesses are closed for the holiday, many museums remain open so you can delve deep into the history of the civil rights movement and all that Martin Luther King Jr. fought for. You can also talk to a relative who lived through the civil rights era to get a sense of what life was like and a better appreciation of the world we live in today. Consider going to a memorial march or performance near you. There are also many films and books detailing King’s life if you are interested in learning more. Finally, you can continue his work by supporting black-owned businesses and causes that fight for racial justice.

Spend time with family and friends

A long weekend is the perfect time to catch up with friends and family. There are many ways to do this, from hosting a fun get-together to a cozy evening at home. Given the current status of COVID-19, consider wearing a mask to help limit the spread of germs. With 95% effectiveness, N95 or KN95 masks are the gold standard when it comes to protection.

Put the game on or crank up some tunes with a chilled glass of wine in hand. Just don’t forget to prepare some treats for your guests. A more low-key activity you could do together is play a board game or curl up for a movie night. Amazon has an endless selection of board games for all ages and interests. If you decide to have a movie night, you’ll be hard pressed to find a good movie option between streaming platforms like HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu.

Shop Amazon

Enjoy a weekend getaway

Are you considering traveling this weekend? Whether you’re driving or traveling somewhere by plane, you need a bag to carry all your essentials. We love the Osprey Transporter wheeled carry-on of all the carry-ons we’ve tested because it’s lightweight, has all-terrain wheels for easy navigation, and offers a decent amount of space.

$225 from Amazon

Where to go in the winter cold at the weekend? On the slopes of course! A ski resort is a fun experience, whether you’re looking for a relaxing adventure or a heart-pounding thrill. All you need is the right gear and you’re good to go. When it comes to skiing, no piece of equipment is more important than your ski boots. A quality pair to consider is the Fischer RC4 The Curv GT 130 Vacuum Walk. They are highly customizable and come in a variety of sizes. If snowboarding is your preference, we recommend purchasing the System MTN Men’s Snowboard Pack, which is a full-size performance board including bindings.

$570 from Amazon $300 from Amazon

Get some rest and relaxation

When you have a long weekend, sometimes you just want to sit back and relax. When else do you take a break from work? Or sleep in. Now it’s time to up your sleep game and get that new pillow you so deserve. The best pillow we’ve ever tested is the Coop Home Goods Original pillow. It is adjustable, inexpensive and also washable. Above all, it feels like resting your head on a cloud. Snuggle up under a pair of flannel sheets and you have the recipe for an incredible night’s sleep. Our favorite flannel sheets we’ve tried are from Lands’ End – they’re soft, warm and of high quality.

$72 at Amazon From $63 at Lands’End

For a complimentary day at the spa, simply plug in an essential oil diffuser, close your eyes, and enter a world of tranquility. We love the Aroma Om by Saje when it comes to essential oil diffusers. Take your relaxation to the next level by dipping your toes in a foot bath like the Ivation Foot Spa massager with adjustable heating and massage rollers.

$98 from Saje $90 from Amazon

Shop the best deals happening this weekend

While MLK Day isn’t typically known as a big shopping holiday, it comes at a time of the year when retailers are offering tons of discounts to kick off the new year. If you want to spend your money more wisely this weekend, shop at black-owned businesses and retailers that support good causes. Here are some major deals happening right now:

• Best Sales: Sales for shopping this weekend at walmart, kate spade, lululemon
• Samsung: Pre-order the latest Samsung Galaxy S23 devices and save up to $100
• Amazon: The 10 best Amazon deals for DeWalt, Samsung, Winix
• TV offers: Offers from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy ahead of the Super Bowl
• Abercrombie: Up to 60% discount on sportswear, 20% more on outerwear, jeans
• Apple: Save on iPads, MacBook laptops, AirPods and more
• Walmart: Shop incredible deals at Google, Shark and Burberry
• Kate Spade: Get up to 60% off purses, wallets, dresses and shoes
• Jewelry: Shop deals at Kate Spade, Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth
• Best Buy: Shop the top deals at SanDisk, LG, and iRobot

The product experts from Checked cover all your shopping needs. Follow Rated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, tick tock or flipboard for the latest offers, product reviews and more.

Prices were correct at the time this article was published, but may change over time.