20 Ways to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day With Your #Squad

If your #squad brings a bottle of vino to every watch party or girls’ night in, you probably already know about National Drink Wine Day on February 18. And if you don’t, you’re in for a real treat. Get ready to drink your wine from a bottle, can, glass, box, etc. and celebrate with these wino essentials that will help get that National Drink Wine Day party started. Cheers!

PaperberryPress This May Be Wine Mug

Coffee or pinot? Keep everyone guessing with a mug that says it all.

Govino Decanter + Wine Glass Set

Spilled wine is wasted wine. The ergonomic thumb-notches and contoured base make this set perfect for clumsy drinkers.

3. Octarine Dreams Rosé Wine Enamel Pin Badge ($10): Your next wine club… err, book club meeting is coming up fast. Gift everyone a pin to wear, or hand it off to the elite connoisseurs in your #squad.

OldEnglishCo 

Say it loud; say it proud. Whether you gift this one to your favorite host or hostess, or you keep it to yourself, your guests will happily bring a bottle to pass.

DesignsByLouie On Cloud Wine Print

If your friend is working on sprucing up their gallery wall, help them out with a print that’ll go with everything.

Jill of All Trades But First Wine Shirt

Help the hostess in your group keep her book club or dinner parties on schedule with a shirt that says it all. Wine first, and the rest will follow.

7. Love and Lion Wine Glass Temporary Tattoos ($5, set of three): Whether you prefer white, red, or rosé, you should wear your palate proud. Pass a few of these around to your friends so everyone knows where their allegiances lie.

8. The Chemist Tree Wine Notebook Science Journal ($15): We all have (or are) that one friend who keeps track of every wine they’ve ever loved. Help keep their notes all in one place with 80 pages worth the tastings.

Little Retreats Bring Me Wine Socks

While the socks are indeed cozy, they are also very useful when you’re Netflix and chilling on the couch. Just be sure to position your feet so others can read your request.

Snazzy Nest Shop Wood Wine Clock

For the friend who’s always ready for wine o’clock (no matter the hour), make sure to snag this for their wall above the bar cart. If this friend happens to be you, that’s even better. At least you’ll always be wine on time.

Essential Good Market Pinot Grigio Bath Salts

Soaking in a tub while drinking a glass of vino is what Sunday nights are made of. Add a savory blend of basil and bergamot bath salts that are Pinot Grigio scented and you’ve basically realized your destiny.

Shop Nylon Wine Not Card

Send them out to your faraway #squad for… well, wine wouldn’t you send one?

Wine: A No-Snob Guide

For under $15 you can learn all about wine in this pour-all book, but, ya know, not in a snobby way.

TONYMOLY Red Wine Mask Pore Care

Naturally, you pour your vino with care, but your pores could use some TLC too. The red wine formula will tighten and moisturize your pores before you even pour yourself a second round.

William Sonoma Copper Wine Opener

What’s the point of having bottles of wine without a stylish way to open them? Whether you gift one of these to a friend or treat yourself, it’s a sure way to update any bar cart.

Hazel and Faith Treat Yo-Self Steamless Wine Glass

Anytime your pour a glass of your favorite red it’s a treat-yo’self kind of moment. Get one for each person in your wine squad to help everyone feel extra good while sipping their rosé.

Shop Nylon Less Whine More Wine T-Shirt

If this is the mantra among your girls, wear these shirts with pride. It pairs especially well with a Bachelor watch party.

Urban Outfitter Wine Growlers

Chilling your wine never looked so chic, whether you opt for metallic gold or silver. When the wine isn’t inside (why’s the wine always gone?), they’ll look pretty perched on your counter.

Shop Nylon WINO Pin

If you’re a proud WINO, then show it off! Grab one for everyone in your squad and just wait for all the party invites to hit your inbox.

Nasty Gal Jac Vanek Reduce Your Risk Wine Glass

Funny how one stemless wine glass can sum up a hard day of work. Tell ’em how you feel with a few sips and even fewer words.

Brit + Co doesn't play around when it comes to holiday parties(or any parties for that matter). But around these parts, ain't no party like a white elephant or Secret Santa party, because it's prime time for ridiculous gifts. From LED holiday flair to pocket manfriends (we'll explain), we've rounded up the ultimate buys for gift-swap domination. That's right — we're your one-stop shop for the absurd, the unusual, and the totally delightful.

Read on and prepare for a serious celebration of the random. Let's get into the best white elephant gifts!

Amazon

Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide

From the team that brings you all the bizarre travel stops in Atlas Obscura comes this guide to what to eat around the world filled with food adventures and edible wonders.

Amazon

Creature Cups Cat Stretch Ceramic Cup

There’s bound to be a cat lady who will make efforts to steal this precious mug.

Amazon

Cinema Light Box

Never stop dreaming of the perfect gift. This light box is totally customizable with 400 letters, symbols, and emojiis.

Etsy

Beer Soap 6-Pack Sample Set

For the beer lovers on your list, give ’em a brand new way to get their hopped up fix.

Etsy

Sloth Face Tote Bag

What’s cuter than a sloth face on a tote bag?

Urban Outfitters

Slip Silk Eye Mask

The gift of a good night's sleep is priceless.

Harry & David

Deluxe Pears, Apples, & Cheese Gift Set

Fall fruit with a cheesy mix is a white elephant gift we would happily accept.

Amazon

Dog Butt Magnets

Magnets, in dog butt form. Why not?

Amazon

Nevlers Inflatable Lounger

Love hanging out everywhere you go? This inflatable sofa makes a great white elephant gift. Have lungs, will travel.

Amazon

Campfire-Scented Solid Cologne

You know how your clothes smell after a weekend of camping? Now you can smell like that ALL the time.

Etsy

Custom Shaped Pet Pillow

Is your pup or cat so narcissistic it only wants to snuggle with itself? There's a custom pet pillow for that.

Amazon

The Mountain Fanny Pack Kittens T-Shirt

Kitties and a fanny pack. All in one shirt!

Amazon

Tipsy Elves Get Lit Light Up Ugly Christmas Sweater

Shine bright this holiday season with this battery-powered Christmas sweater that will help you literally get lit.

Etsy

Pocket Manfriend

Have a friend in need of a bearded companion? Get them a manfriend in pocket size – you can take him anywhere! Choose from 20 personalized guys.

Amazon

Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bottle Opener & Keychain

What better way to end a long day than with a tasty brew opened with this bottle opener from a galaxy far, far away?

Amazon

1-Pound Bag Cereal Marshmallows

Sprinkle them on whatever you like!

Amazon

Mariah Carey Merry Christmas Deluxe Edition Vinyl

Throw this classic holiday record on before your white elephant party ends!

Society6

Aley Wild Mood Cat Poster

We're digging this mood.

Amazon

SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil

Decorative beards and mustaches are definitely here to stay, so give that guy in your life the products he needs to keep things tidy.

Amazon

Transparent Kitchen Safe

Protect your cookies from… people who apparently steal your cookies so often that you need a safe?

Homesick

Homesick Gone Hiking Candle

Give the gift of the outdoors with this soy-based candle.

Amazon

Bananagrams

A fun game really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Amazon

Groot Chia Pet

It's a Chia! It's a pet! It's a Chia Pet!

Amazon

Piece Pie Puzzle

This gift might make the recipient hungry and take days to complete, but it'll make for a good time.

Amazon

Sassy Animals Adult Coloring Book

Coloring + sassy animals = a white elephant win!

Amazon

Coffee Mug Warmer

Anything to do with coffee is sure to be a heart-warming gift.

Amazon

Gaolinci Cartoon Cow Slippers

These keep your feet warm and are super adorable.

Amazon

Shrek Mini Waffle Maker

This waffle maker delivers fresh (and funny) waffles every morning.

Amazon

Wonderful Wieners Playing Cards

You can never go wrong with a silly deck of cards.

Amazon

Tortilla Blanket

Turn your friends into giant human burritos!

Amazon

Pickle-Flavored Cotton Candy

Pickle lovers won't be able to get over this one.

What white elephant gifts are you gifting this year? Share with us @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations

This article has been updated.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

She's been by your side since the beginning — or at least since whoever is younger was born. You've cried over boybands, marveled at movies, surprised your mom with matching tattoosand even moved one another into your first home away from home. Whether she's older, your birthday twin or a decade younger, your sister has always been there for you. She's your person. Sometimes figuring out exactly what to get your nearest and dearest is hard. You know them so well, yet never enough to conjure up the *perfect* birthday gift.

Fear not, because we've put together a list of 56 birthday gift ideas for sisters that are sure please, whether your sis is training to be a future almond-mom or she prefers a good bed-rotting sesh.

minted Vibrance No. 1 ($132)

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Add a pop of color to your sister's walls with this gorgeous print.

minted Creative Block ($37)

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If your sister loves stunning artwork but not the crazy price tag, a high-quality print is perfect. She gets a gorgeous new piece of art and saves a pretty penny. We're calling this a win-win.

Rococo Floral Co. Rococo Preserved Bud Vase ($40)

rococofloralco.com

Gift your sis a mix of everlasting, dried florals arranged in petite bud vase to match. Not only will this bouquet stay gorgeous forever, but it's the perfect accent in any room.

LUXIE Complete Face Brush Set - Rose Gold ($80)

www.luxiebeauty.com

No one ever buys themselves new makeup brushes. It's just a fact of girlhood. While your sister may not be dolling herself up 24/7, make sure she feels beautiful with these luxe, practical brushes.

We The Free Camden Sweatshirt ($78)

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The definition of an effortless essential, this cool and classic pullover is featured in an oversized, slouchy fit with raw, exposed seaming throughout for a true lived-in look.

UGG Women's Classic Mini II Winter Boot ($160)

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As far as we're concerned, UGGs can be worn year round. Especially as we head into cooler months, make sure your sister is as comfortable as possible with the perfect pair of sherpa-lined booties.

Canopy Humidifier ($150)

getcanopy.co

Support the health of your sister's skin with this completely reimagined humidifier that also alleviates symptoms of cold and flu.

Solid & Striped The Oxford Tunic ($198)

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We can picture ourselves lounging under a cabana right now with this tunic on. Add some color to your sister's wardrobe with this funky take on a classic silhouette.

Saltyface Essential Tanning Set ($119)

saltyface.com

So your sister refuses to be pale. Ever. Up her tanning game with this high-quality, skin-safe tanning bundle from Saltyface.

YDL Cork Yoga Mat ($89)

www.yogadesignlab.com

"Ommmmmmmm..." That's how relaxed your sis will be with this new yoga mat in her life. Oh, and it comes in a variety of thicknesses, which is amazing for yogis at any stage.

Free People Luna Classic Aviator Sunglasses ($25)

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Made for sunny days, these effortlessly cool sunglasses are featured in a classic square-shaped frame and aviator-inspired style with a delicate brow bar, eye-catching tinted lenses and adjustable nose pads.

Free People Everyday Hoodie ($168)

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Add effortless edge to any style with this relaxed hoodie featured in a slouchy. Whether your sister is heading to pilates or the grocery store, she'll be dressed for (relaxed) success with this sweatshirt on.

Bel Rebel Eau De Parfum ($210)

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We love a unique fragrance, and these ones from Bel Rebel truly take our breath away.

Free People Tempo Long-Sleeve Tee ($50)

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The perfect layer for all your sster's workouts, this long-sleeve tee features a flowy, A-line silhouette with raw seam details and thumbholes at the sleeves.

sugardoh Sugaring Starter Kit ($95)

sugardoh.co

Whether you're sister is a sugaring pro or shaving loyalist, gift her any of sugardoh's products for hair-free skin in no time. *Practically* garunteed.

Fresh Sends "The Send" Bouquet ($69)

Everyone loves flowers! And everyone deserves flowers! Treat your sis with a gorgeous, fresh bouquet, delivered straight to her door.

Free People HOKA Rincon 3 Sneaker ($125)

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Painful shoes are the absolute worst. Save your sis from uncomfortable sneakers with a pair of Hokas that are just as practical as they are cute.

BYCHARI Coco Shoulder Duster Earrings ($125)

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If your sister loves jewelry, up her earring stack with these stunning duster earrings. She'll be scoring compliments in no time.

Teressa Foglia Mitch Hat ($600)

teressafoglia.com

Truth be told, we love Teressa Foglia's hats. They're expensive, yes, but they're also such incredible quality. If your sis is a hat girl, surprise her with a handmade hat that's (literally) designed to fit her head. Talk about a showstopper.

Jeffrey Campbell Arabella Heels ($168)

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So sleek for a sophisticated touch, these pointed toe mules from Jeffrey Campbell are featured in a soft suede with bow and grommet details and a skinny stiletto heel.

de la heart Body Renewal Detox Kit ($97)

We are active practitioners of the Holy Bible of Lymphatic Drainage, and with a little research (ahem — TikTok) we're sure your sis will be hooked.

Canopy Filtered Showerhead ($125)

An easy-to-install filtered shower head that reduces dissolved minerals, added chlorine and other contaminants in your sister's household water, providing clean water that supports healthy skin and hair. Just what the doctor ordered.

Free People Get Your Flirt On Shorts ($40)

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So flirty and fun shorts to spice up your workout attire, featured in a flowy style with a high-rise, smocked waistband and side pockets.

slip Top Knot Duo Skinny Scrunchies ($16)

www.brit.co

We swear by silk hair ties. Prevent additional breakage and damage with these skinny, buttery-soft scrunchies from slip.

W&P Porter Ceramic Bowl ($40)

highbrowhippie.com

Make leftovers as easy as 1-2-3 with a Porter Bowl. This premium ceramic bowl features a protective silicone wrap, rigid plastic lid and snap-tight silicone strap and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher and it's BPA free.

VERSED Look Alive Hydrating Plumping Mask ($10)

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For those days when your sister's skin is extra thirsty, this mask will hydrate, plump and diminish the look of wrinkles, while cooling and soothing the skin.

LUV AJ Monaco Huggies ($45)

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Every girl needs a basic pair of hoops. As long as she's a gold jewelry gal, then these will be her new go-to earrings.

Bird + Belle Ivory "SURF" Pennant Style Flag ($99)

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Bring some design and texture into your sis's home with this vintage-inspired surf pennant.

Aerin Bra Top ($148)

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You can't deny how adorable this top is. It's impossible.

VERSED Mini The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel ($10)

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In one step, this mini face peel works while your sis is sleep to resurface and renew her complexion. A blend of Lactic and Glycolic Acids works to break down dead skin cells, anti-aging Vitamin A exfoliates, brightens, and hydrates, and skin-conditioning Allantoin, Rosehip, and Vitamin E keep skin calm. It's pH-balanced, non-drying, and non-irritating, so it won't leave her red or flaky — just bright and refreshed. It's even gentle enough to use on back-to-back nights.

Miranda Frye x REVOLVE Adriana Necklace ($112)

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If your sister is in the market for a chunky, albeit simple gold chain, then this one is sure to fulfill her wish.

Saxon Kent Art Prints (Price varies)

saxonkent.com.au

We're suckers for photography prints. If your sis is too, then check out Australian-based photographer Saxon Kent's collection of prints for incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping colors.

Dew of the Gods Claydate Healing Face Mask ($42)

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This mineral-rich, creamy mud of the gods is infused with rosehip oil, aloe, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid, working to purify, heal, tone and remineralize the skin.

NARS Afterglow Blush ($32)

www.sephora.com

Purple blush is all the rage, and this lightweight, skincare-infused liquid blush delivers a buildable rush of color with eight-hour hydration. Perfect for skincare specialists and makeup mavens alike.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara ($20)

www.sephora.com

This universal mascara has a unique eye-hugging brush to lift, lengthen, curl and volumize every lash type, delivering a lush look to even the sparsest of eyelashes.

e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Puff ($4)

www.elfcosmetics.com

Achieve that flawless glow with this velour powder puff. This tiny tool will help your sis set her base for an airbrushed look with expertly smooth application, and better yet it’s both reusable and machine washable!

Little Korboose Hanging Planter ($110)

Even if your sister doesn’t have a green thumb, this fun ceramic pot will make it seem like she does. For some extra pizazz, pick up some succulents from your local nursery for an even cuter presentation.

Our Place Large Always Pan® ($180)

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Everyone needs a great quality cooking pan, and this one from Our Place is perfect for making all of her favorites.

"Cravings: All Together: Recipes to Love" by Chrissy Teigen ($30)

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Filled to the brim with warm, comforting recipes to enjoy with family and loved ones, this cookbook gives classic dishes the Chrissy Teigen treatment — and are downright delicious.

Leena Joshi "Love Note No.21" Art Print ($25)

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We can't help ourselves with all of the art recommendations! Pick up one of Leena Joshi's original paintings or prints for the perfect accent to any space.

Russell + Hazel Acrylic Cord Manager ($10)

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With space to hold three cords in place, this acrylic cord manager makes it easy to keep cables in control and your sister's desk neat and tidy.

Pura 4 ($50)

pura.com

This gadget keeps on giving with its innovative smart features. Your sis can control up to two scents at a time to give her home the most modern, customized and high-end scenting experience possible.

Cloud RO Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System ($750)

www.cloudwaterfilters.com

If you're looking for a gift that's a bit on the pricier side, look no further. Tell your sister to say "so long" to her college Brita filter with this reverse osmosis water filtration system. Better yet, it will fit right underneath her sink for clean, purified water 24/7.

Big Naturals NATURAL Picpoul Wine ($60)

www.bignaturalswine.com

You can't go wrong with Big Naturals, at least in our experience. This picpoul white wine has refreshing notes of "green apple, melon, Sourpatch Kids, and bright minerality," perfect for summer sessions.

Tahlia Stanton Fine Art Prints (Price varies)

tahliastanton.com

If you love mixed media art, then you'll definitely love Tahlia Stanton. This Australian-based artist creates the most incredible pieces, so order an original or print for a little infusion of color in your sister's art collection.

Cravings by Chrissy Teigen Chop-Everything Wooden Cutting Board ($32)

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Big enough to hold piles of sliced and diced veggies while your sis preps, beautiful enough to take straight to the table stacked with cheese and charcuterie. Oh, and it can hold her phone too.

Lola Massage Gun ($103)

www.meetlola.co

Relax, unwind and improve your sister's wellbeing with this interchangeable massage gun.

quip Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser ($60)

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Water flossers are game changers, and you'd never know until your try them yourself.

keeko Everyday Essentials Bundle ($40.50)

www.keekooralcare.com

Now that we're on the teeth train, give your sis a healthier smile with this essential bundle from keeko.

Bed Babe Beauty Sleep Powder Drink Mix Sticks 10-Pack ($40)

bedbabebeauty.com

Meet your sister's new nighttime ritual for glowing skin! Bed Babe has made beauty sleep a reality and packed skin-loving ingredients into a tasty drink mix to help your sis sleep soundly while improving skin hydration, texture and elasticity.

bala The Power Ring ($89)

carbon38.com

The kettlebell and the dumbbell had a baby — and it turns out she’s prettycute. Press, hold, swing and squat to increase strength, agility, endurance and balance.

Ora Organic The Modern Multi Multivitamin ($40)

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This clean, plant-based multivitamin has 20 essential nutrients in their most bioavailable forms to support a healthy immune system, cognitive function and support vision health by protecting the eyes against blue light exposure from digital devices.

Kif Kefir Water 3 Flavor Sampler Pack ($72)

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No, it's not kombucha. Give this kombucha-adjacent beverage a try for all the probiotics and all the best flavors.

Organic Olivia Gift Card (Price varies)

www.organicolivia.com

If your sis is a holistic health and wellness fanatic, give her the gift of health with an Organic Olivia gift card. She'll LOVE it, trust us.

Cora The Free-To-Flow Period Underwear ($30)

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Soft, reusable period underwear that hold up to 3 regular tampons worth of liquid – cycle after cycle. It may not be the sexiest gift, but it sure is practical.

"Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide to Investing" by Camilla Falkenberg, Emma Due Bitz and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen ($20)

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If your goal is to become a stay at home sister, get your sis started on the right track with this uplifting money manifesto set to shift the tides of financial power head on.

What's the best birthday gift for your sister that you've purchased in the past? Share with us on Instagram, join our newsletter, and check out our DIY classes for more festivities!

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find more artful gifts.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.