11 Crowdfunding Projects We’re Loving Right Now

Kickstarter, Indiegogo and other awesome crowdfunding sites are full of amazing ideas, but the cool thing about the 11 we highlight here is that almost all of them make life just a little bit easier. From a digital kitchen gadget that helps you cook nutritious meals to a USB port with unlimited hubs, these inventions really are genius. But because not everything has to have a life-changing purpose, we’re also highlighting a couple that just make life happier, like a cool toy that inspires confidence and a hand-embroidered sweatshirt you can design yourself. Check them all out below and get ready to be wowed.

1. Customizable Clothing: Across the pond is a kickass crowdfunding site called Kiss Kiss Bank Bank, which is where we discovered this designer who makes customizable embroidered sweatshirts, tees and totes. There are 15 colors to choose from, plus collections of animals, patterns, adorable objects or text. With the money raised, the designer is hoping to print lookbooks and get her website up and running. Rock on, independent designers! (Photo via @hellojonesie)

2. Step to Perfect Posture: If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of your day slouching over your desk at work, eyes glued to the computer. The BetterBack is a little pack you strap around your middle section and knees. Wearing it just 15 minutes a day strengthens your core and encourages better posture. Plus it comes in a cute little travel bag so you can take it to and from work with ease.

3. Scratch-Off World Map: Using that Facebook map to brag about all the places you’ve traveled is so passé. We’re loving the idea behind Scratchy Map, which is basically a map you can scratch off the places you’ve been, bringing out bright colors underneath. It makes awesome decor, regardless of how many (or few) places you’ve actually visited.

4. A Toy That Encourage Creativity: Not only is this toy adorable, but it also inspires confidence and creativity in kids. It comes in a cute little kit, and kids can put together the animal using the pom pom for either its furry body or a great mane. It’s totally grooming kids to be amazing DIYers when they grow up.

5. Your Digital Sous Chef: This little tech tool is the Siri of the kitchen. It tells you all sorts of cool facts about the meal you’re making based on the ingredients you’re working with. It can give a rundown of the nutritional value, give you tips on spices or other little extras that will make your meal even more delish, and it can even tell you what you can make with the ingredients you already have in your fridge. The future is now, people.

6. A Toy You Can Feel Good About: While walking around your kid’s favorite toy store, it can be disheartening to realize that the most popular toys aren’t very environmentally friendly. Enter the Tobo Truck. This eco-friendly toy is made from liquid wood and no plastic whatsoever. What’s really cool is that the tracks are the perfect size to go with toys your son or daughter already loves playing with, like Thomas and all his other train friends. Major bonus: It can connect to LEGOs too!

7. Next Level Printer: Is anyone else still amazed by 3D printers? This one, called the Stepcraft, not only prints things in 3D, it can print them out of almost any material, such as wood, aluminum or even brass. Some people have used it to design and print wooden toy train tracks. Others have used it to carve sculptures or engrave signs. It’s seriously a DIYer’s dream tool.

8. Robot Bodyguard: This little panda may look like a toy, but it’s secretly a security device. Sneaky, right? iCaptura is a camera and motion detector which will alert you via phone if something is not right (i.e., stranger in the house, a fire, flood or something else catastrophic). It also has a traditional alarm so you can wake up and get out of the house ASAP if you need to. Burglars be warned — panda is watching.

9. Beer Pong Cup Washer: Beer pong is often the life of the party, but there’s no denying it’s a dirty game. Like, literally. The Clean Cup helps by cleaning the ball when you drop it in there by using blasts of air and water to get rid of all that gross hair and dirt. Now you really have no excuse not to drink.

10. Virtual Reality Goggles: There’s been talk about virtual reality games for decades, but the Impression Pi looks like one of the most promising ventures so far. It has 3D gesture control, position tracking and can connect to your phone. It also has a camera and video camera so you can capture and share your experiences with your friends.

11. Unlimited USB Ports: If your computer is a tool you depend on for work, you know how annoying it can be when you can’t connect all your devices at the same time. The struggle is real. InfiniteUSB solves that whole problem by supplying endless ports — they just plug right into each other. Plus the cords are super cute and colorful. We’re a sucker for all things smart and stylish.

Which idea blows you away? Tell us in the comments.

Kids are some of the most discerning peeps on your holiday list so you want to find something that will really tickle their hearts and brains. An indoor swing? Stilts? Creative forts? STEM kits? We have it all right here so you don't have to dig deep for the perfect gift, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the season. So go ahead and bake holiday cookies and binge on the latest holiday movie because here are 25+ gift ideas for kiddos that are still in stock and fun for all ages.

Personalized Alphabet Zoo Story Book

Personalize their first ABC book with this zoo-inspired storybook that gives a nod to their cute little name!

Rainbow Unicorn Tea Set

A great way to bond with adults and flex their pretend play muscle is to serve up some scrumptious unicorn tea! The carry case fits everything neatly inside so they can bring it anywhere for an impromptu tea party.

FAO Schwarz Glow Brights Plush Disco Ball

Get ready to party with this ball drop -- a plush disco ball that lights up with dazzling LED lights and sound. It's huggable too;)

Musical Chain Reaction Construction Set

Kids can construct this super cool domino-meets-music-meets-car construction set and play with it for hours after.

Floor Surfer

This roller board helps train motor skills and is totally safe with a design that helps protect their arms and legs. Plus, it's totally fun!

Hearthsong Gymnastics Tumbling Mat

For tumblers and little yogis alike, this mat is perfect for getting their wiggles out.

Learn to Mix & Spin DJ Pad

Aspiring DJs can learn to mix and play with this creative portable music studio.

Cable Transport

Perfect for a treehouse or fort, this crate and pulley system lets kids transport things old-school style, teaching them adventure, creativity, and cooperative play.

Hazel Village Kid Dolls

Made in Brooklyn, these organic handmade dolls are designed to look like kids of all shades, with adorable outfits and accessories to choose from for endless pretend play, or just to cuddle with at bedtime.

Magnetic Color and Number Maze

Toddlers can brush up on their colors and numbers with this magnetic color maze toy where they put beads in the matching paint can.

Montessori Arch

Part lounge chair, part climbing arch, this wooden structure from Etsy works both ways for chill and play time.

Geospace Original Walkaroo Durable Steel Stilts

What kid wouldn't want to play around with these stilts, and thankfully they're way more comfortable than stilts of yore with under arm foam and handles that add comfort and grip.

Kid Made Modern Arts and Crafts Supply Library

Fill your kiddo's craft stash with this 1,000-piece library of all things DIY and watch their creative juices flow.

3-in-1 Wooden Montessori Toys

Just as they're sitting up and tinkering with everything in sight, this 3-in-1 toy comes to the rescue for keeping them engaged and curious.

Weird & Wild Animal Facts Gift Set

Kids who are obsessed with wildlife can learn all about big cats, slithering snakes, mammoth elephants, and manic monkeys in this unique bingo, book and bath fuzz gift set.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Amazing Chemistry Set 

Kids can make bubbling, color-changing, and glowing experiments in this amazing science kit.

LEGO Classic Creative Party Box Set

Get your builders ready for a day of lego building with 12 mini builds and 900 bricks to make their own.

Kids Pod Swing Chair

Give them a private hang-out and reading spot with this indoor swing made in 100% cotton, perfect for bedrooms and play rooms.

Space World Play Tent Galaxy Dome Playhouse

Space explorers can pretend they've rocketed to outer space in this cool tent for secret astronaut missions.

Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set

Vending machines are practical for adults but totally fun for kids! Here, kids can stock the machine, insert play coins and press buttons to their watch items fall out and in their hands.

Tiny Land Kids-Fort-Building-Kit-80 Pieces-Creative Fort Toy

Any parent who has tried to build a fort with pillow cushions alone will appreciate this gift that makes fort fun so much easier, and long-lasting. Kids can assemble it themselves too for an added adventure.

Klutz Mini Clay World Pet Adoption Truck Craft Kit

Kids can sculpt puppies, birds, bunnies, and guinea pigs from oven-bake clay and then pretend they're driving a pet adoption truck that they'll also construct!

Friendship Bracelet Making Kit

Remember these? Friendship bracelets for besties and more will never go out of style. There are endless combinations too!

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)

Introduce readers to the world of Harry Potter in this first-time ever paperback boxed set!

Wooden Puzzles Blocks Brain Teasers

Challenge kids to a puzzle duel with this brain-teasing game that helps them focus and train their imagination.

​KiwiCo Craft & Carry Supply Station

We love KiwiCo STEM kits and this one has more than 1,000 pieces with a 33-page book chock-full of crafty ideas.

Personal Laptop Kids Chalkboard

No charging station needed here. Let kids pretend they're working like mom and dad with this chalkboard-style laptop for loads of pretend play ideas -- store owner, schoolteacher, writer, and more!

Find more holiday inspiration on our Holiday 2023 page and subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday gifting ideas!

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

Main image: Hazel Village Kid Dolls

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

'90s babies, the time has come: we're now officially a part of a historical American Girl doll timeline. The company announced their newest historical girls, fraternal twins Isabel and Nicki Hoffman, on February 22 and Twitter went wild over the fact that the 1990s are now "historical" (although...they were almost 25 years ago).

The twins are giving us some major Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen vibes, and in addition to the dial-up computer and Pizza Hut dinner, the 18-inch doll collection is a treasure trove of details, looks, and toys from our childhoods (including the dolls' own American Girl magazine!). Let's take a little trip down memory lane with the American Girl '90s dolls.

Meet Isabel + Nicki from the American Girl Doll '90s Collection

Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Ultimate Collection ($326): Isabel Hoffman™ Doll, Journal & Accessories ($151); Nicki Hoffman™ Doll, Journal & Accessories ($151); Isabel™ & Nicki's™ Pet Set ($34)

The American Girl dolls have everything from composition notebooks and overall dresses to flannels and chokers. If we flipped through our childhood scrapbooks, we could point out these exact details in our own lives!

Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Bedroom Bundle ($641): Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Computer & Desk Set ($145); Isabel’s™ Floral Dreams Pajamas ($34); Nicki’s™ Skater Dreams Sleep Shirt ($28); Isabel’s™ Bed & Floral Dreams Bedding Set ($150); Nicki’s™ Bed & Animal-Print Bedding Set ($150); Isabel’s™ Bedroom Accessories ($50); Nicki’s™ Bedroom Accessories($50)

Reversible bedspreads, funky pillows, and animal slippers? Cute bedroom accessories and inflatable chairs? Their own dial-up computer? These girls are living our childhood dream.

Pizza Hut® BOOK IT!™ Set ($32)

We'd eat pizza everyday if we could, and we're certain those childhood trips to Pizza Hut is where our love for the cheesy dish began.

Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Sports Bundle ($255): Isabel™ & Nicki's™ 2-in-1 Tennis Court & Skate Spot ($175); Isabel’s™ Tennis Outfit ($40); Nicki’s™ Skateboarding Outfit ($40)

Whether you dreamed of skateboarding around town or you played tons of tennis à la Break Point, you don't have to pick when you have a 2-in-1 tennis court and skating rink.

What do you think of this new American Girl doll collection? More importantly, what do you think about the fact that the '90s were almost 25 years ago?! Whew. Let us know on Twitter.

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

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

Without a doubt, the best TV shows of 2023 included the emotional end to the Succession saga, as well as the beginning of my attachment to Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us. I got cozy thanks to Sullivan's Crossing and became even more obsessed with The Bear, but the one show I never saw coming was Beef.

The series picked up awards left and right (hello Emmys and SAG Awards!), and thank goodness, we don't have to say goodbye just yet because Beef season 2 is officially on its way! You might be wondering, 'Isn't Beef a limited series?' It was supposed to be — but the internet's obsession pushed Netflix to renew it. Before you catch up on the best new TV shows of 2024, here's everything we know about Beef season 2.

  • Beef was a standout TV show of 2023 — and Beef season 2 is on its way!
  • The Netflix hit will feature two feuding couples, doubling the drama.
  • Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan will lead the Beef season 2 cast.

Will there be a season 2 of Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Beef season 2! After waiting to hear whether the show would be back for another installment, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news on October 22. The sophomore season will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Who's in the Beef season 2 cast?

Mike Coppola/Arturo Holmes/Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Beef Season 2 Cast

This is the craziest part of all: Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny will play one of the feuding couples, with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as the other. This is an absolutely insane cast to see onscreen together, and I cannot wait to see how they balance soft-spoken, graceful moments with over-the-top drama. Beef season 2 is going to be as good as its predecessor — if not better.

What is Beef season 2 about?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Plot

THR also reports that Beef season 2 will follow a young couple (assuming that's Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton) who sees a crazy fight between their boss and his wife, “triggering chess moves of favors and coercion in the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner.”

When is Beef season 2 coming out?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Release Date

We don't have an official release date for Beef season 2 yet, but considering season 1 started filming in April of 2022 and released in April of 2023, we could see the second season as early as winter 2025.

How many seasons and episodes of Beef are there?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Right now, there is one season of Beef comprised of 10 episodes. Beef season 2 will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Where can I watch Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

You can watch all ten episodes of Beef season 1 on Netflix now! You can also watch Unpacking BEEF | Inside the Season Finale and Steven Yeun & Ali Wong Break Down A Scene From BEEF on YouTube for the behind-the-scenes info you've been craving.

What do you want to see in Beef season 2? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated.