28 of the Best Apps of 2014

Lisa Raphael
Dec 27, 2014

This year has been a big year in apps — from wearables and phablets redefining what and how we download, to the Great Devicewide Emoji Takeover of ‘14 and the launch of this very series here at Brit + Co! We’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled weekly app roundup to bring you a look at 28 of the best downloads that took our smartphones by swipe this past year. Scroll back through some of our favorite DLs, some you missed and some worth taking into 2015 and beyond.

1. 7 Minute Workout: If fitness goals are anywhere near your New Year’s resolutions list, this app will make squeezing in a daily quicky no big thing, no matter where you are or how late you are to work. Plus, science says it’s technically the only workout you need (we’re paraphrasing) so why fight science? The other mini workouts it will eventually unlock the more you use it are just icing on the cake/abs on the tummy.

DL It: $1.99 on iOS

2. Adobe Creative Profile: In October, Adobe released nine (!) new apps that all have different, unique little keys for unlocking your creativity. Color lets you create themes, swatches and palettes from a photo you snapped, Shape turns your phone into a vector machine and Brush lets you make brushes from images of textures and shapes that you capture with your camera.

DL Them: Free on iOS

3. Autodesk Sketchbook: This app aims to give every artist a mobile toolkit for your tablet and smartphone with 100 pencils, pens, markers and brushes that you can customize and get creating with.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

4. Bitmoji: While we twiddle our thumbs and wait for our beloved emoji to catch up to speed in the diversity department (get it together, Unicode Consortium), you can make your own emoticons that look just like you with this app. And then put them into comic strips or pair them with your favorite phrases.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

5. Cinamatic: If you thought you were over Hipstamatic, this app made you reconsider abandoning it forever. It takes all of the stuff we loved about beautifying our photos before Instagram become our all-in-one and adds a video element that makes us all mobile indie doc makers.

DL It: Free on iOS

6. CosmoBody: Turn your living room, dorm room or hotel room into a full-on fitness class with this collection of motivating move it, move it sweat sessions. Pick from body specific classes (“Legs for Days,” “Score Flat Abs Fast,” “Shake That Ass!”) or take on one of the many multiple day challenges to get “Sexier By Saturday” or score that “Revenge” or “Wowza Wedding Body.” Warning: The app has snagged some one star reviews for difficulty canceling the one-week free trial.

DL It: The download is free (on iOS, Android, your computer and even Roku) but the service is $9.99 a month

7. Emojiary: Emoji had a big 2014 — and not *just* the girl in the pink shirt, the whole bunch. This innovative app works like a daily diary, prompting you to tell it how you’re feeling using just emoji. Tell your red dress dancing girl days apart from your syringe days in these textable therapy-on-the-go sessions.

DL It: Free on iOS

8. Flic: There was certainly no shortage of swiping this year in App Land but at least Flic wanted to help you find something much longer lasting: a cleaned out camera. We can *definitely* fall in love with that.

DL It: $1.99 on iOS

9. Fridge App: Like an activity tracker for your fridge, this app boasts the ability to monitor the perishables going in and out of your kitchen (with emphasis on moving them out). When you can’t afford those Jetsons-esque smart appliances just yet, apps like these are the next best thing.

DL It: $1.99 on iOS

10. Glow Nurture: Download a view of what to expect when you’re expecting in real time with an app that extends the life of fertility tracking Glow into all three trimesters and now even postpartum. Track every stage of your pregnancy with helpful health questions, important appointment reminders, a forum to speak with other parents in your same position and articles (including Brit + Co kids content!) relevant to your trimester.

DL It: Free on iOS

11. Heirloom: TBTs will never be this easy again, people. This app’s photo capturing capabilities for IRL prints are unparalleled and will help you digitize those stacks of albums in minutes… or over a fun evening with the fam.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

12. Humin: This is the upgrade your contacts app needs, espeeeecially if you’re a superstar networkers. Or a superstar forgetter. OR a superstar pick up artist. Humin lets you add context to your contacts, then search for them the same way. Find the new friend you “met Friday night,” or call up a biz contact who “works at Twitter,” even see which friends are in town this weekend so you know who to add to that group text.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

13. Hyperlapse: One of the top free apps of the year, this baby of Instagram lets you take easy, gorgeous time lapse videos and rack up all the likes from it.

DL It: Free on iOS

14. IFTTT: In 2013, we were all about recipes for fusion tacos and hybrid sweets. In 2014, it’s all about recipes of the digital variety led by bespoke “If This Then That” commands for our phones. If it’s sunny tomorrow, then set my alarm for 30 minutes earlier so I can get up and run. If I post a photo to Instagram, then delete it from my phone to save space. If I open Tinder past midnight, then just lock my phone already?

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

15. Kim Kardashian: Hollywood: We suppose you can’t have a 2014 app review without including Kim K’s mega money maker, so here it is. Honestly, as much as we want to throw shade at this game, we want to applaud Kim for giving the people what they want and continuing to bring home the bacon anyway she can.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS (but you pay to really play, natch)

16. NailSnaps: We were jazzed about this idea when it was just a Kickstarter, but now that it’s the real, downloadable deal?! Even better. Use it to create your own custom nail wraps out of beautiful designs from their own artists OR your own Instagrams and photos.

DL It: Free on iOS

17. NextGlass: Forget your go-to friend to text when you’re looking for a wine rec, this smart sommelier will recommend wine and beer that fits YOUR taste, which it learns over time from you rating different bottles you’ve tried.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

18. Paper by FiftyThree: Joining Adobe’s Creative Suite and Sketchbook, here’s another app that promises to make an artist out of you yet with the added bonus of a connected community called Mix where you can show off, share and re-scribble on Paper-made works of art.

DL It: Free on iOS, but the $3.99 Essentials pack is, well, essential

19. Post-It Plus: Take a picture of your wall of Post-Its and this app digitizes and organizes them and allows you to access and email them even when you’re nowhere near that mess of a desk. Mind blown? Yup, ours too.

DL It: Free on iOS

20. Spring: 2014 also rang in the year of the combo app. Like Instagram meets Pinterest meets your online shopping destination of choice (aka a decade ago: a mall), Spring lets you follow, scroll, swipe and double tap through your favorite brands and designers. You can then shop straight from the app, alerting you to when your favorite pieces go on sale or your highest ranked brands have new merch.

DL It: Free on iOS

21. SwiftKey: Standard keyboards are a thing of the past — or at least early 2014. This one lets you swipe your way through your emails and iMessages, using smart technology to predict what you’re about to say. Oo, and it comes in all kinds of pretty colors and festive skins.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

22. Shyp: Like TaskRabbit solely for shipping your packages, you can call up a shipping “hero” with this app to come and save your day from a trip to the post office. They’ll pick up whatever you need to get from A to B and make sure they get it there in a package that looks darn good too. We’re particularly partial to this app because you were able to get gifts wrapped in beautiful Brit + Co wrapping paper during the holidays with it.

DL It: Free on iOS

23. Somebody: We’re giving this one love for being so darn weird. Before there was an app where strangers could set your alarm for you, there was this brainchild from Miranda July, where you could get a stranger to deliver a message for you IRL.

DL It: Sorry, Somebodies. You’ll have to wait for 2015 to DL version 2.0.

24. Spruce: The doctor is in — 24/7 thanks to this on-demand dermatology app that lets you upload photos of problem areas to get a diagnosis and treatment for acne.

DL It: Free on iOS

25. Super! Is Biz Stone just trying to make fetch happen again? We’re willing to throw a bone and a download his way for this super fun meme maker that makes you think and create beyond our usual social media habits.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

26. Threes!: We’re always game for a beautiful game that gets our brains working in ways our Pinterest habit and our LC obsession don’t. Threes! is a math teacher’s dream and your commute’s new BFF.

DL It: $0.99 on Android and $1.99 on iOS

27. Wink: The smart home takeover is ON thanks to tech we’re able to connect to with our smartphones. Quirky’s Wink is a mobile control center for your home’s connected devices and a good preview for what to expect more of in coming years.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

28. Yo: Not to be confused with Yo Bitch, which is also great, this is the OG two-letter app that did nothing more than just let you send and receive Yos to contacts. This sleeping giant (or, this sleeping giant’s API) could be gearing itself up for an even bigger 2015. Or not. TBD.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

What was your favorite app download of the year? Share with us below!

How To Nail Halloween Cry Makeup That's Still Pretty

Alright, this was definitely an interesting Halloween makeup tutorial to do for y’all, but it had to be done! There seems to be a handful of pop culture-inspired opportunities to rep this look on Halloween. From Bey’s awesome sad streaks in her “Why Don’t You Love Me” music video to the repeated "Girls will cry and girls will lie" in Sabrina Carpenter's "Lie to Girls," you can pretty much turn anything into a sad version as long it’s done well. Whether you are going for a scary or gory look — BTW, you can totally switch out the black liner here for a red one to make this bloody eye makeup (Max Mayfield anyone?) — you’ll still look pretty. Sad, but pretty.

The Best Cry Makeup Ever

Brit + Co

See how good this looks?! Let's get into it.

Prep: Flawless Face + Smokey Eye

Brit + Co

Follow this tutorial to get your base makeup started. Add a pretty dramatic smokey eye. Layer up the eyeliner on both your upper and lower lash line — you’re going to need the extra pigment to help get those sad little makeup streaks to fall down your pretty little cheeks.

Step 1: Concealer

Brit + Co

Normally I say keep it light on the concealer so it does not get cakey or look too heavy. In this case, you are going to be adding water and messing with the under eye area more than normal, so you want to go a bit more dramatic in this department. Apply an upside-down triangle shape and then blend in with a brush.

Step 2: Visine

Brit + Co

Add a few drops of Visine to your lower lash line. Be sure to start off by focusing on one eye, because you want to take the next step immediately so you don’t lose the Visine drop.

Step 3: Smear

Brit + Co

Use a thin makeup brush to gently encourage your eyeliner to bleed in the same pattern that the Visine drops are falling down your face.

Step 4: Highlight

Brit + Co

Add a pop of deep silver metallic shadow to the inside corners of your eyes. This is going to give the highlight and dimension we want, but it'll maintain more of a moody vibe.

Step 5: Repeat

Brit + Co

Go through these same four steps on the other eye! Easy peasy.

Brit + Co

Get your acting skills on and have fun with this pretty cry baby look! Play your go-to sad tunes to really get into the mood.

Brit + Co

So. Sad. (But so pretty!)

Check out more Halloween ideas on Pinterest and our Halloween page.

This post has been updated.

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Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

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We’re Obsessed With Kourtney Kardashian And Travis Barker’s Blended Family

In the realm of celebrity families, the Kardashians reign supreme. Among them, eldest sister Kourtney Kardashian stands out with her dynamic personality and well-documented (Hello, Keeping Up With The Kardashians!) foray into motherhood. She recently made it known that being a mom is her number one priority, and she won't allow anyone or anything to take her away from that. With that level of dedication, it's clear that Kourtney is an amazing mom with lots of love to give! Here's everything you should know about her sweet kids!

How many biological kids does Kourtney Kardashian have?

Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

Kourtney Kardashian has four biological kids! Their names are Mason, Penelope, Reign, and Rocky. She shares her first three children with ex Scott Disick, and now shares Rocky her current husband, Travis Barker. Kourtney also appears to be very close to her step children, Landon and Alabama Barker.

What is Kourtney Kardashian's new baby's name?

Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker announced the birth of their beautiful baby boy on December 22, 2023. His name is Rocky Thirteen Barker, which has a special meaning for Travis' father. Travis told Grazia Magazine that Rocky George was the guitarist for Suicidal Tendencies, and 13 is "just the greatest number of all time."

Will Kourtney Kardashian have a surrogate?

Image via @kourtneykardash/Instagram

According to Daily Mail, Kourtney's pregnancy with Rocky wasn't easy, eventually ending up with a rush to the hospital for urgent fetal surgery. Because of how difficult (and likely traumatizing) that was, Kourtney and Travis have apparently decided to go with a surrogate for any future children they have.

Mason Dash Disick, 14

Images via Instagram/@kimkardashian and Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for Feld Entertainment

Mason Dash Disick, born on December 14, 2009, is Kourtney's first biological child. He's also the first grandchild of the Kardashian family, and his birth was actually filmed for Keeping Up With the Kardashians! His middle name might sound familiar, as it also belongs to the set of stores that Kourtney, Khloe, and Kim previously ran. "Dash" parallels their last name and simultaneously serves as a tribute to their late father's (Robert Kardashian) nickname.

Penelope Scotland Disick, 11

Images via Hulu and Rich Fury/Getty Images for Coachella

Penelope — often affectionately referred to as "P" — was born on July 8, 2012. She was also born on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and is very close with her famous cousin, North West. They post their hilarious antics all over TikTok, making us miss those childhood mems with our own cousins.

Reign Aston Disick, 9

Image via Instagram/@kourtneykardash

Reign is Kourtney and Scott's youngest child, and he was born on the same day as his older brother Mason! He's nine years old, and seems to bring his big personality wherever he goes. You can find a lot of his goofiness all over Kourt's Instagram.

Rocky Thirteen Barker, 3 months

Image via Instagram/@kourtneykardash

Rocky Thirteen Barker is the latest addition to Kourtney Kardashian's kids! Kourtney was very open about her struggles with conceiving Rocky, as well as the complications that arose during her pregnancy. Thankfully, all worked out well, and now Rocky is living his best life with his parents and siblings!

How many kids does Travis Barker have?

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Outside of Rocky, Travis Barker shares two biological with his ex-wife, Shanna Moakler. He also has a step-daughter named Atiana De La Hoya who he — and Kourtney — are very close with.

Atiana De La Hoya, 24

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for ABA

Travis Barker's shares his step daughter, Atiana De Le Hoya, with her mother Shanna Moakler. Atiana was born on March 29, 1999, and she's the eldest of the combined Barker-Kardashian clan. Atiana acts, and she recently starred in a thriller called Maya.

Landon Asher Barker, 20

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Landon Barker was born on October 9, 2003, and is a musician — just like his dad! He's released a number of songs including "Trust" and "Holiday". In June of 2022, Landon began dating Internet celebrity and TikTok star, Charli D'Amelio. Sadly, in February of 2024, the two called it quits. They expressed that they're still friends and still have a lot of love left for one another.

Alabama Luella Barker, 18

Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Spotify

Music must run in the family because Alabama Barker is a budding musician, too! She was born on December 24, 2005, while her family was starring in a reality show called Meet the Barkers. Today, she's still in the spotlight and is very active on TikTok. She posts a lot of her music across her platforms — which have collectively over 3 million followers!

Want to keep up with all your celeb faves better? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Header image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

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When Is Starbucks' Red Cup Day?

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.

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18 Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes You Can Make This Year

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.

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