Now That Scandoval Is Over, Here Are The Best Reality TV Shows To Watch Next

best reality tv shows

As Vanderpump Rules’s Scandoval drama draws to a close, we’re left with a gaping, reality TV-sized hole in our hearts. Fortunately, you have stumbled into an article written by a self-proclaimed reality TV buff who’s way too tuned in for her own good, so you know you’re in great hands.

While VPR is a fantastic show (and if you haven't watched the earlier seasons you absolutely should), there are so many other truly jaw-dropping shows to fill that gap in your TV programming schedule – at least until VPR returns in 2024.

Here are my favorite, must-watch, totally bingeable reality TV shows to fill your summer schedule with.

Love Island

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First Look: A day of kissing takes a dramatic turn! | Love Island Series 10

I am not lying when I say that Love Island may be the greatest work of reality TV of all time. This show is absolute gold for anyone looking for some good ol’ drama mixed with sometimes inaudible accents (especially on the UK version) and best of all, L-O-V-E.

With over 15 seasons across the world, you’re bound to get sucked into the painful narration and questionable actions by the Islanders. If you’re not sure where to start, I highly recommend entering the Love Island UK villa first, before heading east to Australia and finally swinging back to the US.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

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Daisy Kelliher Chooses Between Gary King and Colin MacRae | WWHL

Ay ay, Captain! Bravo’s Below Deck Sailing Yacht is back for its fourth season in the Mediterranean – and it’s the best one yet. With five current franchises of Below Deck, you’re probably wondering why this one is good enough to outrank the others. Let me lay it all out for you.

First off, this crew is probably the most attractive group of (nearly) all single people in Below Deck history – which inevitably leads to drama in itself. Additionally, season 4 welcomed back three series regulars (Chief Steward Daisy, First Officer Gary and Chief Engineer Colin), all of whom have been on the show for at least three years. Through the years, Gary and Colin developed a lifelong friendship, and strong friendships with Daisy, all of which have been turned around in a sort-of love triangle this year.

I won't reveal any more details – but it’s certainly a must-watch.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

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Most Explosive Moments On The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills | Bravo

IMO, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills made the Housewives franchise into what it is today. The show’s success gave way to even more Real Housewives series and Vanderpump Rules, so you already know it must be good.

The women of Beverly Hills are an interesting bunch, flexing their wealth and flair for the dramatic to create next-level TV. At the center of the 13 year franchise lies Kyle Richards, who, along with her sisters Kim Richards and Kathy Hilton, have created and destroyed friendships and familial relationships with other now-Bravolebrities like Lisa Vanderpump, Lisa Rinna, Denise Richards, and Dorit Kemsley, to name a few.

Start watching from the beginning and you’ll understand the nuances that make this series a success in no time – just in time for season 13’s premiere this fall.

Married At First Sight Australia

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Married at First Sight Australia Series 10 Episode 1

MAFS is drama, and drama isMAFS. In this series you’ll head down under to watch 8-12 couples who are – you guessed it – married at first sight. On a quest to find the love of their lives, the individuals are paired up by relationship experts and a clinical sexologist. We follow the pairs through their marriage, honeymoon and life post-wedding until they decide if they’ll live happily ever after.

Honestly, I’m not sure why I prefer MAFS Australia over its US counterpart, but it’s the perfect mindless show to relax to.

Bachelor in Paradise

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Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 | Who is going to the beach?


.TBH I’m not a Bachelor or Bachelorette girly, but I AM a BIP one. I would consider it a mix between Love Island and the Bachelor/Bachelorette, since contestants from the Bachelor franchise are given the opportunity to date whomever they want.

If you’re looking for a similar show to TheBachelor/Bachelorette with a bit more action, this is the one for you.

Bondi Rescue

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Lifeguard Surfs Into A Swarm Of Jellyfish THAT STING

Clearly I like Australian shows, because I couldn't help but include Bondi Rescue on this list. Dubbed “Australia’s real-life Baywatch,” the show (Which originally premiered in 2006, BTW!) follows the work of the elite professional Lifeguards who patrol Australia's busiest beach – Bondi Beach.

You may not think watching lifeguards run around on TV could be interesting – but oh boy it is. From IRL medical emergencies to saving struggling swimmers and (best of all) the relationships that form – this show’s got a bit of everything.

Real Housewives of Miami

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The Real Housewives of Miami | New Season | Official Trailer | Peacock Original

Miami is – without a doubt – my FAVORITE Bravo franchise. Real friends, luxury living, plenty of Spanglish and drama, drama, DRAMA dominates this show. The women are strong and don't back down, which makes for incredible TV and hardcore fanbases.

Now that your schedule is all filled up – be sure to stay updated on the latest reality TV bombshells withBrit + Co.

Header image courtesy ofEugene Gologursky/Bravo.

I L-O-V-E season 3 of Bridgertonin all its friends-to-lovers, springtime, romantic glory, and I'm already thinking about Bridgerton season 4. I'm a sucker for any storyline about siblings, and the Bridgertons are some of my favorites. We've been speculating that season 4 of Bridgerton would follow Benedict and his love interest Sophie, or Eloise's love story, and on July 23, Netflix finally confirmed which sibling the series would cover next. Here's everything you need to know about season 4 of the hit TV show. And check out everything you need to know aboutThe Bridgerton Season 3 Ending!

Your First Look At 'Bridgerton' Stars Yerin Ha & Luke Thompson

Gavin Bond/Netflix

Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson are already getting to know each other ahead of Bridgerton season 4 filming. And Yerin is loving every minute. "I don’t think there are enough words in the dictionary to describe what it’s like joining the family, but I’m just very, very grateful, and everyone’s been so welcoming with open arms," Yerin Ha tells Shondaland. "It’s been a lovely experience so far."

"And it’s yours now too," Luke adds before Yerin says, "Ours. It’s our family." I'm crying!

And after teasing the next installment will be the perfect mix of reality and fairytale, Yerin describes Sophie's journey like a prism. "Like when the light comes in, and then it goes into a rainbow," she says. "I’m using that as a metaphor for the character of Sophie for before she meets Benedict and after."

We already knew season 4 of Bridgerton was going to be romantic, but I really don't think we're prepared for how romantic it's going to be. At the Dune: Prophecy premiere on October 30, Yerin Ha revealed that one particular scene with Luke Thompson reminded her of Pride and Prejudice.

"There was a scene, and I literally said to Luke, ‘You’re giving Mr. Darcy vibes, 100 percent,’" she tells TVLine. “I don’t think the showrunners are thinking that, but for me, I’m thinking Pride and Prejudice." Oh I am so in!!!

Will there be season 4 of Bridgerton?

Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Bridgerton season 4! The senior season of the Shondaland show will follow An Offer from a Gentleman, which revolves around second-eldest son Benedict (played by Luke Thompson). While Anthony and Colin are now happily married, Benedict isn't sure he wants to settle down — until his mother's masquerade ball introduces him to a Lady in Silver he can't stop thinking about.

In an interview with the LA Times, showrunner Jess Brownell revealed one major change. "We always live in this perpetual spring in Bridgerton, but we’re playing around with the idea of fall...for the first time," she says. "Some of that is about story and some of it is, honestly, just for practical reasons because we’re shooting in the fall. It’s still going to be just as lush and colorful, but just more in those warm fall colors instead of the pastels. There will still be some pastels, so it won’t look like a totally different show. I’ll give you that." It's giving Gilmore Girls and I'm more than happy with that!

Season 4 is already in rehearsals, which includes dance lessons for Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson! “I’ve only stepped on Yerin’s toes once, which is good,” Luke says in an interview with Tudum.

The dance lessons have been “really special and very vulnerable,” according to Yerin. “The dancing is like an extension of their emotions, and a way for them to connect."

Who's in the Bridgerton season 4 cast?

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Variety confirmed on August 16 that Yerin Ha (Halo) will star in Bridgerton season 4 as Sophie Baek! Bridgerton season 4 will also star Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, as well as Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Claudia Jessie, Hannah Dodd, Will Tilston, and Florence Hunt as the rest of the Bridgertons + their spouses. Plus, Harriet Cains, Nicola Coughlan, Jessica Madsen, and Bessie Carter!

Michaela is played by Masali Baduza, who fans had originally thought was playing Sophie. You might recognize the actress from movies like The Woman King and Slumber Party Massacre. "They never disappoint, casting geniuses," one Reddit user says.

When is Bridgerton season 4 coming out?

Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix

Considering part one of Bridgerton season 3 is hitting Netflix May 16, 2024, we definitely won't see season 4 of Bridgerton for awhile. So far, there have been two years in between each season, so I'm expecting season 4 to start streaming in 2026. And showrunner Jess Bronwell agrees.

"We are working to try and put the seasons out more quickly, but they do take eight months to film and then they have to be edited, and then they have to be dubbed into every language,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “And the writing takes a very long time as well, so we’re kind of on a two-year pace, we’re trying to speed up but somewhere in that range.”

How many episodes will season 4 of Bridgerton have?

Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix

Considering all three seasons of Bridgerton so far have eight episodes each, we can expect Netflix to keep up that pattern. Having the same number of episodes each season means the pace and arc for each Bridgerton sibling will be equal, making it a much more balanced watching experience! Plus, eight siblings, eight episodes, eight seasons.

Will Bridgerton have all 8 seasons?

Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix

Yes, Bridgerton will have all 8 seasons, one for each Bridgerton sibling — at least, that's the plan. "This being a family of eight children and there being eight books, I would love to be able to focus and really tell stories and love stories for all the Bridgerton siblings. For each character, for sure," showrunner Chris Van Dusen tells Collider.

After Bridgerton season 4, I'm most interested to see youngest sibling Hyacinth's love story play out! Seeing her arc throughout all eight seasons, especially mirrored with the way her brothers and sisters evolve over the course of the show, is going to be the perfect way to wrap this series up.

What are you looking forward to the most for Bridgerton season 4? Follow us on Facebook for more TV show news!

Lead image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

If you've never experienced the heartbreak of binge-watching an incredible TV show only to discover it was cancelled after a cliffhanger, consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately, for many of us, we've fallen in love with fictional characters, watched our favorite actors take on new roles, and seen beloved books reimagined for a new generation — only to have the rug ripped out from us before seeing any kind of resolution.

Remember when early 2000s shows had 24 episodes, with half a dozen serving no plot purpose? These 8 to 10-episode seasons never stood a chance :(. Here are 15 series that had so much potential...and that Netflix cancelled anyway.

Anne with an E

Ken Woroner/Netflix

This Anne of Green Gables adaptation follows fiery orphan Anne Shirley as she navigates life in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Her imagination constantly gets her into sticky situations, but her quick wit and huge heart never fail. Season 3 ended when Anne and Gilbert finally realized they were in love with each other and were ready to begin their lives as adults. This is my favorite section of the book series, and I just can't believe we'll never see them conquer college or get engaged. My heart breaks just thinking about it! The series was cancelled after season 3 — despite the fact 1.7 million people signed a petition to save it.

"I wish it could be different but it cannot," series creator and executive producer Moira Walley-Beckett said on Instagram. "We have reached the end of the red Green Gables road after 3 wonderful seasons. My heart is heavy but I am so proud of this show - proud of my talented cast, crew, writers, and directors for working together so passionately to bring my vision of #annewithane to life 🧡 I am grateful and humbled by this experience and I truly feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share this beautiful, meaningful story with all of you, my kindred spirits🌿 I know you have loved this series as much as I have and I thank you for that forever and a day."

The Society

Seacia Pavao/Netflix

Dozens of wealthy teens find themselves living out a Lord of the Flies scenario when they return from a field trip to find all the adults missing. Are they in a different dimension? Are they dead? Unfortunately we'll never find out because the show was cancelled during COVID-19 (reportedly a month before the cast was supposed to shoot season 2). That also means we'll never find out who the father of Becca's baby is AND we'll never see Harry and Allie become a couple, even though they had serious multi-season endgame potential. If they have one fan it's me!!!

I Am Not Okay with This

Netflix

Another single-season cancellation! Criminal! This coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who discovers strong emotions trigger newfound psychokinetic powers. What could go wrong? Just like The Society, this series was rumored to be closing in on a second season renewal, but Netflix cancelled it due to COVID-related reasons.

“We’ve made the difficult decision not to move forward with second seasons of The Society and I Am Not Okay With This,” Netflix said in a statement to Deadline. “We’re disappointed to have to make these decisions due to circumstances created by COVID."

Shadow and Bone

Dávid Lukás/Netflix

Based on Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels, this fantasy TV show follows Alina, who discovers she's the Grisha destined to save her country from dark monsters and tyrants. This series truly had everything: a beautiful message about good vs. evil, incredibly written relationships, enemies to lovers AND friends to lovers, and even a cliffhanger teasing Alina could be venturing into the dark side. Sadly, the series was cancelled after season 2.

"I'm heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I'm also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude," author Leigh Bardugo said on Instagram. "Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I'm one of the lucky few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy...Most of all I want to say how grateful I am to the folks reading this—whether you found your way to the books first or discovered them through the show. The Grishaverse is a better place because of you."

Lockwood & Co

Netflix

Like lots of successful Netflix shows, Lockwood & Co follows a formula: a group of teenagers protect their city from the supernatural realm (TBH, that sounds a lot like Stranger Things!), and this trio is fighting ghosts in London. The series even features Bridgerton's OG Francesca, Ruby Stokes. Sadly the show was cancelled after one season.

"To the fans – to Lock Nation – you really have been the greatest," production company Complete Fiction said in a statement. "We cannot thank you enough for how much you have embraced, celebrated and loved the show. You are the kindest, most creative group of people online and it has been so gratifying to see how your passion for these characters and this world has brought you all together. This might be the end of the line for the TV show, but the books live on, as do the friendships made. We encourage you to embrace both. So many people have watched and enjoyed the show globally, and that, at the end of the day, is why we do what we do. So keep watching great TV. Keep going to the movies. Keep taking chances on new things. Stay ‘just reckless enough.'”

Warrior Nun

Netflix

This Netflix TV show is one cancellation X (formerly Twitter) has never really gotten over. The series follows a young woman who joins the battle between Heaven and hell after she wakes up in a morgue with an artifact literally embedded in her back. The series is led by Chris Evans' wife Alba Baptista, and despite its popularity, the show was cancelled in December 2022. But good news! Three sequel films are on their way.

“I’ve just found out that @netflix will not be renewing #WarriorNun,” showrunner Simon Barry tweeted. “My sincere appreciation to all the fans who worked so hard to bring awareness to this series, and for the love you showed me, the cast and the whole production team. It was a privilege to be a part of this.”

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Netflix

Add this to the list of super buzzy TV shows past. Perfect for spooky season, this twisted reimagining of Sabrina The Teenage Witch is for anyone who couldn't get enough of Riverdale. And the teenage drama of high school is balanced with plenty of magic. The show ended after its fourth season.

“Working on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has been an incredible honor from day one," showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told The Hollywood Reporter. "The cast, beginning with Kiernan as everyone’s favorite teen witch, has been an absolute joy. I am beyond thankful to the crew, writers, editors, assistants and everyone for pouring so much love into this dark dream of a show."

Santa Clarita Diet

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Listen, if Drew Barrymore is in a project, I'm there. This dark comedy follows a family who has to figure out how to navigate that good old suburban life after Mom wakes up as a zombie. If you thought it was hard keeping secrets from nosy neighbors before becoming undead, you have another thing coming. This Netflix TV show was cancelled in 2019.

“The world has never known a ‘zom-com’ until Santa Clarita Diet, and we’re indebted to creator Victor Fresco for bringing this idea to Netflix,” Netflix said in a statement. “To their endless credit, the incredible Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant were totally game, with an uncanny knack for comedy that brought Sheila and Joel Hammond to vibrant life, even though one of them was undead."

1899

Rasmus Voss/Netflix

This mind-bending historical sci-fi TV show follows a group of Europeans making their way to New York City in 1899 (shocker), and the farther they go in their journey, the more strange phenomena they encounter. Even though it hit the #1 spot on Netflix, after plagiarism accusations, the show was cancelled in January of 2023.

“With a heavy heart we have to tell you that ‘1899’ will not be renewed,” series co-creator Baran bo Odar said on Instagram. “We would have loved to finish this incredible journey with a second and third season as we did with ‘Dark.’ But sometimes things don’t turn out the way you planned. That’s life. We know this will disappoint millions of fans out there. But we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you were a part of this wonderful adventure. We love you. Never forget.”

GLOW

Erica Parise/Netflix

If you've been following Brit + Co for a while, then there's a good chance you've seen our GLOW Halloween costume. TL;DR, we love this show. Set in the 1980s, the story follows a group of women who join a pro wrestling promotional show called Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Despite the fact production began on season 4 in February of 2020, COVID shut down the show and the delay eventually turned into a cancellation.

“COVID has killed actual humans. It’s a national tragedy and should be our focus. COVID also apparently took down our show,” series creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch told Deadline in a joint statement. “Netflix has decided not to finish filming the final season of GLOW. We were handed the creative freedom to make a complicated comedy about women and tell their stories. And wrestle. And now that’s gone. There’s a lot of sh—y things happening in the world that are much bigger than this right now. But it still sucks that we don’t get to see these 15 women in a frame together again.”

Sense8

Segolene Lagny/Netflix

This Netflix TV balances sci-fi and drama like nobody's business. When eight strangers around the world discover they share a psychic connection, they have to band together to survive. The show was cancelled after two seasons, but returned with one more 2-hour finale.

“[Sense8] is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kick—ss, and outright unforgettable," said Cindy Holland, VP of Netflix original content. "Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world."

The OA

Olivia Bee/Netflix

Another science fiction thriller that follows a woman who reappears after a 7-year disappearance. Not only does she have new scars but she's no longer blind. Oh, she also claims she can open portals to another dimension. The show was cancelled in 2019, leading to #SaveTheOA and #TheOAisReal social media campaignsand even a Times Square billboard. One fan even went on a hunger strike outside Netflix's LA headquarters to protest the show's cancellation.

First Kill

Netflix

This show is a classic star-crossed lovers story that follows a teen vampire and vampire hunter who fall for each other while struggling with their individual family pressure to kill each other. The show was cancelled in 2022 due to the fact it didn't "meet thresholds for viewing and completion of episodes" (via Deadline), but fans can see Sarah Catherine Hook in Prime Video's Cruel Intentions next month!

​Fate: The Winx Saga

Netflix

I L-O-V-E to see creative reimaginings of my favorite childhood stories, and this Winx Club-inspired show piles on the drama. It follows our favorite fairies as they attend a magical boarding school and learn ancient creatures are threatening the safety of everyone at the school. It was cancelled after two seasons in November 2022.

“This is not fun news to share, but Netflix [has] decided not to move forward with Season 3 of Fate: The Winx Saga,” showrunner Brian Young said in an Instagram statement. “This is especially tough because I know how many of you loved this season. It’s a heartbreaking silver lining, but a silver lining all the same. I’m so proud of everyone who worked on the show, and so happy we got to tell the stories we did."

The Babysitter’s Club

Liane Hentscher/Netflix

This Gen-Z adaptation of the beloved book series, which follows a group of middle schoolers who begin a babysitting business in their town, is perfect for anyone who loves nostalgia. Sadly, it was cancelled after two seasons.

“I have wanted to be a part of the world Ann M. Martin created since I was 7 years old, and for two amazing seasons I actually got to be,” series creator and showrunner Rachel Shukert said in a statement. “It was a dream come true. Although I am heartbroken not to be returning to Stoneybrook for 20 more seasons, I am so proud of the incredible show our amazing cast and crew created and the way it brought joy and comfort to so many when they needed it most."

Which cancellation broke your heart the most?! I will truly never get over The Society, and will come up with my own explanation for everything. Follow us on TikTok for more pop culture exclusives and think pieces!

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?

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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?

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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!

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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.