These Handmade-to-Order Bags Look Good *and* Do Good!

Around here, we love customization of all kinds. We’re always looking for different ways to customize our homes, from bespoke fabrics to fridges to iPhone cases, with just about everything in between. Our latest find on the custom front is Better Life Bags, a handmade bag company that’s all about embodying the mission “custom with a cause.”

The company started when founder Rebecca was expecting her first baby and set out to design her own diaper bag. She posted a photo of it on Facebook, and custom design requests started pouring in. The result? Better Life Bags!

Because she wanted to use her success to help others, Rebecca initially partnered with Kiva.org to give 10 percent of every sale to a low income entrepreneur in a developing country.

Now, she’s taken her love of community entrepreneurialism to another level. She and her family moved themselves to a low income area of Detroit, in order to provide employment for an underserved community of first generation immigrants from countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Yemen.

Rebecca hires women who otherwise cannot get jobs to work for Better Life Bags. The company rents a sewing machine and the necessary tools for each woman, while teaching them a skill set that will allow them to provide for their families. These women are able to work from home, with fabrics being delivered and finished items picked up on a daily or weekly basis. How awesome is that? You can read more about the Better Life Bags mission here.

So now you know about the company — what about the bags? You can get messenger bags, totes, diaper bags, and laptop cases, all with the ability to customize different leather and fabric combinations. Each bag is handmade for you, and the story that goes along with it is bound to bring a smile to the face of you and the woman that made your bag. Check out all the goodies you can customize right here.

We’re big fans of good-doing entrepreneurs and makers like Rebecca. If you know of any other like-minded creative companies we should check out, leave us a note in the comments below!

Right about now, you're probably searching for the perfect beauty gifts, DIY gifts, gifts for the guy in your life, and an office Secret Santa present. There are endless options to choose from, but it's so much more rewarding when you find a gift that gives back — like when brands offer a percentage of proceeds to nonprofit organizations or match your purchase with a direct gift to those in need. So this year as you're doing your holiday shopping, opt for something that'll help make the world a brighter place. Scroll on for the most stylish, thoughtful, and charitable gifts for everyone on your list.

Shiffon Duet Pinky Ring

Wear solo or in a stack, this adjustable pinky ring is set with a large stone beside a tiny diamond and represents one woman supporting another through a "pinky promise." Fifty percent of profits go back to female-founded companies through the Startup Girl Foundation. ($155)

ABLE Rachel Wristlet

Handcrafted in Ethiopia and Mexico, this stylish leather bag makes the perfect everyday purse. ABLE seeks to end generational poverty by creating jobs for women lacking opportunity. ($98)

Obakki Tumblers

These vintage-inspired water/cocktail glasses are surprisingly lightweight and beautiful on your holiday table. Obakki is committed to transparency and traceability throughout the production process and their foundation, The Obakki Foundation, allows them to give back even more to their partner communities around the world. ($108/set of two)

The Landmark Project X Wildlife Federation Sweatshirt

This unisex sweatshirt is a perfect gift for the outdoorsy person in your life. The Landmark Project partners with the National Wildlife Federation on a new collection for wildlife lovers that gives back! With each purchase from this collection, The Landmark Project will donate 10% to the National Wildlife Federation, directly contributing to their vital environmental and conservation initiatives. ($68)

OneHope Gold Glitter Edition Brut Sparkling Wine

Put the cheer in your cheers with this sparkly sparkling that's perf for a NYE toast. Ten percent of your order goes to the nonprofit of your choice. ($49)

The Magic We Made Friendship Bracelets

For the Swiftie in your life, this Taylor Swift-inspired collection of ethically handcrafted friendship bracelets is made by talented women artisans in Guatemala. All proceeds will go to support Nest, which ensures artisans across the world can live their "Wildest Dreams." ($30)

Pink Moon Air Element Collection

This planet-friendly, vegan skincare line is designed to even out skin tone and brighten skin. Check out Water, Earth, and Fire collections too! One percent of Pink Moon's revenue goes to a nonprofit of your choice. ($105)

Warby Parker Tilley Sunglasses

Now you can look good and feel good when you buy these chic shades that contribute to Warby Parker's Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. This initiative donates monthly to nonprofit partners and trains people in developing countries to give basic eye exams and sell affordable glasses in their communities. ($95)

FEED Book Bag

We love this unique tote that carries a purpose too. With the purchase of this bag, 10 nutritious school meals are provided to global communities in need. ($38)

LUSH Charity Pot Body Lotion

Give the gift of soft skin and activism with every purchase of Charity Pot. One hundred percent of profits from this product are donated to small grassroots organizations working in environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights. ($10)

Love Your Melon Pom Beanie

Dedicated to battling cancer and keeping heads stylishly warm, Love Your Melon donates 50 percent of profits to nonprofit partners. ($36)

LSTN Sound Co. Zebra Wood Satellite Bluetooth Speaker

Proceeds from this cute li'l speaker go to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help give the gift of hearing (via hearing aids) to 1.9 million people and counting! ($129)

Lingua Franca Cashmere Sweater

Lingua Franca cashmere sweaters are 100 percent sustainably sourced, ethically produced cashmere, hand-stitched in NYC. Ten percent of proceeds from this 1973 sweater goes to Whole Woman's Health Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to providing reproductive services for women in states with the least access to this critical care. ($400)

Roma Ankle Rain Boots

Fashion meets durability in these lace-up-style vegan and eco-friendly rainboots. For every pair sold, Roma donates a new pair of shoes to a child living in poverty. ($65)

Purpose Olivewood Cutting Board

Perfect for holiday entertaining and seasonal picnics, this olivewood cutting board is handmade through a Kenyan market artisan partnership with Amani Ya Juu, a fair trade sewing and training program for marginalized women in Kenya and Uganda. ($46)

HOBO Euro Slide Card Case

Store your ID, credit cards, and even your passport in this leather case from an iconic brand. Now through May 31, 2024, HOBO is committed to raising $250,000 for Habitat For Humanity. ($78)


For more holiday gift ideas, follow us on Pinterest!

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There are days when you’re feeling epic. This overcast Saturday morning at The Grove (a popular outdoor shopping mall in LA) was one of those days, and I’d like to think that it was for Ian Somerhalder too — thanks to his latest collaboration with Nutro. The pet food company hosted the first-ever Farmer’s Market for Dogs, and it was just as adorably therapeutic as you’d think it’d be.

Now, it’s not lost on me that Somerhalder is a well-known face in the entertainment industry, thanks to his performances on The Vampire Diaries, Lost, V Wars, and more. So, his demeanor throughout the morning reflected exactly how I thought it would: as a total pro. He knew exactly where to find the camera, how to approach continuous interview questions, and made sure to greet workers kindly — including myself.

“So I’m going to ask you a few questions,” I told Somerhalder, after we finished our introductions. ”Oh, don’t do it. Prepare to be underwhelmed,” he quickly joked. Little did he know that as a longtime fan of The Vampire Diaries, there’s nothing he can really say that would ‘underwhelm’ me.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

“One of the amazing things we're excited about is the takeaway that we hope people get from this, which is showing pet parents that they can be an incredible positive force of change,” Somerhalder told me. With this initiative, the actor explained that Nutro intends to “help shepherd, fund, and educate the farmers within their network to start adapting healthy soil practices.”

The farmers market contained everything from a Willy Wonka factory standard of treats, to a build your own flower bouquet station, to a section where you can get your dog’s astrology read (I know, that’s so LA). Of course, there were also many dogs (of which I pet mostly all of them), and a beaming Ian Somerhalder who so graciously led the ribbon cutting. Of those dogs, was Somerhalder’s twelve-year-old pup named Nietzsche, who was as sweet as can be (and yes, I pet her as well). The actor noted that he found Nietzsche as a stray while filming The Vampire Diaries in Georgia, and took her in pretty instantaneously.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Speaking of The Vampire Diaries, I asked him how he felt about the recent 15th anniversary of the CW series airing on television, which was marked on September 10th.

“You know, it's so funny,” Somerhalder answered. “Obviously, it was a lifetime ago, but it feels like it was yesterday. And so, you know, obviously streaming changed the game. The show is one of the most viewed shows in history, period — that's been seen by over a billion people, which is 1/8 of the planet.” I later teased that myself, sisters, and friends were likely responsible for a big portion of those streams.

“[The Vampire Diaries] allowed me to build a platform,” Somerhalder continued. “To work on things that were very close to my heart, but at the global scale, and it's allowed me to help create, enact or build the road for a lot of change, and it's why I have this amazing partnership.”

The Absorption Company founder continued, noting that filming the show “was an unbelievable time,” and he “cannot believe” how much time has passed. Since then, Somerhalder has added environmental advocate (as a former UNEP Global Goodwill Ambassador and aid in the Netflix documentary, Common Ground) and entrepreneur (in both the wellness and alcohol space) to his long list of successful titles.

This is when he panned to the phone camera I had pointing at him. “So, everyone who's seen the show, watched the show, supported us — me — in any way, shape and form regarding the show — I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because you have been a part of this journey with me.” Somerhalder then thanked the media, partners, and all those who have contributed to promoting “the show to be one of the most viewed things that was ever created.” I can’t say I didn’t appreciate that journalist nod.

“So here's to 15 years,” he finished. That’s when we insinuated a fake ‘cheers,’ with Brother’s Bourbon filled in our hypothetical glasses, obviously.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Segwaying from the bourbon brand, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to ask Somerhalder about his longtime friendship withThe Vampire Diaries co-star and business partner, Paul Wesley. With the show falling deep into the supernatural, and their relationship often unserious over fun social media clips, I questioned how they kept it together on-screen without constant laughter.

“I mean, we had to be serious,” Somerhalder said. “But, you know, you're like running from ghosts and vampires and stuff, and then you just cut and someone makes a fart joke, and 130 people erupt in laughter.” Cue my own giggle. “There's only so much you can run for your life, we laugh. That's how we kept each other sane.” I believe it, I told him. The eight-season show carries storylines from mythical sirens to evil doppelgängers.

Somerhalder added, “Paul and I spent eight years on the show, and now we have another company, and now it's 15 years.” He paused, smiling, “It's my longest relationship.” We shared another laugh. That’s when I went back to petting Nietzsche, who, it turns out, is just as professional in front of the camera as Somerhalder is. I’d expect nothing less.

Watch Our Ian Somerhalder Interview On TikTok!

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We’d do anything to see those behind-the-scenes moments with Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley! 😭 #thevampirediaries #iansomerhalder #damonsalvatore #damon #vampirediaries #paulwesley #stefansalvatore

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Creatives are becoming supportive of cancer survivors in unique ways. One designer created an entire lingerie collection for breast cancer survivors that they showed at NYFW, and more card companies are producing products that cancer survivors will actually appreciate receiving. One knitter in the UK is providing a unique service for breast cancer survivors.

Sharon Simpson has been creating soft, lightweight knitted breasts of all shapes and sizes for mastectomy patients after surviving the disease herself. She found medical prosthesis heavy and uncomfortable, and as a knitter, she decided to try another way to give the appearance of a breast without the heavy silicone. She found the organization Knitted Knockers and not only knitted for herself, but started knitting for others.

Having knit hundreds of “knockers" of all shapes and sizes, Sharon is a one-woman boob army. Her love and care with each knitted knocker is clear, and her support of other survivors is awe-inspiring. While many people get well and go on with their lives, Sharon's made it her mission to support anyone suffering with the after-effects of what she calls “a nasty disease."

“My reason and purpose is to make life better for people who are in the throes of cancer, and that's what I'm doing. And that's why I'm doing Knitted Knockers."

To call Sharon inspiring would be an understatement. She's a breast cancer-surviving hero.

What charities do you support? Tell us about them @BritandCo!

(h/t HelloGiggles; Photos via Knitted Knockers)


This article has been updated and was originally published in April 2017.

I didn't watch Stranger Thingswhen it first premiered because I convinced myself I wouldn't like it. I have never been more wrong. The story — which revolves around a small town in Indiana, a group of outcasts, popular kids, and parents brought together by tragedy, and a monstrous alternate dimension — launched into the cultural zeitgeist in November of 2016. Television (and streaming services) have never been the same.

The characters within the show (Millie Bobby Brown's powerful Eleven, Joe Keery's goofy-yet-sincere Steve, David Harbour's protective Jim) are so complex and engaging that it makes Stranger Things one of the best TV shows of the 2010s and 2020s. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and after the cultural moment that was Stranger Things 4 (FYI, I'm still listening to Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill"), the hit series is coming to a close.

Netflix

In February 2022, brothers, writers, and creators Matt and Ross announced both the date of season four, and that season five would be the last installment. "Seven years ago, we planned out the complete story arc for Stranger Things," they say in the statement. "We hope that you stay with us as we finish this tale of a powerful girl named Eleven and her brave friends, of a broken police chief and a ferocious mom, of a small town called Hawkins and an alternate dimension known only as the Upside Down."

Here's everything we know about Stranger Things 5.

Is there a Stranger Things 5 trailer?

Netflix

We don't have a trailer for Stranger Things 5 yet, but fans are convinced we're getting one on November 6 for one special reason: it's Stranger Things Day. @StrangerNews11 went viral on X for saying the trailer was dropping on that date, and fans were more than happy to accept the rumor.

"Let's freaking gooooooo!!!!!!" one user responded, while lots of other accounts posed gifs of excited, screaming people. November 6 is Stranger Things Day because that's the day Will first went missing in the Upside Down, and releasing the trailer for the final season would be the perfect way to pay homage to the series!

Is Stranger Things 5 going to be sad?

Netflix

Stranger Things 5 is definitely going to be bittersweet. I'm hoping we see our favorite nerds defeat Vecna once and for all, but it's going to be sad to reach the end of this journey! But the cast doesn't even know how sad it'll be — considering Winona Ryder revealed they haven't done their read through for the finale yet. (Although both Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour claim they know at least part of the end).

"It's already starting to be heartbreaking, you know?" Maya Hawke, who plays Robin, tells ET at the world premiere of Inside Out 2. "I mean it's the end of a really long journey. Longer for some of my castmates, even, than for me. So it's really sentimental."

"But as a late addition cast member, I feel like it's my job to be here to facilitate their feelings and just be grateful and excited to have been a part of it all," she continues. "We shoot for a long time, so it's kind of reinvigorating [to bring] the joy and finding it everyday and making it new. It's a really fun thing to do."

Will Max be in Stranger Things 5?

Netflix

Yes, Max (and Sadie Sink) will be in Stranger Things season 5! In a new interview with Variety, Sink reveals the Stranger Things cast has been living in the same neighborhood so they can all hang out before the series wraps. The end of Stranger Things 4 featured Max in a coma after narrowly escaping Vecna, and fans are crossing all their fingers and toes we'll see Max in action again.

“[The Duffers] love having me run,” she teases. “That’s all I’ll say.”

This is totally bringing me back to the iconic Stranger Things 4 momentwhere Max battled Vecna in his mind palace — running back to Lucas, Steve, and Dustin while Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" played in the background. And considering Max is STILL in a coma, I'm wondering if we'll get another standoff between the two characters (either IRL, in the Upside Down, or in Vecna's mind palace). The jury's still out on whether we'll hear Bush's song again, but never say never!

“She’s going to play a part in the season,” Matt Duffer promises. While they won't reveal how just yet, Duffer says they “did film a scene the other day with her that was just absolutely heartbreaking." Yikes!!

What happens in Stranger Things 5?

Netflix

We're waiting for an official synopsis for Stranger Things 5, but thanks to a new video from Millie Bobby Brown, I'm wondering if all of those time jump rumors are true. In the Stranger Things 4 finale, Eleven is rocking a shaved head, but in Millie's new video, she has a longer ponytail that would take at least a year or two to grow out.

While Millie could definitely wear a wig for the final season (like she does in season 4), the fact that she's in costume with her signature bloody nose leads me to believe her hair is how we'll see it onscreen. Plus, her gray quarter zip and navy bandana are definitely giving late '80s, early '90s. I would love to see the show move into 1989, and I can't wait to see if we truly do get a time jump!

Netflix

In an interview with Happy Sad Confused's Josh Horowitz, David Harbour says that the Duffers always outdo themselves. “I’m excited to go back. I’m excited to wrap it up in a bold, amazing way," he continues. "I’m excited to really swing with this character, because you know they’re going to pay off these OG characters: Eleven, Hopper, Joyce, Will, Mike; they’re going to pay them off in big ways because they’ve lived with you for the past eight years.”

Even though David keeps his lips sealed when it comes to plot details, he does promise that the series' end is "very, very moving."

Other members of the ST team have also offered a glimpse at what we can expect. “Will really takes center stage again in [Stranger Things 5],” Ross Duffer tells Variety. The first season, which kicked off with Will (Noah Schnapp) being abducted, will wrap up where it started. Especially since the first Stranger Things 5 leakseems to show the season will take place during the holidays. Just like season one!

After years of speculation from fans, Noah confirmed that Will is gay in July of 2022 — a decision that impacted his own life as he publicly came out on TikTok in January 2023.

Netflix

"I think the way I act in Season 5, honestly, might be a little different," Noah says in the same Variety interview. "I will be fully aware of who I am. Knowing all of that about myself and being able to invest that in my character, I’m honestly just excited.”

“This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together," Ross continues. "Will is used to being the young one, the introverted one, the one that’s being protected. So part of his journey, it’s not just sexuality — it’s Will coming into his own as a young man.”

When is Stranger Things 5 coming out?

Steve Dietl/Netflix

Production was supposed to begin summer 2023, but because of the writers' strike (and the subsequent SAG-AFTRA actors' strike), Stranger Things 5was delayed until September 2023, when @strangerwriters tweeted, "we're back." And on March 9, Millie Bobby Brown told The Jonathan Ross Show that the cast has nine months of filming left.

The final season is in production now, and based on the timeline for Stranger Things 3 (which began filming in April of 2018 and released in July of 2019), we can expect Stranger Things 5 to hit Netflix late spring or early summer 2025.

Who's going to be in Stranger Things 5?

Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix

Thanks to a recent behind-the-scenes photo from Netflix, we know for sure that Stranger Things season 5 will bring back all our favorites. The photo confirms we'll see Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Noah Schnapp as Will, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Natalia Dyer as Nancy, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan, Sadie Sink as Max, Maya Hawke as Robin, Joe Keery as Steve, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, and Winona Ryder as Joyce. Plus more returning stars like Amybeth McNulty and Priah Ferguson!

Even though Joseph Quinn's Eddie met a tragic fate at the end of Stranger Things 4, he recently hinted we could be seeing the beloved character again. During the April 2024 Facts Convention in Belgium, when a fan asks whether he'll return for the final season, Joseph takes his time to respond (and looks somewhat nervous, might I add). "I do know [whether Eddie's in season 5]," the Fantastic Four actor finally says. "But I'm not telling you."

We've seen deceased characters return as hallucinations before, so I wouldn't be surprised if Stranger Things season 5 features all the characters we've been missing — especially if Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven defeats Vecna and turns the Upside Down into a place of beauty instead of a place of horror.

Will Millie be in season 5?

Netflix

Yes, Millie Bobby Brown is in Stranger Things 5! She sat down with MTV's Josh Horowitz ahead of her new movie Damsel to talk about the end of the series, and confirmed the vibe is "the exact same" as it's always been.

"I wish I could be like, 'Everybody's crying everyday.' But everybody's having fun!" she says in the interview. "I know closer to the end, we're gonna think about the end, but right now it's nice and it's really fun to be back together again...[We may be] a few months toward the end but we know it's a long road ahead. So right now we're living in bliss."

Who isn't returning to Stranger Things 5?

Netflix

Eduardo Franco, who played Jonathan's friend Argyle in Stranger Things 4, said in an interview with Steve Varley that he wouldn't be returning for the final season of the show. “It’s nice to hear that there’s some sort of, you know, concern or something, you know what I mean?” Eduardo says. “But I never got a phone call, so I think that’s it.”

And while Eddie Munson (played by Joseph Quinn) became one of the series' most popular characters, his death in the finale feels pretty permanent. "I really don’t know,” Joseph told British GQ in 2022. “[Eddie] seems pretty f—king dead to me...By no means am I ruling it out. That’s a decision for the grown-ups to make. But Stranger Things was doing fine without Eddie. I think they’ll be fine next season without him, too.”

Who is the new character in Stranger Things 5?

Netflix

Linda Hamilton (The Terminator, Children of the Corn) is joining the Stranger Things 5. We don't know what kind of role she'll be playing, but we do know she loves Stranger Things as much as we do. “I don’t know how to be a fangirl and an actress at the same time,” she said in a video announcement at Netflix's Tudum event. “I’m gonna work on that.”

Is there a Stranger Things spinoff coming?

Netflix

"There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world of Stranger Things," the Duffers say in their statement announcing the end of the series. "New mysteries, new adventures new unexpected heroes."

In addition to the Stranger Things: The First Shadowstage play in London, we're also getting a live-action spinoff via Netflix. No one knows what the spinoff is about — except for Finn Wolfhard, who happened to guess it!

Is Millie Bobby Brown done with Stranger Things?

Netflix

Millie Bobby Brown is returning as Eleven, but she said in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily that she's looking forward to the next chapter of life. Now 20, she started the series when she was 11 years old. “It’s been such a huge factor in part of my life, but it’s like graduating high school, it’s like senior year,” she says. “You’re ready to go and blossom and flourish and you’re grateful for the time you’ve had, but it’s time to create your own message and live your own life.”

Other members of the cast have also expressed their thoughts on the show's end.

“It’s interesting to constantly just be reminded how much people have resonated with it," Gaten Matarrazzo said onTheTonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. "It’s something that’s so important to all of us and has just been essential to the growth that I’ve had over all of my teenage years into my 20s. It’s the defining aspect of the past 10 years of my life.”

Even if Finn Wolfhard, isn't quite ready for the show to end, he knows it's time. "If Stranger Things went on any longer than five, I would say it would be ridiculous,” Wolfhard told Uproxx. “I think the Duffer brothers figured out, I would imagine, a perfect ending in five. We didn’t even know if we’d do two. So we’re happy that people still are around and want to watch it.”

Your First Look At Stranger Things 5 Fan Favorite Dustin Henderson

Ross Duffer/Instagram

After sharing images of Joe Keery and Maya Hawke as Steve Harrington and Robin Buckley, co-creator Ross Duffer shared a picture of Gaten Matarazzo's Dustin in full Hellfire Club gear. Gaten's doing the signature move of fan favorite character Eddie Munson (who died at the end of Stranger Things 4), and a new leaked photo from set connects Dustin and Eddie in another way, too.

The image shows Dustin at Eddie's grave, which has been vandalized with spray paint. The only word we can clearly make out is "Burn," but considering Eddie led the Hellfire club, it's safe to assume the spray paint reads "Burn in Hell" — especially after the Satanic Panic plotline in ST4 turned all of Hawkins against Eddie. If Dustin is the new leader of the club, and the town still hates it, I'm going to need him to watch his back. STAY SAFE DUSTIN.

I will forever and always be a Steve stan, but let us know who you're most excited to see in Stranger Things 5, in the comments and on Facebook. And check out our TikTok for more fun celeb and pop culture content — like seeing Millie Bobby Brown at a Brooklyn Nets game!

This post has been updated.

Jack-o'-lanterns are great for Halloween decorations, but the humble pumpkin certainly has a lot to offer once the holiday's over. In the U.S. alone, 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away after Halloween every year. Once trashed, wasted pumpkins end up occupying a lot of space in landfills and producing harmful amounts of the greenhouse gas, methane.

Because of this, it's important to consider making some more sustainable moves after spooky season ends. Turns out, many varieties of pumpkins you'll find in stores this fall are actually bred for carving, and aren't safe for consumption – each pumpkin will often be marked if they're inedible. Try looking out for pumpkins that *can* be eaten so you can make the most out of the pumpkin guts: Cherokee Bush, Casper, Cinderella, and Fairy Tale pumpkins are all great choices.

Consider composting your pumpkins after Halloween, too. If you don't do at-home compost, there are likely to be community compost pick-ups or drop-offs near you.

The most sustainable (and delicious) way to use leftover pumpkin is to make some recipes with it! We've gone far beyond pumpkin pie and roasting pumpkin seeds (although we'll happily do that, too) to bring you some creative ways to make use of the insides of yourjack-o'-lanterns after their flames have burned out. We're scooping out over a dozen creative ways to use the whole thing, guts and all.

Recipes To Make With Pumpkin Guts

Brit + Co

Spiced Pumpkin Cider

Swap out the pumpkin puree with your own pumpkin goodness to make this luscious Halloween drink.

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Rolls

These luscious pumpkin rolls make for the ultimate cozy weekend breakfast! To make use of your pumpkin leftovers, swap the canned pumpkin puree for your own homemade version.

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Pasta

Get us a spoon! Nothing says comfort food like mac and cheese, but this pasta takes things up a notch. Fall is no better time than fall to nosh on homey eats that carry *all* the fall flavors.

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Curry

Make this pumpkin-packed curry however spicy you'd like it for a *totally* warming bite when it's chilly out!

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These paleo-friendly baked bites scream fall, especially when you decorate them in jack-o'-lantern fashion.

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Juice

Whip up your very own pumpkin puree to dress up this seasonal drink!

Brit + Co

Chocolate Pumpkin Banana Bread

Freshly-baked banana bread is made for the fall season, so why not doctor things up with some pumpkin? Leverage your leftovers for a sweet little treat!

The Pioneer Woman

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Grab your pumpkin and get to work, because the good stuff is on the inside. Slice, scoop and de-seed your way to homemade pumpkin puree that'll knock *any* canned pumpkin product out of the patch.

Oh She Glows

The Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Once you've spilled the guts, work on gathering all of those pumpkin seeds. Not only do pumpkin seeds have nutritive value, they're excellent for munching on their own.

Taste & Tell

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

So, yeah… pumpkin, cinnamon and maple cream cheese all infused into a warm, sticky bun. We'll take two, please.

A Beautiful Mess

Overnight Pumpkin Butter

Once you've had the sweet and spicy taste of warm pumpkin butter hit your taste buds, you'll never look at a pumpkin the same way again. Grab a pumpkin and get digging, because these guts make something quite grand.

Modern Farmer

Hard Squash Hummus

Creamy chickpeas and raw pumpkin (instead of squash) combine for a flavorful spin on the classic dip. Reap the rewards of the pumpkin and score some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' by roasting the seeds for a crunchy garnish.

Ambitious Kitchen

Honey Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins

If you're a pumpkin lover, get on this recipe! They're perfect for dunking into chilis and stews, or if you like your cornbread on the sweet side, add a drizzle of melted butter and warm honey. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

Pizzazzerie

Pumpkin Bisque

Learn how to use a pumpkin as a serving vessel and flavor enhancer for superb dishes like this crisp fall bisque.

Martha Stewart

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling

Martha knows a thing or two about pumpkin… like how excellent it is when you bake it into pillowy cookies sandwiched around sweetened cream cheese.

Skinnytaste

Pumpkin Ice Cream

It's October, and that means pumpkin-flavored everything hits supermarket shelves. If you live in a warmer area, you can forget the fuzzy sweaters and hot apple cider. Get your fall fix with this creamy sherbet that's perfectly spiced, made with milk, pumpkin puree, and spices.

She Wears Many Hats

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

You're drooling, right? This pumpkin dessert just might make it into your regular rotation.

Purely Twins

Pumpkin Pie Fudge Truffles

For the love of pumpkin and chocolate! These bite-sized truffles are basically magic in the mouth. Bibbity-bobbity-boo, do spread the love for a treat, and share this recipe with your friends.

The Girl On Bloor

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos

Starbucks is life, but if you want to save some money this week, whip up this delicious pumpkin spice Frappuccino recipe at home! Mash up your leftover pumpkin guts to make a puree that'll serve as the base for this fall drink.

The First Mess

Black Bean Dip with Roasted Squash, Garlic, Pumpkin Seeds and Chipotles

Your nachos are waiting for you to dip them into this delectable black bean dip with roasted squash, garlic, pumpkin seeds and chipotle peppers.

Half Baked Harvest

6-Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter

Step up your pumpkin butter game with this recipe. It's a perfect alternative if you want to have a spiced buttery spread to top your breakfast toast or croissant.

The First Mess

Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie with Ginger and Cardamom

This vegan pumpkin smoothie with ginger and cardamom is the fall drink you didn't know you needed to make.

Barley & Sage

Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Let your pumpkin's guts help you create the creamy puree that gives this stuffed shell recipe a burst of fall flavor.

Salt & Lavender

Pumpkin and Cauliflower Soup with Ginger

This pumpkin and cauliflower soup with ginger is great comfort meal on the cold, rainy fall days. (via Salt & Lavender)

Fancy Peasant

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let your kids help you scoop out out the guts of your pumpkins so you can bake this sweet treat. They'll love eating this yummy twist on a traditional dessert.

Rachel Mansfield

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crumb Cheesecake

Bake this gluten-free pumpkin crumb cheesecake for Thanksgiving, and watch as it slowly becomes your family's favorite dessert.

Takes Two Eggs

Dog Birthday Cake

It's time to celebrate your fur baby's birthday with this delicious cake. It's filled with yummy and safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter and apple sauce!

Recipes For Your Dog, Made With Leftover Pumpkin

White on Rice Couple

Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ifyour dog is as sweet as pumpkin pie, why not give him a bone that's packed with the flavor and nutrients of pumpkin?

DIY Self-Care With Pumpkin Guts

Brit + Co

Pumpkin-Honey Baking Soda Scrub

Welcome the fall season and brighten your skin without the aid of sunshine with this pumpkin body scrub. Rich in vitamins A and C and various enzymes, raw pumpkin is the secret ingredient to radiant skin.

Freutcake

Pumpkin Sugar Body Scrub

Want to try something magical on your skin? DIY thisbody scrub packed with natural enzymes that fight free radicals, slough away dead skin, and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Get to the kitchen and begin mixing nutrient rich, raw pumpkin with coarse sugar or salt, a bit of honey and sweet almond oil for a body scrub that packs a punch.

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This post has been updated.