14 Cute Christmas Treats to Make With Your Kids

Pull out your aprons, crank up the Christmas tunes and grab your little helper, because it’s time to do some holiday baking. Homemade treats are great gifts for your friends and neighbors, and sharing will give you an excuse to make more (which is half the fun). It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or you prefer to keep things simple — we found 14 festive treats with something for everyone and every skill level. Just be sure to save some for Santa.

1. Powdered Donut Snowmen: Your kids will love making (and eating) these adorable snowmen, and you’ll love how easy they are to put together. Stack the donuts on a wooden skewer and secure the gumdrop buttons and candy corn nose with dots of frosting. (via Worth Pinning)

2. Reindeer Cookies: Transform chewy chocolate cookies into ridiculously cute reindeer even old St. Nick would approve of. The pretzel antlers add the perfect amount of salt to this sweet treat. (via Your Cup of Cake)

3. Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Trees: If you need a project to do with a group of kiddos, look no further. The simple and straightforward assembly means they can do almost everything themselves, so you’ll all leave the party feeling pretty proud. (via One Little Project at a Time)

4. Gingerbread Reindeer: Bake a bunch of gingerbread men like you normally would, then when it comes time to decorate them, turn the cookies upside down and make reindeer instead. Sprinkle sanding sugar over the antlers and add a red candy nose to finish it off. (via Martha Stewart)

5. Santa Hat Brownie Bites: Leave Santa something besides cookies this year. Bake your go-to brownie recipe in a mini muffin tin and top each one with a strawberry and a ring of white chocolate. Now comes the hard part: trying not to eat them all. (via Erica’s Sweet Tooth)

6. Thumbprint Snowman Cookies: Your kids will get a kick out of sticking their thumbs in the sugar cookie dough before you put it in the oven. Once cooled, fill the indentations with royal icing and let it fully harden before adding the buttons and face. (via In Katrina’s Kitchen)

7. Christmas Tree Brownie Pops: Make a batch of brownies while your kid is napping and set out all your holiday sprinkles and a bowl of frosting. When the little ones wake up, work together decorating these delicious Christmas trees. Break off the curved end of a candy cane and insert the straight end into the brownie for a convenient little handle. (via Five Heart Home)

8. Reindeer Truffles: Put out a plate of these truffles and they’ll be devoured faster than you can say “North Pole.” Made from cookie crumbs, cream cheese and semi-sweet chocolate, they’re nothing short of scrumptious. Did we mention they’re cute too? (via Meaningful Mama)

9. Snowflake Cookies: Just when you thought Oreos couldn’t get any better, we went ahead and found this recipe. Roll out a batch of blue fondant and have your tiny sous chef use a cookie cutter to make the circles. Pour the frosting in a ziplock bag and snip off one of the corners for a quick make-shift pastry bag to easily pipe the snowflakes. (via Cake Whiz)

10. Swiss Roll Reindeer: This super sweet creation is so cute, it will be hard to say goodbye… at least until you take the first bite. (via Sweet Simple Stuff)

11. Snowman Treats: Even Santa’s tiniest helper can handle this one. Let them take care of the marshmallow bodies and pretzel arms while you tackle the small details. A scarf made from a thin strip of fruit leather is the perfect finishing touch. (via Flexible Dreams)

12. Penguin Cookies: These peanut butter + chocolate penguins will be gone so fast, you’ll think they waddled right off the plate. Looks like you’re just going to have to make another batch. (via Delightful E Made)

13. Pretzel Snowmen: You won’t have to worry about these snowmen melting, but you will have to worry about making enough for seconds. This project is great for your kid to try their hand at dipping — there’s plenty of room to hold on to one end without getting their fingers in the chocolate. (via Hungry Happenings)

14. Chocolate Covered Candy Canes: You win again, Rudolph. These would make a perfect counterpart to a bag of hot chocolate or as gift toppers. (via By Stephanie Lynn)

Which project are you going to make first? Do you have another favorite activity we should try? Let us know in the comments.

It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice desserts to take a backseat – Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiked sweets are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season.

Here are 45 festive Christmas desserts that will make your holidays so magical!

Brit + Co

Vegan Mini Chocolate Pies with Pecan Caramel

Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and bite-sized, plus these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors! They're also vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easy Puppy Chow Recipe

You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Best Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake

If you love red velvet cake and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the Oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Paleo Christmas Cookies

Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Check out this easy Christmas dessert that's paleo-friendly. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Eggnog French Toast

Have breakfast for dessert by adding eggnog to your French toast batter. It adds just the right amount of spice to the recipe and makes it creamy and smooth. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Move over white chocolate ganache, because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

These roses look good enough to eat – because they are indeed edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegan Apple Cake

If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups

Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Eggnog with Sugared Rosemary

Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)

Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!

Sugar and Cloth

Peppermint Bark Cannoli

You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Mott's

Mott's Gingerbread Cups

These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)

Liv for Cake

Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake

We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)

A Cookie Named Desire

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies

With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Sugar and Cloth

Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze

One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Domestic Gothess

Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath

This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pinch of Yum

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti

We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)

The Real Food Dietitians

Homemade Marshmallows

Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sprinkle Bakes

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

You Won't Want To Share These Delicious Christmas Desserts

How Sweet Eats

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)

You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are

Sprinkle Bakes

Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake

But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Averie Cooks

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)

The View From Great Island

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)

My Life Cookbook

Christmas Tree Mousse Cups

You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)

Best Friends for Frosting

Peppermint Cream Puffs

Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Passion for Savings

Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)

Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Italian Pear Cranberry Tart

If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Leite's Culinaria

Viennese Crescent Cookies

Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)

We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone

Domestic Gothess

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The View From Great Island

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)

Crowded Kitchen

Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Forks and Foliage

Tahini Brownies

If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)

Rachel Mansfield

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Averie Cooks

Olive Oil Orange Cake

This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)

Vanilla and Bean

Hazelnut Shortbread with Salted Ganache Sandwich Cookies

Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts!

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, Meredith Holser, and Chloe Williams.

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson are currently filming the upcomingA24 film, The Drama, and it's a pair I didn't know I needed! I'm so pumped to see the two of them front and center in the new movie, and not just because the Massachusetts location is giving MAJOR New England autumn vibes. The actors have been spotted walking around the city, hanging out outside an art museum, and even getting into a road rage altercation? Yeah, that definitely sounds like drama to me.

Keep reading for every little detail you need to know about Robert Pattinson and Zendaya's new A24 movie The Drama.

What movie is Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in together?

Brendon Thorne / Getty Images

The Drama Plot

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's The Drama comes from the mind of Kristoffer Borgli, who most recently directed Dream Scenario starring Nicholas Cage. Borgli is slated to work alongside Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s production company Square Peg for the film, so I'm sure it'll be just as thought-provoking and thrilling as some of the other projects they’ve produced (Midsommar, Beau is Afraid, Death of a Unicorn).

Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Warner Bros.

Given Zendaya and Pattinson’s respective star power, I know this upcoming A24 project is going to be absolutely stunning. Even though we don't have any specific plot details yet, Deadline reported that The Drama tells the story of a couple whose romance takes a (you guessed it) dramatic turn right before their “big day.” Tell me more!!

One thing we do know is that a scene will apparently feature Zendaya's character getting into an altercation with a car while on a walk. The actress went viral for throwing a drink at a passing car, and she's so convincing, one TikTok user said "help i thought this was real for a second i was like omg what is going on."

Who else is in The Drama movie cast?

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

The Drama Cast

In addition to Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, we'll see Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim. Stay tuned for more cast updates.

What else has Zendaya been up to?

Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

Zendaya currently boasts two Emmys from her work in HBO’sEuphoria and has only continued to exhibit her talents in recent feature titles like Dune: Part Two and Challengers. Plus she's finally reuniting with BF Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4and Christopher Nolan's brand new film. Busy gal!

What about Rob?

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for CinemaCon

Of course, we all know and love Pattinson for his role as Edward in the Twilight movies, but he’s positioned himself as a truly versatile actor with roles in 2022’s The Batman and Bong Joon Ho’s upcoming sci-fi film, Mickey 17.

Mike Coppola / Getty Images, Francois Durand / Getty Images

The two stars are still in early talks about starring in the film, but Deadline has confirmed that The Drama is a “top priority” at A24 given the success with 2023’s Dream Scenario. And, like, DUH!

Loving this news on Zendaya's The Drama? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news in movies, TV, and pop culture!

This post has been updated.

Whipping up Christmas dinner for your squad this year? If it's your first time hostessing, there's no need to panic. You can scour the internet for holiday kitchen tips and embark on a house-cleaning frenzy — or you can take comfort in the simple fact that good food creates full bellies and happy people, and that's the only goal you need to meet. Kick back with a plate of Christmas cookies and a mug ofhot chocolate; here are 37 comforting Christmas dinner ideas and recipes from appetizers to desserts that will take the headache out of building your dream holiday dinner menu.


Christmas Food Ideas Starting with Appetizers

Bacon Pastry Twists With Beer Cheese Dip

While cradling a cocktail in one hand, an easy-to-grab appetizer is essential. These flaky, cheesy bacon twists are both easy and delicious to dunk in a three-cheese beer dip. (via Brit + Co)

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Bites

A red-and-green holiday treat without sugary sprinkles? Count us in. These phyllo shells are filled with whipped pesto cream cheese and topped with basil and sun-dried tomatoes for some yummy Christmas food. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls with Rosemary Skewers

These cranberry goat cheese balls are the perfect balance of salty and sweet — a definite crowd-pleaser for any Christmas dinner! (via Chef Genevieve)

Holiday Crostini Trio

Spread avocado, mascarpone, and provolone onto toasted baguette slices for a tasty appetizer, and top away for three versatile holiday food ideas that will please any palate at your holiday party. (via The Baking Fairy)

Honey Almond Baked Brie

Add this this gooey, sweet, and salty baked brie to your Christmas dinner menu and guests will gather around it like it's a fireplace on a cold day. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Holiday Recipes for Side Dishes

Sesame Shrimp Puffs

The seafood lover in your home will be elated to munch on these sweet and umami-rich (thanks to oyster sauce) sesame shrimp, blanketed in buttery puff pastry. You'll definitely want to add this dish to your best Christmas recipes list. (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin

This savory combination of sage, Gruyère cheese, and heavy cream is here to make sweet potato casserole even more indulgent. This is definitely one of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas ;). (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Butternut Squash Salad

Fill your guests' bellies with the seasonal flavors of butternut squash, apple cider, and pecans. The bacon is just the icing on the cake, so to speak. (via Brit + Co)

Romanesco Christmas Trees With Parmesan Snow

Turn romanesco into snow-capped trees with just six ingredients in this healthy yet cheesy dish for your next party. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Nothing will warm you to your toes quite like a good soup, and whipping one up in the slow cooker can save you time, mess, and energy. This French onion creation is a perennial favorite. (via Brit + Co)

Waffle Iron Latkes

These latkes make the perfect addition to any multi-cultural celebration, and the best part is how easy they are! From an apple butter topping to pomegranate and Greek yogurt, there's something for everyone. (via Brit + Co)

Cornmeal Biscuits With Cheddar, Chives, and Jalapeños

These slightly spicy biscuits are ideal for soaking up all that gravy goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Taco Salad

Okay, you might be thinking "Why in the world would someone serve taco salad at Christmas?" But hear me out! This recipe is full of delicious veggies, and it's just brimming with color. Keep things red and green to stay festive, or go all-out with every color of the rainbow. (via Brit + Co)

Crispy Leaf Potatoes With Rosemary, Butter, and Salt

If ever there were a bulletproof case for buying a mandoline slicer, it's these potatoes, which are sliced chip-thin, layered upright in a baking dish, and gloriously bathed in salty rosemary butter. (via Rasamalaysia)

Pumpkin Curry 

If you're looking for vegan Christmas recipes, look no further than this warming, insanely delicious, and seasonal pumpkin curry. Just leave out the fish sauce to make it fully plant-based! (via Brit + Co)

5-Ingredient Christmas Salad

A complicated salad is the last thing you need to worry about when picking out Christmas dinner recipes. This palate-cleansing dish is simply butter lettuce, pomegranate seeds, and a white wine vinaigrette. (via My Kitchen Love)

Main Dishes to Enjoy With Family

Classic Roast Turkey

If you're tasked with cooking the bird this holiday season, look no further than this foolproof roast turkey recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Beef Short Ribs With Vegetables

Image via Baldacci Family Vineyards

Make a statement with a delicious short rib recipe that's cozy, filling, and features an unbelievable wine sauce. Everyone will be talking about it until next Christmas. (via Brit + Co)

Cranberry Glazed Turkey

Cranberry Glazed Turkey

Make your turkey extra-special with a delicious cranberry-pomegranate glaze everyone is sure to adore. (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Chicken with Carrots 

For a Christmas dinner or otherwise, every home cook needs a roast chicken recipe in their back pocket. Start with this step-by-step recipe, which shows you how to stuff, truss, roast, and baste the bird until juicy and golden brown. (via Simply Recipes)

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin With Apple and Rice Stuffing

This dish combines a classic holiday side with a crowd-pleasing main, and it's wrapped in prosciutto for a show-stopping finish. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Pasta doesn't get enough cred when it comes to holiday recipes, but nothing's cozier than a delicious bowl of warm tortellini. Except tortellini soup, that is (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Four-Cheese White Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna-ravioli hybrid is made a little unconventionally, making it a great Christmas meal idea. Instead of neatly layering pasta sheets and cheese, fold a little bit of cheese into each individual pasta sheet, then layer haphazardly for a rustic look. (via Simply Recipes)

Roast Beef Tenderloin With Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce

This melt-in-your-mouth holiday meal is cooked in one pan in under an hour. Sauté mushrooms in an oven-safe skillet, put the beef on top, roast, rest, and make a cheesy, herby cream sauce with the pan drippings. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Turkey Roulade With Apple Cranberry Stuffing in a Bacon Weave

This dish is all about texture, from the crispy bacon coat to the tender turkey in the middle and soft stuffing interior. This is one Christmas dinner recipe you won't want to miss out on. (via Boulder Locavore)

Dessert Christmas Recipes that are Delicioso

Keto Eggnog

Got guests who are committed to the low-carb lifestyle? This keto eggnog is the perfect dessert to serve the carb-conscious. (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint Bark 

This easy peppermint bark recipe is so simple to make, you'll have plenty of time on your hands for more ambitious endeavors — like cooking the turkey. (via Brit + Co)

Holiday Puppy Chow

Your go-to sweet treat gets a festive upgrade when you add in red and green candy! Bonus points if you have a red or green bowl to put it in ;). (via Brit + Co)

Jacques Torres' Chocolate Chip Cookies

No surprise here: the secret to Torres' high-quality chocolate chip cookies is high quality ingredients, like butter, flour, and chocolate. Letting the dough age for 24 hours and sprinkling it with sea salt at the end doesn't hurt either. (via Brit + Co)

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

When it's your first year hostessing, the simpler you can keep your Christmas dinner recipes, the better. That's why we're huge fans of these 3-ingredient vegan Christmas cookies. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Donuts

Donuts are an all-purpose treat that can serve as Christmas breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This baked hot chocolate-inspired version doesn't require any special tools to make and is uber delicious. (via Brit + Co)

Dulce de Leche Cream-Filled Churro Donuts

These six-ingredient donuts, made with biscuit dough, have a cinnamony exterior and a rich dulce de leche filling that pairs wonderfully with Mexican hot chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Eggnog French Toast

Another recipe you can serve as a Christmas dinner or brunch is this sweet French toast. The secret to nailing that 'nog flavor is the nutmeg and vanilla combo. Yum. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Christmas Dessert Idea

Give your oven and your plates a break and add this dairy-free hot chocolate to your easy Christmas dinner menu, or enjoy with Christmas waffles! Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, and let the gadget do the rest for you. (via Brit + Co)

Champagne Ice Cream

This egg-free, celebration-worthy holiday dinner idea gets its creaminess from cream cheese and, better yet, its booziness from sparkling wine. (via Brit + Co)

Cinnamon Roll Pecan Pie

We call this pie holiday crack for a reason (or two): the pie crust is made of mini cinnamon rolls and the pecan filling is buttery on the verge of illegal, which definitely makes it one of our favorite holiday dishes. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake

Hear that? That's a scoop of ice cream begging to top this sweet tray of apple, pear, cranberry, pineapple, and gluten-free dessert. (via Cotter Crunch)

Check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspo, and take a peek at our cooking and baking courses and newsletter for more recipes!

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Paige Johnson

If you grew up on fantasy books, you’ve probably dreamed of taking classes at Hogwarts and escaping to Narnia more times than you can count. But for the niche group of The Magic Faraway Tree readers who wish they could visit the Land of Birthdays in real life, living out your fantasies isn’t such a faraway concept anymore — Enid Blyton’s classic British children’s series is officially being adapted for the big screen!

The Magic Faraway Tree is an upcoming family adventure film about three children who climb a magical tree, meet the wonderful creatures who live inside, and travel to fantastical lands. It’s the kind of movie that will give you alllll the nostalgic feels even if you didn’t grow up on the books (though its absolutely stacked cast probably did!). The film is currently in production, with principal photography having started in June.

Here’s everything we know so far about The Magic Faraway Tree movie.

Your First Look At Nicola Coughlan In 'The Magic Faraway Tree'

Parisa Taghizadeh/Courtesy of Neal Street Productions and Elysian Film Group

Nicola Coughlan is in her fairy era, and this first look at Nicola as Silky in The Magic Faraway Tree is just as, well, magical as I hoped. Just a glimpse of her long blonde hair and those stunning eyes pique my curiosity. And TBH, where Nicola leads, I follow.

What is the main plot of The Magic Faraway Tree?

Amazon

The Magic Faraway Tree Plot

When the Thompson family moves to the English countryside, the three children — Joe, Beth, and Frannie — “discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man," according to Variety. When they reach the top of the tree, the children "are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.”

When is the Magic Faraway Tree coming out?

Obregonia D. Toretto/Pexels

The Magic Faraway Tree Release Date

The Magic Faraway Tree is currently filming, which means we could see it in the fall or winter of 2025. This would be the perfect movie for the holiday season!

​Who is starring in the movie?

Joe Maher/Amy Sussman/Robert Okine/Getty Images

The Magic Faraway Tree Cast

Joe, Beth, and Frannie’s actors have yet to be announced, but the adult cast is chock-full of familiar names. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy are set to play the children’s parents, Tim and Polly. (The film’s screenwriter cheekily said, “I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen.”) Nicola Coughlan will be playing a woodland fairy named Silky, and Rebecca Ferguson will be playing one of the film’s villains, Dame Snap.

Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders, and Dustin Demri-Burns are also in the cast.

Who is writing and directing the movie?

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Fans of the Faraway Tree series can breathe a sigh of relief — the film is in great hands. The Magic Faraway Tree’s screenwriter, Simon Fanaby, is no stranger to adapting beloved British children’s classics from page to screen. He’s one of the pens behind Wonka and Paddington 2, which is a great sign that The Magic Faraway Tree is sure to be as whimsical and fun as the books it’s adapting.

A less familiar name (unless you’re a fan of BBC’s Black Ops) is Ben Gregor, who has been tapped to direct the film. According to his talent agency, Gregor specializes in making comedies with visual flair. This writer/director combo is magical.

​Will The Magic Faraway Tree be a franchise?

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The Magic Faraway Tree seems to be a standalone film at the moment. The book series it’s based on is made up of four books total: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree, and Up the Faraway Tree. Although the movie gets its name from the second book, its plot seems more similar to that of the first book. It’s very possible that the movie will incorporate all four books in one since plans for a franchise have yet to be announced.

I may be in my twenties, but I’ll happily be joining elementary schoolers at AMC on opening night when The Magic Faraway Tree hits theaters! Can't get enough of all things fantasy? Check out the latest Wicked movie news.

This post has been updated.

Personal growth is important to all of us, but we all know some people who make personal growth something like a hobby. If you've got someone on your holiday gift list who loves finding ways to grow and better themselves, this list is for you. Whether they're interested in organization, self-care, meditation, working out, or their health, we've got what you need. Show them just how much you love them and how much you understand their hobbies with gifts from this handpicked list.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Set of Baskets Is So Elegant

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They're going to love storing knick-knacks, clothes, and even snacks in these beautiful, fluted cardboard baskets. This set of three comes with lids that also double as helpful decorative trays.

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Chill Out With These Lemme Gummies

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If you don't already know about the Lemme gummies then allow us to introduce you. These tasty gummies are made with ashwagandha, melatonin, and more to promote cortisol and deep rest and relaxation.

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This Set of Workout Bands Is Durable and Portable

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This set can go anywhere they go. The cloth bands are easy to pack away but don't sacrifice quality or durability. The set offers three different resistance types, from light to heavy.

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Organize Those Out-of-Season Clothes With These Bins

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These flexible, cloth bins are an easy way to store all those out-of-season clothes or linens, making more room in closets and attics. They're thick, durable, and designed to keep out dust and damp.

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These Flannel Sheets Are a Neutral Dream

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Keep the Vanilla Girl on your list warm and toasty with this set of flannel sheets. These are a great way to create the best possible cozy environment for spending time curled up with a good book.

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Encourage Mindfulness With These Cards

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These beautifully illustrated cards encourage your friend to get a little deeper into their own thought patterns and habits. This set is made for self-reflection and meditation that feels deep and genuine.

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These Mocktail Mixes Support a Healthier Relationship With Alcohol

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If you've got a friend who's interested in their physical health, they're likely considering sobriety. This set of mocktail mixes helps them enjoy those delicious cocktail flavors without the alcohol.

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These Toner Pads Minimize Wrinkles

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Even both skin tone and textures with these toning pads. The pads help rejuvenate skin and keep it looking youthful, making it a great buy for the skincare-obsessed, self-care lover in your life.

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This Set of Shelves Keeps the Shower Organized

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These shelves adhere to shower walls easily and the adhesive is strong and made to last. The shelves hold all the shower essentials to keep everything as organized and tidy as possible.

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This Foam Roller Works Out Soreness and Tension

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Post-workout recovery is an essential part of muscle-building, which is why this foam roller is such an important buy. If someone on your list loves physical growth, this roller helps boost their gains.

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This Collagen Mask Is Hydrating and Firming

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Keep skin bright and bouncy with this gel mask. This collagen sheet mask is made with salmon DNA PDRN, offering skin care for their pores, firming to prevent wrinkles, and deep, lasting hydration.

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This Set of Bins Is Easy to Customize

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These storage containers have plenty of room for storing bathroom essentials, pantry items, or desk supplies. The white exterior and chalk labels make them easy to decorate and customize.

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Help Them Boost Their Booty With These Supplements

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These pink lemonade gummies are packed with creatine to help promote their glute growth. The refreshing flavor coupled with the de-bloating properties put them a head and shoulder above the other gummies on offer.

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These Gel Masks Caffeinate Your Face

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The best thing about these caffiene eye masks is that they help to depuff that tender skin under the eyes. The caffeine works to give the whole face a boost while the hyaluronic acid provides lasting hydration.

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This Jump Rope Won't Tangle on Them

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Cardio isn't always fun, but it's a lot more enjoyable with this tangle-free jump rope. The tool means they can enjoy hours of cardio without having to stop every few minutes to straighten it back out.

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Enjoy a Comfortable Fit in These High-Waisted Leggings

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Experience the epitome of comfort in these High-Waisted Leggings. Perfect for workouts, running, or yoga, these buttery-soft leggings aren’t just pants; they’re a second skin, moving and breathing with you. Elevate your active lifestyle with unmatched comfort and style.

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This Tool Is Designed to Sculpt

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If they love skincare, this light therapy wand is going to be a favorite. This tool works to sculpt the tender skin of their face, helping to fight back against wrinkles and uneven skin tones, too.

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This Dry Scrub Brush Helps Improve Circulation

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Not only does this dry brush help encourage better blood circulation, but it also feels lovely and spa-like. Most customers enjoy using the relaxing brush right before they get in the shower.

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Using This Ab Roller Is a Real Challenge

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If they love a good challenge, this ab roller was made for them. The roller gives incredible results, but those results aren't easily won. The roller helps stabilize those essential core muscles and cut away fat.

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Relieve Tension and Puffiness With These Eye Masks

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These masks can be used hot or cold and are the perfect size for resting right on top of the eyes. The mask helps to relieve tension and puffiness for a more youthful, brighter face.

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This Blender Bottle Makes Pre-Workout Much Tastier

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No more worrying about chunky pre- or post-workout with the Blender Bottle. This dishwasher-safe bottle is a great, affordable gift for the gym rat in your life who loves to focus on self-improvement.

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Help Them Stay Healthy With This Multivitamin

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This set of multivitamins is chock full of incredible ingredients from iron to omega to all the essential vitamins your body needs. The pills are easy to swallow and customers don't report any gross after-taste.

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This Skincare Set Has Everything They Need

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This brilliant skincare set comes with a foaming cleanser, a balancing wash-off mask, and a purifying serum. The skincare lover in your life will have everything they need to try a whole new routine.

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This Workout Mat Keeps Them Comfortable

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If they love yoga or they do a lot of floor work at the gym, this workout mat is a must-have. The thicker mat helps support their knees, keeping them cushioned and comfortable throughout their workout.

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These Cards Help Keep Them Mindful

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If they're working on mindfulness, this deck of affirmations is a wonderful, thoughtful gift. This is a great deck that helps them learn more about themselves and dig a little deeper into their own mind.

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Help Them Prioritize Relaxation With This Bathtub Tray

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This bamboo bathtub tray gives them all the space they need to spread out and enjoy their downtime in a warm bath. The water-resistant tray offers space for snacks, drinks, books, and even a candle or two.

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These Labels Help Keep Your Bathroom Organized

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These adhesive printed labels help them keep everything organized and tidy. With almost two hundred labels, you can be sure they've got a label for absolutely everything in their bathroom.

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These Supplements Encourage Hair Growth

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The Nutrafol supplements offer them extra support to get their hair growing thick, beautiful, and strong. These have been clinically proven to give visible results in a matter of weeks.

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This Is a Different Sort of Waist Trainer

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This waist trainer works to help them stabilize their core and work their abdomen, building and strengthening those muscles. This twist board brings a little fun and a lot of challenge to daily workouts.

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These Ampoule Pads Help Nourish and Firm Skin

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These collagen pads work to firm skin and restore elasticity, preventing those fine lines and wrinkles from ever even developing. The vegan pads are hypoallergenic and sensitive-skin friendly.

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Practice and Honors What Matters to You With This Deck

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This 78-card deck helps them learn all they need about themselves, what they value, and how they can get better at practicing those values in their daily lives, helping them recenter and reevaluate regularly.

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This Set of Masks Means They'll Never Run Out

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This set of masks is the ultimate gift. The set offers seven different types of masks, all designed to work for most skin types. The nourishing, detoxifying, hydrating masks are all made without sulfates or parabens for clean skincare.

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This Workbook Encourages Self-Love

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Sometimes, they need a little help. Fortunately, this wonderful workbook is designed to make self-love a little simpler. With thoughtful prompts and helpful advice, this book makes a thoughtful, helpful gift.

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This Set of Rolling Cabinets Is Elegant

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It's hard to add storage without also running your style. Fortunately, this rolling storage cabinet has more than enough space and is elegant and modern enough to blend well with decor.

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These Bath Bombs Are Delicately Scented

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This set of bath bombs makes a wonderful gift for the person in your life looking to get a little extra relaxation. These fizz just a bit, smell fantastic, and help promote deep rest and relaxation.

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This Set of Organizers Keep Everything Tidy

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These plastic bins are designed to fit easily into desk or vanity drawers. The containers have all the space you need to get organized and tidy, clearing counters and keeping everything within arms reach.

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Gift Them At-Home Pilates Classes

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This Pilates set gives them everything they need to enjoy their favorite Pilates classes at home. No more spending an arm and a leg just to sweat and get fit at the latest trendy studio.

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Stretch Deeper With This Yoga Wheel

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This sturdy yoga wheel is the best way to get a little deeper into those backbends. If you've got a burgeoning yogi on your list, this wheel is just what they need to get deeper into their practice.

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This Excercise Ball Lets Them Multi-Task

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Help them stabilize their core and build those muscles even while they sit at their desk. This exercise ball helps them workout without even realizing they're doing it or helps them get deeper into their routine workouts.

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