15 Countertop Gadgets to Make Dessert Even Sweeter

Armed with just a few key ingredients and a mixing bowl, each one of these 15 gadgets is a one-stop sweetness shop! From mini donuts to homemade waffle cones, these doodads are sure to put the days of making s’mores in your George Foreman grill behind you. These are all kind of like the grown-up version of Easy Bake Ovens (and who didn’t love those as a kid!?). Oh, and they’re all available on Amazon! Win.

Sunbeam Mini Donut Maker

Healthy mini donuts, anyone? We love that this makes sure your donuts are baked, not fried.

2. Cotton Candy Maker ($29): Forget waiting until state fair season to get your fix of the good stuff.

3. Waffle Cone Maker ($50): Wait, this is amazing! We wonder what types of cool recipes we could come up with involving waffle cones. Maybe waffle cones with sprinkles mixed into the dough? YUM.

4. Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker ($85): What good are waffle cones without soft serve? Create all sorts of fun and indulgent recipes with this sweet gadget.

5. Mini Cake Maker ($37): You can use this to make bite size muffins, cupcakes, and more, and without an oven!

Snow Cone Cart

before and we’ll write about it again, it is just that good.

7. Pie Pop Maker ($15): How adorable are these pie pops? Love the idea of filling these with a mix of savory and sweet for a housewarming party on Sunday fun day.

Yonanas Frozen Treat Maker

10 must-have kitchen gadgets according to our readers, the Yonanas turns any batch of frozen fruit into yummy soft-serve ice cream, without the cream.

Brownie Bar Maker

thing! But we’re all about being able to make brownies in minutes.

10. S’mores Maker ($25): Who needs a campfire anyway? ;)

11. Fortune Cookie Maker ($25): Wait, what now?! You’d have to really love fortune cookies to go for this, but it could be great for parties or even wedding favors.

12. Babycakes Cake Pop Maker ($20): If you’re all up in the world of cooking hacks, you’ve probably seen this clever cake pop factory.

13. Churro Maker ($18): Cinnamon, sugar, and piping hot dough? Sign us up.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker

good popsicle after an early evening run? This doodad lives in your freezer and can churn out popsicles in less than 10 minutes. Amazing.

15. Bakery Bites Express ($20): And finally, the mother of all dessert gadgets. This gorgeous piece of novelty kitchenware makes brownies, cookies, bundt cakes, cupcakes, and more. WIN!

Other than taking the long weekend to veg out with a hearty BBQ spread and plenty of refreshing cocktails, Labor Day is the perfect excuse to splurge on your home. With so many brands running deals on everything from fancy air purifiers to plush mattresses, the financial burden that comes with investing in those larger-scale purchases is easily alleviated.

One part of my home that’s constantly taking a beating is my kitchen – more specifically, my cookware. It’s in desperate need of an upgrade, which is why I'm shopping for some spiffy new pans and pots this Labor Day. After years of sautéing, baking, bubbling, and boiling, your cookware might be feeling a lil’ beat down, too. Take advantage of these stellar Labor Day cookware sales from brands trusted by cooks of all kinds, from home chefs to the professionals!

Our Place – Up To 40% Off Sitewide

Our Place

Always Pan 2.0

This aesthetically satisfying pan tackles 10 jobs in one with a totally toxin-free ceramic nonstick coating. You can save $40 on it during Our Place's Labor Day sale!

Our Place

Perfect Pot

This "family-sized" nonstick pot will be a total lifesaver come soup season. Plus, it's gonna look very pretty on your stovetop. save $35 now!

Our Place

Cookware Set Pro

If you're ready to press 'reset' on your entire kitchen setup, this set comes prepped with a titanium Always Pan, the Perfect Pot, the Mini Perfect Pot, and the Mini Always Pan to cook a variety of dishes. This set is a whole $215 off for Labor Day!

Caraway – Up To 15% Off + Exclusive Bundles

Caraway

4-Piece Cookware Set

Another fantastic cookware set, this Caraway bundle is fully rid of toxic coatings and forever chemicals to ensure your cooking and health is high-quality. This 4-piece consists of a fry pan, sauce pan, sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and a handy lid holder for super convenient storage. Save $150 during Caraway's Labor Day sale!

Caraway

Dutch Oven

This 6.5-quart pot will be able handle all the soups and stews you're about to chef up this winter. It's very durable throughout, boasting a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior. This blue pick also adds a playful pop of color to your stovetop!

Caraway

11-Piece Bakeware Set

This fully-fledged bakeware set is ready to go with a whopping 11 pieces of equipment, but zero harmful chemicals. Save $150 on it during the Labor Day sale!

Xtrema Cookware – 20% Off Sitewide

Xtrema Cookware

Signature Series Set

Made of non-toxic ceramic, this set ensures safety at every point of the cooking process. It comes with a 9-inch signature skillet, three long-handled saucepans with lids, and two 100% organic cotton handle potholders! Plus, it's 25% off right now.

Xtrema Cookware

Saute Pan with Lid

For a quick upgrade, opt for a sauté pan. It's likely the most-trafficked cookware piece in your cabinets, so it can wear and tear a lot faster than your other tools. This sleek black pan comes in an 8-inch or 10-inch diameter to suit your personal needs. Save 20% off now!

Xtrema Cookware

Round Dutch Oven

You can do a multitude of things in a Dutch oven, including baking bread and roasting meats. We love a multitasker, and this one's 20% off!

Great Jones – 25% Off With Code 'POPCORN'

Great Jones

King Sear Cast-Iron Skillet

Great Jones brings the fun to cookware with tons of bright colors! This royal blue cast-iron skillet will be the talk of your next dinner party (and every meal after that) for its ability to look good and cook good.

Great Jones

The Fry Family Nonstick Pan Duo

This pan duo is maybe one of the most stylish upgrades you can get for your kitchen. They're made without PTFE and PFOA chemicals, which means cooking with them is healthy for you and the planet. The duo is $30 off right now!

Great Jones

Holy Sheet Duo

My sheet pans really need replacing from all the sheet pan dinners and cookies I make, and I am heavily eyeing this colorful set from Great Jones. These pans are durable and easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick ceramic coating they're crafted with. Keep one for savory stuff, and the other for sweets. They're currently $5 off with the Labor Day sale.

American Kitchen – 20% Off Sitewide With Code 'LABORDAY'

American Kitchen

Nonstick Casserole Pan

This deep pan boasts two layers of professional-grade stainless steel wrapped around a layer of super durable aluminum, all which help your food heat up evenly and stay hot. The best part is the handles on the sides and lid stay cool while you chef it up! Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

American Kitchen

Cranberry Color Cast Wok

Woks are an excellent piece of cookware to have in your kitchen if you enjoy making stir fries and fried rice. Woks heat up their contents super quickly and evenly, producing the best heated-through results. As opposed to a cast-iron construction, this wok is made from thick cast aluminum with a nonstick exterior coating and interior nonstick coating. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

American Kitchen

5-Piece Starter Cookware Set

This set is the perfect gift for someone who just moved into their first apartment or home, if you're not shopping it for yourself. It comes complete with a 2-quart stainless steel lidded saucepan, a 10-inch stainless steel sauté lidded pan, and an 8-inch nonstick skillet so you can cook a multitude of meals. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

Made In – Up To 25% Off Best-Sellers

Made In

6-Piece Tailgate Kit

Get on the grill with ease using this convenient 6-piece set! It comes with Made In's pre-seasoned Carbon Steel Griddle, a two-sided maple wood Butcher Block, a chef knife, grill press, their 1/4 Sheet Pan, and a 1/2 Sheet Pan. With their Labor Day sale, you save $131!

Made In

10-Piece Stainless Set

Your kitchen will never look more seamless than with this stainless clad cookware set scattered around. Each piece is compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. You'll save a whole $235 when you snag this set during the Labor Day sale!

Made In

3-Piece Back To School Kit

This basic cookware set is perfect for college kids since it comes with everything you need to start out on a great home-cooked meal. The Non Stick Frying Pan, Chef Knife, and 1/2 Sheet Pan trio is unbeatable, and you can snag it for $204 (was $273) with the sale.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more can't-miss sales!

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

'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.

1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Brit + Co

If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.

We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.

2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift

Etsy

If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.

This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.

3. Handmade Christmas Gifts

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.

A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!

4. DIY Home Decor

Brit + Co

Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.

Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.

A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.

DIY Jewelry

Brit + Co

Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!

Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!

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

This post has been updated.

Prior to becoming a mom, I never drank coffee on a daily basis. I didn't get the hype surrounding it because eating a hearty breakfast used to give me all the energy I needed to tackle my day. If you listen closely, you can hear my mom-coded chuckle.

Though I used my Keurig here and there...I fell into the daily Starbucks habit that I haven't quit been able to shake yet. The tasty drinks felt much easier to grab and go, instead of dropping in a pod and adding creamer, hoping for that barista-made flavor. However, I finally found something that makes me feel like I'm my own at-home barista: the Ninja Espresso Machine!

What is the Ninja Espresso Machine?

Amazon

This Ninja coffee maker is a 3-in-1 machine that allows you to make espresso, classic drip coffee, and cold brews! It goes the extra mile by letting you make the following of each:

  • Espresso — double shot or quad shot
  • Drip Coffee — classic, rich, or over ice
  • Cold Brew — cold pressed expresso or cold brew coffee

Depending on your mood, you can brew anywhere from 6 to 18 oz. drinks. It's like the grandmother of coffee makers IMO — she really can do it all, and then some!

What kind of features does it have?

Jasmine Williams

What features doesn't this Ninja coffee maker have is the better question. My favorite feature so far is the weight-based dosing that helps the machine determine what you'll need for the perfect cup of coffee. What does that mean? It has a built-in scale that does the heavy lifting for you, showing you the recommended setting you need by detecting the weight of the beans before grinding.

It also has a hands-free frothing option that rivals the skills of Starbucks' baristas with its Barista Assist Technology. The four frothing features are:

  • Steamed milk
  • Thin froth
  • Thick froth
  • Cold foam

I've tried the steamed milk and cold foam options so far, and they're AMAZING. I think that's the best part of making coffee now!

Is it hard to put the Nina Espresso Maker together?

Jasmine Williams

This is probably the heaviest coffee maker I've ever had, but it doesn't bother me. I bought my fiancé a Nutri Ninja Personal & Countertop Blender last year, so I'm familiar how sturdy their products are.

However, I want to mention how heavy it is so you're not surprised when you're taking it out of the box! It took two people to slide it out in my experience, so make sure you have someone to help you. If you don't care about keeping the box the Ninja Espresso Maker comes in, you can just cut it open to make it easier for you.

Putting this machine together is simpler than it looks, though. It comes with additional pieces like the assisted tamper, a funnel (to ensure you have the right amount of ground coffee), two baskets (to determine what type of coffee you want to make: quad shot espresso, classic, cold brew, or cold-pressed), and the portafilter (AKA the longer piece which serves as the main handle when you're grinding the beans and ready to brew your coffee). Thankfully, comes with the double basket installed already.

How much counter space does it take up?

Jasmine Williams

The Ninja Espresso Machine doesn't take up as much space as I thought it would — and that's great because I live in an apartment, so that real estate is very limited in my kitchen. I was able to place it on the smaller counter by stove and still have room to place my coffee essentials next to it. But if you want to create a coffee corner, I definitely suggest placing it on a longer surface.

Do I need to use pre-ground coffee or whole beans?

Jasmine Williams

This is a great question! I usually skip the instructions when putting something together (that rushed mom life, you know?), but decided to because I didn't want to mess anything up.

It's easy to reach for pre-ground coffee, but this machine specifically requires whole beans because of the grinder feature. If you're worried about added time from the grind, don't — it really doesn't take long for the beans to be ground!

Do I have to use whole milk for the frother, or can I use something plant-based?

Jasmine Williams

You can actually use both! The cool thing about the Nina Espresso Maker is you can change the settings to whole or plant-based milk when you want to use the frothing feature! I just prefer to stick with unsweetened almond milk because it doesn't irritate my digestive system and has 0 grams of sugar in it!

Final Thoughts:

Jasmine Williams

The Ninja Espresso Maker has converted me into a coffee drinker who doesn't have to leave her house for the latest Starbucks fall drinks — or at least not all the time. 😉 The included QR code on top of the machine helped me see step-by-step installation and brewing guides, so that's a welcomed bonus that continues to make regular use so much easier.

I will say that you have to test the hardness of your water and run a pre-cycle before using the machine. A water test strip is included in the box, and this process takes a couple of minutes to do. Once you're ready to run the pre-cycle, fill the water reservoir on the side is place a 10 or 12 oz. cup under the portafilter and press brew. When the cup is full after a few minutes, dump the water in the sink and you'll be ready to brew your first cup of espresso, classic brew, latte, or ice coffee!

Ultimately, while I don't care for drinking espresso, that feature works for my Domincan fiancé — it's perfect for getting him that shot of flavor and energy some he craves in the morning. Otherwise, for all other coffee-making endeavors, I give the Ninja Expresso Maker a 5 out of 5 rating! It really has something for all coffee lovers, and it takes than less than five minutes to have a cup of cold or warm deliciousness! BRB while I brew something for my Gilmore Girls rewatch...

Shop The Ninja Espresso Maker

Amazon

Ninja Espresso Machine

Follow our Amazon storefront for more kitchen finds!

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

Header image via Amazon

It looks like we'll just be getting Jacob Elordi movies for the rest of time, and honestly, I'm thankful. (Even if that one cringy Kissing Booth scene still runs on a loop in the my brain). Before Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob is teaming up with another Hollywood titan you'll recognize from Pretty Woman: Richard Gere. And the movie looks incredibly emotional.

Here's all the latest info on Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere's brand new movie Oh, Canada.

What is the Oh Canada movie about?

Oh, Canada Plot

Oh, Canada follows the life of legendary (albeit fictional) filmmaker Leonard Fife. This story probably approaches Leo's career the way we think about Steven Spielberg's. AKA, he's very important. Leonard decides to tell his life story before he runs out of time. And even though he's got an impressive resumé, he also has to decide if he wants his Vietnam draft dodge and sticky relationships to become public knowledge.

"Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond," the synopsis says, adding that "at Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all."

How to watch Oh Canada?

Oh, Canada Release Date

Jacob Elordi's new movie is coming to theaters December 6, 2024 — the same day as Rachel Zegler's Y2K and Amy Adams' Nightb—ch!

Who's in the movie?

Kino Lorber

Oh, Canada Cast

The cast of Oh, Canada includes Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, and Victoria Hill, while the movie is written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also worked with Richard on 1980's American Gigolo!

What has the cast said about the movie?

Uma Thurman has been vocal about how excited she is to be a part of the project and told Deadline the movie feels like a "reverie" and has a "lyrical, sort of loosely knit, poetic" quality about it.

"The cinematic hand of Paul, of course, carried the day, as far as bringing this sort of illusionary dream together into something that you walk away from with the strong impression of a story," she says. "Just the presence of a master like Paul Schrader on a set of any size, is as distinct as, I don’t know, a warm wind. It’s like the wind that hits you when you get off a plane in the tropics. There’s only one thing of its ilk, and he’s kind of a master like that. You could really be anywhere; you can’t miss it."

That sounds like my kind of movie.

Director Paul Schrader revealed he fell in love with Jacob's performance the moment he saw him — which was before he took the world by storm in Priscilla. “I saw his performance on Zoom and, if this was 40 years ago, this is the guy I would have cast for American Gigolo,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Are you excited to see Oh, Canada? Check out the other New December Movies you can't miss out on!

If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress, then look no further! Winter is the perfect time to lean into your glam side, with a little shine, a sexy slit, or even a statement neckline on your dress. And while the typical palette may lean towards darker, deeper colors, that doesn't mean you have to opt for the same boring look. Instead, I found a ton of elegant dresses that'll land you the Best Dressed Wedding Guest award in no time — and you'll wanna rewear them as much as possible. Cheers!

Shop all the best winter wedding guest dresses here!

Nordstrom

Betsy & Adam Asymmetric Single Long Sleeve Gown

I'm sorry, but nothing is more elegant (or sexier) than a black gown with the perfect peek-a-boo leg slit down the front. When you pair that with this gorgeous asymmetrical sleeve situation, you really have the perfect winter wedding guest dress!

Abercrombie

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Cowl Back Slip Maxi Dress

Cowl necks are always a classy look — but what about a cowl back?! This whole dress is giving "simplicity is elegance" at its finest. (And BRIDES: this little navy number comes in cream, making for a fabulous bridal outfit, too!)

Anthropologie

Bardot Adoni Off-The-Shoulder Fitted Stretch Lace Midi Dress

I know, I know — it's controversial to wear red to a wedding. But truly, I've never in my life heard that rule until recently, so it can't matter that much, right? I'll let you decide that for yourself, but while you're thinking about it...look at how gorgeous this off-the-shoulder number is!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Bellini Grape Jacquard Satin Maxi Dress

I adore this deep, rich eggplant color SO much. It goes so well with this high neckline and jacquard fabric, absolutely emanating elegance. This looks fantastic with strappy gold sandals (like above), but I could also see this looking amazing with some pointed toe velvet pumps.

Lulus

Lulus I'm All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress

I have this exact dress in burgundy, but I am totally into the black tulle. It gives an edge to the elegance that's so playful and COOL. Plus, who doesn't love a deep v neck like this? It's so freakin' good.

Target

Petal and Pup Womens Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress

Asymmetrical dresses are absolutely the moment right now. The draping on this Target dress is totally gorgeous, making you look effortlessly beautiful. Plus, if this shade of teal isn't your color, you have 10 other options to choose from — and at under $100!

Nordstrom

Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown

My mom wore this exact dress in black to my own wedding, and she looked like a total goddess. The shimmer could seem like a lot for some, but it's really quite lovely and just understated enough when you're in that glittering wedding environment. You'll definitely wanna dance the night away in this look!

Free People

Elliatt Calypso Dress

Looking for a shorter winter wedding guest dress? This Elliatt option is stunning! The body of the dress itself is really quite simple, letting the statement bow on the back do all the heavy (and very stylish) lifting for your look. I'd pair this with an Audrey Hepburn-esque updo and some pointed black pumps!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Sara Marigold Maxi Dress

Let this marigold dress light up the room at the next wedding you're invited to! The floral pattern is perfect for winter, not leaning too spring, and giving this balloon sleeve dress a little extra life. (And do you see the slit? I'm telling you: it's the perfect way to accentuate your wedding guest look!)

Anthropologie

Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress

Norma Kamali knows how to make something simple oh-so sexy. This dress hugs your curves in all the right places, and the ruching gives the sleek silhouette some much-needed texture. Plus, the slightly off-the-shoulder of it all is just everything — it's giving old Hollywood glam meets modern babe.

Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Pleated Satin Cocktail Midi Dress

Like I said before, winter doesn't me you can't wear color! This shade is just bright enough to make a statement, but just earthy enough to be perfect for the season. The pleats and the buttoned, ballooned sleeves are just gorgeous here too!

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Stretch Velvet Edition

I seriously just love a high neckline! There's something about it that screams class (but a distinguished, polite scream of course 😉), which is totally what you're going for with your winter wedding guest dress. I also love how the stretch velvet will give you the space to sit, eat, and dance comfortably all night long — exactly what you need for a festive wedding eventing!

Nordstrom

Alfred Sung One-Shoulder A-Line Gown

Alfred Sung makes stunning gowns that are perfect for all your winter wedding guest needs! I wore a different Alfred Sung dress a few years back to a December wedding, and it made me feel totally elegant. This sleek design would look gorgeous on anyone, and the A line silhouette gives you plenty of room to hit the dance floor all you want!

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck Black Clea Dress

She's giving Audrey Hepburn! She's giving Grace Kelly! She's giving EVERYTHING! Seriously, this neckline is incredible, this length is lovely, and the dress itself is the perfect canvas to make your own. Add some fun jewelry, grab a fun shoe, and let your hair down for an evening — in the most elevated way possible.

Anthropologie

Mac Duggal Sleeveless Rhinestone Flower Crepe A-Line Mini Dress

In case you're looking for another shorter option, I love this Mac Duggal dress! The flower on the hip is so unique, yet it's giving a timeless charm that would look amazing on anyone! I could totally see this with some stunning red tights, an updo, and some statement earrings.

Looking for more stylish finds? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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