21 DIY Gifts Every Grad Will Love

Graduation season is officially upon us! Caps will be thrown, tears will be shed, advice will be given and life in the “real world” will officially begin for many new grads. Scratching your head trying to think of a gift that is equal parts practical and whimsical for the new grads in your life? We’re betting you’ll find inspiration from these clever DIY grad gifts.

1. Modern Hanging Shelf: Whether they’re moving into new digs or back into their childhood room, a simple shelf will give their space a cool, post-college upgrade. (via Brit + Co)

2. Pop-up Photo Box: Celebrate the end of their school days with a special keepsake they’ll cherish forever. Tucking photos (or cash!) inside will definitely sweeten the gift. (via Brit + Co)

3. Wooden DIY Wall Clock: Your grad will probably want to trade posters hung up with thumb tacks for something more polished. A clock that is beautiful enough to be an art piece? Perfect. (via Brit + Co)

4. DIY Marbled Notebook: Know a grad who is dreaming of getting a startup off the ground or studied creative writing? They will love having these beautiful notebooks to jot down their ideas. (via Brit + Co)

5. No Sew Tablet Case: If your fave post-grad is starting a new job, then they’ll want this sleek new case to carry around their tablet during their daily commute. (via Brit + Co)

6. Typographical Wall Art: Send your grad an encouraging message with this adorable wall art project. We are all about that chic black-and-white color scheme. (via Brit + Co)

7. DIY Gold Tray: Trays are so versatile; they can be styled on a desk, kitchen counter, dresser, coffee table — the list goes on and on. This beautiful DIY version will look pretty and polished anywhere in their home. (via Brit + Co)

8. Fabric Nesting Baskets: Keep their belongings organized as they move on to the next chapter of their lives with a vibrant nesting basket that holds just about all their gadgets and assorted belongings. (via Brit + Co)

9. Woven Floor Poofs: Thanks to finals, we’re betting they’re behind on a few of their fave TV shows. Make your grad’s television binging extra comfy with a colorful floor poof that they can snuggle up with. (via Brit + Co)

10. Embroidered Photo Pillows: Take your grad’s favorite Facebook or Instagram pictures and turn them into beautiful pillows. (via Brit + Co)

11. DIY Geometric Planters: Help them turn their new digs into a home with the help of these geometric planters. A few easy-to-maintain succulents will give them green thumbs in no time. (via Brit + Co)

12. DIY Cactus Pillow: For a high-school graduate heading off to college next fall, this quirky set of pillows makes a cozy addition to a dorm room. (via Brit + Co)

13. Fabric Buckets: Fabric buckets are both practical and visually appealing — what more could you want for a small space? (via Brit + Co)

14. Color Block Board Games: Making friends when moving to a new place can be tough, so give your grad a hand with colorful board games, perfect for gathering a new group of friends together. (via Brit + Co)

15. Macrame Wall Art: This DIY is so incredible, they seriously won’t believe you made it. (via Brit + Co)

16. Metallic Storage Boxes: Add a little sparkle to their desk with these clever metallic storage boxes. Get bonus points for including small gifts in each box. (via Brit + Co)

17. Dopp Kit: All adults should have an appropriate toiletry kit for trips. This one looks sharp and keeps products organized, so they’ll be ready for that jet-setting life. (via Brit + Co)

18: Cork State Wall Art: If your grad is off to a new place, give them a gift that reminds them of home. (via Brit + Co)

19: Wall-Mounted Herb Garden: Losing access to a dining hall can be tough. Give them a head start on their culinary adventures with a wall-mounted herb garden that’ll help your loved one learn how to cook delicious and nutritious meals on their own. (via Brit + Co)

20: DIY Batik Fabric: All wall hangings were not created equal. This framed, custom-made batik fabric will be a unique art piece they’ll always cherish. (via Brit + Co)

21. Wood-burned Cutting Board: Help them transition from frat parties to classy wine-and-cheese nights with this beautiful, wood-burned cutting board. (via Brit + Co)

What gifts do you plan on giving the grad in your life? Hit us up in the comments!

The countdown to the holidays will be here before you know it, which is why we're gearing up to treat ourselves all December long with the best advent calendars for 2024. Whether you're looking to unbox a lil' somethin'-somethin' for yourself or gift the goodness to a friend or family member, these 10 advent calendars span across food, beauty, and pop culture – ensuring you find the perfect fit.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Advent Calendar

This Rory- and Lorelai-approved advent calendar is packed to the brim with 25 Stars Hollow-themed trinkets, from keychains, and buttons to magnets and stickers so you can flaunt your Gilmore Girls fandom all year long.

Godiva

Godiva 2024 Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar

Because chocolate always makes the best gift! This Godiva advent calendar comes complete with 24 assorted chocolates that range from milk, dark, and white. Kick off the most delicious time of year by gifting this indulgent set to your local chocolate lover, or yourself – just try not to sneak all the chocolates in one sitting!

Sephora

Sephora Collection Advent Calendar

We'd gladly take a Sephora-themed advent calendar year-round, but this beauty-centric one makes the holidays feel a bit more special. Never say "no" to a treat-yourself moment! With this set, you'll unveil 24 different makeup, skincare, and bath goodies, accessories, plus an advent-exclusive inclusion.

Nordstrom

MAC Cosmetics 24K Holiday Advent Calendar

Unwrap your glowiest glow with this luxurious MAC advent calendar! For 24 whole days (ideally leading up to Christmas, but we understand where you're coming from, early openers), you'll find only the best lip, base, eyes, and skin picks from the beloved brand. Sitting at an original value of $480, you can snag this baby for more than half-off for the holidays!

Typology

Typology Advent Calendar

Typology's 2023 advent calendar sold out in less than 48 hours last year, and it's already waitlisted for 2024 – but it's not to be missed, especially if you're gifting the design- and sustainability-forward beauty-lover in your life. This cal contains 15 full-size and 9 mini-size skincare products for the face, eyes, lips, and hands. It's super sleek yet unique, plus, it's constructed from FSC-certified paper to not only optimize space, but reduce its carbon footprint during transport. Get your name on the waitlist with the link here!

Nordstrom

Sugarfina 24 Tastes Of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar

The holidays are the time to assume the character of Buddy the Elf and go all in on all the Christmas candies. This 24-day advent calendar features everything from creamy chocolates to fruity gummies to satisfy that sweet tooth and bring some very sugary Christmas cheer to the season. P.S. Sharing is caring!

Craftspring

Craftspring Linen Ornaments Advent Calendar

Your Christmas tree will be left looking utterly lush once you've made it through this adorable advent calendar. It's loaded with a mini ornament for every day, each one made from sustainably-harvested merino-blended wool. The hand-embroidered calendar base will truly last a lifetime, so you can use it every year, loading it with candies, teas, and beauty goodies – whatever you please!

Nordstrom

L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

This treasure chest of goodies for your skin, body, hair, and hands is well-worth the investment (a $115 value for just $84) considering you can get some good year-round use out of it. The contents will come in particularly handy for all your dry skin woes once winter is, well, wintering. The best part about this cal is you can keep what you want, then gift more minis to the skincare-obsessed in your life!

Compartés

Compartés Winter Foxes Chocolate Advent Calendar

By far the coolest, most intricate chocolates we've tried, Compartés' offerings make the best holiday gifts. Opt for this 24 day-long advent calendar inspired by a mystical fox named Samson. Like Samson, you'll be able to cleverly venture out on a world of bite-sized chocolate treasures from the likes of Creme Brûlée, Campfire S'mores, and Blackberry Crumble. How yummy.

Lush

Lush Advent Calendar

Holiday prep can be stressful. Wind down and relax a bit each day with each of Lush's advent calendar surprises! From colorful bath bombs and home fragrances to beloved beauty picks from years past, this 24-day box is a total banger. Plus, if you don't see yourself using up each day's offering, you'll have some absolutely delightful gifts on-hand to give to your friends and fam.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas!

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

Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.

Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”

Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."

It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)

However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.

“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”

What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?

Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”

“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”

Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!

Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?

JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel

With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 was delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.

Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.

Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025. Based on the schedule for Spider-Man: Far From Home, we could see Spider-Man 4 in the summer of 2026.

What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!

What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:

  • Captain America: Civil War
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming
  • Avengers: Infinity War
  • Avengers: Endgame
  • Spider-Man: Far From Home
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home

What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Father's Day is approaching, which means our minds are heavily focused on finding the perfect gift for our fave guy. In addition to a cute card, dad deserves something super cool and practical to feel appreciated! These thoughtful gifts – all shoppable on Amazon – help enhance his life in all areas, from the gym to the kitchen(if cooking is his thing).

These Father's Day gift ideas boast thousands of 5-star reviews from real customers, so he's sure to love one (or a few) or them! Plus, each one of these gifts will arrive before Father's Day, so you can feel at ease getting dad his gift on time. Scroll on for our favorites!

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Trio

Sets like this $22 pick are always a good way to go when gifting. This trio of hydrating lip balms ensures that dad will have a tube to reach for when his lips are feeling a bit dry. The set comes with three flavors – shea butter, mint, and pineapple mint – plus, the formula offers SPF 25 for added outdoor protection!

Carhartt Canvas Cap

You know dad needs a cap upgrade. This durable canvas design from Carhartt is equal parts stylish and practical, so it's a total no-brainer when it comes to finding Father's Day gifts! The inside rim of the hat is fitted with a built-in quick-dry sweatband, balancing things out comfortably – even in hot temps. Dad will be able to find his perfect fit with the adjustable velcro back strap, plus he'll earn some street cred by sporting the signature Carhartt logo.

This style comes in tons of different colors at varied prices, but this Duck Green color costs $39.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi

Dad's not dad if he's not caffeinated! Simplify his brewing routine with this easy-to-use machine. It makes brewed coffee and espresso in a range of serving sizes with the push of a button! It's compatible with Nespresso pods, which you can snag in just about any flavor or roast you want. Reviewers love how easy this product is to use, alongside the the fact that it saves them money from regular Dunkin' and Starbucks runs.

This Nespresso Vertuo Plus coffee maker model is currently on sale for $150 (was $200).

Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe

This responsive running shoe with breathable mesh is unlike any shoe he's tried before. It's special because the Brooks team designed it with holistic support in mind. This means the stabilizing cushion goes beyond the foot, supporting the knees and even the hips to prevent injury. This pair has also earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can feel confident you're gifting dad a really good fit. He can take them from the gym to the trails with ease!

These shoes come in a range of different colors, sizes, and prices, but this stylish blue hue is currently on sale for $100 (was $120).

Frank Herbert's Dune Saga 3-Book Boxed Set

For the bookworm or big collector dads out there, he'll be instantly impressed by this sleek boxed set. An unforgettable literary adventure awaits with the Dune saga, too. If he loved the movies, he'll love the books even more!

The paperback version of this trio set is currently on sale for $16 (was $31).

Light Flight Anti-Theft Travel Laptop Backpack

If the dad in your life is big on traveling for business, this multi-compartment backpack will be a game-changer for his commutes! It's got a laptop sleeve (fits laptops up to 17.3 inches), a roomy main section, plus two more zippered layers for organizing medium- and small-sized items. Its simplistic exterior features water-resistant fabric plus two mesh-padded shoulder straps for comfortable wear. It also abides by airline bag size requirements, easily fitting in an overhead compartment or under a plane seat!

This backpack comes in 6 other colors. The black version costs $48.

Levoit Quiet 3L Humidifier/Diffuser

A small humidifier like this can help dad tackle any troubles with congestion and coughing. It's especially helpful in dry climates, but anyone can benefit from it!

This model (which you can optionally run as an essential oil diffuser) is touted by reviewers for running quietly and being super easy to use. It boasts a small knob for controlling the mist strength, plus an option to direct the mist output in different directions. The spacious 3L water tank means less frequent refills for a more convenient experience.

This product is currently on sale for $39 (was $44).

TheraGun Relief Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

Back pain will be a thing of the past once pop starts using this sleek self-massage gun regularly! It has nearly 5,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, and for good reason. Users love the device's long battery life and claim that it offers fast pain relief. This small-but-powerful massage gun can work on any part of the body at 3 different speeds. It can help relieve aches, pains, tension, and stiffness.

This Theragun model is currently on sale for $129 (was $149).

Amazon Essentials Drawstring Walk Short

It's shorts season, and with this casual Amazon Essentials pair, dad will most definitely be stepping out in style. They're made from a lightweight twill material for unmatched breathability and feature a no-fuss elastic waist with a drawstring. The inseam measures in at 8 inches for added coverage.

These shorts come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and this gray one is currently on sale for $15 (was $24).

Rockbros Bike Phone Front Frame Bag

This bike frame bag carries all the essentials in such a compact, convenient space! It most certainly has room for a pair of sunglasses, a wallet, keys, and other miscellaneous small items. Plus, there's a nice phone slot at the top covered in a transparent water-resistant material, so dad can easily reference map directions or put on music. The durable velcro straps that surround the bag eliminate the possibility of it slipping or falling off completely!

This bike bag is currently on sale for $22 (was $30).

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette

For the dads who can't resist a little fragrance here and there, this Versace perfume is the perfect pick. Plus, now's the best time to snag it – the 3.4 ounce bottle is on sale for just $55 (was $98).​ Its intense aroma is packed with "vibrant and glowing freshness" met with notes of mint leaves, cedar, vanilla, Italian lemon zest, and green apple.

Reviewers love this eau de toilette offering because it lasts all day long and smells luxurious. 

Sojos Small Round Classic Polarized Sunglasses

Help shield his eyes from the sun for all his summer adventures with these chic sunnies! He'll love the fresh vibe the reflective polarized lenses give to his look. These high-quality plastic frames with solid metal hinges block out 99% of UV rays for comfortable and clear vision.

These same frames are shoppable in a variety of colorways. This brown-blue coloration is currently on sale for $15 (was $20).

Stanley The Camp Pour Over Set

Your dad's ultimate campside coffee companion can be found in this Stanley pour over set! It has over 3,000+ 5-star ratings that praise its ease, durability, and convenience. The pour over piece lets him brew his coffee right into the insulated stainless steel mug. The top component abides by leave no trace principles – it features a reusable stainless steel filter, so no paper filter is needed. It comes with a lifetime warranty, and it'll surely see plenty of memories throughout its lifespan!

You can snag this set in several different colors. This green shade is currently on sale for $34 (was $45).

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Organic Medium Roast Ground Coffee

For some truly exceptional grounds to go with the Stanley pour over mug (we can't resist a DIY gift set!), we highly recommend this Stumptown roast, Holler Mountain. It's a nice, medium, middle-of-the-road flavor with impressive notes of citrus, berry jam, and caramel. Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a certified B-corporation committed to sourcing and producing their products as sustainably as possible – a win-win, if you ask us!

This 12 ounce bag goes for $14 on Amazon.

Charging Port Alarm Clock

This no-frills alarm clock makes a great gift for the heavy sleeper dad. Not only are its alarm volume and number brightness easily adjustable, it also has a nice snooze function that repeats in 9-minute cycles. The best part is it's fitted with an easy-to-reach USB port for charging his phone overnight. It has over 16K 5-star reviews, with most reviewers praising how clear it is to see and use.

This convenient clock is currently on sale for $15 (was $20).​

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

Images via Amazon.

Every year since I was old enough to choose my Halloween costume, I've gone with my current fictional character hyperfixation. We're talking Amy March from Little Women, Lucy from Narnia (twice), Belle from Beauty in the Beast (three times), and even Eurydice from Hadestown. So I know a good pop culture Halloween costume when I see it.

New York Comic Con 2024 was filled with people who love movies, TV, and comics — and who know how to put together a good costume. This past weekend I saw everything from Disneybounds (a catchall term for easier, streetwear version of iconic costumes) to cosplays involving lights and smoke. And I catalogued them all away because they make incredible Halloween costume inspo. The best news is these are all pretty easy and they're definitely recognizable. So no more having to explain who you are! Here are 17 of the coolest pop culture costumes I saw at NYCC to use for your own 'fits this year.

Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures

My jaw literally dropped when I saw two cosplayers in full head-to-toe costumes from the new Wicked movie. And when I say full costume, I mean it — people were having to step around Glinda because her ballgown was so big! If you're not so sure about a full gown, opt for a pink corset and mini skirt for G, or a little black dress for Elphaba, instead.

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Brit + Co

A white cap and a red cape? Babe, it literally doesn't get easier than this.

'Agatha All Along' Costumes

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Agatha All Along is Marvel's newest hit show, and as a costume girlie I was so excited to see outfits from the series IRL! I was also shocked at how easy they are to recreate. Billy just wears a sweater and jeans (which you probably already have in your closet), while Agatha opts for a teal trench.

Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

And of course it wouldn't be a comic con without dozens of Scarlet Witches! Wanda Maximoff is such a beloved character, it only makes sense that fans would wear full cosplays, or turn her iconic costume into a sweater & jeans look like I did! If you're feeling crafty like me, I was inspired by @MagicWithMeg's jeans and painted the design on a pair of black jeans. The only thing you'll want to note here is that I made sure to paint white on the base before the red — it made it stand out perfectly.

Obviously, I wore my Scarlet Witch shirt to meet Wanda herself, Elizabeth Olsen.

'Game of Thrones'

Brit + Co

Winterfell will never go out of style! Reuse that red cape from The Handmaid's Tale costume, or go for a leather look. Either way, you'll look very stylish.

Megan

Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures

One pop culture costume that made me laugh out loud was M3gan from the 2022 flick of the same name. Buying the costume dress will save you a ton of hassle (meaning you can focus on scaring your neighbors), but all you need to recreate it is a khaki mini dress.

Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Anne of Green Gables is one of the stories I hold closest to my heart, and I was so excited to see a duo dressed up as Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert! Especially since it's just an excuse to wear cottagecore dresses all Halloweekend long.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes

Allyson Riggs/A24

Everything Everywhere All At Once costumes are so easy to recreate — and this Elvis costume x pink wig combo is simply too iconic to pass up. I'll take any excuse to have a bagel in-hand.

Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'

Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 has a lot of iconic duos. Paul and Chani, Feyd Rautha and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. But the combo I didn't expect to see at Comic Con was Princess Irulan and a sandworm. But now I need this tan dress and chainmail ASAP.

Harry Potter and Hermione

Brit + Co

I also saw plenty of Hogwarts students during my time at NYCC, and Harry and Hermione are always a great choice for a Halloween costume. Grab some Wizarding robes — after you figure out your house of course.

Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'

Disney Channel

Troy and Gabriela might be the easiest couples's costume of all time. An East High jersey and a red mini dress are all you need! (Microphones not needed, but encouraged).

Glen Powell in 'Twisters'

Universal Pictures

White tee? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Tiny, adorable dog? Check. My friend, you've got yourself a Twisters Halloween costume!

Cinderella

Jonathan Olley/Disney

The 2015 Cinderella rewired my brain, and seeing someone show up to Comic Con in Lily James' gorgeous blue ballgown rewired it all over again!! If the full gown is too much, try our easy DIY Cinderella outfit instead!

'Star Wars'

Brit + Co

Dressing up as a Jedi really just means wearing the most comfy Halloween costume ever. Just grab some leggings and wrap some fabric around your body and you've got an easy Rey costume for the holiday.

Baby Yoda

Disney

And in the Star Wars of it all, I also saw a baby dressed up as Grogu and I couldn't handle the cuteness! This onesie is a must.

The Powerpuff Girls

Amazon

While I saw someone rock a Powerpuff Girls tee, you can also grab a matching set in blue, green, or pink to make this costume more screen-accurate.

A Camp Half-Blood Student From 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'

Matthias Clamer/Disney

I'd definitely consider Percy Jackson'sCamp Half-Blood my home away from home, and if you snag this camp shirt, you can wear it all the time — not just on Halloween. Grab some cosplay armor and your favorite pair of denim shorts and you can be a camper ready to fight evil!

Check out 65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators for more!

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

The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.

I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!

I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

Amazon

If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

Centre for Ageing Better

Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

MART PRODUCTION

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

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"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Yan Krukau

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

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The Real Body Manual

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