17 Super Sweet DIY Gifts for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your mom how much you appreciate her. This year, take some inspiration from your elementary school days and make mom a gift. Since you’ll probably want to go with a project that’s more chic than a macaroni necklace, we’re sharing our favorite beautiful and simple DIY projects that your mom will love.

1. Photo Candles: Give those dusty old photographs new life as candles. This thoughtful DIY gift is simple and sweet, perfect for Mother’s Day. (via Brit + Co)

2. Spa in a Box: Sometimes moms are so busy being awesome, they can forget to pamper themselves. Give your mom an excuse to put her feet up and treat herself with this easy DIY. (via Brit + Co)

3. A Serving Tray: Your mom won’t believe that you made this elegant serving tray. Bonus points if you bring her homemade breakfast in bed on the tray. (via A Beautiful Mess)

4. Personalized Wine Glasses: While you’re serving up that breakfast in bed, we bet your mom will appreciate a side of delicious mimosa in one of these photo glasses. (via Brit + Co)

5. A Gem Necklace: Treat your mom to a glamorous gem necklace using this easy tutorial. (via Brit + Co)

6. Embroidered Photo Pillows: Want to surprise mom with something bold? This tutorial will have you adding your family’s smiling mugs to pillows, scarves and other linens. (via Brit + Co)

7. Dip-Dye Succulent Pot: If your mom has a green thumb, she’ll love this bright dip-dye pot. Don’t forget to include a cute little succulent. (via I SPY DIY)

8. Ring Dish: Save your mom’s jewelry from getting lost with this adorable pineapple ring dish. If you aren’t digging the pineapple design, you can customize it to any shape. (via Jade and Fern)

9. Map Coasters: Help your mom relive memories of family vacations with this easy DIY. Map coasters are the perfect combination of sweet and practical. Plus, you can customize them with the places near and dear to her heart. (via Martha Stewart)

10. Chocolate Messages: Spell out how much you care for your mom with edible chocolate messages. They’re so tasty, we bet she won’t want to share. (via Sugar & Cloth)

11. Hand Painted Linens: We know your mom already has that “hostess-with-the-mostess” title down, but we bet she’d still appreciate this set of homemade table linens. This tutorial makes napkins look like a million bucks. (via Brit + Co)

12. Tassel Fringe Necklace: Celebrate your mom’s colorful personality with a fun tassel necklace. It’ll spice up her everyday outfits, and every time she wears it, she’ll think of you. (via Brit + Co)

13. Pretty Picture Frame: For a sentimental gift, make your mom a pretty, textured frame and put one of her favorite pictures in it. It’s a simple but thoughtful gift that she’s guaranteed to adore. (via A Beautiful Mess)

14. Homemade Extracts: If your mom is a baking fiend, make her a set of flavored extracts. It will add that pinch of love every recipe needs. (via Just Putzing)

15. Anthropologie-Inspired Pillows: If your mom spends her weekends paging through IKEA and Anthro catalogs, pamper her with this Anthropologie copy cat. She’ll be sure to swoon over these homemade gilded pillows. (via Brit + Co)

16. A Graphic Tote Bag: Tote bags are a great gift for a mom on the go. Dress up a simple one with her initials and bold stripes, and she’ll take it everywhere. (via Cupcakes and Cashmere)

17. Gold Leaf Silhouettes: While smiling faces make for a sweet gift, if your mom has framed prints of you on her walls, switch up her design scheme with a whimsical silhouette. (via Brit + Co)

What do you plan on giving your mom for Mother’s Day? Share your ideas with us in the comments below.

Foodies – you know 'em, and you love 'em. They're the ones that always bring food to the function, making sure everyone's well-fed. They're constantly breaking a sweat in the kitchen when they're whipping up those elaborate dinner recipes that you just can't stop craving. This season, return the favor of those curated dinner parties and lively happy hours by giving your favorite foodie one of these unique foodie gifts. From kitchen accessories to home goods, apparel to cookbooks, your food-loving pal is going to love these tasteful picks.

Our favorite foodie gift ideas for 2024:

Lisa Says Gah!

Lisa Says Gah! Holiday Nail Art Stickers

Winter nails will never be the same after they get a tasty treatment from these food-themed nail stickers. We're obsessing over the martini glasses!

Amazon

More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen: A Cookbook by Molly Baz

This bold book by cool cookin' girl, Molly Baz, encourages risk-taking in the kitchen and a pure "cooking for fun" mentality, which we could all use a heaping serving of, no?

Amazon

The Pasta Tarot: A 78-Card Deck for Delicious Divination

Your local astrology-loving foodie will instantly want to noodle with this super fun deck. The cards' themes are rooted in the authors' queer Italian American identities, offering an insightful and unique take on tarot.

Marianna Fierro

Marianna Fierro Olives Print

For the big brine fan, behold this bold olive art print. Bonus points for gifting this pick with a frame for them to hang in the kitchen!

Areaware

Little Puzzle Thing Rainbow Jelly Puzzle

Though you could snag this 12x12-inch puzzle in French fry form, we just can't get enough of this vintage-esque rainbow jelly!

Amazon

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat

Salt, fat, acid, and heat are the four main building blocks of creating an excellent dish. If your foodie friend is seeking more guidance, Samin Nosrat lays out the process simply and deliciously.

Dusen Dusen

Dusen Dusen Oven Mitt

Bet they've never had a standout oven mitt like this one! It's 100% cotton and 100% eye-catching. When kitchen gear gifts can double as decor like this, you've nailed gift-giving.

Boy Smells

Boy Smells Banana Pudding Candle

This dessert-inspired home scent is so good, you may just wanna eat it. Seriously – it smells like something's baking, even though all you did was strike a match.

Amazon

Jellycat Amuseable Happy Boiled Egg

We owe a lot to eggs – omelets, deviled eggs, cakes, cookies – the list goes on and on. This soft, palm-sized plush is an adorable tribute to the great egg!

Amazon

Brainstream Al Dente Singing Floating Pasta Timer

This pasta timer (AKA Mr. Al Dente) sings whenever your pot of pasta's done cooking. It may be a more gimmicky foodie gift, but it can really spare you from throwing noodles at the wall.

Anastasia Inciardi

Anastasia Inciardi Prints Sticker Sheet

These snacky stickers are the ultimate water bottle or laptop decoration for the famed foodie in your life.

Amazon

Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

Maldon salt has unknowingly become the top salt choice for the Cool Kids™️ in the kitchen. The chunky flakes are perfectly balanced in flavor. Sprinkle some on a batch of chocolate chip cookies, and you'll never go back. ​

Amazon

What's for Dessert: Simple Recipes for Dessert People: A Baking Book by Claire Saffitz

Take it from baking queen Claire Saffitz for tips on creating a sweet little treat.

Hedley & Bennett

Hedley & Bennett Smock

If they practically live in the kitchen, an apron or smock is a must for eliminating stains and messes. This one comes in a ton of different colors to suit any chef in your life!

Pon the Store

Pon the Store Cocktail Napkins

For the foodie who can't resist a good cocktail, these printed napkins make for the perfect complement to a drink – plus, they set the tone for a night full of sippin'.

Material Kitchen

Material Kitchen The Salt Sphere

This super sleek sphere serves to store salt and other essential seasonings.

Williams Sonoma

Staub Ceramic Stoneware Petite Tomato Cocotte

Tomato confit will get even tastier once it's made inside this tomato-y piece of cookware.

Match South

Match South Waffle House Candle

This double-wicked candle emits the smells of warm spices and syrup, eliciting nothing other than the sweet nostalgia of going to Waffle House. Burns well with freshly-cooked waffles, of course!

Uncommon Goods

Taiyaki Maker

With this iron mold, they can bring the iconic Japanese street food, taiyaki, to brunches and breakfasts.

We've got gift ideas coming your way all season long. Sign up for our newsletter for more inspiration!

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.

Since cooking a Thanksgiving dinner takes a hot minute, it's not a bad idea to have some appetizerson-hand to serve your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving guests. Of course, you don’t want to have to spend a ton of time making snacks when you’re also preparing a feast – but that’s where these last-minute bites come in! These Thanksgiving appetizers will keep your guests satisfied until dinner, and they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to deal with any extra kitchen drama.

Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!

Fresh Eggs Daily

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

Yummy Thanksgiving Appetizers can be as cute as they are scrumptious — like these Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings recipe form Lisa Steele, author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh sage for garnish
Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the squash and cut crosswise into six 3/4- to 1-inch slices. Scoop out the seeds and hollow out the middle of each slice to allow room for an egg.
  2. Arrange the squash on the baking sheet and brush each ring with olive oil inside and out, then season with salt and pepper. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the squash has softened. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently crack and slide 1 egg into the center of each squash ring. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and return to the oven. Bake about 8 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are firm but not fully set.
  3. Use a spatula to slide the squash rings onto plates. Top with Parmesan, garnish with fresh sage, and drizzle with olive oil.

Sarah Anderson

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are such a reliable crowd-pleaser when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizer, or starters for any occasion, really! These 'shrooms in particular take inspiration from Greek cuisine and include tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, and salami.

Plant Provisions

Italian Savory Hand Pies

These hand pies are 100% vegan, so you can confidently serve them to a party of all diets. They're meaty, cheesy, herby, and definitely filling if you need to prep a decent snack ahead of your fancy Thanksgiving feast.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

Chocolate and cheese work surprisingly well together, and these creative dipped bites will certainly have all the foodies at the function buzzing.

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash and Bacon Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are such a classic snack, but they can easily become yummy Thanksgiving appetizers when you add butternut squash and bacon to the centers!

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Transform your famous charcuterie board with fall accents to make a Thanksgivingappetizer that'll hit all the right taste buds.

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

Don't you just love a bite-sized snack that's super quick to make?

The Home Cook's Kitchen

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Should your guests craves something that's creamy and crunchy, serve them these bready Thanksgiving appetizers.

Half Baked Harvest

Baked French Onion Meatballs

What do you get when you combine the savory flavors of French onion soup and meatballs? We'll give you a hint — it has something to do with being irresistible.

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Bacon Holiday Crack

Warning: biting into these sweet, spicy, crispy, and cheesy chips is the point of no return, but it's so worth it.

Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Two-ingredient appetizers are always a winner in our book, and this one is extra hearty.

Pizzazzerie

Candied Walnut Bruschetta

Candied walnuts are excellent on their own, so imagine how they taste with pears and goat cheese on toast.

The Blond Cook

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Little Smokies

Soy sauce and brown sugar coat these mini hot dogs, and a touch of Sriracha makes them even more spice-tastic.

Sunkissed Kitchen

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Carrots and cinnamon are blended with classic hummus ingredients for a healthy dip to pair with pita chips. The pomegranate and pumpkin seed garnish really ups the presentation of this Thanksgiving appetizer.

Recipe Tin Eats

Caesar Salad Wonton Cups

Keep a package of wonton wrappers in the fridge, and you’ll never have to worry about what snacks to prep next for your party guests! This recipe stuffs the wraps with Caesar salad fixings, but the options are endless.

The Real Food Dietitians

Chili and Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Even if you don’t have a ton of time, you can easily roast up a batch of these smoky mixed nuts before your guests arrive.

Tara's Multicultural Table

French Onion Soup Toasts

Turn French onion soup into a convenient appetizer with crusty bread, sautéed onions, and smoky cheese! Yummm.

The Recipe Critic

Raspberry Baked Brie

Smooth goat cheese and tart raspberry preserves are a match made in snack heaven. The crispy puff pastry layer makes it all worth it.

Lavender and Lovage

Smoked Cheese and Onion Straws

If you have cheese lingering in your deli drawer, it’s the beginning of a tasty appetizer. Sprinkle it into some puff pastry for a twisty "straw" you'll reach for again and again.

The Seasoned Mom

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

The combo of chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce results in a Thanksgiving appetizer that's almost impossible to stop eating.

Savory Tooth

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Bacon and Cheddar

Smokey bacon and salty, nutty cheddar top some earthy mushrooms for a new version of this classic stuffed app.

The Baking Fairy

Garlic-Stuffed Olives-in-a-Blanket

If you have vegetarian guests coming to your party, you’ll want to have a tasty option for them. These olives in a "blanket" do the trick nicely! As a bonus, most store-bought crescent roll dough is vegan.

The Cookie Rookie

Best Cheese Ball

There's a reason why sharp cheddar cheese balls are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve them with buttery Ritz crackers to reach total snack nirvana.

Half Baked Harvest

Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Sweet and savory, this goat cheese dip is perfect for dipping crostini and vegetables in.

Live Eat Learn

Savory Roasted Cranberry Salsa

Top a cracker with sour cream (or brie or goat cheese) and spread on this cranberry salsa for a light, yet spicy-sweet bite.

Amanda Wilens

Pear and Gouda Puff Pastry

Pear really finds its life's purpose when it's tucked into a square of puff pastry and topped with salty gouda cheese.

Get more ideas and inspiration for your Thanksgiving appetizers and other festive holiday entertaining tips by following us on Pinterest or joining our newsletter.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sara Cagle,Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.

I love my mom so much, it sometimes feels like finding the "perfect" gift won't ever be enough to celebrate her greatness. I mean, she literally gave me life. Nevertheless, gifts serve as the ultimate act of appreciation. They don't always have to be perfect, but our curated list of gifts for mom comes pretty dang close!

To me, a gift is all about capturing the recipient's personality, style, and habits while adding a dash of uniqueness to truly make giving it feel special. These gifts for mom range from sentimental to practical, something moms of every kind will appreciate – whether it's your real mom, step mom, chosen mom, or even the 'mom' friend in your friend group.

Check out our top 50 favorite gifts for mom:

Nordstrom

Dyson Special Edition Airwrap Multi-Styler

The Dyson Airwrap is like the Lamborghini of hair tools. It's bougie, for sure, but it's oh-so good. This premier hair tool can dry and style strands simultaneously, all without heat damage. Mom can easily customize her hairstyle with the 6 attachments – she'll never need another blow dryer in her lifetime.

Amazon

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Studio Electric Gooseneck Kettle

I use this kettle every single day, so I can confidently say it's well worth the splurge. If your mom's a major tea (or coffee!) drinker, she'll appreciate that this kettle heats up quickly, can hold its contents at a custom temperature for however long she wants, and provides a very even pour. It also just looks like a total work of art when it's sitting on the countertop, so it won't mess up whatever feng shui she's already got goin' on in her kitchen.

Nordstrom

UGG Tasman Slippers

As reliable as a gift house shoes can be, giving her a pair that'll actually last is a way better choice than opting for cheaper styles that'll crap out after a few months of use. These UGG slippers are super durable, thanks to their grippy outsoles. That way, she's not relegated to only wearing them inside the house – she can easily take them outside to check the mail or run errands. If your mom lives somewhere where it gets extremely cold in the winter, these wool-lined bad boys will also keep her toesies ultra-warm!

Soft Services

Soft Services Smoothing Set

Mom's new skincare routine is loading! This trio helps revive dry, flaky skin with a gentle exfoliating bar that doesn't dramatically strip the skin's moisture, a soothing gel exfoliant for the bod, and a lightweight lotion that delivers deep hydration for softer skin. Soft Services' packaging is also so beautiful and feels like a nice, somewhat-bougie upgrade from the products your mama may use on the daily.

e.l.f.

e.l.f. Celestial Winter 10-Piece Eyeshadow Palette

I know my mom goes crazy for an eyeshadow palette, which is why this one from e.l.f. caught my eye. Inspired by a winter's night sky, this 10-shade palette hosts the ideal mix of warm and cool tones, plus a good variety of matte, shimmer, and metallic hues. The range of this palette makes it a great fit for any eye color, too. This will allow her to create so many different looks in one easy-to-use product!

Anthropologie

BrüMate Era Straw Tumbler Water Bottle

I like to think of this water bottle as the famed Stanley tumbler but (dare I say it) so much better. I sip from it on the daily to hit my daily water intake goals, and it's an absolute delight – I know your mom will think so, too! What I love most about it is the leakproof lid. And it's not just one of those leakproof lids that's not actually leakproof, it really lives up to its name: I haven't spilled once! Plus, this bottle's stainless steel lining helps keep its contents cold for over 24 hours for an ice-cold sip every single time.

Baggu

Baggu Large Nylon Sling Bag

If your mother is a lady on the go, there's no question she's in need of a large bag to help her tote her stuff around. This pick from Baggu will definitely earn her major style points, as it emulates a lot of the trendy bucket bags we're seeing rise in popularity. I like that it offers the convenience of a large tote bag without the taxing upkeep of leather or suede – Baggu's signature nylon material is easily machine-washable when it's time for a refresh! This bag comes in 5 different colors so you can track down the one that really suits her vibe.

Dieux

Dieux Glow Trinity Skin Set

Every single skincare product from Dieux is super gentle, yet effective. This set includes their Baptism cleanser, Deliverance serum, and Instant Angel moisturizer, which all work wonders on their own, but operate better together. The cleanser is my personal favorite of the three – it always leaves my face feeling clean without really stripping any of its existing moisture. This power trio will save mom's dry winter skin in an instant!

Nordstrom

Breda Jane Bracelet Watch

Is it a bracelet? Is it a watch? This time, it's both. This style from Breda feels especially jewelry-like, but offers practical use by telling the time. I like how minimalistic the design is – mom will be able to rock it across all different kinds of looks, from workdays to dinner parties. The 14k-gold plate, quartz, and mother-of-pearl construction make it perfectly elevated and elegant as a gift.

Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

A good cashmere sweater can run you upwards of $100, but this style is just $50. Plus, it comes in 14 different colors. Mom will want to bathe in its "irresistibly soft" fabric all winter long!

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Modular Honeycomb Serving Set

This is the coolest gift idea for the hostess with the mostess! This innovative serving set connects magnetically, so mom can fashion it however she pleases. From busy get-togethers to chill movie nights at home, she'll be able to set out snacks in perhaps the most aesthetically-pleasing way possible. Once the snacking's over, each component conveniently stacks on top of one another for easy storage!

SeaVees

SeaVees Acorn Trainer Sneakers

Step up mom's shoe game with these sleek sneaks! I promise they're going to be one of the softest shoes she's ever (literally) step foot in. Though super lightweight, the thick, cushiony memory foam footbeds of these sneakers provide unparalleled comfort and support. Plus, the '90s-inspired sporty silhouette can work with a variety of outfits, thanks to the chilled-out color palette.

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

'Heaven in a candle' is the only way I can accurately describe this scent. Encapsulating of "balmy summer nights in the garden, where tomatoes hang heavy from freshly watered vines and the leaves become their most fragrant," it burns the most delicious herby, peppery, potent smell. This makes a refreshing gift for the moms out there that simply can't stand floral- or vanilla-forward candles!

Amazon

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Mom is too good for microwaved coffee. Help her keep her brew fresh with this self-warming mug! It can keep 14 ounces of liquid warm for up to 80 minutes on a single charge, or even a full day if she keeps it connected to the coordinating coaster. The set-up itself is very compact, so it can fit on her desk fuss-free.

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

If there's one movie that will make you consider the advice you'd give your younger self, it's My Old Ass. The movie, streaming on Prime Video November 7, follows Elliot (Maisy Stella), who comes face-to-face with an older version of herself (Aubrey Plaza) during a mushroom trip. Throughout their time together, they share heartfelt advice, and, apparently, a lot of laughter.

"I feel like we absolutely [laughed while filming], but honestly the breaks worked for the scene," Maisy Stella tells Brit + Co's Chloe Williams. "So I feel like even when we're laughing, it's like not technically like, 'Oh cut, we have to go again.' You just keep going. But I think there was some real genuine laughter shared between between us two."

Maisy Stella And Megan Park Loved Working With Aubrey Plaza

cdn.ex.co

"I just remember there was a YouTube video of her that you showed me," says director Megan Park. "I don't know which one it was, but...this is, I think, where the kiss idea of the touching the ass [the scene that mentions the movie's title] came in because you were like 'God, she's so hot.'"

"Working with Aubrey was truly the coolest thing I'll ever get to do," Maisy adds. "I'm such a huge fan of her and have been forever. And so when I found out it was her doing it, I think I did a standing backflip."

Even though Aubrey Plaza was only on set for a week or two, she was able to form a real connection with Maisy, which is the mark of "the most genius actors" for Megan. "They didn't have a lot of time together, but they were so good at the time they did have together, just really being open and vulnerable and building that chemistry really quickly," she says. "Maisy has an older sister, Aubrey has younger sisters. So there was a kind of a natural dynamic that they fell into and you have really similar energies and similar senses of humor that just were such a great match."

During their conversation, Aubrey Plaza's Elliot gives Maisy Stella some serious life advice, and the movie really got Maisy and Megan to consider what advice they would give their younger selves. (They both adamantly express they don't want to know the future).

"Just to be a little more like alert and more present," Maisy says. "I think as a kid, I was like super unaware and in a way that was like beautiful but also like, I wasn't really seeing, I was kind of just looking around. Honestly I would tell my younger self what Aubrey told [my] Elliott in the movie."

"The message of the movie and that time goes by so quickly — it's not forever, everything changes all the time," Megan says. "Just a gentle reminder. But also I think it would be beautiful to go back and meet your younger self. That's such a therapeutic thing and just be reminded of the pace of your life back then."

"Not to be a monster, but I would definitely be like 'invest in Apple!'" she jokingly adds. Megan's sense of humor totally shines through the movie, and it can be summed up in the scene that shows us Elliot's youngest brother has a wall completely covered in photos of Saoirse Ronan.

Maisy Stella And Megan Park Spill On That Justin Bieber Dance Sequence

Marni Grossman/Amazon MGM Studios

"You know, it's funny, now I'm like, 'I want to put pictures of my kids,'" Megan says. "I have a new baby so I'm in very mom mode. Just obsessed with my children. I've been away from them a lot for work, so I could gladly live in a bedroom just smothered of photos of my children all over every square."

"Maddie Ziegler," Maisy says when I ask who she'd dedicate a wall to. "Maddie Ziegler is literally my answer...Yeah, I could go into who I would have on my wall, but I'm going to keep it at that." (ICYMI, Maisy seemingly went Instagram official with The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey in September).

Another hilarious moment comes when Elliot starts imagining a Justin Bieber concert...with herself as Justin. But has the global sensation seen the video?! "I've been waiting for my phone to ring and it hasn't yet," Maisy jokes. "I actually, like, never want him to see it. Ever. I know his team had to approve of it, but I don't know if he approved of it. It could have been them on his behalf, he's a busy man."

Jason Mendez/Getty Images

But with moments of levity comes serious and relatable issues that mark this movie as a coming of age film: family pressure, financial stress, and devastating relationships. The story is impactful as a viewer, but even more so for the team involved in making it.

"The months after [filming] my whole life had just kind of shifted and everything kind of rose to the top," Maisy says. "It changed so much of how I think and how I actively live, and I feel like it kind of did that for a lot of the people that were on the set honestly, just because it was such a like specific experience with such a loud message and so much nostalgia that I really took it all and kept it inside."

"It set the bar pretty high, both personally and creatively, in terms of what I want that next set experience to be like," Megan adds. "Working with people that you really care about that [become] like family. It really was a beautiful, hopefully not rare, but it was a really therapeutic, wonderful, just like ego-less environment that was so creative and so fun and healing."

Check out the other New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Sure, we all love the idea of a roasted turkey on Thanksgiving, but IRL, they’re usually overcooked, bland, and in need of a good dose of gravy to make up for their lackluster flavor. This year, think outside of the box and treat your friends and family to a stellar meal that will awaken their tastebuds! You’ve DIYed your own pie stand, you’ve created the perfect tablescape, and you’ve even worked extra hard on your place settings. You might as well make one of these main course dishes focused on Thanksgiving proteins (including some veggie options!) that are just as impressive as your decor.

Life Tastes Good

Garlic Roast Beef

Feed a carnivorous army with this gorgeous garlic roast beef that is as juicy as it is flavorful. Slice this baby tableside, and your guests won’t be able to resist the aroma. (via Life Tastes Good)

The Healthy Foodie

Maple Walnut Crusted Salmon

This salmon deserves a place front and center at your Thanksgiving table. Not only do you have the sweet maple glaze, but you also get a welcomed crunch from the walnut crust in this recipe. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Pickles and Honey

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Tempeh

This meatless (yet protein-packed) dish is a feast for your eyes and your mouth! It’s a vegan Thanksgiving treat that is almost too pretty to eat… almost. Bring this out of the oven and let the “oohs” and “ahhs” ensue. (via Pickles and Honey)

What’s for Lunch, Honey?

Beef Wellington With Roast Pumpkin, Parsnip and Mushrooms

This luxe beef wellington is sure to impress even the classiest of Thanksgiving guests. Whip this up for your in-laws and your M.I.L. will be wrapped around your finger! (via What’s for Lunch, Honey?)

Running to the Kitchen

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens

If you’re having a small Thanksgiving gathering this year, go with some Cornish game hens. Everyone gets their own bird, which makes for a beautiful presentation, and this recipe is even stuffed with fresh cranberries and apples! (via Running to the Kitchen)

Salt & Lavender

Creamy Mushroom Pork Tenderloin

Time is of the essence during the holidays, so a hearty main dish is as precious as gold. Plus, if there’s a delicious gravy involved, it’s already a hit. This creamy mushroom pork tenderloin will be gone faster than it took you to make it! (via Salt & Lavender)

The Gourmet Gourmand

Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

Have someone you’re trying to impress this Thanksgiving? Break out these herb-crusted lamb chops and you’ll be considered a T-Day queen for many years to come! (via The Gourmet Gourmand)

Connoisseurus Veg

Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf

Sure, meatloaf isn’t quite a traditional Thanksgiving main course, but with a sweet maple tomato glaze, it sure fits the bill flavor-wise. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

Minimalist Baker

1-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

These individual pot pies are so adorable and full of rich flavor, no one will even notice they’re vegan. Plus, who doesn’t love getting their own little dish of food? (via Minimalist Baker)

Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch

Slow Cooker Pineapple Honey Mustard Ham

Ham isn’t only for Christmas, people. This juicy pineapple-glazed ham is perfect for any holiday meal. Bonus: it’s made in the slow cooker, which frees up tons of vital oven space. (via Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch)

Vikalinka

Vegetarian Lentil & Butternut Squash Wellington

In case you need to feed an entire crew of plant-based eaters, opt for this veggie spin on a crowd favorite. There’s no need to sacrifice a hearty main course when you have awesome alternative Thanksgiving proteins like these. (via Vikalinka)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Cranberry Meatballs

These little spheres of flavor are a burst of savory and sweet, with a tangy cranberry glaze that's downright addictive. Forget the gravy – these meatballs will be the saucy stars of your Thanksgiving spread! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Feel Good Foodie

Grilled Lamb Chops

These lamb chops, perfectly seasoned and seared, bring a touch of elegance to your table. This is the premier choice for a feast fit for royalty. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Bowl of Delicious

Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken

Succulent, juicy, and infused with a medley of herbs, this bird takes center stage in a cast iron pot. Your Thanksgiving guests will be clucking about this chicken long after the last bite. (via Bowl of Delicious)

This Wife Cooks

Roasted Vegetable Wellington

Imagine a golden puff pastry hugging a medley of roasted veggies, herbs, and savory goodness. It's like a Thanksgiving hug for your taste buds – a vegetarian delight that even carnivores will crave. (via This Wife Cooks)

Cozy Cravings

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

Layers of velvety butternut goodness dance with sautéed spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, creating a symphony of flavors that'll have your guests singing your culinary praises. This is comfort food elevated to a whole new level. (via Cozy Cravings)

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This post has been updated.