Make Your Easter Basket Magical With Unicorn Easter Eggs

Kelly Bryden
Apr 11, 2017

Easter eggs are the best because they’re a blank canvas to create anything on them that your heart desires. In the past we’ve marbled eggs, turned them into birds, and even dressed them up as pop-stars! Today we are turning these eggs into one of our favorite mystical creatures — unicorns! Follow along in the tutorial below to create these magical eggs for your Easter basket.

Materials and Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Cut a small square of gold paper and roll into a cone. Secure in place and attach to the top of the egg using hot glue.
  2. Grab the ends of all colors of embroidery floss and wrap around your fingers about three times. Tie in a bundle and attach right under the unicorn horn. Use the small trimming to give the unicorn bangs around the horn.
  3. Use a Sharpie to create a face on your unicorn egg.

Create a gold horn by rolling a piece of gold paper and gluing it in place. Attach to the top of the egg.

Wrap all colorful strands of embroidery floss around your fingers and secure the bundle together with a knot. Hot glue the bundle right under the unicorn horn. Add small trimmings around the horn for unicorn bangs.

Use a Sharpie to give your unicorn egg some life :)

Living the unicorn dream.

Create unicorn buddies with different fun facial expressions.

Show us your Easter eggs by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative, and check out our Pinterest for more DIY inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
 Photography: Chris Andre

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

Dying Easter Eggs? This Slow Cooker Hack Will Keep Your Kitchen Totally Clean.

We're all about colorful Easter egg dye come spring, but if we're honest, we're not always thrilled with the cleanup. Whether you're dyeing with or without a kit, there are tons of bowls, spoons, and paper towels to scrub once your finished. And don't even get us started on what happens if you spill the dye!

If you want to dye eggs this year but are feeling hesitant about everything it entails, don't worry because this hack from Reynoldsis here to save the day. We like to hard boil our eggs before dyeing, but blown eggs work just as well. Then just grab your slow cooker and get dyeing!

An Easy + Clean Egg Dye Hack

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

First, make some DIY slow cooker dividers with cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil.

Once your slow cooker is divided into four sections, line each section with saran wrap, plastic bags, or slow cooker liners. This will let you use more than one color, but still gives you enough space to dye multiple eggs at once!

Next, fill each section with water. Make sure that, while you want to fill them enough for multiple eggs to be submerged, you don't fill them too high. You don't want the water to overflow — that's definitely not mess-free!

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

Add your Easter egg dye to each section. Pink, purple, and blue are classic shades!

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

Gather your hard boiled or blown eggs to add to the water. You can use strips of tape or string to make all kinds of striped and dotted designs. Then all you have to do is just drop them in the water and wait! This is the perfect opportunity to make a colorful Easter cocktail ;).

The longer the eggs sit in the dye, the darker the color will turn out. So if you prefer pastel eggs, only leave them in for a few minutes.

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

When you remove your eggs from the dye, let them dry on a cookie rack before you remove the tape and the string. Display them on a pretty plate along with your Easter desserts, or as a centerpiece!

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

Voilà! A rainbow of colorful eggs, all boasting different designs. And the best part is, all you have to do to clean up is throw away the liners and the cardboard, then put your slow cooker back in your cabinet. We'll definitely be doing this from here on out.

How To Dye Easter Eggs: More Colored Egg Dye Ideas For Display

Marbled Nail Polish Eggs

If you're not too keen on buying food coloring that you'll only use every once in awhile, just use your nail polish! Instead of adding dye to the sections, pour in your polish. You can use a toothpick to swirl everything around and achieve that marbled look. Have some nail polish remover nearby because your fingers will get messy.

Mosaic Easter Eggs

This hack is a great option for using up hard boiled eggs because you have to peel one to make it! (AKA, you'll have a snack to accompany your DIY). After you peel an egg that you've already dyed, use a hot glue gun to attach the broken shell pieces to a second, plain egg. Easy-peasy.

Sharpie Tie Dye Eggs

This Easter egg design only takes ten minutes, which makes it perfect for busy evenings or for kids who can't sit still for too long. Fill your slow cooker sections with nail polish remover instead of water, then color your eggs with as many Sharpie colors as you want. Dunk them into the nail polish remover (or smear with a wet Q-tip) to give them that tie-dye look.

Housefront Easter Eggs

Paint your favorite TV characters' apartment building or your childhood home onto eggs for a fun and nostalgic DIY. Once you've drawn your design, you'll want to tape up the rest of the egg to make sure the dye stays where you want it. Paint the house with the egg dye, or submerge the whole egg in a slow cooker section. Set to dry.

Enjoyed learnign how to dye Easter eggs? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Easter egg dye hacks!

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

easter eggsholidayshackeasterspringdiy projectsnsfwdiy

Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix Starting Today

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

pop cultureholidaysnetflixentertainment

43 Creative Ways To Decorate Easter Eggs

When you factor in all of the egg hunting, Easter brunching, and a few photo ops with the Easter bunny, the time allotted for brainstorming egg decorating ideas slips away fast. No worries though — we've got you covered! Whether you're going all out with an intricate design or just need something to quickly DIY day-of, this eggy inspo has a little something for everyone. Before you start stocking those Easter baskets, grab a few Peeps and check out this list for the most egg-cellent ideas to DIY this year.

Full House Easter Egg

Proudly display your love for this '90s favorite with these nostalgia-packed wonders. Grab a waterproof pen and some painter's tape to help you color inside the lines. (via Brit + Co)

Pointillism Easter Egg

Turn those blank Easter canvases into mini masterpieces with this easy DIY that requires just stickers and markers to add dots to your masterpiece. (via Brit + Co)

Paper Dot Garland Egg

If you're really short on time after the Easter brunch is prepped, grab some premade garland or embroidery floss and wrap up your eggs for the big finish. This DIY takes seconds to throw together, so you can get back to planning that Easter brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Floral Easter Egg

There's no better nod to those spring blooms than showing your eggs a little botanical love. Decorate them with your #squad's favorite flowers for a customized Easter basket. (via Brit + Co)

Calligraphy Egg

These calligraphy eggs add the sweetest personalized touch to those Easter gift baskets, and they'd also make some A+ place cards at your Easter brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Sharpie Tie-Dye Egg

Put that Sharpie collection to good use and get in on the tie-dye trend. Just don't forget: They're too pretty (and toxic) to eat! (via Brit + Co)

Tat Egg

This DIY is about as easy as it gets. And it further proves our point: You should always have gold temporary tattoos on hand. (via Brit + Co)

Egg Centerpiece

Save those eggshells from your brunch recipes and put them to good use for your centerpiece. Throw in fresh spring florals and set them into a carton for an Easter garden your guests will love. (via Brit + Co)

Golden Speckled Egg

These metallic wonders belong on the Easter mantle. Use a paintbrush to dab gold paint on the shell for a natural (but glam) look. (via Craftberry Bush)

Fruit + Veggies Eggs

Remind everyone that fruits and veggies are still part of a balanced diet, even with all of those Easter sweets around. (via Brit + Co)

Crescent Moon Egg

Add a mystic edge to your collection this year and throw some crescent moons in the mix. For some edible goodness, opt for natural dye. (via Paper & Stitch)

Swan + Flamingo Pool Float Egg

If your Easter grass is a traditional shade of green, you just can't go wrong with flamingos and swans. These birds will bring the Easter LOLs and make that egg hunt a lot more interesting. (via Brit + Co)

Typography Egg

Graphic designers and hardcore IGers will love this egg DIY. Have your hashtags at the ready to get those "likes" rolling in. (via Lovely Indeed)

Painterly Egg

Sometimes a subtle pattern is all you need. Skip the dip dyes and go with something hand painted instead. These are sure to stand out from the rest. (via Paper N Stich)

Pop Star Egg

Because there's no better way to pay Easter tribute to your favorite celeb than with their own eggy likeness. Have an Easter get-together with your squad and make it a contest for whose egg gets the most votes. Winner takes home a basket of Cadbury eggs and Peeps! (via Brit + Co)

Hipster Egg

These 'stached little dudes are guaranteed to crack a smile or two at the Easter bash. Study up on your knowledge of mustaches, label the bottoms of your eggs, and turn it into a guessing game with your guests. (via Brit + Co)

Naturally Dyed Egg

Give your craft drawer a little time off for this holiday and step outside to find inspo and materials that are au naturale. One of these at each place setting will offer a warm welcome to your guests. (via Brit + Co)

Bouffant Egg

These sassy little eggs are sporting some serious volume. Talk about an A+ basket choice for the hair goddess in your life. (via Studio DIY)

Mosaic Egg

Peeling off a cute design is like unwrapping an adorable holiday gift — it's just so sad! Luckily, these non-toxic mosaic eggs look best right when you're about to chow down. (via Brit + Co)

Cactus Egg

No need to worry about cactus prickers with these adorable little dudes. Personalize each "plant" with a color-coordinated bloom for a desert-chic Easter presentation. (via Brit + Co)

Emoji Eggs

Express your virtual feelings with cute emoji faces! (via Studio DIY)

Burger Easter Egg

The perf answer to brown eggs — no dye needed! (via Studio DIY)

Chalkboard Eggs

We're big fans of chalkboard everything, and Easter eggs are no exception. (via Oleander + Palm)

Photo Print Eggs

We can't decide if these are totally awesome or totally weird. Scratch that: These eggheads are exactly right. (via A Subtle Revelry)

Easter Egg Sticker Art

Great for kids and adults and alike, just download your *adorbs* printable stickers and get to creatin' Easter art! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Alphabet Eggs

Send all your kids Easter messages with the cutest of DIY alphabet eggs. (via Lovely Indeed)

Paint Pen Patterned Eggs

Spray paint and paint pens make for a perfect pairing when it comes to simple and quick egg design. (via Lovely Indeed)

Celebrity Eggs

The secret here is tattoo paper — then you can choose all the stars and phrases. (via Studio DIY)

Easter Egg Tree

Your naturally dyed eggs will look right at home nestled in the branches of this graceful arrangement. (via The House That Lars Built)

Nail Polish Marbleized Eggs

This colorful egg design will come out unique every time! Plus it'll take you less than ten minutes. Just keep in mind that your fingers will get a bit messy. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Stamped Eggs

Simplicity and beauty go hand in hand. And if you don't have the exact shapes you want, make your own potato stamps! (via Squirrelly Minds)

Spring Egg Easter Display

All you'll need is a little paint and some crafting wire to make these spring-y (get it? get it?) creations. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Flower Crown Eggs

Yass queen! Even your seasonal decor can rock a floral headpiece. (via Brit + Co)

Punniest Egg Centerpiece

You can never go wrong with a pun, especially one this egg-cellent. (See what we did there?) (via Brit + Co)

Unicorn Easter Eggs

Unicorns. So hot right now. (via Brit + Co)

Baby Chick Easter Eggs

These cute chickies will be crowd faves with the kids as well as the adults. (via Tell Love and Party)

Piñata Surprise Easter Eggs

Marry your love of all things fringed with your love of chocolate eggs. It doesn't get any better! (via Lovely Indeed)

Pantone Easter Eggs

The inner graphic designer in you is already in love with this idea. Now it's time to bring it to life. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Terrazzo Easter Eggs

This pattern popped up just about everywhere last year, and it's going strong now. And for good reason: It's a bright and colorful feast for the eyes. (via Club Crafted)

Nautical Themed Eggs

Put a seaside theme on your seasonal decor and it will fit right in with your Lilly Pulitzer vibe. (via Martiza Lisa)

Gradient Easter Eggs

For when you can't decide on just one color palette. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Leather Ribbon Eggs

You can reuse the leather year after year — no one will know that the eggs were purchased at the last minute. (via Monsters Circus)

Modern Gold Painted Easter Eggs

Matisse himself would be proud of this gilded display of spring color. (via Lovely Indeed)

Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY ideas!

(Additional reporting by Anjelika Temple, Allison Wheeler, and Lindsey Graham-Jones)

This post has been updated.

diy holidayeastereaster basketseaster centerpieceseaster decoreaster eggsdiy

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

holidaysthanksgivingthanksgiving dessertsthanksgiving recipesfood

Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

giftsholidayschristmasblack fridayshopping