20 Impressive (and Easy!) Recipes For Your Holiday Cookie Exchange

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

​The Pogues Open Their Own Bait, Tackle, & Deep Sea Charter Business

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

​The Group Is Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. And for a moment, I thought that's where we were going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're in over their heads (again).

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

At the end of part 1, the Pogues are on a mission to find Elizabeth's amulet & break the curse, which also puts them on track to find the Blue Crown. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

Turns out, Chandler Groff was behind the ghost murders the whole time, something Shoupe should have clocked a long time ago.

​John B., JJ, And Their Friends Have A Beach Day Run-In With The Kooks

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

Lightener Is Determined To Take Out The Pogues

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

​Luke Returned To The Outer Banks

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

JJ Destroys Downtown

And by "sends JJ into orbit," I mean he literally destroys downtown Kildare...with a baseball bat (okay Steve Harrington!).

This Kook identity is something JJ's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're actually cousins.

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants to trick Rafe into being her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

Rafe Proposes To Sofia...And Then Breaks Up With Her

It doesn't take long for Rafe to learn Hollis tricked him. And despite proclaiming his love for Sofia, proposing, and telling her nothing could get in the way of their relationship, Rafe breaks up with her and kicks her out of his home the second he finds out she conned him. Messy, messy.

The one silver lining is that it sends Rafe back to Sarah and her friends! Is he finally turning into the kind and protective older brother fans want him to be?

Sarah Learns She's Pregnant

After she starts feeling sick, Sarah takes a pregnancy test that comes back positive...and Kiara immediately finds out. Despite the fact adding a baby to the Outer Banks dynamic is a wild concept, this is exactly the kind of domestic, sweet ending I would have hoped for Sarah and John B. And Kiara's statement that Sarah's going to be an amazing mom? I couldn't agree more.

The Pogues Head To Morocco

Remember how excited I was for the Pogues to return to the Outer Banks? Well, that doesn't last long because in the final episode of Outer Banks season 4, the group heads to Morocco to find the Blue Crown. It's definitely not smooth sailing, but I really love seeing John B. and Sarah, Pope and Cleo, and JJ and Kiara work in their pairs.

​Rafe Begins His Redemption Arc

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but now that him and Sarah are finally moving towards reconciling, it seems like we could actually be getting a Rafe redemption after all. But that doesn't mean I want Kiara and Rafe to get together. Let's keep things platonic people!!

JJ Dies In Kiara's Arms

If you're a fan of OBX, or you've been on the internet at all over the last week, then you already know where this is going. After the group splits up, it's total chaos. Pope ends up killing Lightener after Cleo's wounded, while JJ finds the Blue Crown.

When Chandler Groff threatens Kiara, JJ gives up the treasure in exchange for Kie — and Chandler kills him for no reason anyway. Fans went wild over the season 4 ending, and more than one told me they were heartbroken. Outer Banks will never be the same, that's for sure.

"Revenge"

After they bury JJ's body, the group gathers around a campfire and acknowledges that if any of them had died, JJ wouldn't rest until they were avenged. Kiara stands up, looks into the fire, and mutters "revenge" before the screen cuts to black.

Season 5 is going to be one wild ride, because based on Kiara's pure, white hot anger, and Rafe's love of all things vengeful, I can only imagine what kind of havoc this group is going to wreak on Chandler Groff.

The Best Under-$25 Gifts To Give All Your Loved Ones

Cow Utensil Holder

We all need kitchen supplies. And when the supplies are this cute and kitschy?! I simply can't pass them up. It'll serve as storage and decor, and that's a win-win when you have limited counter space.

CrispPagesandCo Themed Book Blind Date

We love blind book dates almost as much as we love themed book blind dates. If you've never done one of these blind dates before, it's when you buy a book based on a few details instead of knowing the full synopsis. This themed option is a great option for any book lover in your life.

Lush Gift Set Secret Santa

Give your BFF these limited-edition bath products that will make their spa day way more colorful. We love making our Christmas bubble baths a whole event (we're talking wine, a movie, and face masks) and this Magical Santa Bath Bomb and Frosty the Snowman Bath Bomb are the perfect picks.

Baby Baggu

If your recipient strictly uses reusable totes, grab them a colorful and cute (not to mention romantic!) option so that they remember you every time they go to the store and help the environment at the same time.

Mocktail Party

There are a variety of reasons why someone might choose to be booze-free at the moment, but that doesn't mean they have to miss out on all the fun. We love a good mocktail — they're cheaper, flavorful, and don't leave you with a headache! This mocktail recipe book is filled with 75 recipes to keep happy hour extra happy.

Printique Centerfold Calendars

Custom calendars are an extra-special gift idea since you can fill them with photos from the year. This is one gift my family always gets my dad, and flipping through the pages is one of my favorite things to do every Christmas! When you add pics from weddings, birthdays, and trips, they almost become like a time capsule.

The Hygge Game

I love hygge (the focus on living a cozy, warm lifestyle) as much as the next person. If you have a friend who loves games, then this question game will make a great gift. It lets you have fun and get to know each other better at the same time.

StudioChelseaCo Main Character Energy Mug

Even the most confident people need a reminder that they are, in fact, the main character. This super cute mug will make their evening cup of tea even better than it was before — and infuse their mug cabinet with a little bit of Barbievibes!

Holiday in the City Stoneware Dessert Plate

Remind your travel buddy of a trip you went on together, or gift them with a plate in honor of somewhere you want to visit together! Whichever plate you choose will look amazing as a Christmas cookie display.

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick

If you have a beauty lover in your life, grab them this matte liquid lipstick that's made with a vegan formula. As much as we love the lipstick shades, we love that it's Black-founded even more.

AE Dill The Halls Crew Socks

The pickle girl in your life will be head over heels for these socks. And the fact they feature big red bows makes them even better!

LovekokiGifts Mother And Daughter Personalized Wall Art

Grab your mom this custom wall art for her office or bedroom. You can choose the hair style and color, clothing, hand pose, skin color, and body size to make it accurate and extra special.

Ice Roller for Face

This ice roller will take your skincare routine to the next level. It provides a cooling sensation anywhere you need it for what definitely feels like an at-home facial. It's also the perfect way to wake up on days your brain just doesn't want to.

LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 Hardback Notebook

Grab a notebook for any art lover (or bullet journaler) in your life. There are tons of ways you can make this gift special. You can give them prompts if they're a writer, or add in some watercolor designs every few pages. You can also fill it with poetry and song lyrics about their favorite topic. Leave at least a few empty pages so they can add their art too!

Dolfin Earl Grey Tea Dark Chocolate Bar

As much as we love Hershey's bars, we can't resist fancy dark chocolate when we see it. This bar has the earthy, romantic notes of Earl Grey tea, making it the perfect pick for anyone who'd rather be in London. You might as well grab two because you're going to want to keep one for yourself!

The Atlas of Christmas

Whether your gift recipient loves to learn about different cultures around the world or just never stops reading, this is a fun and unique gift pick that will peak their curiosity. Plus, it will make a super cute coffee table book.

Cool Girl Candles This Smells Like Timothee Chalamet Wax Melt

We're obsessed with this company that lets you put your fangirl status at the forefront (especially after that Timmy lookalike contest), and these wax melts are no exception. The mix of peach, mandarin, florals, and vanilla is almost too good to be true.

Galison Winter Lights Foil Puzzle

If puzzles are a part of your annual New Years Day celebration, opt for this puzzle that will transport you into the coziest winter night! I want to visit this city ASAP.

SwiftiePins Taylor Swift "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" Enamel Pin

Enamel pins are a quirky and colorful way to add personality to your favorite denim jackets, and if you haven't stopped singing this song from Taylor Swift's latest album The Tortured Poets Department, then why not let the world know?!

The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe Inspired Loose Leaf Tea

Whether you're making Bridgerton recipes or Harry Potter cocktails, food is always a fun way to be transported into your favorite stories. I'm adding this tea inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia to my wishlist, STAT.

Paint by Number for Adults

DIY paint kits make for a fun gift because not only does your recipient get to complete a fun activity but they also get a unique piece of art at the end. I'd call that a win-win. Grab two and turn it into a fun date night activity!

7.5-Foot Norway Spruce Classic Christmas Tree with 800 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

This affordable Christmas tree is at the very top of our holiday decor wishlist. Plus, you can't beat cozy lighting!

Terrafab Weathered Grey Barrel Gas Fire Pit

Though this gas-powered fire pit will sure come in handy during the cold holiday season, you can definitely still use it in the spring and summer for family bonfires and well into the following fall and winter for s'mores parties. Did we mention it's 64% off right now?!

8.5-Inch Light Up Musical Water TV with Santa & Sleigh

This adorable battery-powered TV decor piece features a very charming Santa in his sleigh. We love the retro flair! When powered on, Santa's pictured in warm light and plenty of dazzling glitter to some of your favorite Christmas tunes.

Wooden Triangle Santa Head Advent Calendar

We're all about advent calendars this season. The best part about this Santa design is you can use it year after year. This is definitely a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas!

87-Inch Midnight Gas Pyramid Patio Heater

This 50%-off pick is perfect for keeping your holiday guests warm, especially if your patio or backyard tends to be your main hosting spot. It can cover about 210 square feet for a super cozy effect.

Indoor Infinity Light Deer

This tiny deer fitted with a fun infinity mirror is ideal for decorating small spaces. You could also display it in your entryway or a front window for a bright and energetic "welcome home!"

7.5-Foot Fraser Fir Full Christmas Tree with 2800 Twinkling LED Lights

Nothing beats a Christmas tree with some warm lights. They help supply that classic Christmas look we know and love. With pre-strung LED lights, you can spend more time enjoying the season instead of decorating!

3.4-Foot Natural Reindeer with 360 Warm White LED Lights

Don't worry: we've got some goodies for you, all you yard decorators! This plug-in reindeer is crafted from a rattan material, giving it an unmatched cozy feel. It also comes ready to go with warm white LED lights that'll shine once the sun goes down.

30-Inch Flocked Noble Fir Wreath with 100 LED Lights

This faux snow-sprinkled wreath looks great on its own with its collection of cozy lights, but you could also fix it up with some ribbons and other playful holiday accoutrement to show off on your front door.

9-Foot Flocked Noble Fir Garland with 100 LED Lights

The coordinating garland is so gorgeous, too. Hang it across your mantle or along your stairwell to really up the holiday vibes!

9-Foot Douglas Fir Full Christmas Tree with 4500 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

If you prefer your Christmas and holiday decor to lean more traditional, this is the tree for you. It gives a soft, warm glow that's sure to complement any interior!

Red Shiny Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornament

Of course, a Christmas tree wouldn't be a Christmas tree without some ornaments! We love Fortunoff Backyard Store's selection, plus you really can't go wrong with a classic ball shape.

9-Foot Red and Green Poinsettia Garland

Poinsettias always provide a warm welcome to the holiday season. Embrace Christmastime with a pop of poinsettia blooms placed tastefully throughout this decked-out garland!

11-Inch Framed Star with 400 Warm White LED Lights

The lights wound around this cheerful star-shaped decor piece have a magical twinkling effect that'll cover your front or back yard with tons of holiday cheer. The 11-inch frame is fitted with 26.2 feet of clear cable, so you can hang it how you really want it.

4.9 x 6.6-Foot Christmas LED Warm White Net Light

Net lights like these are the premier choice for decorating your yard's shrubs and bushes. They're extremely easy to install, plus the net construction ensures your lights are always evenly distributed.

23.5-Inch Infinity Light Snowman

If jolly's what you're looking for, this handsome little snowman will be the piece to complete this year's holiday decor setup! He can happily sit in a window or on top of your mantle, emitting an eye-catching design all the while.

4-Inch Glass Mercury Plaid Ball Ornament

Plaid will never go out of style when it comes to holiday decor, as far as we're concerned. Snag a few of these glass ornaments to truly deck out your tree in timeless Christmas spirit!