12 Perfect Gifts for the New Moms in Your Life

Mother’s Day is coming up fast, and while you might have your gift for your mom wrapped and ready to go, finding a gift for your BFF who is sporting a baby bump might be a little trickier. While her baby is being showered with gifts, we think all those brand new mamas deserve some of the pampering action too. Scroll on for 12 gifts that will make your bestie feel like the world’s best mom.

1. Photography E-Class ($20): With a new baby on the way, we bet your BFF is gonna want to document every second. Help her create magazine-quality pics with an easy and short e-class that she can take anywhere.

2. Pure Soy Candle ($20): Many new moms go a little natural-nuts when their new baby arrives. Put her mind at ease with a lovely smelling pure soy candle.

3. Diaper Tote ($52): Your friend might have a baby on her hip, but that doesn’t mean she’s lost her sense of style. Get her a bright tote that can also serve as a diaper bag, and she’ll take it all around town.

4. Activité Pop Wearable ($150): Thanks to her new babe, we bet your BFF will be a little too preoccupied to track her health stats like she used to. Splurge on a gorgeously designed wearable that’ll do all the work for her, without any need to input data into an app. While you’re at it, you should probably pick one up for yourself too!

5. Mom’s Five-Second Memory Journal ($6): Encourage your BFF to jot down her thoughts and memories in this journal. There’s no order, so she won’t feel guilty for skipping on those days when she’s barely able to sneak in a nap.

6. Spa Set ($27): You’ll get brownie points if you offer to babysit while she treats herself to a nice, long bath with this spa set.

7. House Cleaning: Everyone knows moms have no time to vacuum between feedings. Lend her a helping hand for Mother’s Day, and schedule a house cleaning service so she can rest easy while someone else sprays and scrubs.

8. Chocolate Treat ($15): When you’ve got a new baby at home, even the most basic tasks can feel enormous, but snacking shouldn’t be one of them. All she has to do is dip one of these popsicles in a cup of steaming milk, and she’ll be rewarded with tasty hot chocolate.

9. Wine Cork ($22): You know she had to forgo the booze for nine months, so we think a bottle of her favorite wine with a pretty cork might be the best gift ever.

10. Apple TV ($70): For all those late night feedings, give her the gift of entertainment. She’ll be so busy swooning after her favorite romcoms and shows, she’ll almost forget how sleepy she is… almost.

11. Customized Necklace ($46): Let’s face it: She’s head over heels for that tiny human, and she’s going to love anything with his or her name on it.

12. Subscription Box ($30): If you want your BFF to feel pampered all year long, sign her up for a subscription box that brings her new mommy and baby goodies to discover each month.

What are you getting your BFFs for Mother’s Day? Tell us your ideas below!

While trends in everything from fashion to interior design always come and go, certain baby names are on the brink of extinction, and it remains to be seen if they'll make a resurgence.

BabyCenter, a parenting resource website, recently shared its "Baby Names at Risk of Going Extinct" list for 2025, which used data submitted by registered website users.

The list revealed that a specific category of boy names, those ending with "-aden," are falling in usage. Jaden, for instance, hit peak popularity back in 2002 at number 62. Yet, in 2024, this name dropped 162 slots.

More millennial names are on the outs, too. From 1974 to 1996, Jamie was a name that stayed in the top 100 picks. However, it plummeted by 320 spots in 2024.

Plus, not even royal names have managed to evade the fall. Names like Phillip, Anne, and Catherine, all tied to the British royal family, have also seen notable dips.

Here are eight more baby names that could be heading toward extinction in 2025.

Scroll to find out which baby names are nearly extinct now!

1. Remy

Hồng Xuân Viên

This French name may remind you of the lovable cartoon rat from the movie "Ratatouille," but its popularity has still taken a hit.

From 2023 to 2024, Remy, which means "rower" and was historically used to honor St. Remigius, dropped a whopping 277 spots.

2. Guy

Erika Quirino

Despite the charm of this lighthearted yet masculine name, Guy is on the verge of extinction.

It was most popular during the 1950s, with usage steadily declining ever since then. Guy fell 990 spots from 2023 to 2024, landing at number 2,718 last year.

3. Liv

J carter

Short for Olivia, which means "olive tree," this name is Latin in origin and reached its height in 2016.

However, its short length and elegance seemingly haven't been enough to keep it relevant. Liv tumbled 257 spots from 2023 to 2024, landing at number 970.

4. Randall

Helena Lopes

With Old English roots meaning "wolf shield," Randall was once a beloved boy's name. But ever since peaking in 1960, this baby name has continued on a downward trend.

There appeared to be some hope in 2023 when Randall saw a rise of 63 spots. Nonetheless, it was still number 1,753 in 2024.

5. Belle

Subin Cherian

You may associate the name Belle with the classic film "Beauty and the Beast." However, this French name, which means "beautiful," has witnessed a pretty consistent downturn since 1880.

It has dropped 242 spots since 2023 and sat at number 984 in popularity in 2024.

6. Danny

Helena Lopes

Stemming from the more formal name of Daniel, which means "God is my judge," Danny is a classic and friendly name. Even so, it's faded in recent years.

Danny was most popular during the late 1940s and early 1950s. As of 2024, it sat at number 558.

7. Carolyn

Natalia Olivera

Taking inspiration from the names Carol and Linda, which mean "joyous song" and "pretty," respectively, Carolyn was most popular in 1942. A total of 14,794 baby girls per million were given this name that year.

This figure fell to 140 baby girls per million in 2023, landing Carolyn at number 1,568.

8. Arnold

Henley Design Studio

Last but not least is Arnold, a name with Germanic roots that means "eagle power."

According to BabyCenter, it was most used in 1916, but in 2024, it ranked number 3,328 in terms of baby boy name popularity.

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It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.

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Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).

Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.

Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.

She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

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Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.

Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.

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Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guyPenn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.

Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.

Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!

Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.

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Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.

With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.

Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.

Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.

In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!

Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.

Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!

She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.

She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.

"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."

When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.

Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.

In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).

Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?

Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Millennials have often been called the "me" generation since they tend to be independent and career-driven. They're simply navigating life in a completely different era than generations before. Nonetheless, some of their everyday habits may unintentionally leave their parents feeling unappreciated, overlooked, or even guilty.

From moving far away from home to prioritizing friendships over family, here are eight common millennial behaviors that can sometimes sting the generation that raised you.

Scroll to see which things millennial do that their boomer parents just don't get...

1. Lack Of Visits

Ron Lach

We all know that life moves at lightning speed nowadays. Between romantic relationships, work, and starting a family, it's easy to let weeks or months fly by without visiting home.

Past generations viewed visits as a cornerstone of family life. Phone calls can suffice, but nothing really compares to seeing your relatives face-to-face.

Even though it can be tough to prioritize visits against your busy schedule, remember that showing up for your parents means a lot, even if it's just a weekly or monthly Sunday dinner.

2. Moving Away

Ketut Subiyanto

Moving out is one of the biggest milestones that all young adults look forward to. However, moving out is one thing, and moving away to a brand-new city or state is another.

It can be extremely tough for parents to cope with the sudden distance. They may feel more disconnected from your life than ever before and suffer a sense of loss.

That's why it's important to stay in touch with updates and make your parents feel involved in your journey. Call more, send photos, and even have a weekly video chat. Your bond can stay just as strong with the help of today's technology as long as you hold up your end of the bargain.

3. Prioritizing Your Career

Vlada Karpovich

Millennials (and now Gen Zers) have been taught to hustle. In the wake of a more competitive job market than ever, professionals have to chase career advancement to stay relevant.

Unfortunately, though, the drive to succeed can sometimes come at the cost of family time. This is a tough pill to swallow for many parents, who might've been raised with the belief that family gatherings are non-negotiable.

Plus, if you frequently miss get-togethers or one-on-one visits in favor of your work, your parents may feel unimportant and disappointed in your choices.

We'd be lying if we said that striking a balance between career and family is easy. Nonetheless, the first step is acknowledging your parents' feelings and working to carve out space for them, whether that's meeting up for lunch or squeezing in an after-work phone call.

4. Only Calling When You Need Something

Ketut Subiyanto

Speaking of calling home, it's natural to turn to your parents for advice. After all, they've been there for you in the past and will always be your parents.

Yet, if they only hear from you when you need something, that's not fair. Your parents might start to think they're just your safety net as opposed to a priority.

Transactional communication will only make your parents feel as if your love for them is conditional. So, try to reach out for other reasons, like sharing good news or simply checking in on how they're doing.

5. Ignoring Family Traditions

cottonbro studio

Family traditions are more than just routines. They foster connection and continuity across generations, creating experiences and stories that you and all of your relatives can share.

If you opt out of these traditions, it may seem like you're stepping away from the memories and history that your parents worked hard to create.

I get it: we all have a certain holiday tradition that maybe drives us nuts. Still, as frustrating as it might be, it's sometimes best to just go along with it. Your parents, sadly, won't be here forever, and you may look back on the tradition fondly once it officially comes to an end.

6. Putting Friends Over Family

KoolShooters

When you truly bond with a great friend group, they can become like your chosen family. Even so, consistently choosing to spend time with your friends over your parents can be really hurtful for them, especially if it becomes a noticeable pattern.

You may inadvertently send the message that your parents aren't a priority but rather something you fit into your schedule when it's convenient. Keep this in mind and try to show up for them, even in small ways.

7. Not Being Financially Independent

Kaboompics.com

Everyone has the goal of becoming financially independent. Regardless, many people find themselves still relying on their parents for help, and it can create a sense of guilt or frustration that goes unspoken.

Each time you ask for financial assistance, your parents might be reminded of their own challenges and the sacrifices they've made to support you.

Your parents want to see you succeed and become self-sufficient, not because they want to quit lending you a hand, but because they hope you can stand on your own two feet.

In today's economy, it's understandable why so many adults are struggling, so have open conversations about finances with your parents and make it known that you're grateful for their help.

8. Sharing So Much On Social Media

Pixabay

Finally, do you chronicle your every move and achievement on social media? After sharing all your milestones online, you may forget to tell your parents about your life.

Technology can create a divide between you and your parents, especially if they aren't avid users or able to keep up with your life on their feed.

Don't forget to reach out and update them on your relationship status, career changes, travel plans, and any other major developments before you tell your followers. It'll help your parents feel much more involved.

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Jewelry is truly the cherry on top of a good outfit — so you definitely don't wanna top everything off with an outdated trend you pulled from the bottom of your jewelry box. And while some jewelry will always be timeless, there are plenty of pieces that are way past their prime. Whether too gaudy, too much of a flash trend, or some combination of the two, these are the six outdated jewelry trends you should totally retire in 2025.

Ditch these six outdated jewelry trends for good this year!

1. Beaded Jewelry

Target

Universal Thread Seed Bead Necklace Set

Once upon a time beaded jewelry was a popular status symbol among the "it girls" in middle or high school. It was a nostalgic trend that's come been recycled over the years, but it's finally time to put it rest. Why?

It's time to wear jewelry that doesn't feel so juvenile.

2. Excessive Charm Braclets

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Western Monogram Charm Bracelet

Sometimes we fondly remember the days we used to wear chunky charm bracelets that featured our initials, hearts, stars, seashells, and more. You usually could hear us before you saw us because our favorite accessories made a lot of clinking noises. Maybe we're traumatized by how loud our bracelets each time we moved our arm during tests, but we're finally over wearing excess charms. That's not to say this style is 100% "outdated" though!

We're all in favor of this trend, but we'd rather see you choose 1-3 meaningful charms instead of squeezing 10+ on a chain link.

3. Cuban Link Bracelets

Pandora

Pandora Timeless Pavé Cuban Chain Bracelet

Jewelry trends are supposed to be fun and cute, but this one is giving us "Mob wife" energy...you know, the trend from 2023? We know it's been a popular style that some people gravitate towards, but we prefer to see you wearing bracelets that indicate you're in your "soft girl era."

4. Chunky Gold Earrings

Alexis Bittar

Alexis Bittar Molten Gold Puffy Teardrop Earrings

The quickest way to age yourself is by making makeup mistakeswhile wearing the heaviest chunky gold earrings you own. Unless your goal is to walk around like you're auditioning to be an extra in a spoof of an '80s or '90s comedy, don't ever pair the two together.

As a matter of fact, give your ears a break from the heaviness of this trend.

5. Thin Rings

gorjana

Gorjana G Ring Set

Thin rings seem like they're perfect for the set of Severance, but how practical are they in real life? We're afraid you'll spend your hard earned money on a cute ring set only to lose one or two of them while doing your daily activities.

Then again, we're a little biased because chunkier rings are taking center stage for their ability to infuse personality in your everyday casual outfits.

6. Seashells

Ettika

Ettika Private Island Assorted Shell Necklace

Shell necklaces remind us of that one tongue twister that we just couldn't ever get right: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

For obvious reasons, this jewelry trend gets a hard NO from us — it's gaudy and doesn't really complement many personal styles. Even if you swear it does, we'd rather see you wear a pair of shell earrings instead of a statement necklace like this.

Subscribe to our newsletter to see which fashion trends we'd actually love to see you wear.

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We may have left mountains of homework and questionable cafeteria food behind years ago, but that doesn't mean we can't learn anything from educational podcasts. From online classes to language apps, we’re all about expanding our knowledge, especially if it’s fun.

When your commute turns into a bore or you’re up for picking up a new skill, these educational podcasts will drop some serious knowledge on you, no backpack required.

Good Job, Brain!

What began as a Kickstarter project has now become an extremely popular trivia podcast. Half quiz show and half offbeat news, Good Job, Brain! will have you laughing and dominating your next trivia night.

Curiosity Daily

Curiosity Daily is an award-winning podcast that allows you to learn a little bit more about the world around you. It takes listeners through research-based life hacks and the latest science and technology news, allowing you to walk out into the world more knowledgable.

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain explores something we all strive to understand better - our thoughts! Each episode teaches about social psychology and the neuroscience behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What I love about this podcast is how practical and applicable the information shared truly is.

Ologies

Ologies is designed to be a crash course on all things science. It talks about everything from dinosaurs to space to the human body, giving you all sorts of information you never knew you needed or wanted. The host is able to interview experts in the field, giving you a really comprehensive look on the subjects tackled.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

This podcast is filled with valuable information that is going to make your life better. Its two female hosts talk about everything from sex and relationships to health and career. They break down really complex topics in a way that feels accessible, educational, and engaging.

The History Chicks

This podcast dials you into the "herstory" you never learned. It tells the tories of girl bosses from queens to warriors to scientists and artists.

The Gist

Radio journalist Mike Pesca leads this Slate podcast, which covers three hot, political topics a week. From JFK to debates, The Gist will keep you in the know.

Stuff You Should Know

HowStuffWorks writers Josh and Chuck educate listeners on everything from the ecosystem to Jack the Ripper and sharks. What stuff should you know? Take a listen to how sushi works or the science behind3D printing.

Planet Money

Mo’ money, mo’ problems, right? Not if you’re Planet Money. They’ll teach you how to handle your money, check your finances and work with the economy, all without being a bore. Where to start? Learn more about homeowners insurance policies or free money.

TED Radio Hour 

TED talks are known for their thought-provoking topics and speakers. This podcast is a coproduction of powerhouses NPR and TED to bring ideas, creations and problem-solving tips to the table. Listen as individuals share their ideas each week, like singer-songwriter Megan Washington, who talks about how singing achieves stillness.

The School of Greatness 

Former pro-athlete Lewis Howes takes business, leadership and personal development to the next level. The School of Greatness features top professionals who aim to inspire and encourage growth in their listeners. Ready for change? Find out the 10 essential truths needed to upgrade your life or discover simple ways to overcome stress.

No Stupid Questions

Angela Duckworth, a research psychologist, partners up with tech and sports executive, Mike Maughan, to answer all of your science questions. They answer them in a knowledgable and non-condescending way, no matter how silly the question may seem.

Science Vs

We all know sometimes the internet can bombard us with info, and it's hard to decipher what's true and what's not. Science Vs explores the science behind popular claims and trends, interviewing experts and conducting in-depth research to help you decide what's worth following.

Which educational podcasts have you listened to recently?

Lead image via Ivan Samkov/Pexels

This post has been updated.