11 Fun Goodies That Won’t Be in Your Easter Basket Already

Whether you simply love the beginning of spring (time to start wearing spring florals again) or can’t get enough of dessert Easter eggs, DIY kids Easter baskets and candy galore, Easter is a great time to show off your fun style. If you’re a last-minute kinda gal like us, here are a few great finds that you can scoop up in a flash to turn your Easter readiness from zero to 100.

1. Bando Watermelon Cooler Bag ($32): If your Easter is taking place outside, this watermelon cooler bag is warm-weather perfection. Toss in a couple of drinks and some potato salad and it’ll stay cool in style all day long.

2. Habit Bardot Nail Polish ($18): Hello, pastels! This pretty hue is the perfect finishing touch to a completely pastel outfit or neutral ensemble, making this polish from Habit a sure win.

3. Brit + Co DIY Nail Art Kit ($44): Take your pastel style a step further with this DIY nail art kit. Get into everything from cool geometric designs to a bunny party nail.

4. Bando Power Trip Car Charger and Wall Plug ($32): While Easter means being surrounded by lots of friends and family, it also means running from event to event. Stay powered up with this charger that works in the car and with a wall plug-in.

5. Brit+Co Paper Flower Crown Kit ($19): Paper flower crowns are actually appropriate for almost every occasion on earth, but they’re even more fitting during springtime events like Easter. One big bonus is that putting it together is super fun.

6. Seedling DIY Bunny Mask ($20): Don’t wait for the Easter Bunny — be the Easter Bunny with this super sweet and incredibly whimsical bunny mask that definitely won’t remind anyone of Donnie Darko.

7. Photojojo Polarizer Lens ($20): Easter will surely bring memories you want to capture. Snag this polarizer lens and take great shots right from your phone. No need to hassle with toting a camera around all day.

8. Acme Party Box Co. Spring Milk and Cookies Gift Set ($19): Make sure the Easter fun carries all the way through to dessert with this super sweet spring cookie set that includes a bunny-shaped cookie cutter.

9. Bando Best Day Ever Drink Sleeve ($5): Show ’em how you really feel about Easter with this festive drink sleeve. The pastel colors make it perfect for any spring or summer event under the sun — this certainly isn’t a one-trick pony.

10. Now Designs Mineral Mug ($7): Start the most pastel-filled day of the year off right with this gorgeous mint mug from Now Designs. Just think how pretty coffee with a splash of milk will look inside this little thing.

11. Avenue Dee Fruit Stripes Fanny Pack ($32): We love purses, but they’re easy to misplace every now and then. Keep all your essentials strapped to your body and up your style game at the same time with this vibrant fanny pack.

What’s your Easter Sunday gonna be like? Tell us about it on Twitter @BritandCo!

Whether you’re planning to dye a few Easter eggs, create a basket full of goodies, or cook a mean Easter dinner, this cool-kid approved holiday requires a lot of prep work and leg work from the adults. Between buying candy, dye for the eggs, and ingredients for your egg and bacon carbonara (*prayer hands emoji*), it’s safe to say us adults deserve a little treat that is egg-tastic (and 21 and up!). This Cadbury cocktail is the perfect way to end the day (you know, when the kids are asleep). Made with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla vodka, cream de cacao, and Cadbury goodness, this sweet treat will seriously make your insides melt. Trust. Us.

Ingredients:

Makes one drink

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa
  • 1 ounce vanilla vodka
  • 1 Cadbury egg (just the cream part)
  • 1/4 cup of milk (we used cashew, but any will do)

Instructions:

1. Pour the dark chocolate chips and a small amount of milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until you start to see the chocolate melting. Stir completely until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Pour the chocolate on top of a level plate and carefully rim the martini. Let gravity do its thing by letting the chocolate drip on the edges of the glass. Place the glasses to the side.

3. For the cocktail, unwrap the Cadbury egg, cut it down the middle, and carefully scoop out the cream. Shake the cream into the shaker.

4. Next, measure 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, and 1/4 cup of milk, and place all the ingredients into the shaker. Just double these measurements if you want to create a drink for a friend. (Duh, of course you do.)

5. Add a handful of ice, and carefully shake for about 10 seconds or until the Cadbury cream has broken apart and melted.

6. Pour the liquid into the martini glass and shave the rest of your dark chocolate over the cocktail. Serve immediately.

Pour the dark chocolate chips and a small amount of milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until you start to see the chocolate melting. Stir completely until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour the chocolate on top of a level plate and carefully rim the martini. Have gravity do its thing by letting the chocolate drip on the edges of the glass. Place the glasses to the side.

For the cocktail, unwrap the Cadbury egg, cut it down the middle, and carefully scoop out the cream. Shake the cream into the shaker.

Next, measure 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa, one ounce vanilla vodka, and 1/4 cup of milk, and place all the ingredients into the shaker. Just double these measurements if you want to create a drink for a friend. (Duh, of course you do.) Add a handful of ice, and carefully shake for about 10 seconds or until the Cadbury cream has broken apart and melted.

Pour the liquid into the martini glass and shave the rest of your dark chocolate over the cocktail. Serve immediately.

Who needs an Easter basket when this cocktail will do just fine.

Whats your favorite Easter recipe? Tweet us @BritandCo, and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious cocktail recipes!

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Some families get together for Easter brunch, while others sit down for dinner. Then there are those who may find themselves eating all day on Easter Sunday. Whatever your plans this year include, find inspiration in this collection of dinner recipes for quiches, vibrant salads, savory tarts, and more. They will hit the spot any time of day and offer up ideas for all season long.

Basil Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Prosciutto

Here's a twist on an Easter ham: make this classic comfort food with warm, crisp prosciutto, Italian-style chicken with basil pesto and bright asparagus. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili

Easter dinner ideas should be light, yet flavorful. For this dish, use cumin and garlic to accent the chili powder in this comforting and brunch-friendly vegan chili. (via GastroPlant)

Black Bean Meatloaf

Whip up old-school-style meatloaf made with protein-packed black beans and quinoa. Serve with your favorite Easter sides. (via This Wife Cooks)

Spring Vegetable Galette

You don’t need to be a pastry expert to make a beautifully cheesy, crispy galette. Don't worry if this doesn't come out looking perfect — the more crags and “rustic” bits there are in the crust, the better it looks. (via Brit + Co)

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart With Eggs And Feta

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart With Eggs And Feta

Pair this lemony and cheesy tart with your favorite mimosa recipe for a savory brunch (or dinner!) (via Forks & Foliage)

Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken

Prepare to graze all day over this roasted chicken with fresh rosemary, lemon, garlic, and shallots. It's sure to become one of your family's favorite Easter dinner ideas. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Vegan Split Pea Soup

Blend creamy split green peas and golden potatoes for a meat- and dairy-free soup that's so delicious.(via Veggie Society)

Baked Ham With Honey Mustard And Apples

Slather your baked ham with honey mustard glaze, stuff it with apples and bake to perfection! Ham sandwiches for days!(via A Spicy Perspective)

Vietnamese Cajun Shrimp Boil

Break out some Easter bibs for this crowd-pleasing cajun shrimp boil made with juicy shrimp, corn, baby potatoes, and smoked sausages.(via Takes Two Eggs)

Pork Tenderloin with Figs And Balsamic Glaze

A delicious balsamic glaze flavored with seasonal figs make an amazing sauce over pork tenderloin. (via Culinary Hill)

Chicken Pastina Soup

Pastina, or "little pasta," refers to any type of tiny pasta and makes for a kid-friendly Easter or anytime meal. (via Barley & Sage)

Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken

Made with just a few ingredients, this creamy chicken dish should be at the top of your Easter dinner ideas list. (via Salt & Lavender)

Sesame Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

We love this colorful twist on an Easter pasta salad made with crunchy purple cabbage, sweet carrots, edamame and noodles tossed together in a sweet and spicy peanut dressing. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad

The lemon dijon dressing is the clincher in this delightful healthy dish made with gluten-free pasta. (via RachL Mansfield)

Brussel Sprouts Pizza With Blue Cheese

Why not pizza for Easter brunch or dinner? Roasted Brussel sprouts, caramelized onions, and blue cheese is a cozy twist and ready in under an hour! (via The Endless Meal)

Baked Chicken And Leeks

Creamy potatoes, lemony leeks, and juicy marinated chicken served with a garlicky greek yogurt sauce is a meal we'd make any time. Just add a glass of wine! (via Cozy Cravings)

Spring Mix Salad With Lemon-Baked Tofu

This colorful spring salad is packed with lemon tofu, edamame, creamy avocado, crunchy radish, fresh mint, and citrus, and will look stunning on your Easter table. (via Two Spoons)

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Carrots, celery, mushrooms, peas and corn are topped with fluffy mashed potatoes made with Greek yogurt in this easy-to-prepare dish that's also so satisfying. It's one of our healthier Easter dinner ideas. (via Live Eat Learn)

Cauliflower Rice Casserole

Ooey, gooey, and filling, this casserole is enough of a showstopper to take centerstage at your Easter dinner, but is also laidback enough to make for an amazing breakfast. We added zucchini, kale, and mushrooms, but feel free to jazz it up with your favorite veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Bruléed Grapefruit Tart

Ok so this tart couldn't exactly stand on its own as an entrée (unless you're having a ton of desserts for dinner, which we're on board with) but it will definitely make for a colorful and fruity addition to any Easter table. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Piccata With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This chicken piccata made with paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and artichokes is keto and gluten-free. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Gluten-Free Avocado Fries

For a healthier take on a fan-favorite finger food (wow, what a mouthful), bake some avocados. This recipe calls for a dash of salt and a spicy aioli, but you can swap for something sweeter. (via Brit + Co)

Blueberry Lavender Fizz

You can't have Easter dinner without some cute Easter cocktails! Whether you sip during dinner or wait until the kids have gone to bed, these blueberry lavender drinks have spring written all over them. (via Brit + Co)

Maple and Pear-Glazed Easter Ham

Ham in and of itself might seem like a pretty simple dish, but in addition to how flavorful this recipe is on its own, there are so many different ways to eat it! Pair it with pineapple, put it on a salad, or have it on top of a biscuit. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-Cooker Ramekin Eggs

Your favorite veg, eggs, and cream go into individual ramekins, get pressure-cooked, and come out ever-so slightly soft so you can spread the whole thing over toast. It works just as well for dinner as it does brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Pea Salad

This stunning salad will have your guests’ jaws on the floor. Bonus points if you flourish it with edible spring flowers. (via What’s Gaby Cooking?)

Fettuccine Carbonara

This eggs-and-bacon pasta transitions seamlessly from a mimosa-filled brunch to an Italian-themed dinner, and satisfices any time of day. (via Brit + Co)

Shaved Asparagus and Pea Frittata With Mint and Parma Ham

Breakfast for dinner is always a treat, especially when it comes in the form of a frittata that's packed with veggies and garnished with salty, dry-cured ham. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Sweet Crepes

Round out your dinner (or start your brunch) with some delicious crepes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you overstuffed. Some classic fillings are strawberries and creme, chocolate, or even cheese and jam. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Chicken Spaghetti

Your entire family will fall madly in love with this easy-peasy pasta dish. Tossed with crisp asparagus and tender chicken strips, the spaghetti is fancy enough for Easter dinner, yet quick enough to throw together for a last-minute brunch. (via Dinner at the Zoo)

Potato-Crust Quiche Lorraine

You’ll forget pastry crust ever existed when you bite into this hashbrown-crusted quiche, which is filled with a silky mixture of eggs, half and half, and shredded Gruyère. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Cilantro And Calabrian Pasta Salad

This herb and spicy twist on a classic pasta salad recipe is dairy free, egg free, and packed with more than 11 veggies inside for a healthy meal you'll all love. (via Chef Bai)

Brie, Bacon, and Butternut Squash Risotto

This customizable recipe will be delicious no matter what cheese, veggies, and herbs you choose — just don’t leave out the crispy bacon. You won't think twice about adding this to your Easter dinner ideas notebook! (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our email newsletter for more Easter dinner ideas!

This post has been updated.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.