The Best Under-$50 Gifts for The Stylish Kiddos in Your Life

If there's one part of your holiday to-do list that should feel totally stress-free, it's shopping for all of the little darlings in your life — be it your own little ones, nieces and nephews, godchildren, etc. Not only are the 10 and under set incredibly enthusiastic gift recipients, but browsing through colorful, kid-friendly finds is just dang fun.

If the youngsters in your orbit haven't clued you in to what's on their wishlist yet, you might need a little help narrowing down where to shop. That's why we've curated 18 presents perfect for all of the kids in your life that are equal parts playful and trendy and will score you major points as the best gift-giver of all time. Don't say we didn't warn ya!

H&M Tulle-Ruffle Top $10

The power shoulder trend is cool for everyone this year — kids included. Gift this ruffle-accented blouse (complete with glittery metallic stars) to the one who isn't afraid of making a statement.

Mudpuppy Rainforest Animals 500-Piece Family Puzzle $14

Keep your young ones occupied with this animal-centric puzzle scene.

Kiko+ & gg* Wooden Camera $33

With a kaleidoscopic lens, children get a new view every time they peek through the viewfinder.

Vans Kids Classic Checkerboard Slip Ons $35

Got a budding sneaker fan in your life? Outfit them in these effortlessly cool slip ons.

H&M 2-piece Set and Accessories $35

Your young dapper friends will look adorable in this polished outfit that'll shine long after the holidays are over.

Meri Meri Pompom Unicorn Hair Clips $11

If you're short on stocking stuffer ideas look no further than this rainbow hair clip assortment.

Bombas Youth Stripe Dream Calm Sock 4-Pack $23

Give your kids the gift of stylish feet with these comfy socks that come with a good cause (every purchase is matched with a donation).

Super Smalls Backstage Rainbow Sunglasses $29

This whimsical accessory will brighten up any dreary winter day, and is super cute for playing dress up.

Crate & Barrel University Games Hanging Solar System $25

Take a trip to outer space with this glow-in-the-dark bedroom decor.

Making with MoMA: Collage Kit $25

Kids will learn how to experiment with pattern, layering, color, and design and make their own masterpiece with this hands-on kit.

Twee Carrie's Castle Sidewalk Chalk $35

This creative gift is best for those whose sidewalks are free from snow most of the year.

Meri Meri Sequin Flower Mesh Backpack $45

This stylish, multi-purpose bag is great for those packing up for any holiday trips or for ones who spend school days at their neighborhood learning pod.

Candylab Candy Cars $10

Upgrade your little car enthusiast's toy set with this blue speed racer to encourage a playful imagination.

Sozo DIY Whale Embroidery Kit $22

Share your love of crafting with this kid-friendly beginner's guide to embroidery.

Tender Leaf Toys Flower Bed $20

Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't plant your own garden!

More Than Magic Press-On Nail Art Kit $10

This 50-piece set will get your young beauty lover all set for the holidays.

Melissa Masse Tie Dye Ribbed Beanie Hat $35

Tie dye is always in! This hat packs a colorful punch and will ensure your kiddo stays warm through winter.

Pottery Barn Retro Rainbow-Shaped Pillow $44

Brighten up bedtime with this adorable pillow.

Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday gift ideas!

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

Easter has always been a time for family, faith, and fun — but as the years pass by, some of the most classic traditions seem to be fading away, whether due to increasingly busy schedules, more casual modern celebrations, or even the rise of technology.

Still, there's something special about the old-school customs that truly capture the essence of the holiday. From getting dressed in your Sunday best to baking hot cross buns, here are the Easter traditions we wish would make a comeback.

Scroll to see which old-schoolEaster traditions we totally miss!

1. Wearing Easter Bonnets

Etsy

For decades, Easter Sunday wasn't just a day to celebrate family and faith but also an opportunity to dress up in your finest attire, complete with a bonnet or hat.

Dating back centuries, people topped off their Easter Sunday outfits with colorful Easter bonnets (like this one) that featured flowers, ribbons, or even lace. The tradition was so iconic that in 1933, Irving Berlin sang, "You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade."

2. Gifting Easter Corsages

Tony Meyers

Gifting corsages isn't just for proms or weddings. It was also once a staple for holidays like Easter.

Men would purchase corsages for the women in their lives, like their mothers, wives, or daughters, and pin them on to add a special touch to their Easter outfits.

Bringing back this tradition would revive a meaningful gesture and add even more style to your holiday celebration.

3. Enjoying A Classic Easter Feast

cottonbro studio

Dining on a classic Easter feast brings families together. For many, the holiday marks the end of Lent, a period when Catholics typically give up certain treats. So, it makes chowing down on a big meal even more special, as you'll get to indulge in the foods you've abstained from for 40 days.

We know it can be tough to coordinate fancy feasts today, but this tradition is well worth your effort. Pay homage to classic dishes like ham or lamb chops, deviled eggs, and fresh carrots. Plus, get your family involved in the food preparation to make some meaningful memories.

4. Good Old-Fashioned Easter Egg Hunts

Eren Li

In a world where devices often take center stage, the classic Easter egg hunt offers a much-needed break from screens and encourages kids to unplug, run, and explore. The beauty of this timeless tradition lies in its simplicity and ability to bring communities together.

Yes, you can just hide eggs around your own living room or backyard to keep your kids busy. However, there's something to be said about gathering with other families in your neighborhood for a big old-fashioned hunt. Coming together presents an opportunity to connect with neighbors and pass down the practice to the next generation.

5. Sending Easter Lilies

Meri Verbina

Sending Easter lilies carries deep symbolic meaning and offers a beautiful way to celebrate the season.

These elegant white flowers represent purity, renewal, and hope. In many cultures, they're believed to have sprouted where Christ's blood and tears fell during the crucifixion and in the Garden of Gethsemane following his betrayal.

Sending someone a lily during Easter is a thoughtful gesture that signifies faith, remembrance, and the promise of new beginnings.

6. Baking Hot Cross Buns

Taryn Elliott

Hot cross buns, which are sweet, spiced, and adorned with a cross on top, have been made and enjoyed for centuries, often on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

We understand that it might just be easier to pick them up at your local bakery. Nonetheless, baking this treat with loved ones is a tradition that will create lasting connections and memories.

7. Donning Your Sunday Best

Anastasia Shuraeva

Traditionally, if you and your family were attending church on Easter, you had to look your best. Putting on your finest clothes is more than just a fashion statement; it's a way to honor the significance of the holiday and show respect.

This trend has mellowed out in the modern day, but it deserves a resurgence. Iron your suits, polish your shoes, and don't be afraid to wear lace or floral patterns. Your outfit will set the tone for the day (and make for a great family photo).

8. Being Present For Family Time

cottonbro studio

Speaking of family, being present for quality time isn't just lost on Easter; it's a tradition that's struggling to persevere on practically every holiday.

Today, screens and schedules often take priority, making it tough to truly connect with loved ones. Easter is the perfect time to put your phone away, turn off the TV, and talk to those around you. Share a meal, play a game, or just enjoy each other's company. You'll be thankful you did when you look back years down the line.

Looking for more holiday inspo? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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

We’re total sneaker heads over here, so we’re uber excited for what spring has to offer in the shoe department. It appears spring 2025 is brimming with fresh sneakertrends that embrace all things colorful and retro – a power combo! If you’re looking to step up your ‘fits with something a lil’ bit different on your feet, this season’s kicks are anything but basic.

Scroll on to see the 4 sneaker trends set to dominate spring 2025!

1. Pink Sneakers

Urban Outfitters

Gola Elan Sneakers

Pink sneakers are popping off this spring, ranging from pastels to bold, hot pink shades. They’re the perfect sneakers to snag if you’re seeking a seasonal pop of color!

Anthropologie

Puma Palermo Sneakers

For a playful feel, wear hot pink kicks with an all-black outfit to make them stand out. For a more femme look, wear some pastel pink sneakers with light-wash jeans and a flowy white top.

2. Retro Track Sneakers

Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

Inspired by vintage running shoes from the ‘70s and ‘80s, retro track sneakers are definitely on the come-up. Brands are continuing to bring a mix of nostalgia and sporty aesthetics to the forefront, and we couldn’t love it more!

Saucony

Saucony Trainer 80 Sneakers

These sneaks are not only stylish, but practical, too! Seek out a comfy pair with some chic suede detailing or bold color blocking. Whether you pair ‘em with wide-leg trousers for a vintage-inspired outfit or biker shorts for a lax weekend look, a good set of bold retro sneakers will undeniably turn heads your way.

3. Hiking Sneaks For The Street

Keen

Keen Jasper Zionic Sneakers

We’re starting to spot hiking-inspired sneakers on the street more and more. Technical shoe brands like Keen and Salomon have styles that are both functional and fashionable!

Salomon

Salomon XT-6 Sportstyle Sneakers

With rugged soles, durable materials, and utilitarian designs, these shoes provide unmatched comfort, too. To give your ‘fits a sportier vibe, try hiking sneakers with cargo pants and a fitted tank top. For added contrast, certain styles also look ahh-mazing with mini dresses and denim jackets!

4. Sneaker Charms

Free People

Free People Shoe Charm & Pin Pack

Customizing your look is key in 2025 – so sneaker charms let you infuse your kicks with personality! From pearls and pendants to lace and beads, you can truly find sneaker charms of all kinds… or make your own!

Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Notice Lace Sneakers + Gold Charm Bundle

Shoe charms also work well beyond sneakers. You can easily tack them onto boots or loafers!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal fashion trends!

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

Whether you're celebrating with your significant other for the first time or the tenth, you've probably already given some thought to your Valentine's Day dinner ideas. You'll be hungry by the time the sun sets, whether you've spent the whole day together, or you've just come back from the best date night ever. These recipes are perfect for ending the night on a delicious note or they can serve as your date night — cooking together is a super fun way to spend your time.

You can show your favorite valentine love with DIY Valentine's gifts, pink cocktails, fruit salad, or you can whip up a fancy-schmancy (and romantic) dinner. You can try the same recipe until it's just right, or experiment with a different pick every night of February. No matter what your favorite cuisine is, there's something for everyone.

Here are our favorite Valentine's Day dinner ideas for a date night meal to remember.

​What is a good Valentine's Day dinner?

A good Valentine's Day dinner is anything that is delicious and romantic, and that will change for every couple (or if you're alone!). V Day is always a good excuse to cook up a steak if you and your partner eat meat, but pasta or seafood are also great ideas. Or go for a surf and turf dinner that incorporates all of them. You can also add aphrodisiacs into the menu, but whatever you pick, don't forget dessert!

What is the Valentine's Day menu?

Your Valentine's Day menu is totally up to you and your partners' tastes. You can check out what's local to your area if you want to have a menu that reflects this time of year in your state. In terms of courses, you can opt for dinner and dessert or go all out with an appetizer, entrée, drinks, and dessert.

What to make for a romantic dinner at home?

Here are some popular Valentine's Day foods you can consider making:

  • Steak
  • Seafood
  • Chocolate
  • Pasta
  • Sushi
  • Wine
  • Fish
  • Crème brûlée
  • Strawberries

Sous Vide Steak

Prepare to swoon over this simple sous vide steak. Pair it with a baked potato and steamed veg. (via Brit + Co)

Coffee Rubbed Steak With Chili Lime Butter

Nothing says high class quite like a well-cooked steak. Take it from the pros and cook it medium-rare for the most intense flavor. We love the classic steak and baked potato combo, but feel free to shake things up with a different side. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Image via Half Baked Harvest

You know we love vodka cocktails, so we are all about some vodka pasta! It's a 30-minute recipe topped with basil pesto and loads of your favorite cheese and you can add some red pepper flakes for some extra spice if you want. Swap the vodka for broth or water if you don't want to cook with alcohol. It'll taste just as good! (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

For charcuterie board fans or those of us who'd rather much on apps than have a full-blown dinner, these poke bites are cute, delicious, and have us dreaming of summer. Pickled ginger, avocado, and red onion take this recipe to a new level. Yum! (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

A soup that's delicious *and* features veggies, cheese, and pasta all in one? Count us in. Just put everything in your slow cooker and let it come together while you finish getting ready. (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Salmon Nicoise

This one-pot wonder is great for any day of the week. Salmon, potatoes, olives, and green beans (along with some other delicious ingredients) come together to create a flavorful combo that you'll daydream about until you can eat it again. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Butternut Squash

A healthy, colorful dish like this butternut squash recipe makes for a great dinner recipe for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Plus it makes for an awesome winter comfort food. (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon is a great Valentine's Day dinner idea for anyone who works long hours and doesn't want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. Plus it's healthier than your other frying options! Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken or potatoes for other yummy options. (via Brit + Co)

Apple-Onion Pork Chops And Cheesy Crushed Potatoes

This recipe from Rachael Ray has some of the most interesting and captivating flavors we've tasted in a long time, and with meat, fruit, dairy, and starches, you're eating a lot of the food groups. (via Brit + Co)

Red Sauce Rigatoni Recipe

All you need for this delicious date night recipe is sausage, canned tomatoes, and pasta. And don't forget your favorite cheese, of course. This is a great option for having a fancy dinner at the dining table or curling up on the couch for a romantic movie. (via Brit + Co)

Charcuterie Board

Image via SocietySocial and QueenBrieCLT/Photography Demi Mabry

There's something so sophisticated and stylish about having a charcuterie board anytime of year, but especially on Valentine's Day. You can make it a red, pink, and white color scheme with fruit, dried flowers, and cheese, or try your hand at a breakfast-for-dinner board with heart-shaped pancakes, berries, and chocolate. (Via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken

Quick, easy, and delicious, what's not to love about this chicken recipe?! Tomato-y, buttery chicken goes great with flavorful naan and white rice. Sprinkle with cilantro before you serve. (via Brit + Co)

Zucchini Noodles

If you're avoiding regular pasta, try zucchini noodles instead of regular for a healthy take on your favorite dishes. Serve with pesto, olive oil and vinegar dressing, or Alfredo sauce to make a creamy pasta. (via Brit + Co)

Cauliflower And Burrata Valentine's Day Recipe

Photo via Half Baked Harvest

This dish might be geared for summer picnics, but it will also make a great option for your winter nights in. Change up the spices and seasonings depending on what your favorite flavors are, or make a couple different mixes and try them all! (via Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

Photo via Half Baked Harvest

Okay so donuts don't technically count as an option for dinner but you can definitely make them for dessert! (Especially if you've already had your fill of lobster tails or pasta). You can even add some espresso to the chocolate glaze for a mocha taste. (via Brit + Co)

Cauliflower Rice Sushi

Not only does sushi make for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner for you and your S.O. but the actual construction of the sushi sounds just as great! Swap regular rice for some DIY cauliflower rice but feel free to keep your favorite fillings and sauces. (via Brit + Co)

Stuffed Avocado

Another great option for a smaller, finger food dinner, stuffed avocados make for a tasty and filling dish. You can also leave out the shrimp to make this an easy meat-free recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Crock-Pot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash

We're huge fans of ramen noodle meals and know this is one Valentine's Day dinner idea that can't be topped. Call us biased, but you'll find it hard not to be once you get a taste of this caramelized blend of pork, open face-egg, and jalapenos. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce

Get your hands messy with this appetizing and flavorful recipe! With ingredients like tomato paste, garlic cloves, and red wine, your taste buds will be satiated. (via Brit + Co)

Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta

Looking for Valentine's Day dinner ideas that are healthy and won't put a dent in your budget? Try your hand at this creamy Cajun mushroom pasta! (via Brit + Co)

Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts

Eating breakfast for dinner seems to stir up our inner little girl, so we're sharing this delish recipe with you! (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Piccata

Chicken is always a pretty safe option when cooking dinner, but this recipe dresses it up into something extra delicious. (via Culinary Hill)

Duck Confit Salad

Make your Valentine something extra fancy with this confit salad. Not only is this Valentine's Day dinner elegant but it also features pomegranates and avocados, so we can't say no. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Strawberry & Cream Croissant French Toast

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

Whether you're making brunch or having brunch for dinner, this is a great French toast-croissant hybrid. Swap the drizzle of maple with a chocolate drizzle to make it extra Valentine-esque. Serve with white wine or champagne. (via Brit + Co)

Crispy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs

This recipe will be appreciated by couples who are trying to eat healthier in the new year. (via Brit + Co)

Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork

With classic Cuban flavors, this mouthwatering pork recipe is juicy and moist. Pro tips: Spring for a high-quality meat source from your local butcher or farmers’ market, and marinate the pork overnight to make this top-notch recipe even tastier. (via The Food Charlatan)

Shrimp and Gnocchi With Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

If you’re both eating garlic, then you won’t have to worry about dreaded “garlic breath” after. Shrimp and gnocchi are already amazing on their own, but put them together for a powerhouse meal that everyone will want. You'll want to grab some red wine to go with this one. (via Damn Delicious)

Beef And Lamb Shwarma Wraps

If you prefer something a little more casual (or just love handheld food), try out these amazing wraps. Make your own tzatziki if you're feeling adventurous. (via Forks and Foliage)

Soul-Warming French Onion Pot Roast

Nothing says love like pot roast. This particular iteration boasts the flavors of onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, fresh apples, thyme, celery, and bay leaf. (via Little Spice Jar)

Strawberry Ravioli With Balsamic and Basil

These naturally pink ravioli are packed with decadent flavors and topped with a balsamic reduction for a sweet and savory combo. Plus considering it's Valentine's Day, we'll take all the pink food that we can get our hands on. (via A Beautiful Mess)

One-Pan Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Valentine's Day Dinner Idea

Permission granted to have your own Lady and the Tramp moment while feasting on this dish. For a healthier version, feel free to sub turkey or chicken for ground beef and whole wheat spaghetti for the refined version. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Slow-Cooker Cassoulet

Don’t fear the cassoulet. It’s not as tricky to make it as you might imagine. Toss it all into the slow cooker for restful meal prep. (via Leite’s Culinaria)

Spinach and Three Cheese Manicotti

Pasta dishes have a certain sensuousness to them, and this indulgent, cheesy manicotti dish cries out for a cozy and lovey-dovey night in. Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. Bring on all the bread and garlic butter. (via The Cooking Jar)

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Have a busy Valentine’s Day schedule? Get a head start with this slow-cooker recipe. About a half an hour before mealtime, pop some veggies in the oven to serve alongside the dish. (via Plays Well With Butter)

Creamy Masala Mussels

Mussels are delicate, fleshy, and delicious and lend a hand to any full-bodied sauce. The beer base will require all the bread to sop up every last drop of goodness. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Fettuccine Alfredo Valentine's Day Dinner Idea

Forget lightened-up, pre-made sauces; fettuccine Alfredo is meant to be rich and delightfully naughty. It features Parmesan and heavy cream, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Butter Candles

Add a little bit of ~mood lighting~ with these candles that are literally made out of butter. They make the perfect addition to any dinner and are like 2023's version of butter boards. (via Brit + Co)

Galentine's Day Sweet Treat Board

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your girlfriends, or even going stag, make this colorful and sweet dessert board. You might spoil your dinner but honestly, it's worth it. (via Amanda Wilens)

Paleo Pot Roast

This healthful, Whole30-approved pot roast doesn't skimp on yum factor even though it's made with completely clean ingredients. (via Noshtastic)

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

This curry recipe is *bursting* with healthy proteins and fats. Bonus: Your leftovers will be easy to reheat and use up throughout the week. (via The Endless Meal)

Creamy Vegan Tomato Sauce

This plant-based tomato sauce blends cashews, roasted tomatoes, and onions. It is so good, the non-vegans in your life won't mind eating it too. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake

Let this moist raspberry almond crumb cake help set the tone for sexy activities after dinner. It's full of ooey-gooey goodness that'll leave you and your date's mouths watering. (via Cozy Cravings)

For more Valentine's Day dinner ideas follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking classes!

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

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Additional reporting by Chloe Williams and Jasmine Williams.

As far as I'm concerned, 2024 was Daisy Edgar-Jones' year. The Normal People actress captured our hearts with her role as Kate in Twisters (as well as her viral Hot Ones interview with Glen Powell and "Apple" TikTok dance). But while Kate led a pretty adventurous life, her risk threshold is nothing compared to Daisy's newest character, Muriel, in On Swift Horses.

Living in post-Korean War California, Muriel's life with her husband Lee is disrupted when Lee's brother Julius arrives in all his addictive, charming glory. The film, based on Shannon Pufahl's 2019 book of the same name, made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. Here's everything you need to know.

What is On Swift Horses about?

Luc Montpelllier

On Swift Horses Plot

Muriel begins a new life with her husband Lee when he returns to California from the Korean War. But the life they're building together — and their future — changes forever when Lee's brother Julius, a headstrong gambler, arrives. Julius is attractive, charismatic, and hiding plenty of secrets.

According to the official synopsis, "when Julius takes off in search of the young card cheat he’s fallen for, Muriel’s longing for something more propels her into a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never dreamed possible."

Luc Montpelllier

The story explores LGBTQ+ identity and desire in the 1950s, but does so with a hopeful tone rather than a devastating one. “The first scenes that we filmed were the scenes we had together, so we got all of that done with—when we were apart, we had put the groundwork in,” Daisy tells Vanity Fair of working with Jacob, who adds, "I believe Taylor Swift calls it an invisible string.”

"I loved the connection between gambling and risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of her desire and what she’s looking for,” Daisy adds. “Muriel’s rebellion throughout the film is quite quiet, in the small ways in which she takes back her power by concealing things. A lot of what’s happening is behind closed doors.”

Who's in the cast of On Swift Horses?

Luc Montpelllier

On Swift Horses Cast

On Swift Horses stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Sasha Calle, and Diego Calva.

"It's not hard to make chemistry with Jacob because he's just so charismatic," Daisy said during a Q&A, via People, adding that the script "felt almost like reading poetry and so much of what happens is in the subtext."

"This movie is just about love,” Calle added. “It’s important to just feel that — whoever that might be, where that takes you. It’s important to feel that and to feel safe in it.”

Has On Swift Horses been released?

Luc Montpelllier

On Swift Horses Release Date

On Swift Horses premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, and is currently looking for a distributor. Check back here for news on its release date!

Watch The Teaser Trailer For 'On Swift Horses'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

As charming as Julius appears in the teaser trailer, his brother Lee tells Muriel they live differently than he does. "He's just not like us," he says before a scene cuts to Muriel exploring her own "passions." Based on this, On Swift Horses appears to blur the lines of love, lust, secrets, and recognizing one's identity.

Read up on Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh's We Live In Time, which also premiered at TIFF last year!

Lead image via Robin Marchant/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

The 2000s were a wild time for movies. It was an era of debatable fashion, even more questionable humor, and films that, looking back, we can't believe ever made it past a pitch meeting.

While certain movies from this nostalgic period remain classics, others haven't aged very well. Whether they're filled with problematic tropes or outdated stereotypes, here are the 10 cringey 2000s movies that wouldn't stand a chance in Hollywood today.

Scroll to see all the super cringe 2000s movies we wouldn't see today...

Summit Entertainment

1. Twilight (2008)

When Twilight premiered in 2008, it became an instant sensation and sparked a cultural obsession with supernatural romance. However, while it left an undeniable mark on pop culture, this film has some major underlying issues.

Once viewed as swoon-worthy, Bella and Edward's relationship feels problematic in hindsight. He was controlling, exhibited stalker-like behavior, and gaslit her into believing that she imagined his supernatural abilities.

Add in the fact that Edward is technically over a century old when Bella is a high schooler, and it's clear why Twilight might not resonate with audiences the same way in 2025.

Universal Pictures

2. Knocked Up (2007)

Directed by Judd Apatow, Knocked Up was initially well-received despite heavily leaning on outdated gender stereotypes. The movie follows responsible and career-driven Alison, who is forced to navigate an unplanned pregnancy with slacker Ben.

Even though Knocked Up delivers plenty of laughs, it also portrays women, especially Alison, as rigid and joyless. Katherine Heigl, the lead actress, criticized this, too, saying the film "Paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys."

Dreamworks

3. Norbit (2007)

This movie might've showcased Eddie Murphy's ability to transform into multiple characters, yet Norbit is still more cringeworthy than comedic. The portrayal of Rasputia, an over-the-top and domineering woman whose character is built around fat-shaming jokes, is particularly offensive.

Moreover, Murphy also plays Mr. Wong, a wildly stereotypical caricature of an elderly Chinese man.

20th Century Fox

4. Shallow Hal (2001)

Shallow Hal may have set out to deliver a message about inner beauty, but it really missed the mark. Again, this film relies on fatphobic humor, with Gwyneth Paltrow's character serving as the target of the jokes.

It arguably reinforces stereotypes about weight and attractiveness, and Gwyneth (who wore a fat suit) actually called the movie a "disaster" in 2020.

Columbia Pictures

5. White Chicks (2004)

Featuring over-the-top humor and absurd disguises, White Chicks was a hit in 2004. Nonetheless, it's a tired portrayal of women as materialistic, shallow, and obsessed with their looks.

The premise involves two FBI agents posing as socialites during a Hamptons weekend, and it was always meant to be ridiculous. Even so, there are certain scenes that are especially questionable, like when an athlete at the club attempts to spike a woman's drink.

Universal Pictures

6. Brüno (2009)

Brüno was intended to be a bold satire, Sacha Baron Cohen's specialty, but it crosses the line of edgy humor. He plays an exaggerated, flamboyant Austrian fashion journalist, and the mockumentary was meant to expose homophobia.

Despite that, the movie incorporated a lot of outdated gay stereotypes and might've reinforced the notions as opposed to challenging them. In fact, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) representative Rashad Robinson called the work "problematic in many places and outright offensive in others."

New Line Cinema

7. Wedding Crashers (2005)

Wedding Crashers revolves around two men who lie their way into weddings to manipulate women into sleeping with them. At its core, the film's plot is unsettling and questionable.

Aside from that, it features gay stereotypes, a racist grandmother, and scenes that blur the lines of consent. All that being said, t's obvious why this movie wouldn't fly today.

New Line Cinema

8. The Notebook (2003)

The Notebook is still one of the most favored romance movies of all time, so this may be an unpopular opinion, but some of its most iconic moments are more disturbing than anything.

There's no denying that Noah and Allie's love story is passionate, but his relentless pursuit of her is borderline manipulative. Remember when he threatened to let go of the Ferris wheel if she didn't go on a date with him?

Plus, once they actually get together, their relationship is filled with constant fighting, including scenes when Allie hits Noah. Female-on-male violence has traditionally been glossed over in films, but today, Hollywood is moving away from these problematic depictions.

Paramount Pictures

9. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

This movie follows advice columnist Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson, who wants to write an attention-grabbing piece. She finds Ben Berry, an advertising executive who's arguably creepy and manipulative.

While How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days may be a classic rom-com, it relies on gender stereotypes that can feel more offensive than humorous now.

Paramount Pictures

10. Mean Girls (2004)

Finally, we can't forget about Mean Girls, one of the most iconic teen comedies of the 2000s. Sure, it's filled with endlessly quotable lines and a sharp take on high school cliques, but it also has relentless body-shaming.

Many of the scenes would hit differently in today's more body-positive era, making Mean Girls a more cringey watch in 2025.

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