Enough Princess Stuff. GoldieBlox Is Changing Playtime for Girls

Hey, parents! There’s a new, very smart toy in the girls’ section of the toy aisle — you know, that aisle with the glittery shelves lined with everything princess in a rainbow of pink and purple hues. Well, get ready for a game changer: GoldieBlox is a unique story + construction set that aims to engage young girls and get them creating amazing things. In short, it’s setting them up to be the future engineers and the innovators of our world.

Construction toys have always been a “boy’s toy,” but GoldieBlox is ready to shake things up. Each set follows Goldie, a girly-girl with a knack for problem-solving, in a new adventure that inspires a building project. Girls ages four to nine will love the beautifully illustrated stories and the versatile building sets, which come with several design ideas. There are three titles currently available, ranging $20 to $30, and we’re hoping to see more added soon.

Debbie Steinberg is the inventor and CEO behind GoldieBlox. Debbie was one of the few women in her engineering program at Stanford and is aiming to change this shocking reality: Only 13% of engineers worldwide are women. Yikes. She set off to create a construction set from a female perspective that would boost girls’ imaginations, spacial skills and confidence. GoldieBlox launched in late 2012 with a smashing Kickstarter success that made their first set a reality (and first caught the discerning eye of The BritList ;). The following spring they won the ultra-competitive Shopify Build-A-Business Competition. With two Toy of the Year awards under their belt, it’s clear that GoldieBlox is here to stay. And play.

If you’re wondering if this toy actually inspires girls to build, we’ll let you be the judge of that. Check out the Play section of their website, where you can see what the little future engineers, ages six to eight, are currently inventing with the toy. Pretty compelling stuff!

Ready to get building with Goldie? Tell us what you think!

Kids are some of the most discerning peeps on your holiday list so you want to find something that will really tickle their hearts and brains. An indoor swing? Stilts? Creative forts? STEM kits? We have it all right here so you don't have to dig deep for the perfect gift, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the season. So go ahead and bake holiday cookies and binge on the latest holiday movie because here are 25+ gift ideas for kiddos that are still in stock and fun for all ages.

Personalized Alphabet Zoo Story Book

Personalize their first ABC book with this zoo-inspired storybook that gives a nod to their cute little name!

Rainbow Unicorn Tea Set

A great way to bond with adults and flex their pretend play muscle is to serve up some scrumptious unicorn tea! The carry case fits everything neatly inside so they can bring it anywhere for an impromptu tea party.

FAO Schwarz Glow Brights Plush Disco Ball

Get ready to party with this ball drop -- a plush disco ball that lights up with dazzling LED lights and sound. It's huggable too;)

Musical Chain Reaction Construction Set

Kids can construct this super cool domino-meets-music-meets-car construction set and play with it for hours after.

Floor Surfer

This roller board helps train motor skills and is totally safe with a design that helps protect their arms and legs. Plus, it's totally fun!

Hearthsong Gymnastics Tumbling Mat

For tumblers and little yogis alike, this mat is perfect for getting their wiggles out.

Learn to Mix & Spin DJ Pad

Aspiring DJs can learn to mix and play with this creative portable music studio.

Cable Transport

Perfect for a treehouse or fort, this crate and pulley system lets kids transport things old-school style, teaching them adventure, creativity, and cooperative play.

Hazel Village Kid Dolls

Made in Brooklyn, these organic handmade dolls are designed to look like kids of all shades, with adorable outfits and accessories to choose from for endless pretend play, or just to cuddle with at bedtime.

Magnetic Color and Number Maze

Toddlers can brush up on their colors and numbers with this magnetic color maze toy where they put beads in the matching paint can.

Montessori Arch

Part lounge chair, part climbing arch, this wooden structure from Etsy works both ways for chill and play time.

Geospace Original Walkaroo Durable Steel Stilts

What kid wouldn't want to play around with these stilts, and thankfully they're way more comfortable than stilts of yore with under arm foam and handles that add comfort and grip.

Kid Made Modern Arts and Crafts Supply Library

Fill your kiddo's craft stash with this 1,000-piece library of all things DIY and watch their creative juices flow.

3-in-1 Wooden Montessori Toys

Just as they're sitting up and tinkering with everything in sight, this 3-in-1 toy comes to the rescue for keeping them engaged and curious.

Weird & Wild Animal Facts Gift Set

Kids who are obsessed with wildlife can learn all about big cats, slithering snakes, mammoth elephants, and manic monkeys in this unique bingo, book and bath fuzz gift set.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Amazing Chemistry Set 

Kids can make bubbling, color-changing, and glowing experiments in this amazing science kit.

LEGO Classic Creative Party Box Set

Get your builders ready for a day of lego building with 12 mini builds and 900 bricks to make their own.

Kids Pod Swing Chair

Give them a private hang-out and reading spot with this indoor swing made in 100% cotton, perfect for bedrooms and play rooms.

Space World Play Tent Galaxy Dome Playhouse

Space explorers can pretend they've rocketed to outer space in this cool tent for secret astronaut missions.

Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set

Vending machines are practical for adults but totally fun for kids! Here, kids can stock the machine, insert play coins and press buttons to their watch items fall out and in their hands.

Tiny Land Kids-Fort-Building-Kit-80 Pieces-Creative Fort Toy

Any parent who has tried to build a fort with pillow cushions alone will appreciate this gift that makes fort fun so much easier, and long-lasting. Kids can assemble it themselves too for an added adventure.

Klutz Mini Clay World Pet Adoption Truck Craft Kit

Kids can sculpt puppies, birds, bunnies, and guinea pigs from oven-bake clay and then pretend they're driving a pet adoption truck that they'll also construct!

Friendship Bracelet Making Kit

Remember these? Friendship bracelets for besties and more will never go out of style. There are endless combinations too!

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)

Introduce readers to the world of Harry Potter in this first-time ever paperback boxed set!

Wooden Puzzles Blocks Brain Teasers

Challenge kids to a puzzle duel with this brain-teasing game that helps them focus and train their imagination.

​KiwiCo Craft & Carry Supply Station

We love KiwiCo STEM kits and this one has more than 1,000 pieces with a 33-page book chock-full of crafty ideas.

Personal Laptop Kids Chalkboard

No charging station needed here. Let kids pretend they're working like mom and dad with this chalkboard-style laptop for loads of pretend play ideas -- store owner, schoolteacher, writer, and more!

Find more holiday inspiration on our Holiday 2023 page and subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday gifting ideas!

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

Main image: Hazel Village Kid Dolls

Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are two of my favorite people in Hollywood because of the fact they do literally whatever they want, and they don’t care what you think about it. I aspire to be this confident and unbothered!! They've both had pretty big years — Dakota led both Madame Web and Daddio, while Jennifer announced she's pregnant with her second child at the end of October, and when I saw they hung out together, I knew this was one celebrity friendship I'd LOVE.

Are Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friends?

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are friends! The actresses were recently spotted on a stroll in Los Angeles, beverages in hand. Jennifer wore a tee and blue hoodie that showed off her growing baby bump while Dakota kept things chic with a black-on-black coat and v-neck sweater over a white tee shirt. They both looked super cozy! And, let's face it, beverages are basically an accessory at this point, and their drinks of choice prove they love little treats as much as we do!

And this isn't the first moment Jennifer Lawrence BFF moment that's made us fangirl this year! At the Oscars in March, Jennifer introduced Emma Stone, who ended up winning Best Actress for her role as Bella in Poor Things. Emma cried, Jennifer couldn't stop smiling, and it was an adorable moment for girls' girls everywhere.

Did Jennifer Lawrence date Chris Martin?

Not only are they two of Hollywood's "It" girls, but they also share an overlap in their dating history. Jennifer Lawrence (who's now married to Cooke Maroney) dated Dakota Johnson’s current beau Chris Martin between 2014 and 2015. Dakota started dating him just two years later.

Rumors started circulating in August that Dakota and Chris had called it quits, but thankfully, Dakota proved they were just rumors when her rep told Page Sixthe couple is still "happily together." The Social Network actress also told Bustle that when it comes to Chris' kids (whom he shares with ex Gwyneth Paltrow), she loves them "like my life depends on it. With all my heart." I'm simply obsessed.

Stay tuned for all the best Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friendship moments, and read up on why Dakota Johnson's Book Club Isn't Your Average Celebrity Reading List.

'90s babies, the time has come: we're now officially a part of a historical American Girl doll timeline. The company announced their newest historical girls, fraternal twins Isabel and Nicki Hoffman, on February 22 and Twitter went wild over the fact that the 1990s are now "historical" (although...they were almost 25 years ago).

The twins are giving us some major Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen vibes, and in addition to the dial-up computer and Pizza Hut dinner, the 18-inch doll collection is a treasure trove of details, looks, and toys from our childhoods (including the dolls' own American Girl magazine!). Let's take a little trip down memory lane with the American Girl '90s dolls.

Meet Isabel + Nicki from the American Girl Doll '90s Collection

Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Ultimate Collection ($326): Isabel Hoffman™ Doll, Journal & Accessories ($151); Nicki Hoffman™ Doll, Journal & Accessories ($151); Isabel™ & Nicki's™ Pet Set ($34)

The American Girl dolls have everything from composition notebooks and overall dresses to flannels and chokers. If we flipped through our childhood scrapbooks, we could point out these exact details in our own lives!

Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Bedroom Bundle ($641): Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Computer & Desk Set ($145); Isabel’s™ Floral Dreams Pajamas ($34); Nicki’s™ Skater Dreams Sleep Shirt ($28); Isabel’s™ Bed & Floral Dreams Bedding Set ($150); Nicki’s™ Bed & Animal-Print Bedding Set ($150); Isabel’s™ Bedroom Accessories ($50); Nicki’s™ Bedroom Accessories($50)

Reversible bedspreads, funky pillows, and animal slippers? Cute bedroom accessories and inflatable chairs? Their own dial-up computer? These girls are living our childhood dream.

Pizza Hut® BOOK IT!™ Set ($32)

We'd eat pizza everyday if we could, and we're certain those childhood trips to Pizza Hut is where our love for the cheesy dish began.

Isabel™ & Nicki’s™ Sports Bundle ($255): Isabel™ & Nicki's™ 2-in-1 Tennis Court & Skate Spot ($175); Isabel’s™ Tennis Outfit ($40); Nicki’s™ Skateboarding Outfit ($40)

Whether you dreamed of skateboarding around town or you played tons of tennis à la Break Point, you don't have to pick when you have a 2-in-1 tennis court and skating rink.

What do you think of this new American Girl doll collection? More importantly, what do you think about the fact that the '90s were almost 25 years ago?! Whew. Let us know on Twitter.

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

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

We do anticipate that the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! Though we don't know what they'll look like just yet, previous holiday menus over the years have featured vibrant reds, greens, and pinks, plus stars, sparkles, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. Typically, Starbucks' holiday cups span across hot and iced drinks. Additionally, a new lineup of reusable cups and mugs should become available!

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.