Trying to Quit Coffee? Try These 4 Healthy Energy-Boosting Alternatives

Jessica Waller
Mar 18, 2019

If a significant portion of your paycheck goes toward funding your coffee habit, you’re def not alone — but too much coffee (like any good thing) can be, well, just too much. If your morning cold brew habit is starting to make you feel more buggy than buzzy, it may be time to consider another option. “Caffeine can give you temporary physical and mental energy, but when the effects wear off, you feel more tired and want even more caffeine,” says Erin Stokes, ND, medical director at MegaFood. Turns out, a few of our fave adaptogenic herbs have natural energy-boosting qualities — sans cranky-making caffeine. Here’s the scoop on the caffeine-free alternatives that’ll still give you that required a.m. jumpstart (without the jitters).

1. Power up with Maca. Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is an edible tuber sourced from Peru with powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. A member of the cruciferous family, Maca is a well-known hormone balancer and can improve energy and stamina by acting on the adrenal glands. Animal studies have shown Maca may also improve memory and focus. Maca is also a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin C, copper, and iron, which makes it a great addition to your post-workout routine. Start with one tablespoon of the powder form — try a scoop of the powdered form in your smoothie or your morning cuppa (habits are hard to break!) — and work up to 2-3 tablespoons. Alternatively, try a fun herbal coffee alternative:

Teeccino Maca Chocolaté Organic Chicory Herbal Coffee ($12)

2. Clear the fog with mucuna. A new wellness world favorite, Mucuna puriens is a magic, velvety bean (literally, it’s a legume!) that’s used as a coffee substitute in Central America. The bean extract contains high levels of the amino acid levodopa, a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which bestows happy, blissed-out vibes. A true adaptogen, mucuna helps the body better adapt to stress, supports nervous system function, is neuroprotective and improves energy and endurance. A small daily dose works best: In Ayurveda, it’s traditionally combined with milk and honey as a nourishing tonic. Stir 1/8 teaspoon into your soup, smoothie or tea — mucuna’s neutral taste is nearly undetectable.

(Note that mucuna may interact with SSRIs or Parkinson’s meds — so ask your doc before consuming, as with any new supplement.)

Sun Potion Mucuna Puriens ($43)

3. Get elevated with Ashwagandha. Another Ayurvedic staple, ashwagandha root (Withania Somnifera) is a potent herb known for its energy-boosting and stress-relieving effects (a true one-two punch!). It’s revered in Ayurveda for providing “energy through calm,” and its stress benefits have been backed by research — ashwagandha is a key player in helping balance the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (AKA the HPA axis), which controls the body’s response to stress. It also has brain-supportive effects that are purported to reduce anxiety and nervousness while boosting memory and cognition. Caffeine tries to pull energy out of the body, says Stokes, when in fact “the secret to replenishing your energy tank is a more comprehensive approach, including adaptogens like ashwagandha that are nourishing and balancing to our bodies’ natural stress response.” Take a low dose daily and double it during high-stress times: The adaptogen-heavy Cosmic Cocoa from Moon Juice is a favorite for chocolate lovers.

Moon Juice Cosmic Cocoa ($30)

4. Feel invincible with reishi. A medicinal mushroom with over 2,000 years of history of use in China, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is powerful medicine. Known to boost immunity, support the body’s detoxification process, and balance blood sugar, reishi has also been shown to boast antitumor and anticancer properties, all of which play into its long-revered powers of “enhancing vital energy” and “spiritual potency.” In terms of energy and focus, reishi has been shown to boost memory by increasing nerve growth factor and thereby stimulating brain neuronal activity. As an adaptogen, it also mediates the stress response and balances hormones. Get your hands on some mushroom chai, stat.

Four Sigmatic Chai Latte with Turkey Tail and Reishi ($19)

RELATED: Kick Your Coffee Habit for Good With This Adaptogen Latte

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25 Sick Day Recipes That’ll Get You Back On Your Feet In No Time

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a sick day when you need it, but it’s totally normal to want to get back on your feet ASAP. You’re busy, after all! You’ve probably tried eating chicken noodle soupand drinking plenty of green juiceto make you feel better, but these 25 sick day recipes offer a little extra, with seasonal veggies, turmeric and other spices, plus cover everything from homemade cough drops to ice pops to hot toddies. They'll have you feeling like yourself in no time, so grab some tissues and a humidifier, curl up with your favoritecomfort show or fallbook, and focus on getting and feeling better.

Immune Boosting Winter Citrus Smoothie

Crush your cold with all the colorful in-season produce like blood oranges, beets, pomegranates, and rainbow chard spiced with ginger, turmeric, and cayenne. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Creamy Yogurt Popsicles with Berries

Nurse your sore throat with these healthy popsicles made with fresh berries and just five ingredients! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

15-Minute Asian Cold Remedy Soup

Maybe this soup’s claim has something to do with the hefty dose of fresh ginger in each bite.(via Fork in the Kitchen)

Cold-Soothing Chai Hot Toddy

Your grandma wasn’t lying when she said that a hot toddy is the best cold medicine. This chai-spiced version adds even more warmth to the drink and will lull you into a peaceful night of sleep. (via Baking Mischief)

Honey Chamomile Popsicles

Honey and chamomile are two soothing ingredients for a sore throat or upset tummy. Keep them stored in the freezer, and you and your kids will be more than happy to snack on them while sick. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Immune Boosting Garden Herb Stock

Once you get over your illness, you need to do everything you can to keep your immune system up. This nutritious stock is full of vitamins and minerals that you can drink straight or add to just about any dish you like. (viaOm Nom Ally)

Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

You’ve got to have a solid chicken noodle soup recipe, no matter who you’re trying to nurse back to health. This one has plenty of protein, veggies, and comforting egg noodles to get your stomach settled. (viaAverie Cooks)

Golden Milk

Delicious both hot or cold, this anti-inflammatory drink made with coconut milk, dates, turmeric, and cinnamon is full of medicinal properties that will leave you feeling great in no time. Plus, it's gluten and dairy-free, vegan, and super easy to make! (via Clean Cuisine)

Rosehip Tea

Ripe in late fall, rosehips are high in vitamin C and can help strengthen your immune system. This tea, made with these fruits of rose plants, has an amazing effect on your body, before and after your sick day. (via Give Recipe)

feelgoodfoodie.net

Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

If you're not a fan of noodles or just not in the mood for them, opt for a chicken and rice soup instead. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Turmeric Ginger Chickpea Noodle Soup

Thisimmune-boosting chickpea noodle soup is full of veggies with a flavorful ginger turmeric broth, plus it's ready in about 30 minutes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

All-Natural DIY Pineapple Cough Syrup

No more cough syrup at home? Go for this all-natural alternative. The combination of pineapple, cayenne, lemon, ginger, and honey is more than effective at keeping your coughs at bay. (via The View from Great Island)

Gingery Poached Egg Soup

Sometimes it’s hard to even eat chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather. This light version will be ready for you to sip in 15 minutes, and it won’t weigh too heavily on your stomach. (via The Kitchn)

Healing Turmeric Cauliflower Soup

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are just one of the reasons this soup is perfect for healing your sick body. If you’re having any trouble swallowing, the smooth texture will be easy for you to get down and digest. (via Simply Quinoa)

Healing Bowls With Turmeric Sweet Potatoes, Poached Eggs, and

Lemon Dressing

When you’re able to eat a little bit more, a big bowl of nourishing ingredients is what you need. This sweet potato and brown rice bowl is full of greens, poached egg, and a lemony dressing to help you feel like a million bucks. (via Pinch of Yum)

Immunity Shots

You could go to a fancy juice bar to get an immune-boosting shot or you could make one at home for a fraction of the cost, and you won’t have to get out of your pajamas. Use your blender or juicer to combine carrot, ginger, lemon, and garlic together into a cold-blooded flu killer. (via With Food and Love)

Cold Buster Citrus Smoothie

If your immune system does give into the office cold, this vitamin C-packed drink will help you recover at lightning speed. (via Seasonal Cravings)

Moon Milk

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the hardest things to do while you’re sick. This antioxidant-rich warm moon milk recipe features nutmeg and ashwagandha, both of which are known for lulling you into a restful slumber. (via Bon Appetit)

Super Immunity Power Salad

Move over, spinach. This kale salad is here to take the spot as the most nutritious and delicious way to eat your greens. (via The Garden Grazer)

Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothie

Who needs a multivitamin when you could just drink this smoothie every day? One kiwi has over 100 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C, so you know that you’ll stay healthy through flu season with this as your breakfast. (via The Pretty Bee)

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Vegan Vegetable Noodle Soup Recipe

Even without the chicken, noodle soup is good for the soul. (via Veggie Society)

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

pinkowlkitchen.com

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Sometimes all you need is a hot, seasonal drink to get you back on your feet. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

www.averiecooks.com

CREAMY SWEET POTATO CHICKEN SOUP

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A which! Is great for fighting off illnesses.(via Averie Cooks)

takestwoeggs.com

SPICY SOFT TOFU SOUP

Sometimes all you need is a little spice to clear up a stuffy nose! (Takes Two Eggs)

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Easy Homemade Sore Throat Gummies

These lemon, ginger, and honey gummies are better than any lozenge than you can get at the store. The natural ingredients will coat your throat and ease any annoying tickles or cough that you may have. (via Hello Creative Family)

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Max's Newest Rom-Com Is Basically 'When Harry Met Sally'

The holidays are about spending time with your loved ones and eating a ton of good food. And apparently it's also time for breakups. In Max's new movie, Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga play two best friends trying to navigate friendship, relationships, and adulthood during their first year at college. When they make a pact to break up with their significant others, they wind up having one of the most chaotic nights of their lives on Drunksgiving (when people party the Wednesday before Thanksgiving). We don't get many Thanksgiving-themed movies, and I'll take every one we can get!

Here's everything you need to know about Sweethearts, including our interviews with Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, Caleb Hearon, and Jordan Weiss!

Our Interviews With 'Sweethearts' Stars Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, & Caleb Hearon And Writer Jordan Weiss

Sweethearts might be the ultimate cozy holiday season watch, but its cast and crew can't stop gushing about cozy classics like When Harry Met Sally and Harry Potter. ("Oh, my childhood," Kiernan Shipka says with a nostalgic edge to her voice. "All the meals, the dining hall." This, too, is what I envy the most about the Hogwarts lifestyle).

Writer-director Jordan Wiess declares herself a When Harry Met Sally superfan and says the movie "always makes me feel [good]. The sweaters and the style, and it always reminds me of the fall...ObviouslyThe Holiday is one of my favorite Nancy Meyers movies that always have to watch in December. And then a re-watch of Gilmore Girls is mandatory for the fall."

What do all of these titles have in common? Memorable relationships and oh-so-cozy backdrops. And in Sweethearts (on Max November 28), two best friends decide to break up with their high school sweethearts over Thanksgiving break, and wind up running into all their old friends during their mission. So, naturally, I have to ask for their best advice for returning home for the holidays!

"I've told people that I've had childhood crushes on that I didn't tell at the time, 'By the way, I had a huge crush on you,'" Kiernan says. "It's so fun to say the thing you've never maybe said to someone that you've always wanted to. I mean, that's fun to me. I would say maybe do that if you can find an old crush that you never expressed your feelings to. Even if it's just for the fun of it."

"I like going back and doing a lot of the old things I grew up doing with the old friends that left the Bay or stayed in the Bay," Nico Hiraga adds. "That's special when you go back and just treat it like no time went by at all, you know, do the same old traditions."

But for Caleb Hearon, it's out with the old and in with the new. "Going and seeing a bunch of people you haven't seen in a while I think, try on something new," he says. "Bring up a new music you're listening to, wear a bold shirt. Just try on something new when you're coming home from college. I remember going back to my small town from college and I was trying out new clothes. I was trying out new phrases. I was testing things out, seeing what people liked and didn't like. They don't know who you are now!"

Clearly, heightened emotions around going back to your hometown is a universal experience, and for Jordan and co-writer Dan Brier, it was important that the storyline fit right in with those classics we all know so well.

"Dan and I had a lot of conversations where we're like, 'Ok, what if you gave Superbad or Booksmart the male-female friendship When Harry Met Sally treatment — but in the shape of one of those raucous buddy comedy night-where-everything-goes-wrong type of movies."

They also pulled from John Hughes titles like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, "where an adventure is unfolding in a really limited span of time. And the characters are having a pretty complete emotional arc happen through this one crazy day or one crazy night."

Sweethearts is full of crazy moments, from house parties to college roommate horror stories, and the chemistry in those scenes is just a reflection of how close the cast and crew got on set, which Jordan equates to being at summer camp. Caleb remembers "laughing so hard that we had to muffle it so you don't ruin sound."

"I really hope people have truly half as much fun watching this movie as we had making it because we had the goofiest happiest set," Jordan adds. "Shout out to Nico who was definitely our onset DJ who had a wireless speaker with him on his cast chair at all times. So the second we would call cut, he was grabbing the speaker, blasting the tunes. I have so many funny videos of Kieran and Nico just dancing it out in the middle of the night because we were shooting mostly all throughout the nights and you gotta find creative ways to keep the energy up at four in the morning."

"One of my favorite parts in the movie is when Ava DeMary (Claire) sings the national anthem and it's only in there for about 15 seconds," she continues. "We need to release the full four-minute performance because it got so unhinged, and also just all of Caleb's faces that he was making at her when she was singing. I have to find out if we are going to cut a blooper reel."

Considering how close the cast got, and Kiernan's track record for starting cast group chats (she's gone viral multiple times for revealing she texts her friends and costars good morning), I'm not surprised to learn she started a Sweethearts cast chat. I am surprised, however, to learn she started at least four!

"It's that thing where we have so many people," she says. "There's like one hero, bigger group chat that I think is like eight people. And I think it's called Via Carrot because it was a play on Via Carota [and] someone was like, 'Oh, I'm gonna get there via carrot.'"

"But then it's that thing of like it's me, Caleb, Me, [Nico], Jordan, and Dan," she continues. "But we all have one group chat where like one person is there or we have a smaller one. So we maybe have five others, and there's just the three of us called Friends Are Life...There's a lot going on. I'm gonna accidentally text the wrong one."

What is the movie Sweethearts about?

Max

Sweethearts Plot

Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga play two best friends who are trying to nagviate friendship, relationships, and adulthood during their first year at college. When they return home for Thanksgiving break, and agree to break up with their high school sweethearts before classes start back up, a chaotic night out ends up putting their friendship to the ultimate test.

​When is Sweethearts coming out?

Max

Sweethearts Release Date

Sweethearts is premiering on Max Thursday, November 28, which also happens to be Thanksgiving! We'll start perfecting our mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce now.

Who's in the cast of Sweethearts?

Max

Sweethearts Cast

The cast of Sweethearts includes Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, Caleb Hearon, Tramell Tillman, Ava Demary, Charlie Hall, Joel Kim Booster, and Christine Taylor.

Do you hope Sweethearts turns into a friends-to-lovers story? Or that Max keeps it strictly platonic? Let us know on Instagram! And while we're on the topic of Thanksgiving, check out 21 Easy Thanksgiving Finger Food Recipes you can make this fall. ;)

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

This post has been updated.

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Why We Lose Flexibility As We Age — And How to Get It Back

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

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As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

Brit + Co

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

Brit + Co

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

Brit + Co

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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22 Classic Christmas Movies The Whole Family Will Love

As much as I love binge watching new Christmas movies (shameless plug for Our Little Secret, I loved it so much), there's nothing like sitting down with your family to watch a classic Christmas movie. After all, they're classics for a reason! These picks are great for the littlest of kids, but they're still entertaining enough for the rest of the fam. Someholiday moviesare black and white, and some are a little more recent but, but they're all must-see movies.

No matter what kind of film you're looking for, keep reading for the BEST classic Christmas movies to watch this holiday season!

CBS/ABC/Apple TV+

A Charlie Brown Christmas — On Apple TV+

If you don't have time for a full feature film, opt for this animated special instead. Charlie Brown explores the true meaning of Christmas, family, and friendship when he's put in charge of the holiday pageant. This cartoon is so cute, and it's the perfect length for when you need a quick mealtime watch!

Columbia Pictures

Little Women — On Paramount+

Sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are dealing with a Christmas with no presents and, even worse, no Father while he fights in the Civil War. But as they encounter love and loss throughout their adolescence, the older they get, the more they realize the greatest gift was each other.

Columbia Pictures

The Holiday — on Prime Video

This classic Christmas movie (which stars Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black) has everything you could dream of: a house swap to a dreamy location and a run-in with handsome strangers. Say no more.

Warner Bros.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation — On Max

Clark Griswold is determined to give his family the best Christmas vacation ever. Unfortunately, it's totally on brand for the entire holiday to become a giant disaster.

RKO Pictures

It's a Wonderful Life — On Roku

The first classic Christmas movie on our list is one that my dad tried to get me to watch for years. I finally watched it and I cried almost the entire time. It's A Wonderful Life follows George Bailey, who's taken to an alternate reality where he never existed and realizes just how much he as to live for. This movie will definitely make you appreciate the people you love.

Legacy Releasing

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — Rent On Amazon Prime

Stop motion holiday movies were my entire childhood, and this one is a super cute addition to any family gathering. It expands on the iconic reindeer's story and features romance, danger, friendship, and even themes of identity and belonging. Go Rudolph!

Universal Pictures

Love Actually — on Prime Video

Any rom-com fan will want to tune into this classic, which tells the story of multiple lovestruck (or heartbroken) characters and will make you feel totally seen.

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures

Christmas With The Kranks — On Prime Video

Jamie Lee Curtis might not have won an Oscar until 2023 for Everything Everywhere All At Once, but she deserved one for this classic Christmas movie ;). Luther and Nora have decided to all but cancel Christmas with their daughter in Peru. But when she comes home at the last minute, they must figure out how to have a spontaneous celebration.

Warner Bros.

The Polar Express — on Max

If you ask me, it's not a proper holiday without watching this iconic animated movie. Tom Hanks voices both the train conductor leading children to the North Pole and the little boy who isn't sure he even believes in Santa.

20th Century Studios

Home Alone — On Disney+

If you prefer a hilarious Christmas movie, then Home Alone is exactly what you need. 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is left behind when his family goes on their holiday vacation. As fun as it sounds, he starts to get tired of being ~home alone~ pretty quickly — especially when two burglars decide to target the house.

Disney

Eloise At Christmastime — on Prime Video

Speaking of spunky children, take a trip around the Plaza Hotel with Eloise, who basically rules the roost. With Gavin Creel as the lovable Bill and Christine Baranski as Prunella, this is one classic Christmas movie you'll want to watch even when you're not a kid anymore.

Disney

A Muppet Christmas Carol — On Disney+

By this point, A Muppet Christmas Carol is a classic Christmas movie that you'll remember for years to come. Every iteration puts a new spin on the tale, but this version is definitely Gen Z's favorite. The movie follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a stingy bachelor whose life is changed when the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future visit him on Christmas Eve.

New Line Cinema/Warner Bros.

Elf — On Hulu

Even though this movie takes place in a post-Y2K world, it is absolutely a classic Christmas movie at this point! Buddy has spent his whole life thinking he's an elf, but when he learns he's a human — and that his dad is living in New York City — he goes on an adventure to find the family he never met. If anything will spark a lifelong love of narwhals, it'll be this movie. This is also a fun movie to watch after Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer because it's supposed to be the same world!

MGM Studios

A Christmas Story — on Max

If you watched Elf and thought that Ming Ming the elf looked familiar, it's because he's played by Peter Billingsley from A Christmas Story! In this holiday classic, Ralphie does what every kid does the closer we get to Christmas: begs his parents for his dream gift, a Red Ryder BB gun.

Touchstone Pictures

The Nightmare Before Christmas — on Disney+

Pumpkin king Jack Skellington is in for a surprise when he finds Christmastown...and decides to kidnap Santa and take on the mantle of the jolly old elf. Tim Burton's musical delight is perfect for anyone who considers themself just a little bit more of a Halloween person (we get it!)

20th Century Studios

Miracle on 34th Street — On Disney+

There are two versions of this classic Christmas movie you can add to your watchlist: the 1947 black and white film, or the 1994 version starring Matilda's Mara Wilson. The story follows an independent single mother, a man on a quest to prove he's Santa Claus, and a little girl looking for something to believe in. I cannot recommend it enough, for real.

Paramount Pictures

White Christmas — On Prime Video

This movie is my family's non-negotiable yearly watch, and TBH, everyone needs to see it! White Christmas is a musical that follows Bob and Phil who team up with sister act Betty and Judy to save an old friend's failing Vermont inn. For even more of a recommendation, my family genuinely and spontaneously breaks into any song from this movie as soon as the holiday season stars.

MGM/Warner Bros/CBS

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! — On Peacock

This classic Christmas movie (which I prefer to the Jim Carrey version, but you do you, boo) follows the titular Grinch, who decides to ruin Christmas by stealing presents, decor, and food from the Whos in Whoville. This heartwarming story really serves as a reminder that Christmas — and life — is more than material objects.

Image via Universal Pictures

How The Grinch Stole Christmas — Rent On Amazon Prime

In this spin on the aforementioned cartoon, Jim Carrey plays the Grinch, who hates Christmas and can't stand the Whos of Whoville. This is a full feature film so they've added some extra plotlines the original doesn't have, but TBH, it just makes it more memorable.

CBS

Frosty The Snowman — on Hulu

Another classic Christmas movie that kids of all ages will love! When Frosty comes to life and befriends some local children, they have to team up to prevent him from melting.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Santa Clause — On Disney+

Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, who must step into the red, cookie-loving shoes of Santa Claus when he accidentally causes the previous Santa to fall off his roof. After decades of Santa stories, I always loved how original this one is!!

ABC/Disney

The Year Without a Santa Claus — Rent on Apple TV+

"I'm Mister White Christmas, I'm Mister Snow!" Whether you've been singing this song since the special aired in 1974, or you've seen all the TikToks, it's a better time than ever to rewatch the story of the elves trying to convince Santa to carry out his annual trek.

Have you seen all of these classic Christmas movies? Check out these 12 Cozy New Christmas Movies On Netflix, Prime Video, Hallmark Channel, & More and Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix This Year for more cozy movie ideas!

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

This post has been updated.

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45 Gift Ideas For The Creative & Crafty People In Your Life

Finding the perfect gift for the crafty loved ones in your life can be a challenge, especially when they're always busy creating beautiful, thoughtful gifts of their own. Yet, there's no need to worry as we've already done the hard work for you. We've curated a list of the 45 most inspiring gift ideas that will make shopping a breeze during the holidays. Whether you're searching for something special for a scrapbooking professional or a coloring book enthusiast, this list is packed with thoughtful options to celebrate their creativity.

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This Candle Making Kit Comes With a Stove

Amazon

Give a gift that keeps on giving with this candle making kit that allows you to personalize candles in the comfort of your own home. This set includes a mini electric stove, rich scents, dyes, and everything else you need to get started.

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This Portable Printer With Wireless Connectivity

Amazon

Every photographer needs one of these portable printers in their purse. This gift pack includes the wireless printer, compatible sheets, and a charger, perfect for instantly printing your favorite moments and memories.

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This Tic-Tac-Toe Game With a Wooden Design

Amazon

Modern meets timeless with this tic-tac-toe game that is designed to be a puzzle and decor pice. The natural wood blends in seamlessly with any space, while the easy display allows anyone to hop in and play instantly.

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This Flower Press Kit for a Nature-Inspired Gift

Amazon

Mix your creative side with nature when you have this flower press kit that includes a sturdy wooden frame and 10 layers for pressing and preserving flowers, leaves, or other plants. This set turns into a piece of decor in your space, perfect for your bathroom or living room.

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This Easel With an Adjustable Height

Amazon

Every true artist needs this easel to display their greatest pieces. This adjustable accessory is a go-to gift for the holidays, offering a lightweight design and carry bag for easy transport to art class.

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This Rock Painting Set Comes With Smooth Rocks

Amazon

The best part about this rock painting set is that it doubles as a therapeutic activity that will keep you calm and relaxed. This set comes with smooth rocks, metallic paints, and brushes, allowing you to express your creativity in a multitude of ways.

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This Puzzle Set Comes With 12 Puzzles

Amazon

Add in a festive twist to your gift with this puzzle set that includes 12 days of puzzles. Each day reveals a new puzzle featuring vibrant scenes of winter, perfect for indulging in a new creative activity each day of the holiday season.

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This Painting Kit Is Suitable With a Variety of Paints

Amazon

Masterpieces are easy to create when you have this painting kit that comes with 13 fine-tip brushes that work with oils, watercolors, acrylics, and more. The unique bristles allow for detailed designs, perfect for creating landscapes or portraits.

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This Art Machine Creates Custom Tees

Amazon

TikTok users rave about this art machine that allows you to create custom cards, shirts, or wall decor. This gadget can connect to an app on your smart device, allowing you to print a ton of different designs in the click of a button.

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This Cloud Kit With Unique Colors

Amazon

The best part about this cloud kit is that it can sync to your favorite songs and provide your home with a multicolor effect. This light kit has a variety of different hues, perfect for creating a mood throughout your space.

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This Proofing Basket Set for the Avid Baker

Amazon

Create artisan-level sourdough in the comfort of your own home with this proofing basket set that comes with linen liners, scrapes, scorers, and more. It's easy to follow and a must-have for beginners and professionals alike.

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This Mosaic Kit for Customized Home Decor

Amazon

Create the most stunning candle holder with this mosaic kit that comes with vibrant glass mosaic pieces and an adhesive base. Suitable for children and adults, this art kit is a perfect way to customize lighting decor in your space.

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This Peel and Stick Border Is Easy to Apply and Remove

Amazon

We all have the one friend who's always working on a DIY house project. This peel and stick border is the perfect stocking stuffer, offering an easy way to frame mirrors or dress up furniture around the house. It has a wood grain finish, seamlessly blending into any decor style.

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This Stamp Set With Varying Designs

Amazon

This stamp set includes 32 intricately designed wooden rubber stamps, serving as the perfect gift for the scrapbooker in your life. They deliver clean impressions with each use, allowing you to personalize all of your arts and crafts.

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This Bonsai Tree With Care Instructions

Amazon

Get creative with your gardening, starting with this bonsai tree kit that includes seeds for four bonsai. This kit also includes a growing and caring guide, ensuring you are set up for success this season.

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This Rinse Cup Keeps Your Brushes Organized

Amazon

Artists swear by this rinse cup that serves as a go-to accessory for scrubbing paint off brushes. The built-in holder keeps your brushes organized, while the unique design ensures it's suitable for acrylic, watercolor, and other water-based mediums.

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This Dice Set Inspires Your Pieces

Amazon

Inspire your creative loved ones with this dice set that features a variety of different prompts for drawing and painting. Simply roll the dice and break through creative art blocks with each roll.

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This Memory Game for the Artist Friend Group

Amazon

Perfect for artists and non-artists alike, this memory game challenges players to draw objects and scenes entirely from their memory. It's easy to play and a must-have for all ages.

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This Paperback Will Work Your Brain

Amazon

Whether you're hopping on a long flight or killing time in the evening, this paperback is filled with games, puzzles, and trivia to spark your creative mind. It's a go-to for puzzle enthusiasts, offering a ton of unique options.

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This Wood Burning Kit Creates Personalized Gifts

Amazon

Explore the art of pyrography with this wood burning kit that includes a burner pen with interchangeable tips. The stencils make it easy to practice the craft, while the watercolor paints allow you to add a personalized touch to each of your creations.

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This Scrapbook Kit With Endless Designs

Amazon

With over 400 pieces in this scrapbook kit, you can have everything you need for your junk journal, planners, and more. he mix of floral, botanical, and nostalgic designs ensures endless possibilities for creating art this season.

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This Buddha Board for Your Mindful Friend

Amazon

Promote mindfulness and creativity throughout the holidays with this buddha board. This zen-inspired gift creates art with water, and then fades away to represent the symbol of living in the present.

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This Paint Set With a Matte Finish

Amazon

This paint set includes 16 shades and everything you need to design masterpieces. The matte finishes make these paint colors perfect for wood, canvas, paper, or ceramics.

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This Pencil Case With a Zipper Design

Amazon

This pencil case offers three different compartments for all of your pens, pencils, and art supplies. It's chic and practical, allowing you to carry your art tools around throughout the day.

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This Creativity Book With Daily Prompts

Amazon

With drawing exercises and writing prompts, this creativity book promotes unique activities that spark creativity every day. It encourages thinking in new ways and is perfect for anyone looking to feel inspired.

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This Bracelet Kit Is the Gift That Keeps on Giving

Amazon

Impress your loved ones with this bracelet kit that comes with 7,200 clay beads in 24 vibrant colors. This set allows you to customize and create name bracelets, beaded pieces, and more. Plus, it comes with organized boxes to keep your creative space clean.

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This Bird House Kit With a Wooden Design

Amazon

Nature enthusiasts have fallen in love with this bird house kit that allows you to customize and create your own bird house. he kit includes pre-cut wooden pieces, making it easy to assemble and personalize with paint, stencils, or decorative touches.

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This 3D Wooden Puzzle Is a Brain Teaser

Amazon

Step out of your comfort zone and try this 3D wooden puzzle that Amazon shoppers rave about. This gift requires a unique assembly strategy, perfect for anyone who likes to keep their creative side working throughout the day.

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This House Kit for a Daily Project

Amazon

There's nothing more enchanting than this house kit that includes miniature furniture, plants and lighting. With step-by-step instructions, assembling this miniature house is a relaxing, satisfying, and creative experience.

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This Adult Coloring Book With 50 Designs

Amazon

The mandala patterns in this adult coloring book offer intricate designs that are soothing and challenging. This book features 50 different designs to choose from, perfect for pencils, markers, or gel pens.

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This Book Nook Kit With a Magic Book Ebook

Amazon

Every bookworm falls in love this book nook kit that features over 300 wooden pieces and LED lights. This kit can fit in-between books on your book shelf, designed for teens and adults alike.

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This Colored Pencil Kit With Every Color Imaginable

Amazon

This colored pencil kit features 48 unique shades, effortlessly blending onto your art pads and journal. They offer rich pigments and a lightweight design, perfect for artists of all skill levels.

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This Origami Kit With Different Patterns

Amazon

This origami kit is the perfect creative task for anyone looking to fill their time. This book features 38 projects to choose from, in addition to over 150 sheets of origami paper to work with.

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This Puzzle Vase for Fun and Function

Amazon

This puzzle vase is made from 160 curved plastic pieces that snap together without glue. Once completed, it transforms into a stunning translucent vase adorned with delicate flowers and birds, perfect for showing off your favorite arrangements

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This Puzzle Storage With a Portable Design

Amazon

This puzzle storage is a must-have for anyone who enjoys building puzzles. This item has a wooden surface that is perfect for building, in addition to built-in compartments that provide a safe storage spot.

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This Wallpaper for an Accent Wall

Amazon

For the DIY home decorator, this wallpaper is a must-have gift for the holiday season. It's easy to apply and remove without causing any damage to the wall, and comes in a ton of fun patterns to choose from.

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This Paint-By-Numbers Kit With Vibrant Designs

Amazon

There's nothing as relaxing as this paint-by-numbers kit that is a go-to for beginners and seasoned artists alike. This kit comes packaged in a colorful box, perfect for gifting during the holidays.

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This LEGO Set With a Matching Display Frame

Amazon

Inspired by the iconic Japanese artwork, this LEGO set comes with everything you need to recreate Hokusai's The Great Wave in 3D form. This set comes with 1,800 pieces in addition to a frame that allows you to display your work.

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This Drawing Set With Multiple Pieces to Work With

Amazon

This drawing set comes with everything an artist needs to create and test-out a variety of different drawing techniques. With a sketching pad and charcoal pencils, this set serves as a thoughtful gift this holiday season.

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This Nail Polish Kit Includes a Soak-Off Formula

Amazon

Skip the nail salon and allow this nail polish kit to create the most flawless manicures for you. This kit includes over 30 shades to choose from, in addition to a UV light for curing.

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This Stained Glass Art Kit for the Whole Family

Amazon

Perfect for all ages, this stained glass art kit includes 10 intricate suncatcher designs, markers for coloring, and everything needed to create beautiful window clings. It's easy to use and a must-have for creating heartfelt gifts for your loved ones.

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This Scrapbook Album With a Modern Cover

Amazon

Capture your favorite memories with this scrapbook album that includes paper pages, markers, and stickers. It has a sleek design that ensures your memories stay safe, perfect for any celebration.

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This Pottery Tool Kit for Clay Enthusiasts

Amazon

If you have a special someone who creates with clay, this pottery tool kit is a go-to gift for the holidays. This kit comes with 40 pieces to work with, perfect for polymer clay, ceramic, or air-dry clay.

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This Resin Kit Molds to Your Hands

Amazon

Whether you use this resin kit to capture hand-holding or a peace sign, it will double as a piece of decor in your living space. It's easy to use and a must-have for beginners and professionals alike.

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This Ceramic Vase With a Bow Design

Amazon

Allow your loved ones to show off their creative bouquets in style with this ceramic vase. The simple design also allows for the ceramic to be painted or customized, adding a personalized touch to the look.

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