Looking to bring a sprinkle of magic to your favorite Disney fan this gift-giving season? Look no further than these adorable Disney gifts! These picks completely capture the whimsy and wonder of the Disney fandom and will enchant fans of all ages. Bring their favorite characters and beloved stories to life with everything from practical Disney cookware pieces to cozy Mickey sweatshirts – scroll on for all the magic!
Our top 15 favorite Disney gifts for 2024:
- Minnie Mouse Retro Graphic T-Shirt
- Winnie the Pooh Holiday Quilted Jacket
- Main Street Bakery Disney Candle
- Disneyland Logo Fleece Ears Beanie
- Vera Bradley Disney AirPods Bag Charm
- Williams Sonoma x Disney Spatulas
- Mickey & Friends Holiday Serving Platter
- Personalized Nameplate Disney Font Necklace
- Mickey, Minnie, & Pluto Holiday T-Shirt
- Mickey & Minnie Mouse Hoop Earrings Set
- Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Classic Disney Logo Throw
- Williams Sonoma Mickey Mouse Double Flip Waffle Maker
- Checkered Disney Jumbo Fanny Pack
- Santa Mickey Holiday Pullover Sweatshirt
- Set of 4 Disney Parks Ceramic Coasters
Disney Store
Winnie the Pooh Holiday Quilted Jacket
This Disney-themed jacket is so cute and not too in-your-face when it comes to other pieces of Disney apparel. The quilted design is undeniably trendy right now, and the best part is they'll be able to rock their favorite characters with the perfect dose of holiday cheer, year after year.
Etsy
Main Street Bakery Disney Candle
This sweet-smelling candle welcomes you home with the scents of fresh apples, butter, vanilla, raisins, and cinnamon sugar. It smells just like a bakery, particularly the fan-fave Main Street bakery that sits in Disney's Magic Kingdom!
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley Disney AirPods Bag Charm
This Mickey-shaped AirPods holder would make the perfect gift for Disney fans of any age! It conveniently clips on to bag straps and backpacks with a durable circle carabiner, so they won't have to worry about losing their earbuds. The color palette doesn't explicitly read 'Disney' though any fanatic would recognize those ears anywhere! 😉
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma x Disney Spatulas
This is the gift for the Disney lover that considers baking an Olympic sport. This set of two rubber spatulas boasts the cutest illustrations of both Mickey and Minnie to ensure every step of their next batch of cookies or freshly-baked cake is as joyful as can be.
Etsy
Personalized Nameplate Disney Font Necklace
Personalized gifts are going to be huge this year – this Disney-font nameplate necklace is the ultimate gesture that reflects your giftee's love for Disney without being too over-the-top.
Barefoot Dreams
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Classic Disney Logo Throw
Every family member can enjoy this Disney gift: a supremely soft throw blanket that, of course, includes Mickey's iconic silhouette.
Etsy
Set of 4 Disney Parks Ceramic Coasters
This adorable coaster set will give them a nice dose of the magic that the Disney parks bring. If they frequent the parks, they'll be able to reminisce on their last magical Disney trip... and perhaps be inspired to plan the next one! ⭐️
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
You and your friends have likely spent countless hours together, decoding everything from imaginationships to the best comfort shows to watch when you're sad. You've probably even settled into a designated role within the group. Maybe you're the super adventurous one, always suggesting friend date ideas for the group to try, while someone else always knows how to comfort everyone when life gets rough. But, have you ever wondered if you're the most empathetic friend in the group? That's easy, just ask Brianna Paruolo, LCMCH. She's the founder and clinical director of On Par Therapyso she knows how to recognize signs you're an empath, plus how to take care of yourself!
TL;DR
- Empathy is when "you feel what others are feeling."
- There are physical, emotional, social, and mental signs that you're an empath.
- You may be an empath if you get physically exhausted after being in crowds, feel anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments, feel responsible for other people's happiness, or you find it hard to distinguish your own feelings from someone else's.
Are there really assigned roles in friend groups or am I just imagining things?
Like I said before, it can seem like you and your friends unintentionally gravitate toward certain 'roles.' It's not like anyone woke up one day and decided, "I'm going to be the 'mother hen' of the group," but it tends to happen. Why?
Paruolo says, "In my clinical work, I've consistently observed that our friendship roles often mirror our early family dynamics. These patterns show up naturally — think about who in your friend group gets the first crisis call, who plans all the gatherings, or who everyone turns to for emotional support." I'm willing to bet you thought of a name for each scenario — including yours — because I know I did!
"Like in families, we each fall into specific roles that feel familiar to us," Paruolo further explains.
What actually makes someone an empathetic person?
There's so many definitions for empathy, but I thought it would be wise to ask a licensed professional for her opinion on the matter. "Empathy means to feel what others are feeling. You do not have to have a personal direct experience with something to feel empathy for another person," shares Paruolo.
For example, your friend could call to tell you she has to have fibroid removal surgery and is feeling scared. You may have never had surgery, but you could find yourself feeling the need to comfort her in spite of this. Paruolo says, "The cool thing about our brains is that we have mirror neurons, which means part of our brain is set up to feel what others feel. The ability to attune to others' emotional states comes naturally to some people, while others may need to develop this capacity more consciously."
To break it down even further, here's signs that Paruolo says point to your empathetic nature.
Physical Signs:
- Getting physically exhausted after being in crowds
- Feeling drained after social interactions, even enjoyable ones (OMG I feel so seen!)
- Needing extra time alone to recharge
Emotional Signs:
- Absorbing other people's emotions like a sponge
- Feeling anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments
- Finding it hard to watch violence or cruelty in movies/TV
Social Signs:
- Feeling responsible for others' happiness
- Having trouble saying "no" to people who need help
Mental Signs:
- Picking up on subtle changes in others' moods
- Being highly attuned to body language and tone
- Finding it hard to distinguish your feelings from others' feelings
It sounds like I'm the empathetic friend, but are there any downsides to this?
I've been an empath for as long as I can remember and I've found that I have to 'recharge' my social batteries at times. I thought it was because I was trying to be superwoman by fixing others' problems, but it turns out theres more to it than that. Paruolo says, "Empathetic friends and people have an uncanny ability to sense others' emotional states even when unspoken, and frequently need recovery time after intense social interactions. They tend to be deeply affected by others' experiences and naturally consider situations from multiple perspectives."
In the long run, she says it can be "distressing" for some people to always feel the feelings of others. Over time, she says, "it can cause you to shut down and retract." This can look like not being as quick to respond to the funny memes your friends send you or not even answering their phone calls right away.
But, this doesn't mean you're the only person who tends to go through this. "Many empaths struggle with maintaining boundaries due to their deep emotional attunement," she says. Color me guilty because this sounds so much like me. It got so bad at one point that my sister nicknamed me 'Captain Save-A-Lot,' which is actually the clean version of what she truly meant. Still, empathy fatigue is no laughing matter nor does it mean you're defected. You just have the natural ability to show people their feelings are important to you.
How can I protect my peace as the empathetic friend?
You know you need to set boundaries, but what does that mean? Paruolo says, "The key is understanding that empathy needs to be balanced with compassion - it's not just about feeling others' emotions but also knowing how to help without depleting yourself."
One of the things she loves to do is "encourage empaths to set clear boundaries around their emotional availability and make time for regular grounding exercises." As with gratitude journaling, try to focus on an activity that calls for you to be present. Focus on what you can hear, see, touch, taste, and smell.
"Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's essential maintenance for empaths. This might mean scheduling alone time, finding a supportive therapist, or joining communities where you can process your experiences," Paruolo implores.
I know how to be there for others, but how do I ask for emotional support when I need it?
You may feel like it's impossible to ask others for help since your shoulders are the ones people cry on, but you're only doing yourself a disservice by not speaking up. No one's super resilient or able to handle all of their distressing feelings alone. We're not meant to.
It's the reason Paruolo wants you to speak up about what you need. "The most effective approach I've seen is being direct about your needs rather than hoping others will figure them out," she says. I made this mistake during postpartum and found myself expecting my family & friends to know exactly how I felt, but they're not mind readers. The more I verbally asked for help with little or big tasks, the more my mental and emotional load lightened.
Paruolo wants you to look at "asking for support as strengthening your friendships through trust and vulnerability, instead of waiting until you're overwhelmed." By the time you reach that point, you'll be ready to enter rage or full-blown shut down mode and they're not fun.
Avoid unlocking their proverbial doors by scheduling "regular check-ins with trusted friends," suggests Paruolo. "This creates a sustainable support system and helps prevent emotional crisis points.
We have even more self-care stories for you to dive into if you need a mental and emotional boost!
Holiday movies are one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season and luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy or romance, we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a mug of comforting hot chocolateand snuggle up with a blanket. Here are our picks for the most highly anticipated new Christmas movies releasing soon!
Trivia at St. Nick's — On The Hallmark Channel November 8, 2024
Hallmark Channel
Let’s be honest, we all love when Pretty Little Liars co-stars reunite for a new project and the Hallmark Channel is delivering with Trivia at St. Nick’s. When Celeste and Max end up on the same team for their university's annual faculty Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament, they discover a newfound friendship — and chemistry. Who knows what could happen between the two of them before the championship?
Trivia at St. Nick’s stars Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty.
Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13
Petr Maur/Netflix
The holidays can be hard for those dealing with a loss, which is something Kathy is still experiencing. However, what will happen after she magically brings a handsome snowman to life? Will she learn to love again?
Hot Frosty stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Katy Mixon Greer, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Stause, Joe Lo Truglio, and Craig Robinson.
Red One — In Theaters November 15, 2024
Karen Neal/Amazon MGM Studios
Who doesn’t love an action-packed holiday adventure with Dwayne Johnson as the North Pole's main security guard and Chris Evans as a bounty hunter? Throw in a kidnapped Santa Claus and you have a Red One Christmas.
Red One stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons.
An Almost Christmas Story — On Disney+ November 15, 2024
Walt Disney Studios
The third and final installment of Alfonso Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+ is almost here, and it follows the adventure of an unlikely duo: a young owl called Moon and a lost little girl named Luna, both wanting to make it home for the holidays. This Christmas movie was was inspired by the tiny owl who was actually rescued from NYC's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020!
An Almost Christmas Story stars Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Jim Gaffigan, Mamoudou Athie, Alex Ross Perry, Gianna Joseph, Phil Rosenthal, Natasha Lyonne, and John C. Reilly.
The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland — On November 15, 2024
Universal Pictures/Hulu
There's nothing more festive than an animated musical and this year, we’re finally getting the film adaptation of Carys Bexington’s The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, which is a perfect mix of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland. Down the rabbit hole we go!
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland stars Emilia Clarke, Gerard Butler, and Simone Ashley.
The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20
Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix
The Merry Gentlemen is your classic story of a former big-city girl returning to her parents’ small-town to save the day, but with a twist…a steamy, all-male Christmas-themed production!
The Merry Gentlemen stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel.
Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27, 2024
Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix
Christmas with your ex? Definitely not fun for anyone, especially when you’re stuck under the same roof with new partners. Prepare for a whole lot of chaos and mixed feelings!
Our Little Secret stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.
Nutcrackers — On Hulu November 29, 2024
Nutcracker Productions LLC/Hulu
Ben Stiller is back on our screens after seven years in Nutcrackers! The comedy is filled with heart and tells the story of Mike, who's all work and no play. Everything turns upside down when he becomes the guardian for his orphaned nephews. What’s extra fun is actors Homer, Ulysses, Arlo, and Atlas Janson are actually siblings in real life.
Nutcrackers stars Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, Toby Huss, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Arlo Janson, and Atlas Janson.
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6, 2024
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
After Sabrina Carpenter’s incredible sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, she’s ready to give us the holiday special we deserve this season. That’s right, it’s a nonsense Christmas with the singer performing songs from her fruitcake holiday EP as well as some unforgettable covers. Plus, we all know there will be some fun surprises!
A Nonsense Christmas stars Sabrina Carpenter.
A Carpenter Christmas Romance — On Lifetime December 21
Lifetime/A+E
Andrea escapes to her family’s farmhouse to finish her novel. This leads to a run-in with her woodworker ex-crush, who's helping rebuild the town after a tragedy. Naturally, sparks fly.
A Carpenter Christmas Romance stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert.
Oh. What. Fun. — On Prime Video Soon
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Claire's preparing to celebrate Christmas with a special family outing, until they forget her (giving classic Home Alone vibes). While this could lead to a miserable holiday for everyone, Claire's determined to get back to her family.
Oh. What. Fun. stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, and Maude Apatow.
Champagne Problems — On Netflix Soon
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for Clase Azul
Who doesn’t want to take a trip to the city of love? Friday Night Lights' Minka Kelly is set to play an executive who goes to France in hopes of obtaining a well-known champagne brand. But life has other plans when she falls in love with the founder’s son.
Champagne Problems stars Minka Kelly.
Here are 28 Insanely Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes For The Holidays to go with your holiday watching :).
Finding gifts for the person you're closest to can be the absolute hardest thing to do, especially when there are so many things that would make great gifts for him. If you're shopping for the main man in your life this season – whether you call him your dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, partner, or your preferred pet names – of course you want to find a gift that shows him just how much he means to you. Just remember that the key to the perfect gift is simply that it comes from you. These stunning gift ideas will help you say "this made me think of you."
Our 46 favorite gifts for men for 2024:
- RVCA Commonwealth Snapback
- TheraGun Prime
- Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set
- VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector
- Bevel Beard Trimmer
- Abercrombie & Fitch Cable Stitch Johnny Collar Sweater Polo
- Sunswell The R&R Pant
- Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker
- Book Nook Reading Valet
- Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set
- Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
- Thermajohn Thermal Shirt
- Ariat Bench Made Brewer Western Boot
- Greatest Chocolates of the World Exploratory Set
- Herschel Little America Backpack Pro
- Ties The Scientist Sock Pack
- Beast Mini Blender Plus
- Parks Project Yellowstone Geysers Trail High Pile Fleece
- Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case
- Birdie Sunday Morning 1,000 Piece Puzzle
- Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap
- Yeti 45 Hard Cooler
- Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette
- Hatch Restore 2 Bedside Light & Alarm Clock
- Aura Carver Digital Photo Frame
- Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket
- AllSaints Leather Belt
- Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Longchamp Expandable Travel Bag
- Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe
- Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set
- Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe
- Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
- The North Face ThermoBall Eco Traction Mules
- Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace
- Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
- Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie
- Custom Soundwave Art Print
- DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Jeans
- Fjallraven Tab Hat
- Flewd Stresscare Bath Soak Trio
- Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set
- New Balance 9060 Sneaker
- Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle
- Manly Bands The Forged Ring
- New York Times Custom Football Book
Amazon
RVCA Commonwealth Snapback
This flat-brimmed baseball cap replaces those older, worn-out styles you know your man has been hoarding. The green corduroy fabric on this gift-worthy hat will grace his head perfectly for every season!
Amazon
Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set
This gift set is filled with an ideal assortment of gifts for him. From body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash, your man will have everything he needs to feel fresh – plus, having a good-smelling guy around is the real gift for you that keeps on giving.
Target
VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector
Bring the cinema home to your movie buff with a sleek projector setup for your own private screenings and viewing parties!
Sunswell
Sunswell The R&R Pant
Made from recycled materials for rigorous wear, the Sunswell R&R pants are bound to be a staple in your man's year-round wardrobe.
Amazon
Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker
This sturdy coffee maker will be a total hit for the caffeine-loving guy in your life. The layered stainless steel filter allows for a rich, creamy flavor in every sip, plus the decanter is holds a whole 34 ounces of brewed coffee to help him wake up!
Amazon
Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set
This durable drinking set complete with a flask and shot glasses will be his new BFF for sharing on camping, fishing, or hunting trips. Top it all off with a brand-new bottle of whiskey to complete the gift for him.
Amazon
Thermajohn Thermal Shirt
Whether he's hitting the slopes or is braving the cold winter weather to run errands with you, this warm thermal base layer tee will swarm his upper half in comfort, flexibly moving with his each and every move.
Herschel
Herschel Little America Backpack Pro
For his outdoor adventures or social gatherings, outfit him with a cool backpack (literally, this one is insulated) that he can fill with his favorite snacks and beverages.
Ties
Ties The Scientist Sock Pack
Whether it's a stocking stuffer or a smaller gift, a playful set of socks is both practical and personal.
Tie Bar
Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case
This tie storage case means business, just like your man does. If he travels for work often, he'll appreciate that you're looking out for his formal-wear.
Amazon
Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap
This manly bar soap is infused with coffee beans and cocoa butter butter that help tackle even the worst bouts of sweat and body odor. It's definitely long-lasting, too, so he can smell lovely all night long.
Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket
This jacket will hug his bod in the most stylish way, all while keeping him comfy throughout the season's cold weather.
Williams Sonoma
Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe
For the early risers and coffee-obsessed, a programmable coffee maker means he can wake up to the smell of coffee every day (and no longer has to use wasteful pods for an instant brew).
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set
Whether he's going to work, outfitting a permanent at-home office, or heading back to school, a personalized desk set like this luxe leather one will please the most studious types of guys.
Nordstrom
Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe
If your man loves a cozy night in just as much as you do, a soft robe to lounge around in will make the ultimate gift for him.
Mejuri
Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace
Once you've reached long-term status with your guy, gift him a signature gold chain he can flex for years to come.
Pangaia
Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie
For the hoodie-obsessed, Pangaia's signature sustainable sweatshirts (and sweatsuits!) are best-in-class.
Etsy
Custom Soundwave Art Print
From a first dance song to the one you always blast together in the car, every guy has their favorite tune. Memorialize it for your music-loving man with this custom art print.
DUER
DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Denim Jeans
A good quality, fresh pair of denim is gonna set him (and his style) so right for the new year. These jeans feature a stretchy fabric that'll allow wear for practically any occasion.
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set
Outfit his next game night with a poker set that's sure to impress and easy to bring on the go for weekend trips and group hangs.
New Balance
New Balance 9060 Sneaker
Secure your status as the greatest of all time by copping him that stylish pair of sneakers he's been eyeing.
Amazon
Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle
If your man is into photography and all things nostalgia, consider surprising him with a retro Polaroid camera set. We bet you'll be his favorite muse.
Manly Bands
Manly Bands The Forged Ring
This sleek wedding band stands up to tough, hands-on jobs with a carbon fiber construction, unlike traditional rings. The inner part is actually made from a Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, making the perfect personalized touch for gifting the guy who loves a drink.
Uncommon Goods
New York Times Custom Football Book
This isn't just any coffee table book, but one that true sports buffs will actually want to devour – with clippings from his team's history, glory days, and highlights.
Still trying to figure out the perfect gifts for him? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more gift guides!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated, with former reporting by Kaitlyn Ingram and Lauren Black.
You and your new-ish flame have been enjoying all of the best parts of fall. You’ve indulged in pumpkin carving, sipped apple cider in a corn maze, wore the perfect DIY couples costumes, and cozied up for an early peek at some of your favorite holiday movies. Things really couldn’t be going better. With just a few weeks left before Thanksgiving, though, you’re about to be faced with a big decision: Is it time to invite said S.O. to join you and the fam for Turkey Day festivities?
How serious is serious enough? Will an invitation like this freak bae out? And when do you really know that a partner is ready to handle all the family chaos that the holidays can shake up? Deciding whether or not to bring your partner home for a major end-of-year holiday can feel like a big deal, and we want to help you dial down the intensity so you can focus on what’s really important: food and quality time with your loved ones. We’ve consulted with relationship experts about how you know the time is right to bring a date to family Thanksgiving — read on for their six signposts.
1. You’re Having In-Depth Conversations About Family Traditions And Dynamics
You and your sweetie have been seeing each other for a few months, and with the holiday season just around the corner, you’re starting to open up to each other about the parts of the festivities that are most meaningful to you. You’re swapping stories about favorite recipes and customs, and you’re comfortable enough to share the nitty-gritty details about icky family dramas that can make the season awkward. If these conversations are coming up naturally and you want to share your holiday with your S.O. IRL, licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind says it might be time to extend the invite.
2. Your S.O. Has Already Met Some Of Your Family
Therapist Irene Schreiner recommends that you consider bringing your partner to Thanksgiving if they’ve already met some of your loved ones. “If they haven’t met anyone in your family yet,” on the other hand, “it can feel too overwhelming to have them meet everyone at once during the craziness of the holiday,” she says. Know your S.O.’s boundaries so you can push or protect them accordingly.
3. Your Family Wants To Meet Your Significant Other
Mom’s been picking up hints from your phone conversations that something pretty amazing is going on between you and your new special someone, and she’s anxious to put a face to the name you keep mentioning. Your siblings are equally excited to interrogate — er, meet — your boo. It’s rare for your family to come together outside of the holiday season, so if you’re serious about your S.O. this might be the perfect time to invite them to make the rounds.
“If your family is constantly begging to meet [them], it is time to bring them home for Thanksgiving,” encourages Grapevine Gossip relationship expert Caitlyn Paltsios. “It shows your family is interested… and you can also see if your S.O. is excited to meet your family.”
4. You’ve Both Traded "I Love You's"
Maybe you said “I love you” first, or maybe bae made the initial move. Either way, you’re both swapping that all-important word pretty comfortably now; you might want to consider swapping it over a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes. “‘I love you’ is such a powerful statement for any relationship,” notes counselor and Tech Talk Therapy owner Connie Omari. “Once this line has been crossed, you naturally become more open with one another. This closeness should be solidified by allowing your S.O. to interact with the other people that you love.”
5. Your S.O.'s Family Has Already Invited You To Gatherings
If you’ve already had a chance to attend family dinners and maybe a birthday party or two with your S.O., it’s your turn to extend an invitation (assuming, of course, that you share their serious feelings and there aren’t other concerns as to why it might be unsafe or unhealthy to reciprocate the invitation). “If they are including you in small family events, they are looking to integrate you into their larger lives and are likely ready to have you do the same,” Schreiner explains. This doesn’t mean that you should make the invitation purely out of obligation — only that you should seriously consider it when they’ve already made the first move.
6. You Can't Imagine Spending Thanksgiving Apart
“Thanksgiving has historically been known for being around people with whom we care very much about,” reminds Omari. “If your S.O. means a lot to you — maybe even the world — it’s likely you will feel very uncomfortable at the thought of being separated for Thanksgiving.” Tune in to your feelings and visualize experiencing this very special occasion as a couple. If this seems like the only way you would want to celebrate, then you have nothing to lose by asking! If, however, visualizing this makes you feel anxious or uncomfortable, psychotherapist and co-founder ofA Good First Date Rachel Perlstein suggests that it’s probably best to rain check until next year.
Do you get nervous about inviting a partner home for the holidays? Tweet us @BritandCo!
This post has been updated.