What to Keep on Hand for Last-Minute Entertaining

A mark of a great host is that effortless, easy attitude which makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. To get ahead on your own hosting game, being prepared is key. It’s even more important for when those last-minute plans come up, be it a surprise visit from the in-laws or happy hour at home with friends. Having a check list of quick tidying tricks, a good vibe playlist at the ready, and a well-stocked pantry will put you at ease and get you ready for anything. Scroll on for a checklist.

Wine: Keep a few bottles of “company wine” on deck that are nice enough that you’re proud to serve, but not so over the top that you’re reluctant to open it. If you don’t already have a favorite, head to your local wine shop and ask them to point you in the direction of a crowd-pleasing bottle under $20.

Hard Cheese and Crackers: A wedge of cheddar or Gouda will keep for a while in the fridge and pairs perfectly with a package of water crackers or crostini. Choose something that you can toss with pasta or whip into a grilled cheese if it doesn’t get used by the expiration date.

Dried Fruit or Jam: Dried plums, apricots, or figs make a pretty accompaniment to your cheese and crackers. A small pot of fig jam or pepper jelly has the same effect.

Roasted Nuts: When friends stop by for a pre-dinner drink, you probably don’t want to lay out a whole spread. A small bowl of nuts (we like some that are roasted with herbs and sea salt) is just enough to nibble on without killing anyone’s appetite.

Olives: Same idea as the nuts. You can find glass jars of imported varieties packed in oil that will keep for months in the pantry.

Cured Meats: If it’s going to be a longer hangout, it’s nice to have something a little more substantial on hand. A whole salami or a package of prosciutto has a decent shelf life and can be set out alongside anything else from the list above.

Coffee or Tea: For a morning, early afternoon, or post-dinner drop-by, offering a cup of hot tea or coffee feels warm and comforting. It’s also a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Don’t forget to offer sugar and some kind of creamer.

Biscotti: You know how the coffee at fancy restaurants and hotels comes with a teeny, perfect cookie on the saucer? Well, you can be that fancy restaurant. Hard cookies like biscotti or ginger snaps keep for a long time in the cupboard.

Sparkling Water: Sometimes your guests don’t want to drink, so be prepared with something a little more special than tap water. Bonus points if you offer a slice of lemon with it.

One Great Pantry Meal: Having a great, inexpensive pantry meal in your back pocket comes with many advantages. You won’t be stressed about extending last-minute dinner invitations, and you’ll be prepared if that glass of wine turns into meal time. Pasta with a pantry sauce is an easy option, and you won’t be stuck defrosting anything or making last-minute grocery runs.

Takeout Menus: When all else fails, it’s nice to have options. Even when everyone splits the cost, you’ll feel like a pro host for pulling out a specific menu rather than making a vague reference to the possibility of takeout.

Looking for more entertaining tips? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Photos via John Canelis/Unsplash, Whitney Wright/Unsplash, Brooke Lark/Unsplash, Jonathan Pielmayer/Unsplash)

Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect StrangersA Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her newest movie Babygirl comes from A24, and the steamy drama is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.

Scroll down to learn more about Babygirl — and to watch the HOT new trailer!

What is the plot of Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl Plot

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays Romy, a powerful CEO struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy meets a young intern named Samuel, and feels immediately drawn to him, the two begin a torrid affair.

And filming scenes with Harry Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”

When is the Babygirl release date?

A24

Babygirl Release Date

Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but you can watch the movie in theaters December 25, 2024.

Who's in the Babygirl cast?

A24

Babygirl Cast

The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”

“It left me raggedm" Kidman says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”

“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”

What does babygirl energy mean?

A24

"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we could be guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.

Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

There were SO many moments that made our jaws drop here:

  • The thumb in the mouth
  • The pink skirt moment
  • NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!
Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵

Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.

This post has been updated.

The Wicked moviepress tour has been a truly beautiful thing to witness. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo have cried in almost every interview because of how much they love their characters and each other, and it seems like working on this project really did heal something in them. So, after the sincerity of their interviews, I was really taken aback when I learned Dax Shepard had Cynthia Erivo on his Armchair Expert podcast...and chose to ask her about going to the bathroom?

Keep reading for what Dax Shepard had to say and, like me, wonder why he asked it in the first place.

On an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, Dax Shepard asked Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo if her famously long nails make it difficult to wipe when she goes to the bathroom. “I knew you would ask that,” Cynthia responds, saying “no one’s afraid” to ask such an intimate question.

“My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside,” she says. “You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!”

When he asked if she was annoyed or offended by the question, Cynthia admits she's "annoyed by it."

“I'm, like, 'Come on, guys,' ” she says. “But I get it, but it's also, like, ‘I'm a functioning adult, and I've never walked around smelling like, you know…'"

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The actress has proved she's nothing if not honest this fall, going viral for saying "thank goodness" the actresses who auditioned with her for Glinda didn't land the role and for vocalizinghow much a fan edit of the Wicked movie poster offended her (she later admitted she should have texted her friends instead of posting on social media).

Now, this question was very weird to me for a few reasons. Not only does it have nothing to do with the film, but Dax asking Cynthia about her bathroom habits gives me a similar feeling to the one I got watching that male interviewer ask Scarlett Johansson about her underwear during Avengers: Age of Ultron press. Just...what is the reason? Plus, the fact Cynthia has also been vocal about how much she values her nails as a part of Black culture only makes the question (and the fact the nails feel like, no pun intended, the butt of the joke) weirder.

"Here’s the thing," Cynthia tells Dax before switching topics. "There are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping." Get 'em girl!

What did you think about this Armchair Expert interview with Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Latest Wicked: Part Two News!

Thanksgiving dinner is a meal we look forward to all year long. The savory stuffing, the roasted turkey, the cranberry sauce — does it get any better than that? Well if you ask us, the best part are the leftovers! And we're talking about more scrumptious meals than the usual turkey sandwich. We've scoured the internet for different ways to put that surplus of food — trimmings included — to use. These 15 recipes will have you licking your chops.

Amazing Thanksgiving leftovers the entire family will won't mind eating until the first week of December

Butternut Bakery

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Don't throw away that pumpkin purée just yet! You can use it to make delicious pumpkin cupcakes the entire family will keep coming back for. Once you add in a little pumpkin pie spice, flour, baking soda, dark brown sugar, and more goodies, you'll have 12 sweet treats to munch after Thanksgiving.

P.S. You may want to have someone else bake this recipe a second time so you can have 24 cupcakes!

Cozy Cravings

Butternut Squash and Bacon Crostini

Your family will become a huge fan of crostinis once they taste this recipe. Between the butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and bacon, everyone will be eating sweet as well as savory mini sandwiches.

Munching with Mariyah

Curried Pumpkin Red Lentil Soup

Blend your leftover pumpkin and squash with coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and more veggies for the heartiest lentil soup you've ever tasted. Everyone will be looking to recreate this dish for a taste of lentils once they eat it, er, sip it.

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Frittata Recipe

Bring your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers together with some cheese, peppers, and onions for a delicious frittata. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

The Butter Half

Thanksgiving Leftover Pop Tarts

These savory pop tarts are filled with cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and bits of tender turkey, then drizzled with gravy for a snack or meal that will knock your socks off. (via The Butter Half)

Foodess

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Put the sandwiches on hold, because this turkey pot pie is the *only* way to use those turkey leftovers to their greatest potential.

A Sweet Pea Chef

Leftover Turkey Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

Take your comfort food and turn it into something nutritious by topping salad with leftover turkey and a vinaigrette made with leftover cranberries.

Spices in My DNA

Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Sandwich

This recipe stuffs your everything bagel with a poached egg, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey.

The Seasoned Mom

Aunt Bee's Leftover Turkey Casserole

It's cozy casserole season, so this recipe is the perfect way to use up that leftover turkey by adding it to a pasta bake that is rich, creamy, and jam-packed with flavor.

Lively Table

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Nothing soothes the soul better than a steamy bowl of soup like this, filled to the brim with tender shredded turkey, nourishing veggies, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt for extra smoothness.

The Cookie Recipe

Deep-Fried Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

If you don't know what to do with that heap of extra mashed potatoes, we've got you covered with these crispy potato, bacon, and cheese-filled bites of glory.

What Should I Make For...

Thanksgiving on a Roll

If you want ALL the carbs, this recipe sandwiches turkey and all the fixin's between a fresh roll and it. Is. Magical.

Whitney Bond

Turkey Fajita Rice Bowls

Kick things up a notch and put a healthy spin on your leftover turkey with these veggie-filled fajita rice bowls.

Yes to Yolks

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pierogi

This recipe smashes the traditional pierogi together with leftover Thanksgiving goodies for a fun and seasonal spin on a classic.

Jessica in the Kitcen

Vegetarian Meatloaf and Cranberry Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Vegetarians can enjoy Thanksgiving to the max too, and if anything proves it, it's this stacked meatless 'wich that swaps the usual turkey for plant-based meatloaf.

Pickled Plum

Leftover Turkey Dinner Hash

These turkey-filled hash patties will make brunch fanatics swoon with their festive flavor and golden crisp exterior.

Bless Her Heart Y'all

Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry

This feast doesn't just give you a healthful meal after gorging on holiday eats, but it also serves as a weeknight wonder, clocking in at just 15 minutes from start to finish!

Chef de Home

Turkey Tetrazzini With Mushrooms

Putting that leftover turkey to use never looked so good with this creamy mushroom and pasta-filled tetrazzini.

Half Baked Harvest

Thanksgiving Leftovers Croque Madame

This Thanksgiving leftovers croque Madame sandwich is an excellent way to serve breakfast on Black Friday. After all, you'll need an extra boost from the fried eggs to get you through your mad dash at the mall!

Vikalinka

Butternut Squash Casserole

Not sure what to do with all the leftover butternut squash? Make a cheesy au gratin casserole!

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Cornbread Stuffing

Don't throw away your cornbread after Thanksgiving! You can use what's leftover to bake vegan cornbread stuffing to give it a toasted yet flavorful taste.

Crowded Kitchen

Pumpkin Salad

This tasty and crunchy pumpkin salad is a great option to make if you're confused about what to do with your leftover pumpkins.

Averie Cooks

Caramel Apple Gingerbread Cookie Cups

Let's say you bought one too many apples for the apple pie you baked. Instead of lamenting over your 'mishap,' use what's leftover after Thanksgiving to make caramel apple gingerbread cookie cups!

Completely Delicious

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza

This delicious leftover pizza is a thoughtful option for anyone who swears they're tired of eating leftover Thanksgiving turkey after a couple of days.

Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Chances are it'll be cold the week of Thanksgiving so use your leftover sweet potatoes to create this creamy soup. It's good for the soul!

For more Thanksgiving leftover recipes, follow us on Pinterest — and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

I literally can't believe I'm writing this, but after a year of keeping up with all the biggest and best 2024 movies, I'm here with a final installment: December movies! This year has had some truly remarkable flicks (Challengers! Wicked! The Fall Guy!) and we're truly going out with a bang. While you're keeping up with all the best December TV shows coming out, here are the best December movies coming next month.

Keep reading for all the new December movies to add to your watchlist in 2024.

Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024

A24

Remember that Y2K crisis at the turn of the millennium? This December movie, which follows two high school juniors who crash a New Year's Eve party, reimagines it as a full-blown disaster — blood, guts, and all.

Y2K stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, The Kid Laroi, and Fred Durst.

Mary — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Netflix

Get a new look at one of the most famous women in the world when Mary drops on Netflix next month. This movie will give you a whole new look at the titular heroine's life — from being forced into hiding to running for her life, all to protect her baby son from a murderous king.

Mary stars Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, Mila Harris, and Anthony Hopkins.

Nightb—ch — In Theaters December 6, 2024

Searchlight Pictures

Another December movie that will have you looking at motherhood differently is Nightb—ch, which follows Amy Adams character's life as she becomes a mother...and becomes convinced she's also turning into a dog.

Nightb—ch stars Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper.

F Marry Kill — On Digital December 6, 2024

Lionsgate

We all know dating apps can be a really horrifying experience, but when true-crime lover Eva starts to believe one of her three dates could be the “Swipe Right Killer," she finds herself in a life-or-death situation.

F Marry Kill stars Lucy Hale, Samer Salem, Virginia Gardner, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Brooke Nevin, and Bethany Brown.

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

If you're still singing "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter, then this December movie (er, holiday special) is for you. Not only will the popstar perform tunes from her fruitcake EP, but she'll be joined by special guests as well!

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter stars, you guessed it, Sabrina Carpenter.

Maria — On Netflix December 11, 2024

Pablo Larraín/Netflix

Angelina Jolie's newest film follows iconic performer Maria Callas. After a glamorous, albeit difficult, public life, Maria moves to Paris for some quiet — and must confront her identity, her past, and her future in the process.

Maria stars Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer.

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters December 13

Jay Maidment/Sony

Despite the fact it's coming out around the holidays, Aaron Taylor Johnson's new December movie is not for kids. The flick follows the titular Kraven as he morphs from the son of a gangster to the brutal and fearsome villain comic fans know so well.

Kraven the Hunter stars Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, and Russell Crowe.

Carry On — On Netflix December 13

Netflix

One TSA agent is in for a less-than-jolly holiday when he's blackmailed by a traveler hoping to bring a very dangerous package into the airport on Christmas Eve.

Carry On stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Sofia Carson.

Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20

Walt Disney Pictures

Not only is this Lion King sequel giving us a brand new look at a classic story, but it also marks Blue Ivy Carter's acting debut! The movie tells the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub and how a run-in with royal heir Taka changed everything.

Mufasa: The Lion King stars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Aaron Pierre, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, and Blue Ivy Carter.

Babygirl — In Theaters December 25

A24

Nicole Kidman's new December movie will add some spice to your holiday, thanks to an affair with her character's much-younger employee. Is it getting hot in here?

Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

A Complete Unknown — In Theaters December 25

Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures

If you're still laughing about the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest, then you'll definitely want to show up to see this flick, which stars our favorite Timmy as Bob Dylan during his historical move from folk to rock'n'roll.

A Complete Unknown stars Timothée Chalamet Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Boyd Holbrook, and Nick Offerman.

Let us know which December movie you're most excited for on Instagram!

'Tis the season to make those Christmas wishlists and start checking them twice (and then again, and again...). While there are always those toys that promise kids hours of fun, all too often, the brand-new gadgets and gizmos end up cast aside before you even take down the tree. Luckily, we've done the research and rounded up 41 of the best toys on Amazon that kids won't get bored of. From arts and crafts to outdoor fun, these gift ideas will keep children of all ages entertained beyond the holidays.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Balance Bike Gives Wheels to the Littlest Family Member

Amazon

The phrase "just like riding a bike" gets even easier with this simple yet genius balance bike. This thoughtfully designed bicycle helps develop young toddlers' coordination while nurturing independence. Now, even the littlest family members can keep up with the older kiddos!

See it on Amazon

The Possibilities Are Endless With This Pikler Triangle Set

Amazon

Got an energetic toddler? This best-selling pikler triangle set has endless possibilities for climbing, rocking, sliding, and more. Your child can have new ways to play independently, and you can finally drink your coffee in peace. Win-win!

See it on Amazon

This Cute Monster Is The Perfect Snuggle Buddy

Amazon

Katie The Pink Monster may just become your little one's new best friend. Made with memory foam, this plushie goes way beyond being a cuddle buddy. It can double as a pillow and even has a sleeve to store a journal.

See it on Amazon

This Play Barn Creates Hours of Imaginative Play

Amazon

Imaginative play is the best kind of play, and this wooden barn and animal set will foster hours upon hours of it. If you have an animal-loving kid, they'll love playing farm with the horse, pig, cow, and more. Plus, it's a great way to practice making animal sounds!

See it on Amazon

This Tablet Fosters Creativity Without the Mess

Amazon

If you've got a future artist on your hands, this LCD doodling tablet will let them get creative without getting messy. With over 17,000 five-star reviews, this tablet is lightweight and perfect for traveling. The long battery life and blue-light-free screen will instantly make it a favorite in your home.

See it on Amazon

This Organizer Bin With a Genius Design

Amazon

If you've little ones with a million toys that are always making a mess, then you know the struggle that comes with getting them to tidy up. This organizer bin is a game-changer, perfect for small toys since not only does it have large storage space, but it also doubles as a playing mat so that when your kids are done playing, everything can cleaned up at once, saving you the hassle and stress.

See it on Amazon

These Road Magnetic Tiles Are Perfect for Car Lovers

Amazon

Take everyone's favorite magnetic tiles up a notch with this magnetic road expansion pack. If your kiddo has tons of toy cars and loves building, this gift will hit the jackpot of joy. As one rave reviewer writes, "Truth be told, the grown-ups had fun with it, too!"

See it on Amazon

This Kids' Camera Is the Real Deal

Amazon

Your aspiring photographer will squeal with delight when they open up this digital camera on Christmas morning. With multiple settings and fun frames, a front and back-facing camera angle, and a durable design, this little camera will help your child capture all their favorite moments. As a bonus, you'll get to see the world through their eyes when you upload the photos!

See it on Amazon

This Musical Instrument Set Is Cute and Functional

Amazon

Fuel your little Mozart's musical abilities with this adorable wooden instrument set. This hand-painted 100% natural wooden set comes with everything your child needs to practice making joyful tunes. This five-star reviewer says, "These instruments are very well made. Definitely will hold up through multiple child use. The colors are beautiful too... If you have a busy baby who needs some stimulation, I would purchase this immediately."

See it on Amazon

Dream of Summertime With This Outdoor Sensory Table

Amazon

Whether you're lucky enough to live somewhere warm year-round or you want to dream of summertime fun, this water and sand table will get your kids excited for outdoor fun. With the ability to hold up to 5.5 gallons of water and an umbrella to block out the sun, this sensory table will let your littles splash and explore to their heart's content.

See it on Amazon

This Indoor Tent Will Be Their Favorite Hideaway

Amazon

From a book nook to a play fort, this beautiful indoor tent can transform in multiple ways to become your kids' go-to spot for cozy fun. Designed with easy assembly, this play tent also comes with a tassel garland, string lights, and a floor mat to make it feel extra comfy and magical.

See it on Amazon

This Kid-Friendly Kitchen Set Teaches Real-Life Skills

Amazon

Pretend play is fun, but getting kids involved in your activities is where the real magic happens. This Montessori-inspired kitchen set comes with kid-friendly cooking utensils like knives, a cutting board, a peeler, and more to help teach your tiny sous chef the joys of making yummy food. An added perk is that they may be more willing to eat what you cook together!

See it on Amazon

Build Their Dress-Up Wardrobe With This Costume Set

Amazon

Nothing beats the fun of playing dress-up, and this costume set is sure to let imagination run wild for hours on end. Your littles can pretend to be firefighters, chefs, doctors, and more with this extensive, easy-to-wash set. This reviewer raves, "The costumes are nice quality, simple to take on and off, and the box to store them in fits it all! Highly recommended!"

See it on Amazon

This Mini Karaoke Machine Is What Tween Dreams Are Made Of

Amazon

Can you really beat a karaoke machine as a Christmas present? Turns out you can if it's a mini karaoke machine. This compact Bluetooth machine is lightweight and portable so that your pop-loving tween can take it anywhere. Perfect for all the parties to come in the new year, this tiny machine has five voice effects and a loud, clear sound to belt out all the best hits.

See it on Amazon

This Kinetic Sand Kit Smells (Almost) Good Enough to Eat

Amazon

Sensory play isn't just for the littlest ones – big kids will love this Kinetic Sand ice cream play kit. With one pound of scented sand and six tools, this play kit lets kids mix and match to make delicious-looking pretend treats. The sand doesn't dry out so it'll provide never-ending fun, like this reviewer writes: "My daughter loves this kit! It was super cheap and has kept her busy for hours. The scented sand smells great."

See it on Amazon

This Paint-By-Sticker Kit Will Be the Latest Obsession

Amazon

Paint-by-number who? This paint-by-sticker kit is the new kid in town and it's sure to be a hit. Any sticker-obsessed kid can create up to 10 pictures, one sticker at a time, for hours of focused fun. With over 18,000 five-star reviews, you know it's going to be a good one.

See it on Amazon

This Play Kitchen Is the Cutest Ever

Amazon

Have you ever laid eyes on a more adorable play kitchen? Kids will never forget the year Santa brought this wooden play kitchen. With realistic features, a colorful design, and plenty of accessories, this kitchen will spark joyful play for years to come.

See it on Amazon

These Satisfying Fidget Toys to Relieve Stress

Amazon

This pack of 18 stretchy strings are so satisfying to play with, especially if you’re often restless. They’re not only fun and satisfying to play with but they also work wonders in reducing stress and improving concentration! Whether you're tackling a busy day at work or simply need a moment to relax, they’re surprisingly handy.

See it on Amazon

This Busy Book Keeps Toddlers Entertained Anywhere

Amazon

From car rides to restaurants and everything in between, it can be tough to keep toddlers busy on the go. Luckily, this busy book will keep them entertained no matter where you go. With 26 activities like animal matching, color identifying, and dressing skills, this portable busy board helps your toddler develop fine motor skills, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination. Road trips have never been so quiet!

See it on Amazon

Dazzle Your Craft Lover With This Gem Art Kit

Amazon

If you have a creative kid who's always looking for new hobbies, this gem art kit is the perfect gift. With everything needed to get started and over 3000 gems, the opportunities to get creative are endless. Your craft-loving child will have a twinkle in their eye as they create sparkly projects galore.

See it on Amazon

This Shape Sorting Cube Keeps Babies Entertained for Hours

Amazon

This simple shape sorting cube is a best-seller for a reason: Babies love grabbing the bright, chunky blocks and exploring how to fit them through the elastic bands. They'll get hours of curiosity-fueling fun while learning valuable fine motor skills.

See it on Amazon

This Toy Coffee Maker Turns Any Kid Into a Barista

Amazon

When parents are coffee-obsessed, children are bound to follow suit. This play coffee maker set will turn your little mini-me into a barista in no time. With realistic sounds and effects, this toy coffee maker will keep them entertained while letting them take part in your daily caffeine ritual. (Just keep the real coffee for yourself, of course).

See it on Amazon

These Walkie-Talkies Are Classic Fun

Amazon

Who doesn't remember playing with walkie-talkies as kids? These classic walkie-talkies would be the perfect stocking stuffer for older kids. With high-quality sound, an LED flashlight, and a range of up to three miles, these walkie-talkies are great for outdoor play, camping, and everyday fun.

See it on Amazon

This Doll Carrier Is Made for Big Siblings

Amazon

Big siblings will love copying mom and dad with this doll carrier of their own. As you walk around with baby strapped to your chest, they'll get to do the same with this adorable (and realistic!) doll carrier. With several cute patterns and adjustable straps, this lightweight carrier will be the best holiday surprise.

See it on Amazon

This Water Doodle Mat Is Fail-Proof Entertainment

Amazon

Can't you just see the hours of entertainment that come with this water doodle mat? Kids will finally get to color all over the floor but without the mess! This genius coloring kit comes with reusable water pens, drawing templates, and a canvas mat waiting to be filled. You might just want to get in on the fun, too!

See it on Amazon

Encourage Open-Ended Play With These Stacking Blocks

Amazon

Open-ended toys let kids' imaginations and problem-solving skills flourish, and this 36-piece building stone set proves that. From babies to big kids, everyone in the family will love stacking and building with these durable wooden blocks.

See it on Amazon

Toddlers Can Splash Away in This Color Changing Sink

Amazon

There's nothing babies and toddlers love more than splashing or imitating parents, so this innovative color-changing sink will surely be a winner. Fill it with warm water and watch as the included accessories change colors, teaching kids about temperature and letting them practice dishwashing. As this reviewer says, "Wanna steal the show? Order this sink!"

See it on Amazon

Upgrade Flashcards With This Audible Learning Set

Amazon

Forget the boring regular flashcards and upgrade to this fun audible flashcard set instead. Babies and toddlers will be picking up new words in no time thanks to this interactive toy. With 126 cards containing 252 sight words, this engaging flashcard set is both educational and entertaining — a win all around!

See it on Amazon

Any Science Lover Will Obsess Over This Magic Kit

Amazon

Make this the Christmas morning of your budding scientist's dreams: This National Geographic Science Magic Kit comes with 50 unique science experiments and magic tricks to nurture curiosity and foster creative fun. Just prepare for the magic shows to come, of course!

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These Stepping Stones Promote Coordination

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There aren't too many toys that can be used a million different ways indoors or outdoors, but these stepping stones can. From creating obstacle courses to practicing balance, kids can get creative as they enhance their coordination skills. A round of "don't touch the lava," anyone?

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This Wooden Railroad Set Is Surprisingly Compact

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All aboard! This portable train set is perfect for taking on road trips, play dates, or visits with family. This 17-piece wooden set comes with everything needed for your little engineer to "choo choo" to their heart's content.

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This 3D Printing Pen Is An Unforgettable Gift

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It doesn't get any cooler than this 3D doodling pen. Your artsy tween can level up their drawings with this safe and innovative 3D printing pen. They'll be amazed to watch their creations come to life before their eyes — and honestly, you will be, too!

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This Tonies Box Is an Instant Win

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If your toddler could make a wishlist, this Tonies audio box would surely be on it. Meet your family's new storytime superstar: With numerous compatible character figures that sing songs and play stories, this audio player is a screen-free alternative to keep littles entertained for hours.

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These Water Wow Books Are the Best Parenting Hack

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Sure, it's a gift for them, but it's for you, too! These reusable Water Wow activity pads are a parent's best friend during long travel days and restaurant visits. Simply fill the included pen with a little water, and let your kiddos go to town coloring — no mess in sight!

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This Dance Mat Gets the Wiggles Out

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Now this is a gift the whole family will love: This LED dance pad was made for family dance parties, with built-in music and light-up cues to make it a game. Everyone will be begging for a turn before all the other presents are even opened.

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This Indoor Scavenger Hunt Is a Great Last-Minute Stocking Stuffer

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Make rainy days a million times more fun with this indoor scavenger hunt game. Toddlers and little kids will love running around the house, finding toys and other household items, and you'll be off the hook for planning an activity.

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This Friendship Bracelet Kit Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving

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Whether you have a little Swiftie or a kid with countless besties, this friendship bracelet kit is going to result in some serious, excited squeals. This 5,000-piece set comes with everything needed to get started, along with instructions, so your kiddo can make bracelets for all their best friends. (And if you're lucky, you might get one, too!)

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This Hover Ball Can Be Used Indoors

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Finally, a ball that kids can play with indoors! This hover soccer ball is guaranteed to provide some major family fun for years to come. Gone are the days of boredom with this LED ball that can glide on any smooth surface, and the added bumper means no broken vases in sight.

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This Race Car Painting Set Is Multiple Activities in One

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This wooden race car painting kit is the best of both worlds: It lets kids get creative painting designs on the four included cars, and then they can race them all around the house. This reviewer sums it up: "Easy enough to assemble so small kids do not get frustrated, fun painting, decals were ideal - and these cars scooted all over the floor well!"

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This Bouncy Animal Toy Will Definitely Get Some Giggles

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Watch out! Your active toddler will be bouncing off the walls — literally – with this fun bouncy animal toy. Choose from a giraffe or dinosaur for a holiday surprise that will elicit the biggest smiles. Take it from this rave review: "This animal hopper is one of my best purchases for my toddler! She’s been obsessed with animals lately and always tries to ride her little stuffed animals, so I figured this would be a perfect fit, and it is. It was so easy to get it in shape, and the quality is amazing."

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This Pair of Silicone Kitties That Are Super Squishy

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Relieve stress with these silicone kitties that are so much fun to play with! They are very soft and squishy, so you can touch, squeeze, poke and pinch them or their tummies to relax and focus on whatever it is you need to do - you mind won’t be consumed by the thoughts of payday or spring anymore!

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