From the sweetest strawberries to the juiciest watermelons, you’ve been basking in the glory of warm-weather fruits and veggies for months. Fortunately, summer still has a few more tricks up its sleeves. Blackberries, figs, and Concord grapes hit their peak in late July and August, and you’ll also find yellow peaches in abundance. Enjoy them out of hand or whip up one of the dessert recipes below to really enjoy these heart-of-summer gems.
During bouts of cold weather, nothing warms you down to your toes quite like a good soup. From spicy soup recipes to more mild creations, soup is nourishing, warming and often packed with nutritious ingredients. Tomato soup recipes are a classic choice here in the U.S., but maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more… exotic. Lucky for you, soup is a staple in all corners of the globe. Try these 22 soup recipes from around the world next time you feel like jetting off to new (and perhaps warmer) climates.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This one-pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is so simple and the perfect bowl to spice things up with salsa verde, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and shredded chicken. Taco seasoning and ground cumin top it off with amazing flavor. Add salty tortilla chips and even lime zest for a magical soup to cozy up to mid-winter. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Easy Homemade Wonton Soup
New England Clam Chowder
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Chicken Dumpling Soup
Curb your cravings for a cozy comfort soup with this well-rounded meal that nourishes with tender chicken, fluffy cooked dumplings, and a flavorful creamy broth. (via Real Food Dietitians)
Turkish Tarhana Soup
Mix things up with this popular Turkish soup made with fermented dough and a tomato base, mint, and garlic. (via Give Recipe)
15-Minute Curry Noodle Soup
Italian Wedding Soup
Hearty Mulligatawny Soup
This simpler version of the famous mulligatawny soup is made with leftover roast chicken or turkey. Part Indian, part British, this soup is aromatic, mildly spicy, and so comforting. (via Vikalinka)
Vegan Tortellini Soup
This hearty, delicious soup won't take more than 45 minutes and is packed with vegetables, cheesy tortellini, spicy plant-based sausage and lots of flavor! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Spanish Bean Soup
French Onion Soup
Easy Mexican Pozole
Turkey Avgolemono Soup
Cuban Black Bean Soup
Creamy Coconut Soup With Cauliflower
This soothing soup is a great way to get veggies into your day in a healthy and hearty way. (via Clean Cuisine)
Ribollita
Hot and Sour Soup
Locro de Papa
Vietnamese Beef Noodle Pho
One-Pot Lasagna Soup
Got 30 minutes? This soup version of the Italian classic is the perfect, hearty, comfort food with ground beef, noodles, a tomato-based broth, and a delicious three-cheese topping. (via Averie Cooks)
Easy Homemade Ramen
Subscribe to our newsletter for more recipe ideas!
Take our favorite celebrity BFF's, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively, and our favorite celebrity couple, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and you truly get one big happy family. Earlier this summer, Blake and Ryan showed up to the Eras Tour to support the "Fortnight" singer, and on July 25, Taylor returned the love by making a rare lengthy post to her Instagram story.
Here's everything you need to know about Taylor Swift's relationship with Blake Lively's kids as their godmother.
Taylor Swift/Instagram
Taylor Swift posted a photo to her Instagram story featuring Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy — all of whom are involved in Deadpool & Wolverine, in theaters July 26!
"Over the past few years I have watched one of my best friends on the planet pour every bit of his heart, soul, sweat, time, energy, jokes, pain, joy, rebellion, darkness, and magic into this film," she says. "He's created the best work of his life, and this film feels like an actual joy portal, a wild escape from reality, and an abs sandwich."
After joking that Ryan, Blake, and Shawn randomly crashed her photo, Taylor continues, saying, "Shout out to Wade Wilson [the character played by Ryan Reynolds], aka my godkids' sperm donor!"
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Fast Company
Ryan Reynolds had the funniest reaction, and told Deadline, "I'm going to need that on my gravestone, actually."
"Yeah, that is kind of it. She is the godparent to my daughters," the Deadpool actor continued. "That was very sweet. Not just sweet, that was, like, you could probably quantify a box office based on Taylor just doing something like that."
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management/Noam Galai/Getty Images for Disney
In the past, Ryan Reynolds has been vocal about how much his kids (James, Inez, Betty, and Olin) love Taylor Swift, and the family's appearance at the Eras Tour even went viral!
"I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he says onThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"
Read up on Blake Lively and Taylor Swift's friendship timeline for more!
Lead image via Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Listen – we love ketchup, mayo, mustard, and all your other favorite condiments– by no means are we suggesting that mayo doesn’t have a place in BLTs and potato salad recipes. But, if you haven’t tried aioli — a popular dipping sauce with Mediterranean origins — you’re seriously missing out.
Aioli recipes are traditionally made with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes eggs (the combination of which is, of course, mayonnaise), but modern iterations also throw in lemon juice, garlic, and a whole plethora of other delicious herbs and spices. Here are 25 of our favorite aioli recipes, but be warned: once you dip your French fries in aioli, you’ll never go back.
Vanilla and Bean
Jalapeño Aioli
Let's start things off with a little spice, shall we? This zesty, zingy aioli gets infused with jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to form the most delicious flavor.
Cooking With Curls
Super Easy Garlic Aioli
Let’s start off with the most mainstream, common version of aioli you’re likely to find. This easy-to-make recipe contains only five ingredients: mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Like all aioli creations, this sauce is perfect for adding to sandwiches and burgers, and will also take your fries to a *whole* new level.
Goodie Godmother
Cilantro Lime Aioli
Aioli recipes are *delish* on a quesadilla or another Mexican-inspired meal. The flavors of cilantro and lime pair with all kinds of flavorful (and spicy) foods.
The Iron You
Rosemary Aioli
Paired here with meatballs, rosemary aioli is a bit more herbaceous. The flavors of rosemary go well with meats. We also recommend serving this sauce on the sandwich portion of a hearty soup-and-sammie meal.
Hello Little Home
Pesto Aioli
Use some store-bought or homemade pesto to mix into thick mayo, and you have yourself an exceptional (and easy!) aioli recipe.
Vikalinka
Truffle Aioli
One bite of this rich aioli recipe, and you'll be hooked. It's especially tasty alongside some fries!
Feel Good Foodie
Basic Homemade Aioli
This pick is as straightforward as aioli gets. If you're looking to hone your kitchen craft with more homemade dips and sauces, this aioli recipe is a great place to start.
The Suburban Soapbox
Roasted Garlic Aioli
Here’s another crowd-pleasing garlic aioli recipe for you. Pro tip: roast the garlic by cutting it in half, placing the middle side down on a piece of foil, drizzling with olive oil, and roasting for about 30 minutes. You’ll unlock a super-rich flavor that you just can’t get with raw garlic.
The Best Aioli Recipes
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Roasted Red Pepper Aioli
Looking for something a little... tangier? This roasted red pepper aioli will definitely do the trick. It combines the flavors of traditional aioli and red peppers with mustard, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes for a condiment with kick!
The Edgy Veg
Vegan Caper Aioli
Aioli recipes can be healthy — just ask this vegan caper aoil mixture. Salty capers meet mellowed-out mayo in this plant-based recipe.
The Minimalist Baker
5-Ingredient Chipotle Aioli
This baby is spicy – and it also happens to be totally vegan. The “mayo” is made from soaked and blended cashews, while the flavor itself comes from fresh chipotle peppers.
A Spicy Perspective
Magic Aioli Sauce
You'll just have to trust us on this one – this aioli recipe holds pure magic. It's dreamy and bright, meaning it's the perfect pair to hefty, salty potato wedges and the like. Each dip will leave you wanting more and more!
Takes Two Eggs
Gochujang Aioli
Gochujang, a spicy Korean chili and soybean paste, gets the aioli treatment, resulting in a spectacularly spicy spread that can be used across dishes from sandwiches to loaded fries. All we can say is bring on all the spicy aioli recipes!
Fountain Avenue Kitchen
Smoked Paprika Aioli
When shopping for paprika, go for a spice labeled “smoked paprika” or “sweet paprika.” Plain-old paprika tends to be a lot less flavorful. In the case of this pick, though, you’ll combine smoked paprika with a bit of cumin to achieve a rich, spicy flavor in your aioli recipe.
Joyful Healthy Eats
Chipotle Lime Aioli
We’ve already covered aioli with lime and aioli with chipotle peppers — but this mouthwatering recipe combines the two. Bonus points for serving these with healthy and delicious sweet potato fries!
Savor The Best
Lemon-Dill Aioli Sauce
Not so much into the peppery, spicy sauces? Keep things light and fresh with this lemon and dill-flavored creation. When prepping this aioli, be sure to bring your egg yolks to room temperature, or you may have some trouble getting them to mix with the rest of the sauce.
Healthy Green Kitchen
Vegan Egg-Free Aioli
Here’s another one for the plant-based eaters out there. The secret ingredient in this recipe is aquafaba... that is, chickpea water. You can store this mixture for up to seven days in a covered container, so it’s great for making ahead (meal prep FTW!) and taking to work.
More Delicious Aioli Recipes
The Faux Martha
Chimichurri Aioli
Chimichurri is often slathered on meats, and this aioli is just as – if not more – versatile. It shares a number of ingredients with traditional chimichurri sauce — a few of the stand-outs are cilantro, onion, lime juice, and jalapeño!
Barley & Sage
Spicy Lemon Aioli
For a dip with more kick, this spicy lemon aioli strikes the ideal balance between tangy and zesty.
Half Baked Harvest
Roasted Garlic Saffron Aioli
Saffron brings a muted, yet deep flavor to this blend that was crafted to pair with feta fries. It's one of the tastiest aioli recipes we've had!
Homemade Interest
Easy Lemon Aioli
When we say this recipe is easy, that’s kind of an understatement. There are literally two steps: whisk everything together, then allow it to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. It’s *that* simple.
Pink Owl Kitchen
Creole Aioli
All the best parts of creole cookin' falvor are included in this aioli. Make sure you've got a lot of spices on your hands, or else this spicy pick won't quite hit the same.
The Skinny Fork
Skinny Sriracha Aioli
What makes this Sriracha-infused aioli skinny, exactly? Instead of regular mayonnaise, you’ll sub in light mayo and Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-packed alternative.
Cafe Delites
Garlic Avocado Aioli
All those classic garlic aioli recipes we’ve shared above are fabulous, but adding some avocado can be a *total* game-changer. With this recipe, you’ll whip some fresh avo right into the mixture, adding creamy texture and stellar flavor.
Dad With A Pan
Lemon Parsley Aioli
This lemon-parsley combo is decidedly British-inspired and perfect for dipping. It showcases the flavors of mayo, parsley, lemon, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Bonus points for serving it with fried blue cheese olives, as shown here.
Veggie And The Beast
Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Aioli
If you’re interested in a red pepper flavor, but want to steer clear of animal products (or dairy in general), try this vegan version. You’ll sub in cashews (processed with water, of course) for mayo, keeping it dairy-free and super healthy.
Self Proclaimed Foodie
Basil Garlic Aioli
If you’re a big pesto fan, you’ll adore this basil-garlic sauce. In addition to being a perfect addition to French fries, it would also go great on any kind of Italian-inspired sammie, such as an eggplant Parm or meatball sub. (via Self Proclaimed Foodie)
Ruled.Me
Roasted Garlic Chipotle Aioli
See those eggs in the background? That’s because this recipe has you making mayo from scratch. It doesn’t get more wholesome than that. You’ll bring the eggs to room temperature before processing them with additional yolks, lemon juice, and garlic, and adding olive oil toward the end of the process.
Tasty Kitchen
Super Garlicky Aioli
We thought we’d round off our list with another classic iteration of aioli. This garlic-infused version is perfect for all your aioli needs, but we *especially* love it with French fries and a glass of white wine. Cheers!
Follow us on Pinterest, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more creative aioli recipes and food inspo!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser. This article originally appeared in 2017 as part of our Hit Refresh series.
If your group chat is blowing up over the Bad Sisters premiere, or you're still reeling from that Outer Banks season 4 ending, never fear: these merry and bright December TV shows are here to save the day! (Don't worry though, they're not all about the holidays. Sometimes you need a break from even the best Christmas music!). Even though these programs offer wildly different things — from a gritty spy and life or death games to juicy reality dating and sitcom royalty — they're all the perfect choice for an evening in...especially if you've already watched all our Binge-Worthy November TV Shows ;).
Here are the best new December TV shows premiering in 2024.
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3 — On Netflix December 4, 2024
Netflix
These couples are at a crossroads in their relationship: will they tie the knot and spend the rest of their lives together, or will they call it quits? It's a dilemma a lot of relationships face, and you'll have to tune in to find out how these couples handle the ultimate q.
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On is hosted by Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey.
Black Doves — On Netflix December 5, 2024
Netflix
This thriller stars Keira Knightley as Helen, a politician's wife who doubles as a spy — and feeds her organization all his deepest, darkest secrets. But when her secret lover is assassinated, Helen is forced to play a dangerous game of survival that involves everyone she holds close. This December TV show is also set against London at Christmas...you really can't go wrong!
Black Doves stars Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Buchan, Adeel Akhtar, Tracey Ullman, Finn Bennett, Luther Ford, Andrew Koji, Kathryn Hunter, Sam Troughton, and Ella Lily Hyland.
Southern Charm season 10 — On Bravo December 5, 2024
Michelle Watt/Bravo
The best TV shows always involve reality TV, and nobody's doing it like Southern Charm. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, these ladies are balancing their "bless your hearts" and sweet tea with plenty of drama. Although...when is dating not dramatic? Our favorite familiar faces are joined by some newcomers, bringing a whole new edge to the show we know and love.
Southern Charm Season 10 stars Venita Aspen, Leva Bonaparte, Craig Conover, Taylor Ann Green, Austen Kroll, Madison LeCroy, Rodrigo Reyes, Shep Rose, Jarrett “JT” Thomas, Salley Carson, Ryan Albert, and Molly O’Connell.
The Sticky — On Prime Video December 6, 2024
Jan Thijs/Prime Video
Despite the fact this new series revolves around a maple syrup empire, it's actually not related to Riverdale. Sorry to disappoint! This dark comedy is inspired by the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, where a maple syrup farmer stole millions of dollars worth of syrup in order to save her livelihood. Yep, really.
The Sticky stars Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Guillaume Cyr.
Queer Eye season 9 — On Netflix December 11, 2024
Netflix
We're in need of some life advice right now, TBH, and thank goodness The Fab Five are bringing it in the new season of Queer Eye. And alongside the emotional stories and heartfelt connections they make in Vegas, we'll see plenty of fabulous style. Because duh!
Queer Eye Season 9 stars includes Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Tan France, and Jeremiah Brent.
No Good Deed — On Netflix December 12, 2024
Netflix
Sitcom fans rejoice! This December TV show has some of the all-time greats sharing the screen, and we can't wait to rewatch these episodes 100 times. Multiple families believe one house will solve all their problems, and are all racing to sign on the dotted line. But, naturally, the beautiful 1920s Spanish-style home isn't as beautiful as it appears.
No Good Deed stars Linda Cardellini, O-T Fagbenle, Abbi Jacobson, Lisa Kudrow, Denis Leary, Poppy Liu, Teyonah Parris, Ray Romano, and Luke Wilson.
Ready, Set, Glow — On Hallmark+ December 12, 2024
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Hallmark Media
If your favorite scene from Jim Carrey's The Grinch is Molly Shannon and Christine Baranski's Christmas light competition, then this reality show is for you. Hallmark star Wes Brown introduces us to four families who have the best decorations around — and are sure to make your home feel even more festive.
Ready, Set, Glow is hosted by Wes Brown.
Paris & Nicole: The Encore — On Peacock December 12, 2024
Bravo
The girls are back!! Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie reunite in an attempt to produce something the world desperately needs: an operatic performance based on their iconic "Sanasa." Say no more.
"I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock," Paris told E! News. "Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her."
Paris & Nicole: The Encore stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
Virgin River season 6— On Netflix December 19, 2024
Netflix
In the face of loss and hardship, nobody comes together like the town of Virgin River. And despite the struggle, this season promises to be heartwarming and lovely too — Mel and Jack are finally getting married! Their nuptials are met with some family drama but don't worry romantics. True love is sure to win out.
Virgin River season 6 stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, and Mark Ghanime.
Laid — On Peacock December 19, 2024
James Dittiger/Peacock
According to the official Peacock site, this dark rom-com answers the age-old question of "Is there something wrong with me?" with “Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.” This December TV show follows Stephanie Hsu's Ruby, who's in for a rude awakening when she realizes all of her past sexual encounters are dying. Now she has to get to the bottom of it before anyone else bites the dust.
Laid stars Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, Michael Angarano, Tommy Martinez, Andre Hyland, Olivia Holt, David Denman, Finneas O’Connell, Chloe Fineman, Ettore “Big E” Ewen, and John Early.
Kennedy Center Honors — On CBS December 22, 2024
Paul Morigi/Getty Images
The Kennedy Center Honors (a tribute ceremony that celebrates contributions to American performing art) always provide us with iconic moments — like Anna Kendrick fangirling over Beyoncé and Cynthia Erivo performing "Alfie" for Dionne Warwick. And this year promises to be no different.
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors will honor Francis Ford Coppola, the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, and The Apollo.
Squid Game season 2 — On Netflix December 26, 2024
JuHan Noh/Netflix
Despite the fact we all took games very seriously in elementary school, I'm sure we can all agree no game of Red Light, Green Light comes close to the one in Squid Game. And we're in for another round of nail-biting challenges when season 2 drops December 26. As for what to expect?
"As we all saw at the end of season 1, the main plot of season 2 will be revenge," actor Lee Jung Jae told All K-Pop. "The key figure who controlled the workings of the games in season 1 was Lee Byung-Hun...it seems that the two of us will be the central figures of this next story."
Squid Game season 2 stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Gong Yoo, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun.
Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve — On ABC December 31, 2024
If you ask me, there's no December TV show as iconic as New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. It's going to be the perfect way to ring out 2024 (and welcome 2025). Although I have to admit, I don't know how they're going to top Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyla's performances from last year!
Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
Which December TV show are you most looking forward to? Don't forget to add these 12 Cozy New Christmas Movies On Netflix, Prime Video, Hallmark Channel, & More This Year to your watchlist!
Holidays are a 1000 times better with kids. From baking holiday treats together to getting in the spirit with DIY holiday decorations, everything about the festive season is new and exciting as they wait for the big day to arrive. My daughter recently turned 10 and there have been so many wins (and a few duds) under the tree that I thought I'd share our favorite gifts over the years (that are great for *all* kids, not just girls). From interactive toys to educational kits to gifts that will get them away from screens and excited for the outdoors, these unique gifts will inspire creativity and spark their imaginations while being totally fun too!
Woom Bike
My daughter has grown up with these bikes, from the Balance Bike to the Explore Bike with disc brakes, 7 gears and all-terrain tires, and she LOVES them. They're super light and glide easily, even the kickstand is so smooth. Woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids at every stage. They are pricier than other bike brands, but I find that they resell very quickly at a high price point so you essentially get your money back. Choose from an variety of colors and levels, and they even have a warehouse option for gently used Wooms.
Micro Kickboard Foldable LED Scooter
This is on our holiday wish list because my friend and her son love them so much. These scooters are Swiss-designed, three-wheeled, lightweight and durable enough for well kids. They conveniently fold for easy carrying and perfect for traveling and on-the-go and when your kiddo doesn't feel like walking (but you do).
Yoto Mini
For your future podcaster, this cute, compact audio player plays stories, music, and educational tracks. Kids just pop in a card for what they want to listen too and they can use it with or without headphones. It's great for long car rides!
Ravine Cooperative Game
This game says 12+ but we've enjoyed it at 7+. This hilarious game is set in the woods and you need to survive together with firewood, shelter, spears, and forest food while keeping your wits! It's great to bring along on a camping trip!
Hey Clay Bugs
Bug lovers can make cute clay bugs with 18 different colors of clay using an interactive app that shows kid-friendly step-by-step instructions. Think spiders, caterpillars, a praying mantis, snail, ladybug, and dragonfly to spark imaginations and build fine motor skills/spatial reasoning. Clay is nontoxic, wheat and gluten-free, nut-free, latex-free, and won't stick to hands.
Habbi Habbi Wand + Bilingual Flashcards
Expose the kid in your life to new languages like Chinese and Spanish with these fun kits. My daughter has learned a few Spanish words from this game, and she still loves it. The magnetic wand reads the words as kids read along with visual cues.
Etsy Wooden Slingshot
We love a good old-timey gift with a modern edge. These handmade wooden slingshots are perfect for any kid who loves to get outside and play, no matter what the weather. Each slingshot comes with 20 colorful felt balls for gentle play.
ROBUD Kids Explorer Kit & Bug Catcher Kit
Get them outdoors and exploring year-round with this magnifying glass, net, and bug exploration kit with carry bag. It has everything kids need to immerse themselves in exciting outdoor exploration.
We Are in an ACT-ivity Book!
For kids and parents who love the ELEPHANT & PIGGIE books as much as we do, these activity books are so much fun! My daughter loved his original We Are In An Art-ivity Book, which not only teaches so much about art but also encourages kids to create their own art show. In this theatrical event, readers discover how to be a set builder, prop maker, costume designer, playwright, and star of their own show.
3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set
Get kids interested in 3D printing and creating 3D art with this pen set designed with no hot parts, completely safe for kids aged 6+.
Mini Explorer Voice Changer
Kids can transform their voice with four hilarious voice-changing modes – Alien, Ghost, Monster, and Robot.
Rainbow Joy Potion Kit
Kids are natural mad scientists and love to experiment, making this potion kit a kid pleaser every time.
Zoom, Ooze & Explore Ultimate Science Lab
Budding scientists will have fun while learning to hypothesize, measure, mix and observe through these 15+ creative science experiments. Best for ages 8 and up.
FAO Schwarz Toy DIY Ultimate Slime Kit
This is perfect for kids who love to get their hands dirty in a fun, tactile, science-y way.
Kidamento Bear Digital Camera
This toy digital camera offers features like filters and frames, face recognition, a selfie timer and burst mode, plus an HD video option.
Mindware Pattern Play Puzzle
You know a good gift when the parents want to play too. These beautifully designed puzzles are perfect for building problem solving skills and creating artful displays. Kids follow one of the 40 pattern cards to design the brightly-colored blocks into varying motifs. The blocks can also be used to create endless freeform designs - so fun!
Toy Market Cart by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
This cart can be anything your kid's imagination desires: a lemonade stand, a birthday cart, an advice stand a la Charlie Brown? It comes with open drawers in the back and a black board to name their business.
Mindware Colored Pencil Set
For the budding artist, this beautiful case of 36 already-sharpened colored pencils is a great gift for kids who love to color and create. The mix of classic colors and fresh hues makes all the kid drawings frame-worthy. Adults will love them too!
Personalized Afternoon Tea Set
We've had so much pretend tea over the years and I can't get enough over this customized tea set, including cake stand, cupcakes, and cake slices to share with friends, family, and dolls! ADORABLE.
Swingly Doorway Storefronts
These cute doorway storefronts are perfect for pretend play and performance play. My daughter uses them for puppet theatre and I've hung one where I door used to be in our hallway closet. Choose from a camper food truck to a Boba tea house to a farmer's market for your kidpreneur. Swingly helps parents create play spaces that inspire kids to think creatively and grow through entrepreneurial play.
Brown Toy Box
I'm a big fan of this brand and the woman behind it. Founded by a mom of four who wanted to see more representation in STEAM early development, this fun activity kit lets kids learn about coding and app development in an age-appropriate and culturally representative way.
Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Counter
We've ordered scoops and scoops of faux ice cream over the years and this one is delicious!
Little Lady Classic Collection Kit
Create a mini nail salon at home. Mani/pedis are one of our favorite things to do on a rainy day. Pick up these darling 7-free polishes for your next salon-at-home day. The bow is actually a ring they can wear post pampering! Vegan and cruelty-free too.
Play Mixer Kitchen Set
Littles can play chef or mimic mom and dad with this adorable (and affordable) wooden stand mixer. Rotatable beaters, a swiveling mixer head, and on-and-off button create an experience like a real mixer. This one's a fun add to any play kitchen!
Green Toys Tugboat
Bath toys are the best toys for bath, beach, muddy puddles, even snow! This floaty toy is made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers and safe for your little captain. No BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Mother Earth will thank you!
Paint By Sticker Kids: Outer Space
We are obsessed with these Paint by Sticker books as much as the kiddos in our life. From Outer Space to Mermaids & Magic, there's a theme for every kid passion. Get in a meditative zone with your little bud and choose from 10 sticker paintings, like a Mars rover, a space shuttle, and celestial bodies like Saturn, Jupiter, and the Sun. Plus, the back of each image includes a fascinating scientific fact *and* kids score glow-in-the-dark stickers!
Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Clinic
Kids love to play animal doctor and this set with a plush dog and cat, pretend play vet medical equipment, and a tote bag is perfect for all their veterinarian dreams.
Outfoxed Cooperative Board Game
Get the whole family a gift with this cooperative whodunit game for ages 5 and up. A wily fox has stolen Mrs. Plumpert's pot pie and is high-tailing it to the foxhole! You'll work together to gather clues and eliminate possible suspects. Figure out who is the guilty fox before they escape!
Surprise Ride Make a Model Plane Activity Kit
Aviation fans can make a model airplane while learning about Amelia Earhart with this fun kit. The 40-page book features a short story, facts and jokes about Earhart and aviation, along with a biplane wood model kit, art supplies, and a disposable apron.
Create Your Bright ideas Book
This interactive book written by our pal Jess Ekstrom is perfect for creative tweens and teens who want to be inspired to make a difference in the world.
Check out our Gingerbread Decorating Class to share with kids and subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday gifting ideas. Follow us on Pinterest too for tons of holiday decor and recipe inspiration!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
activity toys for kidsbest gifts for boysbest gifts for girlsbest gifts for kidsbest toys for kidsbikescreative kitscute giftscute toys for toddlersfun toys for kidsgifts for kidsholiday gifts for kidsholiday shoppingholidayskids' holiday giftsplay basedplay based giftsplay based toysplay spacesplay-based giftsportable dollhousepretend playstem toysholiday gift ideas