When you're getting ready to go to a party or backyard BBQ and you're trying to think of a killer side dish to bring, pinwheel appetizers are where it's at. They can be creamy, crunchy, or spicy for anyone's taste buds. Sure, you could go with the usual pita dip or those baked Korean wings that everyone loved last time, but why not try something new? We sourced 10 different options, and officially challenge you to choose your favorite, take them to a party, and then maybe brag just a little bit afterward. Scroll on for some major pinwheel inspo!
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.
Break out your wallets because I have the best sweaters you should be wearing this fall and winter! If I sound overly confident it's because I genuinely love to shop and have every knit style you can think of in my closet. From cardigans to the dreaded — but stylish! — turtleneck options, I could become a sweater connoisseur.
Since I'm not willing to give up my day job for that title just yet, here's the best no-fail trends that look good on everyone. Plus I added a few shoppable options for anyone who doesn't have time to find the best picks for each trend.
Cozy Sweater Trends For All Body Types
1. Cable Knit
Jasmine Williams
I know it's fall when I start seeing cable knit sweaters appear online and in-store. I sound like a broken record, but they're a classic staple that everyone should have in their closets because they're:
- Unisex
- Cozy
- Flattering
You can always go for the oversized When Harry Met Sally look, or you can opt for a sleeker fit. The choice is always yours, but here's a little inspo if you're not sure which cable knit sweaters to get:
Amazon
Oversized Cable Knit Sweater
The burgundy trend is alive and practically running fall — hence this beautiful cable knit sweater. Aside from the color, it falls in line with the oversized option I was talking about. This makes it a versatile piece that be styled with a mini pleated skirt, a cute satin number, or even leather leggings.
MANGO
MANGO Braided Sweater
Bypass the color and opt for a cream sweater that's really going to give you that late '80s, early '90s fall style appeal. Since it's neutral, you'll be able to wear underneath a gorgeous burgundy or hunter green coat without compromising the detailed braided pattern on it.
GAP
Mixed Cable-Knit Sweater
Do we hear Mariah Carey trilling beautifully in her "All I Want For Christmas" song or is this sweater deceiving us? How about this: two things can be true at once. And, you get to look cute while putting up holiday decorations because I know you've been looking for a red sweater.
2. Cardigan
We're in our grandma eras because we love wearing cardigans, right? I'd argue and say that's not true, but some of us don't mind the foxy grandma style we've adopted.
Cardigans are always going to be top-tier because you can wear them on the days it's cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons. The thickness of their fabric will determine how much you're able to layer with it, but it's not hard to pick the perfect one based on the weather.
Don't believe me? Look at these picks!
Target
Cozy Knit Button-Down Cardigan
Sometimes all a girl really needs is a cute cardigan that she can wear as many times as her heart desires. Lucky for you, I saw this adorable one while looking for table lamps on Target...clears throat.
Amazon
Cable Knit Embroidered Cardigan
Cardigans don't have to be boring, especially when your style isn't! This one's specifically for anyone who lives a colorful life and likes for their outfits to follow suit.
BloomChic
Reindeer And Snow Cardigan
I promise I'm not rushing Christmas, but look at this cardigan! It has cute little reindeer and snowflakes all over it! How could I ignore someone's chance at having the greatest holiday sweater? Clearly I couldn't because you're probably looking at this and smiling too.
3. Striped Sweater
If you want that naturally preppy fall look, a striped sweater is your best option. It's one of the easiest pieces to style because it serves as the main focal point of an outfit. Here's a few Thanksgiving outfit ideas that you can pull off wearing this trend:
- Lightweight trench coat, striped sweater, straight-leg jeans, Mary Jane flats
- Leather jacket, striped sweater, satin skirt, New Balance sneakers
- Oversized striped sweater, bootcut jeans, and ankle boots
Here are a few picks to get you started:
Amazon
Crewneck Striped Sweater
The fun thing about striped sweaters is that they come in a variety of sizes. The thicker lines create a new dimension that works great for the oversized look IMO. You can take this sweater and wear it over a unitard, or you tuck the front into a pair of skinny jeans.
Target
Crewneck Pullover Sweater
This pullover sweater has 'from the office to happy hour' vibes and I really like that. It's a great universal piece that isn't confined to one environment or event...AKA you need a striped sweater that's as adaptable as you are.
GAP
Shrunken Roll Neck Sweater
Again, this is strictly for my girls who love the color pink. At my core, I can't stay away from this color so I don't try anymore. Though it's vibrant, this sweater still feels preppy enough to be worn to your work or your company's country club gathering.
4. V-Neck
Show me a v-neck sweater that doesn't love all body types so I can have a word with it, please. I like this universal style because sometimes you want a different neckline outside of the usual 'crew' option some sweaters have.
J.Crew
Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
Look, grey isn't boring. I thought it was, but it has great potential if you're willing to work with it. Like cream or black, this sweater can be used as a neutral component of your outfit. Think black military coat and knee high boots. Bubblegum pink wool outerwear and silver shoes. Do you see where I'm going with this?
Target
V-neck Pullover Sweater
You can always err on the side of caution and go for a taupe v-neck sweater that doesn't cause a lot of commotion. I love how this almost seems like it could've been a cropped top, but instead sits right at the waist. This makes it easier to pair with bootcut jeans.
Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater
When it comes to sweaters, who doesn't want a little cashmere in their closet? Unfortunately cashmere can be prohibitively expensive, BUT Quince has great — and quality — options at a much lower price point. I love this oversized look for those chilly days when you just wanna bundle up into something comfortable, but stylish.
5. Turtleneck Sweater
Jasmine Williams
I have a love/hate relationship with turtleneck sweaters that stem from childhood. For the oddest reason, I used to think they were choking me and would give my mom the meanest side eye each time she'd make me wear one. However, I willingly wear them as an adult. Do I appreciate the snug feeling around my neck? No, but they look amazing when paired with leather pants or skirts.
Here are some of my faves right now!
ModCloth
Woodstock Wanderer Sweater
Taps microphone...The best time to wear a striped sweater really is all the time! Spongebob may have ignored his fry cook duties to sing this line, but he didn't lie. Striped sweaters are gifts that keep giving because they seem festive no matter their colorways! However, this particular sweater has Christmas stitched into every seam and we love it!
BloomChic
Bloomchic Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater
Can't stand the idea of a turtleneck sweater hugging your neck like it's obsessed with you? Here's a sweater that doesn't feel so restrictive!
H&M
Mock Turtleneck Sweater
Here's another neck-friendly sweater that's as cute as it's breathable. It's like the faux version of what we're used to because no one wants to yank at their neckline every five minutes.
Target
Turtleneck Tunic Pullover Sweater
But if you've embraced the dark side of turtlenecks, this pullover sweater won't make you gasp every time you take a breath. I'm serious, you'll love wearing it...I think.
Follow us on Pinterest to see more cozy fall and winter styles!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice desserts to take a backseat – Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiked sweets are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season.
Here are 45 festive Christmas desserts that will make your holidays so magical!
Brit + Co
Vegan Mini Chocolate Pies with Pecan Caramel
Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and bite-sized, plus these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors! They're also vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Easy Puppy Chow Recipe
You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
The Best Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake
If you love red velvet cake and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the Oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Paleo Christmas Cookies
Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Check out this easy Christmas dessert that's paleo-friendly. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Eggnog French Toast
Have breakfast for dessert by adding eggnog to your French toast batter. It adds just the right amount of spice to the recipe and makes it creamy and smooth. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes
Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache
Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust
Move over white chocolate ganache, because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Puff Pastry Apple Roses
These roses look good enough to eat – because they are indeed edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Vegan Apple Cake
If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups
Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Eggnog with Sugared Rosemary
Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes
If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)
Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!
Sugar and Cloth
Peppermint Bark Cannoli
You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)
Mott's
Mott's Gingerbread Cups
These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)
Liv for Cake
Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake
We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)
A Cookie Named Desire
Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies
With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)
Two Peas & Their Pod
Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Sugar and Cloth
Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze
One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)
Domestic Gothess
Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath
This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)
Two Peas & Their Pod
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Pinch of Yum
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti
We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)
The Real Food Dietitians
Homemade Marshmallows
Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Sprinkle Bakes
Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce
Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)
You Won't Want To Share These Delicious Christmas Desserts
How Sweet Eats
White Christmas Sparkle Cake
If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)
You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are
Sprinkle Bakes
Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake
But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)
Averie Cooks
Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)
The View From Great Island
Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies
It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)
My Life Cookbook
Christmas Tree Mousse Cups
You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)
Best Friends for Frosting
Peppermint Cream Puffs
Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)
Feel Good Foodie
Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Passion for Savings
Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll
Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)
Just a Little Bit of Bacon
Italian Pear Cranberry Tart
If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
Leite's Culinaria
Viennese Crescent Cookies
Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)
We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone
Domestic Gothess
Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath
Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)
Half Baked Harvest
Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée
Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)
The View From Great Island
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)
Crowded Kitchen
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Forks and Foliage
Tahini Brownies
If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)
Rachel Mansfield
Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms
Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)
Averie Cooks
Olive Oil Orange Cake
This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)
Vanilla and Bean
Hazelnut Shortbread with Salted Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)
Chef Genevieve LaMonaca
Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca
For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!
Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts!
This article has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, Meredith Holser, and Chloe Williams.
As we dive into gifting season, I’d argue that gifting something old can oftentimes be a lot better than gifting something new. Sure, that Black Friday deal is gonna help yousave some money on a brand-new gaming set for him – but you can reserve heapsmore once you step foot in a thrift store.
Any thrift store near you is going to have a very unique selection of items that can actually be flipped (or, in some cases, given as-is) to make ahh-mazing gifts. You’ll be surprised at each item’s uniqueness and the ease of each project.Discover 10 new ways to incorporate thrifted gift ideas into your holiday haul this year!
Tips For Finding Thrifted Gift Ideas
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
I’d say keeping an open mind about your potential finds before venturing off to your local secondhand store is super important for executing these thrifted gift ideas.
If you’re shopping for a candle holder to gift with something too specific in mind, you may find yourself in an endless and unsuccessful search for the “perfect” piece. Instead, be open to combing through the knick-knack shelves and clothing racks – you never know what you may find!
Use the 10 thrifted gift ideas ahead to directly guide your gift-making journey, or let each one inspire you to find your own gift!
Roman Odintsov / PEXELS
1. Use thrifted jars to put homemade jam, spice mixes, or snacks in.
Mason jars and other kitchen-y vessels are some of the most common items at the thrift. Pick up several this season, clean them off, then use them for holding homemade food goods to gift! You could even use some to put plant cuttings in.
Anna Shvets / PEXELS
2. Fill up thrifted vessels like mugs, vases, and bowls to pour candles in.
Making your own candles is actually super easy once you have the materials. Just melt some candle wax with some (or no) fragrance over a fixed wick that you've placed in a thrifted container. Everyone loves a cozy lil' candle!
Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS
3. Thrift and gift a pre-loved jewelry box alongside a new or handcrafted jewelry piece.
This thrifted gift idea will really impress, especially if you're able to find a unique jewelry box, or one in your giftee's personal style. As far as jewelry goes, you could make your own beaded necklace or earring set, or check out our favorite statement earringsfor inspiration.
Bon Bons Studio / PEXELS
4. Add matches and a striker to a small vessel for a unique match holder.
A box of 300 matches goes for about $10 online, and a dozen striker stickers are about $6. Get the most out of your dollar by thrifting a ton of small vessels (like a shot glass or shallow teacup dish), adding the matches and strikers to them, then gifting out multiple to friends and coworkers.
Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
5. Thrift a velvet garment to cut into strips for handmade bows.
You can transform a $2 shirt into countless bows )for making hair clips and/or gift toppers) by following a simple bow-making tutorial. Sometimes you can even find unused gift bags and boxes in between the aisles to save on wrapping.
Laura James / PEXELS
6. Thrift cookie tins for all the holiday treats you’ll make (and gift) this season.
Cookie tins and food storage containers are always hiding out at the thrift store. Snag a few and wash them thoroughly before stuffing them full of sweet treats (I always go with puppy chow/muddy buddies) to share! You can also use cookie tins and plastic containers as complete gift wrapping for anything small.
Valerie Voila / PEXELS
7. Find some candlestick holders or candelabras, clean them off, then gift them with a few candlesticks.
'Tis the era of candlesticks. Candelabras are hot right now, and you're bound to find some on the thrift store shelves. Add them to cart, clean them off, then gift them with a pair of candlesticks tied with a ribbon bow for a cute touch.
Disha Sheta / PEXELS
8. Thrift a picture frame and use it to hold a collage, a painting, or a photo that’s special to the recipient.
It's not hard to find old picture frames or prints that are still intact. Framing a photo you have of a favorite memory with your gift recipient or a place they love could really hit home and win their heart over! This example with pressed leaves and flowers is adorable, too.
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
9. If your giftee is a fashionista, scour the thrift store racks for some cool and unique pre-loved garments.
You could even package a few as a ‘style bundle.’ Bonus points if they’re winter-friendly! Just make sure you give everything a good wash before gifting them.
Timur Weber / PEXELS
10. Use thrifted bottles to put homemade infused liquors in.
Just add any flavor combination you’d like (lemon + vodka, jalapeño + tequila, candy cane + vodka, coffee grounds + vodka) to some clean, thrifted, and airtight glass bottles – the more elegant the better – and let it steep for up to a month for a single-batch spirit.
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This post has been updated.
Austin Butler as Elvis truly changed Hollywood, because now, not only are we getting Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, but Paul Mescal is also reportedly in talks to lead one of four upcoming biopics about The Beatles. Each movie, set to come from director Sam Mendes, will focus on a different member of the band — and their unique points of view — but will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” per Variety.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Beatles movies.
Is there a new Beatles movie coming out?
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Yes, director Sam Mendes is developing four movies about The Beatles — one for each member of the band. Each individual movie will tell a story from the perspective of one member (including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison).
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Sam Mendes told Variety.
Where can I watch the new Beatles biopics?
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Each of the four movies will be released in theaters, thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment. They're hoping to shoot all four in the UK starting in 2025 and release them in 2027.
“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter. “There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”
Who will be playing The Beatles?
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According an article by The Hollywood Reporterpublished in May 2024, Paul Mescal was one of the studio's top picks for one of the Beatles, which I would totally be here for. To be honest, I need the rumored casting to be true just so I can hear him sing!
Speaking with GQ in October 2024, Mescal said: “I would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone.”
He since hasn't confirmed (or denied) the rumors are true. During an interview with ETat theLos Angeles premiere of Gladiator II, Mescal said:
"It would be an incredible story to be attached to. The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, it truly would be a dream come true."
Some other fan casts for he Beatles movies include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Asa Butterfield, Barry Keoghan, and Tom Holland.
Who do you want to see in the new Beatles biopics? Let us know on Facebook!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.