The Ultimate Red Lipstick Hack For Your Holiday Parties, From A Radio City Rockette

Dec 07, 2023

One of the most magical aspects of New York City at Christmas, and the holiday season in general, is the Radio City Rockettes. The group has been performing in the city since 1932, and every year, they absolutely deliver on the glitz, glam, and joy we love about this time of year. To celebrate the brand new season, we talked to Rockette Bailey Callahan Harding about the dancers' full proof makeup routines, the hardest part about being a Rockette, and one fact you might not know about the show.

Where will the Rockettes perform in 2023?

Image via NBC

The Radio City Rockettes perform at Rockefeller Center's Radio City Music Hall. The art deco space is one of the most beautifully-designed spots in the city, and it also perfectly represents the show's blend of tradition and modern edge. "I think the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation," Harding says. "We are constantly honoring tradition like The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, which has been in every single Christmas spectacular since 1933, as well as The Living Nativity scene, which is just a beautiful showcase of the nativity."

But the show also offers plenty of new surprises: "This year we have the brand new scene called Dance of the Frost Fairies, in which the Rockettes are dressed as these winter wonderland fairies that transform the stage into a magical winter wonderland. We have fairy drones flying above the audience. It's an incredibly beautiful, immersive experience."

How do I make sure red lipstick stays on?

Image via MSG Entertainment

"The Rockettes have a classic red lipstick that's really, really great and iconic to our look, and you can use it anytime and any day, especially with holiday parties coming up," Harding says. She says the first step is finding a color that works with your skin tone (her personal pick is Haus Labs' Atomic Shake Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick). With everything from blue-toned styles to warmer orange-reds on the market — there's literally something for everyone! But the kind of formula you choose can also have major impact.

"I really enjoy transfer-proof. A lip stain is really great for us at Radio City, especially with all the costume changes," Harding continues. You can also try your hand at applying multiple thin layers of lipstick, blotting off excess, or even dusting just a hint of translucent powder over your finished look to help it set.

What is a fun fact about the Rockettes?

Image via NBC

One of the things the Radio City Rockettes are most known for are their pristine, eye-high kicks. "There are 200 kicks in a single show and sometimes four shows in a day," Harding says. "But the secret is the Rockettes don't actually touch in our kick lines — it's a magical illusion that keeps with the Christmas magic here at Radio City. So every single kick that we do is by ourselves, even though we give the illusion that we are linked up and touching each other."

What's the hardest part about being a Radio City Rockette?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.

"The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is unlike any other production in theatre," Harding says. We totally agree! With nine routines and costume changes as quick as 72 seconds, it's a non-stop performance as soon as the curtain comes up. "So my biggest challenge in my 12 years as a Rockette has to [have] been mind over matter, that you're pushing through that stamina. You can achieve anything that you put your mind to and really working with the ladies around you, you build this sense of teamwork and community and there's nothing like it. It's really, really special."

What do the Rockettes do in the offseason?

Image via NBC

Even when the Rockettes aren't performing at Radio City Christmas Spectacular or at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, they still have the opportunity to dance: "Once the holiday season has passed, I'm a dance teacher, so I love going out to local studios and sharing my passion for dance with the kids and hopefully inspire them to become rockets one day," Harding says.

On show days, Harding will arrive at the music hall, and do her own hair and makeup. "I will visit our athletic training department to get my body ready for a rigorous show day. We can do any from one to four shows in a day, so it all depends on the schedule that day."

As a huge Christmas fan, Harding enjoys spending time in the city during her off-days. "I love Christmas. I decorate my entire apartment with Christmas, and I love paying attention to my Christmas tree and baking Christmas cookies," she says. "This is my time of year to thrive."

What is your most-memorable pinch me moment?

Image via NBC

Over the years, there have been plenty of memorable moments at Radio City Music Hall, from the Tonys to the VMAs to concerts. But for Harding, her opening night will always stick out most clearly in her mind.

"I would have to say my very first opening night...is a moment I will never forget," Harding says. "There's a number called Sleigh Ride that opens the show. And when the grand contour rises in the front, you can see the audience just waiting in anticipation. You can hear the jingle bells on your shoulder, you can feel the fog underneath your feet. The orchestra starts to hum. There's just so many memorable senses that come with that moment. And then the beat drops and the Rockettes start the Christmas Spectacular. That moment 12 years ago is something I'll never forget, and it's a moment too where I look at the first year, ladies next to me and I say, 'This is it. Pay attention. This is something that you'll remember for the rest of your life.'"

Will you be seeing the Radio City Rockettes this season? Check out The Best NYC Hotels For The Holiday Season and the 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts to make the rest of your holiday season even more memorable.

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

Lead image via MSG Entertainment

11 Most-Anticipated December Movies You're Going To Love

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!

4 Habits Women With Tons Of Friends All Have In Common

Have you ever wondered why it seems some women always have the best friendships? We're talking about on the level of Sex and the Cityor Insecure. It's debatable whether some of those friends are toxic or not, but that's another story. The point is, it seems like some women have the best luck when it comes to building fun and supportive platonic relationships.

Are there unique qualities women in this position share? According to friendship coach Zoe Asher and licensed therapist Nicolle Osequeda, the answer is yes! Asher is host of the top-rated Accidentally Intentional podcast while Osequeda is the owner and founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, giving them an inside look at how people tend to approach all types of relationships!

Let's dive in!

Here are the unique qualities women with lots of friends share.

1. Women with a lot of friends value connection & community.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

The one thing everyone with a solid group of friends can agree on is how it feels like you've built your own supportive community. Friends are often the first people we turn to with good or bad news, or the ones we simply want to go on adventures with. Osequeda says, "Women with strong friendship circles often value connection, community, and the power of vulnerability."

There's a realization that women in this unique position are able to "recognize that life is richer with a support system," says Osequeda. This involves "people who will listen, validate, and be there through both the highs and lows" she adds. From the friend who stayed up with you all night after a bad breakup to the one who cheered the loudest at your graduation, women who have a huge friend circle know that life feels better when we can connect with others.

Based on her experience as a therapist, she's "observed how women start friendships by gradually sharing layers of themselves." This can look like "having children at the same school or bonding over shared interests," she adds. This vulnerability is important because it creates a foundation that signals to women they've found their tribe.

2. Women with multiple friendships are open to vulnerability.

Like Osequeda mentioned, vulnerability can deepen our friendships. "These women are open to sharing the 'messy' parts of themselves which builds a deeper, more authentic bond." Also, she notes women with a lot of friends "aren't afraid to shed layers and be real" because "this vulnerability strengthens their sense of community." The more this happens over time, the more it "helps foster the connections" women with a lot of friends "cherish," according to Osequeda.

Honestly, she says "we’re all wired to seek out connection, and friendships provide that sense of community, validation, and belonging." She believes we truly "crave spaces where we can share our thoughts and feelings about what truly matters to us."

Asher believes women with lots of friends are "usually drawn towards one another in friendship" based on two levels:

Level 1: Shared interests, appearance of confidence, a positive energy that they feel (smiling helps with this!)
Level 2: (When in conversation) the safety they feel when speaking to another person, [emotional compatibility], how engaged the person is in conversation, and a desire to learn more about them, ultimately to find shared values.

This determines how women move forward in friendships. The approach is often led with "a deep sense of authenticity and care," according to Osequeda. "This is because women want relationships where they can be themselves, sharing hopes, dreams, and frustrations without judgment."

3. Women who have a lot of friends like other people they're friends with.

Again, the fact women with lots of friends actually like the people in their chosen circle is monumental. Asher says, "An interesting Yale study done in 2003 sought to look at 'popularity' in high schools to see if they could find something that all of the most liked and most popular kids had in common (outside of being a jock, etc.,)."

The common thread? "THEY liked the highest amount of people," Asher reveals. I talk about being a people pleaser a lot, but genuinely liking others isn't the same as that. IMO, it's actually admirable when people can respect others regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexuality.

She knows you're likely asking, "How does this apply to women having a lot of friends?" Her answer? "Across the board, the principle here is that women with the most friends are continuously on a hunt to find good and likable things about others."

However, this isn't based on a selfish need or want. "They've determined that the time invested in others is of mutual benefit," says Asher because "the biggest coast in adult female friendships is time — the most finite resource we all share in common."

4. These women also don't mind making new friends.

Elina Fairytale/Pexels

While making friends as adults shouldn't be hard, it definitely doesn't mean it comes easily. From overthinking to social anxiety, there's so many reasons why we struggle. Also, this idea we're doing fine without friends isn't exactly helpful or positive. Asher says, "The CDC has said that the impacts of loneliness on our bodies are more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes A DAY! Making time for quality friendships (and the pursuit of it) is just as important for your physical state as working out is."

Where should you start if you want to forge new friendships? Osequeda says, "Start within communities that already resonate with you — whether it’s your child’s school, your workplace, a gym, dog park or a shared hobby. Places where you already belong create natural opportunities to connect." She even suggests giving "apps like Bumble BFF or local meet-up groups" a chance because they "can also help you find like-minded friends." But don't think you're limited to this!

Though Asher agrees that women tend to approach "friendships by trying to find commonalities right from the beginning," she says you don't have to confine yourself to this formula. "The reason I don't think this is best is because we are boxing ourselves in when we do this. The greatest friends could be on the other side of the stereotypes we're creating," she notes. Taking it a step further, Asher shared her own experience with this. "I watched all 3 of my best friends get married and have kids all before I ever got married. On the outside, most women would think 'They don’t have anything in common.' But on the inside, the character traits and values we each were looking for were mutual, and that became a more important compass for our friendship than the stage in life we were each in."

She was even surprised she'd become close to her best friends because of how things looked externally. "We had nothing in common, but I'm so glad I didn't box myself in," she says excitedly.

Here Are Even More Ways To Make New Friends!

Asher has three ways you can open yourself up to new adult friendships if you're interested.

The most important place to start is our mindset. We have to first decide “I don’t want to be lonely anymore, and I’m worth having meaningful friendships.” When we make that decision, then we give ourselves permission and the courage to step out and take action in that! Important note about this: there was a study done at Stanford that revealed that people are 1.5x MORE likely to accept us than we think they are! So don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back!
Go first. Make the ask, and then make the plans! Saying “We should hang out sometime” is ineffective because “sometime” isn’t a day on the calendar! We cannot wait for other people to want to pursue a friendship with us, because most of us are in this same boat — not knowing where to start! We can pursue connection, get plugged into a community (examples: book club, fitness class, church, etc), or create our own connections by just inviting someone over to our house/apartment. The biggest thing we need to remind ourselves of that is to stop making excuses, or pre-determining how we think people will respond!
Again, don’t box yourself in. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think your archetype of a friend will look like stop you from spending time with others who don't fit that label. As addressed above, the friendships we’ve been looking for our whole lives could be right behind the stereotypes we’ve created! It’s more about character traits than it is about the external compatibility of hobbies or stages of life.

Osequeda's last piece of advice? "If you already have a friend group, meeting friends of friends is another great way to grow your circle. They key is taking that first step with a little bit of vulnerability — start a conversation, ask a question, and show interest." She's sure "it's these small moments of openness that create lasting connections!"

Want to know if you've taken on a certain role in your friendships? Discover the 11 ways you can tell if you're an empath!

friendships personality relationships

24 Devastating TV Deaths That Will Make You Sob Like A Baby

When you connect with a fictional character, and that character dies within their story, it's actually very normal to experience real feelings of grief. Author Oscar Wilde wrote that one of his "greatest tragedies" was the death of the fictional Lucien de Rubempré. He was so upset about it, in fact, that "it haunts me in my moments of pleasure. I remember it when I laugh." And that was in 1899!

If you're a TV fan, you probably know this pain first hand because we've had to say goodbye to a ton of characters in the last few years. After Outer Banks lost one of its beloved characters on November 7, fans flooded social media, proclaiming they felt like they'd lost someone from their own real life. And based on this Reddit thread of the TV deaths that "totally destroyed you emotionally,"OBX fans are definitely not alone. Do you agree with these picks? (Spoilers ahead! But you knew that.)

Keep reading for the most upsetting TV deaths we're still recovering from.

JJ Maybank from 'Outer Banks'

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Okay, considering this one's the most recent, I have to lead with it. Rudy Pankow's JJ died in the final episode of Outer Banks season 4, which was extra devastating for viewers hoping to see a happy ending with Madison Bailey's Kiara. One viewer told me "it feels almost like the show died along with him." Woof.

Marissa Cooper in 'The OC'

Warner Bros. TV

The OC's Marissa and Ryan are one of the ultimate 'ships of the early-2000s...so watching her die in his arms at the end of season 3 almost made me stop believing in love.

Sarah Miller on 'The Last of Us'

Shane Harvey/HBO

Sarah's future is literally so bright when we meet her in The Last of Us. She's spunky and clever, which makes her end one of the saddest TV deaths in recent history. And the fact Joel (Pedro Pascal) screaming "Tommy help me!" was improvised? I need 5-7 business days to process.

Glen Rhee from 'The Walking Dead'

Gene Page/AMC

Viewers of this zombie show will never forget Glen's (Steven Yeun) death-by-baseball-bat, which came in season 7, episode 1. "I couldn't watch that show anymore after that," one Reddit user admitted.

Charlie Pace from 'Lost'

ABC/Disney

The way Dominic Monaghan brought complexity to the character of Charlie — and made everyone fall in love with him — is a really beautiful thing. Even if his death marked the end of an era in the show. "A lot of the LOST deaths were sad, but that one was brutal," another Reddit user adds.

Joyce Summers in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Warner Bros. TV

The only thing worse than losing your favorite character is seeing them suffer a loss. Case in point: Buffy losing her mom in season 5, episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Despite the fact this episode aired 23 years ago, it's still "TOO SOON"for some.

Lydia James on 'One Tree Hill'

Warner Bros. TV

Speaking of moms, watching Haley deal with her mom's death throughout One Tree Hill season 7 is one of the most heartbreaking arcs on TV. I'm so glad she has Nathan to lean on, but it doesn't make it any easier to watch.

Hodor in 'Game of Thrones'

HBO

Game of Thrones is literally filled with tragedy, so when a character death leaves its fans speechless, that's how you know it was a bold choice! "I cry everytime :(," one Reddit user says.

Catelyn & Robb Stark from 'Game of Thrones'

HBO

Another GOT death we're still reeling from? Catelyn and Robb Stark at the Red Wedding. TBH, everyone from the Red Wedding #iykyk.

Bellamy Blake on 'The 100'

The CW

I'm pretty sure The 100 fans all thought the same thing when we got to the final episode of the show: "What?!" To spend 6 years of watching Bellamy and Clarke flirt (and actors Bob Morley and Eliza Taylor get married IRL) only to see her kill him in the end still infuriates me.

Lexa in 'The 100'

Cate Cameron/The CW

Not to mention the fact The 100 had already killed off Lexa, another one of Clarke's love interests, in season 3. One X user called it one of the "top saddest scenes" in the whole show.

Eddie Munson from 'Stranger Things'

Netflix

Outer Banks isn't the first time Netflix viewers have experienced a devastating TV death — Eddie Munson's sacrifice in the final episode of Stranger Things 4 will go down as one of the saddest deaths ever! "One of the few times that a TV show actually made me shed a tear," says another Redditer.

Michael Cordero Jr. on 'Jane the Virgin'

The CW/Warner Bros. TV

This is my most memorable TV death — and one of the first times I was really upset! When I reached the Jane the Virgin season 3 episode where Michael dies after his LSAT exam, I curled up on my roommate's carpet and cried so hard she thought I'd gotten denied from study abroad. Yes, I was that upset.

Amber Volakis on 'House'

Fox

While TV deaths are already hard to cope with, they can feel like they affect us even more when they cause drama between other characters — like when Wilson's girlfriend passes away on House. One Reddit user points out how it "was a toughie. More so because of how it affected Wilson and caused a wedge in his friendship with House."

Fry's Dog Seymour Asses in 'Futurama'

Fox/Disney

Okay as painful as human deaths are, pet deaths are just as bad! After "Fry's dog in Futurama" died, one Reddit user "was never the same."

Sybil & Matthew Crawley on 'Downton Abbey'

Joss Barratt/Carnival Films

Downton Abbey proved it wasn't afraid to go there when fan favorite Sybil died after giving birth in season 3.

Matthew Crawley on 'Downton Abbey'

Carnival Films

Oh, did I mention the show also killed Matthew in a car accident during the Christmas special that year? Happy holidays, I guess.

Derek Shepherd on 'Grey's Anatomy'

Richard Cartwright/ABC/Disney

Even people who haven't seen an episode of Grey's Anatomy can tell you McDreamy's death changed the show forever!!

Dr. Green from 'ER'

NBC

And speaking of medical dramas, Anthony Edwards' devastating TV death absolutely wrecked one Reddit user, who says "I’ve never cried at a character death before. I stopped watching after he died." All too relatable.

Every Single Death On 'The Sopranos'

HBO

Y'all know we couldn't make a "Devastating TV Deaths" list and not include The Sopranos. Christopher, Johnny Sack, Cosette — you name it, we probably cried.

Jen Lindley on 'Dawson's Creek'

Warner Bros. TV

We fell in love with Michelle Williams on Dawson's Creek — which means when she died (during the series finale no less!!!) we were totally inconsolable.

Danny Matheson in 'Revolution'

NBC

I'll be honest. This is one devastating TV death that totally derailed my interest in the show. RIP Danny, RIP.

Allison Argent in 'Teen Wolf'

MTV

Allison (Crystal Reed) dying in Scott's arms while "Look Out" by James Vincent McMorrow plays in the background? I'm still not over it.

Enzo on 'The Vampire Diaries'

The CW

And finally, I can't NOT include Enzo's death on The Vampire Diaries both because of how difficult it is to watch, and because Bonnie deserved so much better — on every single front.

What do you think the most devastating TV death is? If you're still crying over your fave, check out 21 Feel-Good TV Shows To Watch For Pure Fun.

pop culture entertainment

14 Gifts For Book Lovers & Introverts You'll Want For Yourself

Similar to finding the best gifts for your sister, I've become a pro at finding things book lovers will cherish. "It takes one to know one" positively applies to this because I'm a bibliophile too. From keeping up with the latest book club picks to seeing what's being praised (or shredded) on BookTok, there's never a time I'm not engrossed in something reading-related.

On that note, prepare your fingers to take screenshots of these fun gifts for book lovers because someone in your inner circle will love them. And if you decide to snag a few of these for yourself, I won't judge you!

Keep reading for the best gifts for every kind of book lover.

The Best Collector's Edition Book Gift: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (On shelves November 26, 2024)
The Best Journal Gift: Book Lovers Journal
The Best Drinkware Gift: Book Lovers Themed 16 Oz Glass Cup
The Best Puzzle: 500 Piece Book Puzzle
The Best Book Lovers Top: "I Have No Shelf Control" Sweatshirt

The best gift for the book lover who loves collector's editions of books:

Amazon

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (November 26, 2024)

The Perfect Marriage follows a wild case involving a married couple and their fight for justice. Unfortunately, readers discover that not all is as it seems between Sarah Morgan and her husband Adam. When an affair and the murder of Adam's mistress rocks their marriage, Sarah will have to prove how good of an attorney she is while defending him.

This collector's edition book comes with detailed endpapers, red edges (as seen above), and a brand new chapter that features "courtroom illustrations!" Pre-order it today so it'll arrive in time for Christmas!

The best gift for book lovers who are serious about their 2025 reading goals:

Target

Book Lovers Journal

The rise of BookTok made room for readers whose strong opinions fueled a renewed interest in reading. Even retailers like Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble noticed how powerful it is!

If you know someone who needs a place to organize their books and share their unfiltered thoughts about them, don't be shy about slipping this journal into their curated gift bag.

The best gift for book lovers who always pour a glass of wine when reading:

Target

Wine Glass Set — Read Between The Wine

I absolutely love fun sayings that play on familiar ones we've grown up with. This cute glass set would be perfect to include with someone's new book journal because the two complement each other well. What's a good book review without a nice glass of wine?

The best gift for book lovers who love coffee as much as they do reading:

Amazon

Book Lovers Themed 16oz Glass Cup

Some book lovers may be on a sobriety journey so it's best to steer clear of anything that reminds them of alcohol. Instead, you can buy this cute glass cup for them as a way to acknowledge their love of reading. Although it's technically a coffee cup, the reader you know can put their drink of choice in it!

Between us, I see a lovely golden turmeric tea in my future!

The best puzzle for the book lover who wants to immortalize their bibliophile ways:

Target

500 Piece Book Puzzle

Inside of this seemingly massive book lies 500 pieces of pure fun that create the most beautiful puzzle your reader's ever seen. It's less than $15 so you won't go over budget, and will keep that special someone busy in-between their designated reading sessions.

The best book gift to keep a book lover's toes cozy during winter:

Target

Bookworm Low Cut Socks

One thing any book lover can agree on is that we love cute and silly nods to our reading habits. IMO, these socks bring the 'bookworm' title to life with its cute depiction of a worm sitting on a pile of books. The fact the worm is wearing glasses makes these socks even better!

The best gift for book lovers who love practical jokes and playing pranks on people:

Target

Bookie Cushion

Clearly I'm in a jolly (aka goofy) mood because I immediately laughed when I saw this bookmark. I grew up with a brother so I can spot a whoopie cushion from a mile away and this idea? Oh, it's such a delight for book lovers who have a unique sense of humor.

The best gift for book lovers whose bookshelves are happily overcrowded:

Etsy

"I Have No Shelf Control" Sweatshirt

I'd love to write an entire blurb about why this sweatshirt makes sense as one of the best gifts for book lovers, but it's self-explanatory. I already know there's someone in your life who won't stop buying books even though they've run out of space on their bookshelves. Yes, it's plural because I know they have two that are overflowing.

This sweatshirt is definitely for them.

The best book gift for book lovers who love buying themselves flowers:

Etsy

Personalized Eco-Friendly Book Vase

How gorgeous is this eco-friendly book vase? I've personally tried to convince myself that I don't need one, but I think I may add this to my list of Christmas demands, er, wants, so my fiancé has an idea of what to get me.

The personalization of this book vase is simple:

Choose from two styles of vases
Add 10 favorite titles to the personalization box in list form

The best gift for book lovers who still have their childhood library cards:

Etsy

Vintage Library Card Blanket

All book lovers know that falling in love with the library as a kid is like a rite of passage. It was the one place where any outside troubles seemed to fade away because you could pick up any book and be transported to another world. If you know someone who still cherishes those day, you should surprise them with this vintage library card blanket.

You have the option of personalizing it for them or you can let the designer choose which dates or authors to place on it!

The best gift for book lovers who are curating their at-home libraries full of banned books:

Etsy

Personalized Library Sign

Take things a step further and buy a book lover their own library sign, especially if they're buying as many banned books as possible. Reading can be seen as a form of resistance to the idea that books are causing people to think and live in a harmful way. Book lovers know that's not quite it.

The best gift for book lovers who'd rather be reading:

Etsy

Funny Bookish Mug

There may be a pile of laundry on the bed or things to pack if you're moving, but nothing comes before reading. Well, that's probably what you've been telling yourself and I partially agree. At least shower and brush your teeth before you descend into your undisturbed reading time.

The best gift for book lovers who can't stop reading spicy titles:

Etsy

Fantasy Book Lover Candle

I'm going to hold your hand when I say this: We know you or your bestie can't get enough of reading spicy romance books. I'm privy to this insider's information because I can't stop reading them either. They've actually made date night more fun and that's as far as I'll go.

Even if you or your bestie aren't in a relationship with anyone, the very act of reading smutty things can be a fun form of escapism from the dumpster fire that's been going on since 2020.

The best gift for book lovers who swear they're going to bed after reading one more chapter:

Etsy

Book Lover Candle

You may have heard your best friend or younger sibling say this before: "I'm seriously putting this book down after I read one more chapter." You may have said it to yourself before realizing it's 3:00 in the morning and you haven't slept yet.

Do yourself or another book lover a favor by gifting them this realistic candle. You can choose from the following scents:

Rose + Patchouli
Mimosa + Pineapple
White Tea + Jasmine
Coconut + Orange

Stop by Brit + Co's Amazon Storefront for our top 2024 book recommendations!

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

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A Lip Oil That Comes in Neutral and Deep Shades

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

Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024

Mary — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Nightb—ch — In Theaters December 6, 2024

F Marry Kill — On Digital December 6, 2024

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6

Maria — On Netflix December 11, 2024

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters December 13

Carry On — On Netflix December 13

Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20

Babygirl — In Theaters December 25

A Complete Unknown — In Theaters December 25

Here are the unique qualities women with lots of friends share.

1. Women with a lot of friends value connection & community.

2. Women with multiple friendships are open to vulnerability.

3. Women who have a lot of friends like other people they're friends with.

4. These women also don't mind making new friends.

Here Are Even More Ways To Make New Friends!

Keep reading for the most upsetting TV deaths we're still recovering from.

JJ Maybank from 'Outer Banks'

Marissa Cooper in 'The OC'

Sarah Miller on 'The Last of Us'

Glen Rhee from 'The Walking Dead'

Charlie Pace from 'Lost'

Joyce Summers in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Lydia James on 'One Tree Hill'

Hodor in 'Game of Thrones'

Catelyn & Robb Stark from 'Game of Thrones'

Bellamy Blake on 'The 100'

Lexa in 'The 100'

Eddie Munson from 'Stranger Things'

Michael Cordero Jr. on 'Jane the Virgin'

Amber Volakis on 'House'

Fry's Dog Seymour Asses in 'Futurama'

Sybil & Matthew Crawley on 'Downton Abbey'

Matthew Crawley on 'Downton Abbey'

Derek Shepherd on 'Grey's Anatomy'

Dr. Green from 'ER'

Every Single Death On 'The Sopranos'

Jen Lindley on 'Dawson's Creek'

Danny Matheson in 'Revolution'

Allison Argent in 'Teen Wolf'

Enzo on 'The Vampire Diaries'

Keep reading for the best gifts for every kind of book lover.

The best gift for the book lover who loves collector's editions of books:

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (November 26, 2024)

The best gift for book lovers who are serious about their 2025 reading goals:

The best gift for book lovers who always pour a glass of wine when reading:

The best gift for book lovers who love coffee as much as they do reading:

The best puzzle for the book lover who wants to immortalize their bibliophile ways:

The best book gift to keep a book lover's toes cozy during winter:

The best gift for book lovers who love practical jokes and playing pranks on people:

The best gift for book lovers whose bookshelves are happily overcrowded:

The best book gift for book lovers who love buying themselves flowers:

The best gift for book lovers who still have their childhood library cards:

The best gift for book lovers who are curating their at-home libraries full of banned books:

The best gift for book lovers who'd rather be reading:

The best gift for book lovers who can't stop reading spicy titles:

The best gift for book lovers who swear they're going to bed after reading one more chapter:

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