Brit + Co doesn't play around when it comes to holiday parties(or any parties for that matter). But around these parts, ain't no party like a white elephant or Secret Santa party, because it's prime time for ridiculous gifts. From LED holiday flair to pocket manfriends (we'll explain), we've rounded up the ultimate buys for gift-swap domination. That's right — we're your one-stop shop for the absurd, the unusual, and the totally delightful.
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From the team that brings you all the bizarre travel stops in Atlas Obscura comes this guide to what to eat around the world filled with food adventures and edible wonders.
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There’s bound to be a cat lady who will make efforts to steal this precious mug.
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Never stop dreaming of the perfect gift. This light box is totally customizable with 400 letters, symbols, and emojiis.
Etsy
For the beer lovers on your list, give ’em a brand new way to get their hopped up fix.
Harry & David
Fall fruit with a cheesy mix is a white elephant gift we would happily accept.
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Love hanging out everywhere you go? This inflatable sofa makes a great white elephant gift. Have lungs, will travel.
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You know how your clothes smell after a weekend of camping? Now you can smell like that ALL the time.
Etsy
Is your pup or cat so narcissistic it only wants to snuggle with itself? There's a custom pet pillow for that.
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Shine bright this holiday season with this battery-powered Christmas sweater that will help you literally get lit.
Etsy
Have a friend in need of a bearded companion? Get them a manfriend in pocket size – you can take him anywhere! Choose from 20 personalized guys.
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What better way to end a long day than with a tasty brew opened with this bottle opener from a galaxy far, far away?
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Throw this classic holiday record on before your white elephant party ends!
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Decorative beards and mustaches are definitely here to stay, so give that guy in your life the products he needs to keep things tidy.
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Protect your cookies from… people who apparently steal your cookies so often that you need a safe?
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This gift might make the recipient hungry and take days to complete, but it'll make for a good time.
What white elephant gifts are you gifting this year? Share with us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations
This article has been updated.
If you’re feeling stumped on holiday gifts this year, rest assured that books are the timeless choice — especially for the reader that always has their nose in something new! Whether they're a Swiftie, a sports aficionado, or a true crime enthusiast, there's a perfect pick waiting for them here. So if you're looking for something to add to your cart for the literary-inclined on your list, we've definitely got your covered! Happy shopping — and reading!
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A Swiftie-coded book full of romance, angst, and second chances. Riley Wynn became an overnight superstar on the heels of a hit single from her breakup album. When her ex-husband claims the song is about him, she calls someone she remembers all too well; her college boyfriend and inspiration for the song, Max. The former lovers haven’t spoken in a decade, but when Riley asks him to go public as her songwriting muse, he agrees under the condition that he joins her band on tour. Sparks fly as the two tour the country, but their rekindled relationship will either last forever or go down in flames.
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Ruth Brancof’s wedding is unlike any of the weddings you and your besties have been to this season. The wedding weekend is curated meticulously to promote the quaint Gulf Coast fishing village a year after a hurricane, while also welcoming Ruth’s estranged family back together. Secrets are exposed, accusations are made and the oceanfront rehearsal dinner ends with gunshots and one missing guest. It turns out everyone always has a secret to protect.
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An intimate memoir that gives an inside look at the life full of both the milestones and misadventures of culinary figure Ina Garten. The Barefoot Contessa writes about escaping her difficult childhood, finding love, navigating boring jobs, landing a career beyond her dreams and offers life advice for everything in between. For those who have learned to cook with Ina over the years, this book offers a deep and personal look at the woman behind the apron.
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Packed with holiday hallmarks, this Christmas romance is a gift for anyone who likes to keep the spirit alive all year. Christmas was always magic for wedding singer Mel Hart, thanks to her mom who always managed to make it special, despite her struggles with alcohol. But when Mel loses her mom two weeks before Christmas, she's introduced to an estranged best friend of her mother’s, Barb, who is committed to telling Mel a different story about her mom. Mel spends the holidays with Barb’s family and gets a glimpse into their complicated life, uncovers secrets and learns about her moms past, all while crushing on Barb’s not-yet-divorced son.
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A memoir that will captivate those with a hunger for adventure and personal growth. This memoir follows Linda Murphy Marshall’s life as she escapes an abusive family and discovers her talent for foreign languages. This love of language creates an entirely new life for her as a successful multi-linguist where she works on assignments for the US Federal Government around the world, experiencing time in active war zones and jaw dropping situations. Through these experiences, Linda unlocks pieces of her true self and learns how to build a sense of home within herself.
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A story of dual timelines, spanning World War II to present day, following an unlikely friendship between a Tennessee farm boy, a Jewish Cambridge student, and a German POW. Now, everything the trio has fought for is at risk as their descendants fight for control of their corporation. Attempting to refresh the company image, event planner Hadley Jacks and her sister organize a family reunion on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The sisters uncover the story of a brave woman who links the three men together and the history of old wounds that will test the strength of their friendships.
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A story baked with all the ingredients of a flirty romance. When August Hodge’s feminist rant about baking goes viral, he suddenly becomes the hottest bachelor in town. His best friend's sister and decades old teenage love, Sloane Dell, steps in to help keep the social media momentum going for the Sugar Blitz Cupcakes Bakery. The two vow to keep the past in the past, but it’s made clear their attraction still burns hot, forcing them to reconsider their risks and dreams.
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A steamy romance that mixes fairytales and mafia themes. Despite her beauty and charm, Venesa Andersen has never felt good enough. Raised by her mafia connected uncle, she understands the demands of loyalty and duty. But when her cousin introduces her to Enzo “Loverboy” Marino, wealthy businessman by day and mafia prince by night, her attraction to him will put into question her loyalty to duty. As the cousin of Enzo’s fiancé, Venesa is off limits, even though their chemistry is electric. The two are everything they ever dreamed of, but they’ll have to grapple with the consequences of choosing a forbidden love.
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Jane Pyre is a former member of the famous rock ‘n’ roll duo, The Lighting Bottles, writing the songs that catapulted them to fame. For the last five years, Jane has been the target of public hatred since the disappearance of her bandmate and soulmate Elijah Hart. Now, after moving to the quiet German countryside, she is faced with a bombshell from a young superfan next door: Proof that Elijah is alive and has been leaving clues for Jane. A cross-continent road trip ensues as Jane and the fan search for the truth.
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This story follows Mary, an army brat and middle sister of three as she navigates life in Cold War-era West Germany. Mary struggles with the militant expectation of her father, her relationships with her siblings and the societal pressure of gender roles during the rise of the feminist movement. Mary is on a journey of self-discovery and through the power of place, travel and people she eventually finds her purpose and her voice.
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A red carpet proposal by actor Finn Forrester to philosopher Ella Sinclair catapults the couple into the public eye, marking them as a fairy-tale romance. As Ella moves into Finn’s Beverly Hills mansion, the two are challenged with finding a way to interlace their worlds. Finn is afraid of losing his fiancé and gets lost in perfectionism while Ella is dedicated to maintaining her own identity. Simultaneously, Ella is writing a treatise on love, exploring the question: when we love so deeply, where do we end and where does the other begin?
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A slam dunk read for any sports fan that has turned on ESPN. Chronicling the early days of the sports network, this is a story about how a conversation over martinis in 1978 revolutionized sports entertainment. Peter Fox, ESPN’s founding executive producer, tells the behind-the-scenes journey of how a group of Connecticut locals, inspired by the mania surrounding UConn men’s basketball, took a chance on their careers and founded ESPN. Full of stories of mistakes and embarrassing moments, this book chronicles the journey of an idea that grew into a broadcast empire.
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Ricki Wilde, daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, has never fully fit in with her socialite sisters. Determined to find the exciting life she knows awaits her, Ricki leaves everything she knows behind and moves to a Harlem brownstone where she realizes her dream of opening a flower shop. Of course, everything changes when she meets an alluring stranger one evening. The two lovers are forever linked as the story of two passionate lovers unfolds against the backdrop of New York.
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A dark academia mystery that will keep any true crime lover unraveling every page. Maya is excited as she returns to Princeton for a nostalgic reunion and her sister Naomi’s graduation. But the celebration abruptly ends when Naomi is found dead, and Maya suspects the cause is much more sinister than an accident. As Maya investigates deeper, she learns all about her sister's secrets, including her involvement in the same exclusive campus social club she was once a part of, the Sterling Club. She fears that her own past at Princeton may play a role in her sister's death as every clue circles back to a long-held secret.
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A deep dive into the power of manifestation, beyond the widely stigmatized buzz word. Dr. James Doty provides a path for a kinder and better world through the possibilities of manifestation. He outlines a way to rewire the brain through attention, meditation, visualization, and compassion. His guide aims to provide people with clarity, agency, and the ability to realize their dreams, perfect for those looking for a reset.
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A balance of myth and mystery set in Manchuria in 1908. When a courtesan's frozen body is found, rumors about shape shifting fox spirits arise and detective Bao is hired to find the dead woman’s identity. Meanwhile, a family cursed with the deaths of their eldest sons before they turn twenty four is met by a servant named Snow who has a past checkered with secrets. More than anything, Snow seeks revenge for her lost child. Traveling from China to Japan in search of a murderer, Bao and Snow are met with old friends, new foes, and even more death.
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Jax, Yas, Spider and Han make up Team Jericho, the best scavenger hunting team in Seattle. But when an oil refinery threatens their homes, their communities, and their families, the team’s world is turned upside-down. Team Jericho stumbles upon the chance of a lifetime when The Order offers them a prize of influence if they complete a puzzle. Winning the game means protecting everyone they love, but with the competition not far behind, they will need to be creative.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
It's officially the last week of Scorpio season — and it's been a tumultuous, disorienting and dramatic month to say the least. On a personal level, the challenge has been to remain grounded and balanced through the disruptions. We cannot ‘blame’ Scorpio, but must realize the planets reflect what is going on here on Earth. We can, however, choose the high road or the low road to learn our lessons — we have free will and can only control our actions and reactions to life’s events. As always, this horoscope column is written with the hopes that it inspires us to live our best lives, sharing kindness and compassion with ourselves and others.
The most noteworthy event this week is Pluto moving into the fixed air sign of Aquarius on November 19. This heralds a new era as Pluto is a slow-moving planet, and it will stay in Aquarius until 2044. Aquarius at its best is a futuristic sign whose focus is of a humanitarian nature. Aquarius is highly intelligent, a bit unpredictable and unique in all ways. Aquarians do not like to be told what to do. They are open minded and tolerant for the most part but can be slow to change their minds once they determine they know all that needs to be known. Aquarians are known to love everyone; they are very community oriented. How Pluto will manifest its transformative energy in the sign of Aquarius will be nothing short of revolutionary. We may find unique solutions to the world’s problems that no one has thought of or even conceived of. We may realize we are all connected, and the new world order will reflect this realization.
On a personal level, Pluto in Aquarius can teach us to be open minded; to realize we can use our intellect to approach life in new ways and to be inclusive of others. Look at your own chart to see which house Aquarius rules to get a better understanding of the lessons you may learn during this 20-year period.
Another major shift this week occurs when the Sun moves into Sagittarius on November 21. This year, the Sun will remain in Sagittarius until December 22. Sagittarius is an optimistic archetype. This enthusiastic and energetic, mutable fire sign is socially oriented and seeks truth and understanding. While the Sun is in Sagittarius, we have the chance to broaden our comprehension of ourselves and our place in the world. Taking a wide viewpoint, we can be philosophical and hopeful. Higher education, learning and travel are also parts of Sagittarius’ world view. Natural teachers, Sagittarius loves to share knowledge. Other cultures and religions are fascinating and can be sources of learning. We also tend to over-do and over-consume while the Sun is in Sagittarius. While the jovial nature of Sagittarius is fun-loving, we can be overly confident, overly optimistic and blurt out what is on our minds without first thinking about how it is received.
Supporting our time with the Sun in Sagittarius, Jupiter, the planet that rules Sagittarius, is forming a sextile to Chiron, the healer and shaman of the Zodiac. Between November 18 – 28 we can feel uplifted and work toward freeing ourselves from negative or limiting beliefs or patterns. This time is best spent focused on personal growth, learning from a mentor or someone we admire and keeping an open mind. Releasing old wounds and insecurities will make room to experience more abundance and true healing. The effects can be long lasting; make the most of this 10-day transit.
I look to the sky and the planets to help navigate the world around us. If you’d like to know more about how these and other transits affect your life, please contact me for a personalized reading!
Are you sabotaging your progress in life with negative self-talk? Do you feel blocked by insecurities but don’t quite know where they originate? You can identify what prevents you from being successful and happy and actually break free from what hinders you. Be honest. Delve into your psychology. Write in your journal. Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist’s Waywhere she describes a technique called Morning Pages to help unlock your inner knowing. This approach would be very helpful for you.
Identifying the impediment to your personal growth requires you to slow down, rejuvenate, and repair any frazzled nerve endings and to retreat into a safe and comforting space. This can be done in the sacred spaces of your home or in nature, where you commonly find reverence and inspiration. Take time to retreat to the places in your life where you feel secure and protected. You might also find yourself inspiring others or offering refuge to those who feel extra vulnerable. Offer assistance to those who need it.
Your community is a source of solace and provides a sense of belonging this week. This is a reciprocal arrangement; offer shelter to others and you will, in turn, feel support and protection. Use your strength and stability to encourage those around you. If you feel insecure that you don’t have what it takes to provide for others, dig deep. You are stronger than you think and whether you know it or not, others find you inspiring and admirable. While the obstacles appear daunting, your ingenuity and energy is indomitable. Pace yourself. You have what it takes to endure.
Your soft, sensitive side can find inspiration though music, poetry or art. Lean on your spiritual practices to boost your confidence. There might be opportunities in your profession that require you to step out of your comfort zone and tap into your natural leadership abilities. If you are required to lead a workshop, or give a presentation, use your mentors to give you courage and strength. It is likely that you will overcome any tendency to be shy if you take time to acknowledge what you know and muster up your bravery to shine.
You might be doubting yourself and your worthiness. If you find yourself insecure about your capabilities, this is a good week to reflect on how far you have come. Boost your ego by recounting and reviewing your accomplishments. If you are unable to see clearly as you look back, confide in your community or loved ones. Take a trip down memory lane with those closest to you. Share pictures from your past or recount stories about occurrences that demonstrate your growth and evolution.
There might be a tendency to dwell in the shadow this week. Do not let fear stand in the way of your growth or understanding of the predicament you might find yourself in. There are lessons to be learned, and this darkness can serve to transform yourself. You will not always feel so pessimistic and what you experience has the potential to give you a perspective that will help you withstand future hardships. It is a good idea to frequently remind yourself that you are strong and capable.
Relationships might be a sore spot but only if you have allowed them to become unbalanced. To achieve the equanimity you so desire, it is important to maintain your autonomy while allowing your partners to experience their own self-determination. It is possible for you both to be strong individuals and strong together. Lean into your spiritual practice to find solace as you strive for fairness and balance. If your relationships are healthy, use this time to enhance the connection. Date night, meet for lunch or take a break from work to walk in the park can be wonderfully enchanting and satisfying.
You can achieve healing through holistic practices. The synergy between the mind and body promotes health; the body has a natural affinity for health. It is important to balance work, personal care, adequate sleep and deep connections with others. Strive to achieve stability through spiritual and physical activities, being of service to others and tending to personal relationships. Scorpios are natural healers. Setting aside the ego to help others is a great way to demonstrate this power.
It is your time of year to shine. How can you use your creativity to heal any insecurities? Practice your art to gain confidence and then share what you know with others. Your tendency to be spontaneous can be infectious but can lead to chaos. If you are planning a party or celebration, start early and include others in the preparation. Delegate and share the responsibilities. A group effort can be even more fun. Include the kids and encourage self-expression. Spread joy and laughter as you connect with your inner child.
Connecting with your roots and focusing on your family is a path to healing and greater personal freedom. Focus on inner nurturing and connecting with the divine. Reflect on what home truly means to you. Is home a place or a feeling within your soul? How can you help others achieve peace of mind and nurture those who have had a turbulent upbringing or who have experienced wounds around home? You have an ability to see others’ emotional scars. Practice compassion and empathy as you devise ways to help others dissolve those scars.
Knowing yourself is the first step toward healing any childhood wounds of not being heard or acknowledged. Your thoughts are valuable. Your ability to find unique solutions are essential for the evolution of the planet. It is critical for you to express yourself clearly so that misunderstandings are minimized. Practice Non-Violent Communication, a profound method of communication developed by the humanistic psychologist, Marshall Rosenberg. Experiment with different forms of communication, keeping in mind that clarity is the goal.
What do you truly value? Do you view your body as sacred? Are you focused on material possessions to define security? Your spiritual life is a pathway to understanding your core values. A connection to the divine is part of your wealth. Learning to create boundaries so that you can focus on what you value will lead you to contentment. Learn to say no, or not now. Stand up for yourself and develop your talents and unique perspective. Establish an inner sense of belonging to create your security. Material goods are fleeting. Your spiritual truth is everlasting.
Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like baking easy Christmas cookies (and making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and *all* the sprinkles). Thankfully, you don't have to be a trained pastry chef to create the best holiday cookies for Santa. Christmas cookie decorating doesn't necessarily mean sitting down with fancy candy topping and buckets of royal icing. It could be as simple as throwing together some easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients or hacking cake mix to make the dough. Now that you have the confidence to get started, check out these easy Christmas recipes and get to baking!
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like baking easy Christmas cookies (and making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and *all* the sprinkles). Thankfully, you don't have to be a trained pastry chef to create the best holiday cookies for Santa. Christmas cookie decorating doesn't necessarily mean sitting down with fancy candy topping and buckets of royal icing. It could be as simple as throwing together some easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients or hacking cake mix to make the dough. Now that you have the confidence to get started, check out these easy Christmas recipes and get to baking!
You can make the cookie dough in this recipe ahead of time and freeze it to save you time during the Christmas rush. When you're ready for this baking recipe, just take them out of the freezer and arrange on a baking sheet. Fourteen minutes later, you'll be enjoying one of the best Christmas cookie recipes: warm cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies — filled with melty chocolate chips. (via Brit + Co)
Is all that red and green cramping your style? Give typical holiday colors a break with these pink pastel ornament Christmas cookie idea, complete with crushed candy cane sprinkles. Eloise would definitely approve. (via Brit + Co)
This warmly spiced gingerbread cookie dough can act as a base for your favorite holiday shapes and decorations. Personally, we're suckers for this making snuggly sweaters with this easy Christmas cookie recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Need a cup-shaped cookie to go with your steaming cup of hot cocoa? Try this frosted, easy holiday cookie recipe, made with store-bought ingredients. (via Brit + Co)
These crunchy, delicate, heart-shaped cookies come together with puff pastry, cream cheese, and a cinnamon sugar coating. (via Brit + Co)
This lightly pink holiday cookie idea is homemade, but in a pinch, just stock up at a Chinese restaurant and dip in white chocolate and crushed candy canes at home. (via Brit + Co)
These fun Christmas cookies are sure to wow all your holiday guests, including Santa himself. Plus, it's awesome to add a twist to the Christmas cookie game with zero baking. (via Brit + Co)
Express those fond holiday emotions not with words but with a custom-made emoji expression. (via Brit + Co)
The holidays can be nutty, but baking Christmas cookies definitely makes things better. These goodies can be rolled out, cut, and decorated to your liking. Plus it makes for a fun date night or girls' day activity. (via Brit + Co)
Though there aren't any animal crackers in the actual recipe, the addition of honey and oat flour will make you think otherwise. Use the dough for all of your fave rolled or cut cookies. (via Brit + Co)
Though you can make any cut-and-bake cookies with the chocolate dough, we're partial to using it for these edible hot cocoa mugs. They are finished off with a sprinkle rim, Rudolph face, and candy cane handle. They're so cute they can almost pass for the real thing! (via Brit + Co)
Who needs store-bought Oreos when you can impress your friends with the homemade version? We also think that the scalloped edges are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)
These Christmas cookies can also double as cute decor, at least until they're all gobbled up. Add some powdered sugar before serving or add peppercorn eyes and buttons and bake until all the moisture is gone (around 10 minutes) to display them through the holiday. (via Calico and Twine)
Not only are these cookies tasty but they're extra cute. The hearts are perfect for Valentine's Day but for the holiday season swap your cookie cutters for some Classic Holiday Cookie Cutters. (via Two Spoons)
It's just not the holiday season without frosted sugar Christmas cookies. Ditch the idea of a perfect cookie and instead, top yours with a fluffy buttercream and whimsical decorations. The messier the better! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Why choose between cookies and brownies if you don't have to? This hybrid is the best of both worlds, with a luscious peppermint frosting on top. It's the thing of our candy cane dreams! It's oh-so-tempting to serve these warm with ice cream in lieu of the frosting! (via Cooking Classy)
Buttery toffee, smooth white chocolate, and rich macadamia nuts make these homemade Christmas cookies a natural pairing with hot chocolate. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)
Any combo of cinnamon and sugar tastes like the holidays to us. This easy Christmas cookie is great for all kinds of gatherings and is plain enough that even picky eaters will want one. (via Cozy Cravings)
Just when you thought mini Reese's cups couldn't get any better, they make impressively convincing snowmen hats on these unique Christmas cookies. Don't forget to save a couple cups to snack on later! (via Half Baked Harvest)
The trick in these cute Christmas cookies is making a depression in the cookies with the bottom of a glass before sticking them in the oven, so you can fill each one with as much icing as you like. Load 'em up! (via The View from Great Island)
These cookies are made with healthier ingredients (like coconut sugar, cinnamon, and almonds) and are also grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. That means you can gift them to pretty much everyone on your list. (via Cotter Crunch)
If you're going to give your kids a cookie, you might as well hide a strawberry on top to balance it out. Dip the strawberry in green candy melts, add sprinkle ornaments, and let it fully harden before attaching it to the cookie with a blanket of white frosting snow. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)
Gingerbread cookies are a mainstay of the easy holiday cookie table. This recipe is made healthier with dried apples, then drizzled with a paleo-friendly caramel sauce. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Turn your favorite cup of cocoa into a festive + easy Christmas cookie with this recipe. This is definitely for the chocolate lovers out there — it's got double the chocolate and a cocoa powder topping for good measure. (via Amanda Wilens)
If you don't usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. There's only a touch of spice, but it's just enough to keep things interesting. (via Half Full)
If you love cookies but dread rolling out the dough and meticulously decorating them, use this recipe. The dough doesn't need to be rolled out before you form the cookies, and since the sprinkles go directly into the dough, the decorations are already done. (via Averie Cooks)
Soft and chewy molasses cookies are a hallmark of the holidays. And unlike some, these don't need to be chilled before baking, so they can go from the bowl to the oven to your mouth in record time. (via A Cookie Named Desire)
Chocolate, caramel, and nuts form the traditional turtle cookie — but these are a deliciously gluten-free version. (via The Skinny Fork)
If you're more of a visual learner, follow along with the easiest Christmas cookie recipe of all, the whipped shortbread cookie.
Check out our online baking classes for more easy Christmas cookie recipe ideas and inspiration and follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!
Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Sara Cagle
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Half Baked Harvest
Instant Pot recipes are all the rage, so it's only natural that we take a step back from our belovedCrock Pots to revisit a truly classic cooking method: pressure cooking. You're probably picturing the terrifying pot of years past that was known for leaving remnants of green beans on the ceiling. Well, times have definitely changed.
Electric pressure cookers of today are more like a fast version of a slow cooker and have little-to-no risk of taking your eyebrows off.
Flo Dahm / PEXELS
Pressure cooker recipes are very helpful because of how much time you'll save. And even though it cooks so quickly, it doesn't leave your food dry the way that other fast cooking methods can.
Engin Akyurt / PEXELS
You'll want to avoid cooking crispy foods like French fries in a pressure cooker. We'd recommend using an air fryer instead — you'll still save time, but you won't have to worry about them getting mushy. (Same thing with noodles. Stick to your go-to stovetop method!)
Cats Coming / PEXELS
You can turn all kinds of dishes into pressure cooker recipes! From Pad Thai to soups to perfecting the black beans you serve in your taco bar, keep reading for the best foods to cook in a pressure cooker.
Brit + Co Guides
“Pasta e fagoili” means pasta and beans, and this hearty yet simple-to-make soup has plenty and more. Comfort food at its best! (via Brit + Co Guides)
Brit + Co
The only thing better than a homemade pho recipe is an easy homemade pho recipe. Nothing matches the taste of this homemade broth, and the basil, jalapeños, lime, and chili sauce topping are the perfect finishing touch! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This Chinese dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Beef turns out fork-tender every time in the Instant Pot like magic. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
You can whip up this creamy chicken pasta with mushrooms and plenty of cheese in less time than it takes to order takeout. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Eggs en cocotte sounds fancy, but these soft-cooked eggs, cooked in ramekins, can be whipped together and pressure-cooked in a matter of minutes. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Fun fact — your pressure cooker’s rice setting does a lot more than just cook one type of grain. Try quinoa, then dress it up with your fave salad toppings. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pressure cook potato soup, purée it in a blender, then top it with your favorite baked potato fixings like bacon bits and green onion. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Spicy butter chicken and basmati rice can be made at the same time in your pressure cooker. Who knew? (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Yes you can make a healthier version of the classic American-Chinese staple, and it can be made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the Instant Pot. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can be steamed up all together in three minutes via the ~wonders~ of the Instant Pot. This healthy pick has got to be one of our favorite pressure cooker recipes. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Yes, you can pressure-cook chicken breast in 10 minutes. Brine it overnight for that extra flavor oomph. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Sneak in a bunch of veggies with this frittata that’s also loaded with plenty of cheese. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
These flavorful carnitas start with pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but add your go-to herbs and seasonings to make it yours in this simple pressure cooker recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Quinoa naturally thickens this pressure cooker-made chili. All you need to worry about is what toppings to choose! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This French Dip recipe is Pinterest’s most popular Instant Pot recipe, and once you see the step-by-step close-ups, you’ll understand why. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Eight different vegetables, sweet Italian sausage, cannellini beans, San Marzano tomatoes, lemon, and fresh parsley make this one hearty soup to remember. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pressure cook a few eggs on a trivet with a bit of water for just a few minutes, and you’ll be amazed how creamy they turn out. (via Brit + Co)
Half Baked Harvest
This easy pressure cooker recipe reminds us exactly of summer nights (hello, juicy pineapple), and makes for a simple weeknight meal! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Kitschen Cat
Pressure cooking may seem like it’s too intense for the likes of delicate eggs, but fact is, it's quite the contrary; the moist heat does wonders for keeping them fluffy and the result is perfect every time. (via Kitschen Cat)
Savory Tooth
When was the last time you cooked flaky and flavorful salmon in just five minutes? If your answer is never, then you obviously haven’t tried making it in the pressure cooker. (via Savory Tooth)
Feel Good Foodie
Prep this super simple shredded chicken in the pressure cooker to have on-hand for weeknight salads, tacos, wraps, and more. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Culinary Hill
Believe it or not, the types of mushrooms you choose for this dish will have a huge impact on its flavor. Try porcini, oyster, or enoki! (via Culinary Hill)
Forks & Foliage
The best part about this pressure cooker recipe is the balance of flavors. It's not too bitter, and balances deep and bright flavors for a side dish you'll always want as your main! (via Forks & Foliage)
No Eggs or Ham
It's soup season! This pick is vegan, and the liquid smoke and paprika add just the right amount of smoky flavor you'll want on the rainiest of days. (via No Eggs or Ham)
Krumpli
This dish gives new meaning to one-pot pasta. Pork shoulder usually has to be cooked for many hours to yield a tender result, but with the pressure cooker, you’re looking at just one hour. (via Krumpli)
Letty's Kitchen
Sneaking veggies into your kiddo’s meals isn’t an easy feat. Use your pressure cooker to make quick work of this versatile marinara sauce that conceals a ton of carrots. (via Letty’s Kitchen)
The Girl On Bloor
If you want tender chicken infused with big flavor, look no further than the pressure cooker. Pair it with some fresh veggies and mango for tacos that pop with spice. (via The Girl On Bloor)
A Spicy Perspective
If anything's vodka sauce-infused, you can count us in. Plus, this pressure cooker recipe makes a hearty dish so easy. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Pressure Cooking Today
Steel-cut oats are a more nutritious way to have breakfast, but they also take forever to cook. If you start this cinnamon-roll-flavored recipe in the pressure cooker as soon as you wake up, your breakfast will be ready in no time. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Skinnytaste
Spiced, tender meatballs cook up in less than an hour in your pressure cooker. Serve these with bread or rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. (via Skinnytaste)
Savory Tooth
Cooking pork loin under pressure is one of the best ways to make sure it doesn’t dry out. The pressure cooker keeps all of that juiciness in the meat. (via Savory Tooth)
The Blond Cook
Simple and nutritious lima beans and ham is one dish anyone can master with their pressure cooker. The ham infuses each bite with smokey flavor, while the beans become tender and creamy without having to be soaked the night before. (via The Blond Cook)
Damn Delicious
Sweet, tangy, salty, and meaty, this pressure cooker Korean beef comes out meltingly tender every time. Make enough for seconds! (via Damn Delicious)
Kitschen Cat
Enjoy this Cajun classic without having to book a plane ticket to Louisiana, thanks to your trusty pressure cooker. (via Kitschen Cat)
Kitschen Cat
Almond butter adds decadent richness to these moist dark chocolate cakes that are sweetened naturally with honey. (via Kitschen Cat)
The Real Food Dietitians
In under 15 minutes, you could have a warm, steamy bowl of cozy oats sitting in front of you. Serve this pressure cooker recipe with some strong coffee, and you'll start your day off right. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
The Girl On Bloor
We will literally never say no to Pad Thai. It's the perfect dish for any time of year because even though it's served hot, the flavors are still bright enough to make it totally crave-able in the spring. This recipe will take you less than 10 minutes and will become a total crowd favorite. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Salt & Lavender
This Olive Garden copycat soup recipe is concocted in the pressure cooker, allowing all of the good, comforting flavors to soak in. (via Salt & Lavender)
The Blond Cook
Soy sauce and hoisin do a bang-up job of transforming flank stank in your pressure cooker. This pressure cooker recipe is a sticky-sweet yet savory dish that you should definitely serve with fluffy white rice. (via The Blond Cook)
Kirbie's Cravings
Our favorite way to eat our veggies? Tossed with long strands of seasoned noodles, of course. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
Well Plated
Never underestimate the power of black beans. Make them on the weekend, then use them as a base for lunch and dinner all week long. (via Well Plated)
Hello Little Home
This pressure cooker recipe translates for both the Instant Pot and your stovetop, but no matter which method you go with, it'll still be overly creamy and cheesy. Yum! (via Hello Little Home)
Completely Delicious
Curry-based dishes need to be in your winter meal rotation when you're craving something different. They have just the right amount of spice to open up the sinuses, too. This one is packed with plenty of protein and veg. (via Completely Delicious)
Gimme Some Oven
Spicy, saucy, tender chicken for tacos, burritos, and more is super easy to whip up in your pressure cooker. Best of all, this recipe requires just three ingredients, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time rummaging through your cabinets before you get to cooking. (via Gimme Some Oven)
The Girl On Bloor
Give your body an anti-inflammatory boost with this golden turmeric and lentil soup. It’s healthy vegan comfort food everyone will love. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Salt & Lavender
Like the boxed meals you grew up with (but way healthier), this hamburger mac and cheese is total comfort food. (via Salt & Lavender)
The Girl On Bloor
We suggest prepping a massive batch of these Instant Pot oats to have a dependable breakfast meal prep at the ready whenever you (or your fam) need it. (via The Girl On Bloor)
A Fork's Tale
Stuffed peppers…without actually having to stuff peppers? Count us in! (via A Fork’s Tale)
Chef Bai
Prep this amazing vegan pulled pork in the pressure cooker to fill some healthy tacos with! (via Chef Bai)
Put On Your Cake Pants
Balance out the spiciness of this chili by adding some sweet, tender butternut squash. Along with beans and chicken, it helps make this a hearty and nutritious meal. (via Put On Your Cake Pants)
A Communal Table
Potatoes cook up ever-so quickly in your pressure cooker. Dress them in a light vinaigrette along with some other veggies for a French-inspired take on the barbecue classic. (via A Communal Table)
My Food Story
When you think of pressure cooker recipes, you probably picture a giant roast or a heavy meat-laden stew. This veggie soup is just the opposite, and is perfect as a light starter for any weeknight meal. (via My Food Story)
365 Days of Slow Cooking + Pressure Cooking
Cut through the creamy richness of chicken pasta Alfredo with a jar of salsa in this satisfying weeknight recipe. (via 365 Days of Slow Cooking + Pressure Cooking)
Two Spoons
Making risotto can sometimes be a feat, but with the pressure cooker, it doesn't have to be. This easy recipe delivers a delicious bowl of risotto in a matter of minutes. (via Two Spoons)
The Creative Bite
This healthy meal is packed with flavor and will be sure to satisfy those Thanksgiving turkey cravings. Did we mention there are only five ingredients? That’s a dinner win at its finest. (via The Creative Bite)
Pressure Cooking Today
Taco Tuesday is a weekly must in many households. Simplify the process by making your pork carnitas in the pressure cooker and garnish them with a little bit of fresh onion, cilantro, and cheese. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Clean Cuisine
This easy chili benefits beautifully from the sweetness in the apple and pumpkin. (via Clean Cuisine)
Leite's Culinaria
The way you cook ribs will forever be changed after you use a pressure cooker. This simple recipe contains ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. (via Leite’s Culinaria)
The Endless Meal
This soup is oh-so comforting, but still light on the flavoring, thanks to the citrusy lemon. (via The Endless Meal)
Pressure Cooking Today
Why order takeout when you can make it better and faster at home? Before everyone decides what they want, you could already have this honey sesame chicken finished and plated. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Kitschen Cat
The pressure cooker isn’t just for heavy comfort food-style dishes. Whip up these healthy pinto bean, chard, and brown rice burritos in a flash so you can eat something nutritious at the end of a long, stressful day. (via Kitschen Cat)
Kitschen Cat
We tend to whip out our pressure cooker at dinner time, but it’s just as effective at churning out hands-off breakfasts, too. Cornmeal cake studded with blueberries stays ultra-moist in your cooker, making for an indulgent morning meal. (via Kitschen Kat)
Salt & Lavender
When you just need a cozy meal, this lentil stew is the perfect solution. It's even more enticing, now that the cooking process is slashed when you use a pressure cooker. (via Salt & Lavender)
Savory Tooth
Don’t be put off by the green color of this hearty soup. It’s full of rich flavor, and split peas are chock-full of protein, too. (via Savory Tooth)
Kitschen Cat
Cooking homemade baked beans from dried legumes takes literal hours to yield a tender result. With the pressure cooker, all that flavorful sauce is imparted into the beans in a fraction of the time for one tasty side dish. (via Kitschen Cat)
Chattavore
There’s no need to make a questionable dinner from a box when you can make the same thing from scratch and feel good about it. (via Chattavore)
The Sophisticated Caveman
The beauty of cooking is that you can take one of your favorite dishes and make it your own. This soup is inspired by traditional pho, but uses spiralized daikon radish instead of rice noodles for a healthy twist. (via The Sophisticated Caveman)
Kitschen Cat
Steel-cut oats usually take more time than you have for breakfast in the morning, but with a pressure cooker, you can have them ready before you perfect your mascara. (via Kitschen Cat)
Pressure Cooking Today
This rice pudding is a versatile dish that you can have for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Serve it warm straight from the pressure cooker, or chill for a couple of hours if you like it cold. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Instant Pot
This is a delicious recipe you can make with pretty much what you almost always have in your fridge and pantry: spaghetti, pepper, some grated cheese, butter, and broth. Mix up your pasta rotation with something a little creamy and peppery this week! (via Instant Pot)
Kalyn's Kitchen
Homemade whole artichokes are a delicious and impressive appetizer for a fancy dinner party. Make a huge batch of these for your next girls’ night in, and the ladies will thank you almost as quickly as they’ll dip these in melted garlic butter or lemon aioli. (via Kalyn’s Kitchen)
Nom Nom Paleo
One trick to producing a fantastic meal when using a pressure cooker is to finish your dish with fresh ingredients to balance the taste of the cooked food. This Italian chicken stew is full of marinated flavor and topped with lots of fresh herbs. (via Nom Nom Paleo)
The Endless Meal
Paleo pals, unite! This pressure-cooked beef stew is super easy to make, and will fill you with all the good and warm flavors you crave. (via The Endless Meal)
Insatnt Pot
This rich and thick red lentil curry recipe from Vegan Richa’s Instant Pot Cookbook: 150 Plant-Based Recipes is finished with creamy coconut milk and tastes plant-based fresh and hearty at the same time. (via Instant Pot)
Live Laugh Rowe
Any dish that can go from frozen to table in 20 minutes is a winner in our book. (via Live Laugh Rowe)
Follow us on Pinterestfor more pressure cooker and Instant Pot recipe inspiration, and check out our online cooking classes for special dishes!
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
