Family holiday parties can be awkward: You’re dealing with potential out-of-left-field remarks from your one outspoken relative, you’re surrounded by lots of ugly Christmas sweaters, and you just can’t remember your cousin’s girlfriend’s name for the life of you. That tension can be hard to break (we try with the wine, we fail with the inevitable hangover), but a guaranteed goofy way of keeping things lighthearted is a good old-fashioned game of Yankee Swap — AKA White Elephant. The goal here is to find the weirdest ways to make your family laugh while getting them something that’s still sort of cool and to avert attention from the grumblings over no open oven space. Scroll through for our list of 40 perfectly wacky white elephant gifts to give every member of your family.
Whether you’re the cool aunt or uncle who has no idea what The Youths like to get as gifts these days, or a parent who knows exactly what your kids want (the endless hints are not so much hints anymore!), tracking down gifts for kids can still be a big challenge. Let our guide to the best gifts for kids inspire your shopping sprees for whoever you’re gifting this year – we’ve got something for all ages.
Amazon
Littlest Pet Shop Playset
Turns out the Littlest Pet Shop is still a total must-have! This playset comes with two adorable pets and over 20 accessories that your kiddo can move around to customize their own little world.
Target
Target Toy Checklane
This interactive Target checkout counter will be very familiar to your little one if they're part of a Target family! It has options to browse store shelves, ring up play items, and pay with pretend money for the whole experience.
Amazon
Wild Republic Amazon Exclusive 2024 Holiday Bear
How cute is this sweater-bearing bear? We honestly want one for ourselves. This darling plushie makes the perfect bedtime snuggle buddy for the holiday season!
Target
Syncfun Play Kitchen Toys
If the kid you're shopping for isn't quite ready to cook and bake, they'll certainly learn the ways of the kitchen with this playset. It includes a coffee maker, toaster, and a blender, along with 2 knives, 2 spoons, 2 forks, 4 foods, 2 cups, 2 teacups, 2 plates, 2 saucers, and 2 "toasts" so their imagination can run wild.
Amazon
Ninja Blast Brain & Memory Game Cube
For kiddos in the 6 to 12 year-old range, this light-up, noise-making game cube comes equipped with tons of one- and two-player games to keep them occupied, sans TV or phone screen.
Amazon
Harper The Pig Weighted Comfort Plush
This cuddly stuffed animal helps "lower stress and boost calm" with a weight of 4.5 pounds to help anyone feel grounded and relaxed, even adults! Its soft fabric and cute, welcoming face will certainly satisfy any anxiousness. You can choose from Harper The Pig, Frankie The Cat, Charlie The Puppy, and more characters!
Amazon
Lego Despicable Me 4 Minions & Gru's Family Mansion
The Despicable Me franchise has a hold on us all, and for the kiddos who can't get enough of The Minions or Legos, this build-it-yourself building block set will definitely have them excited and enriched with the challenge of constructing Gru's famous mansion.
Amazon
Bestamtoy 36-Piece Wooden Sorting Stacking Rocks & Stones
Building blocks have come a long way from the basic triangular prisms and rectangles of our youth. This creative set emulates rocks and stones for a unique play experience since your kiddo can stack 'em in endless ways!
Amazon
Fisher-Price Learn & Serve Coffee Cafe Playset
If you know the kid you're shopping for watches mom and dad prep their coffee every morning, let them in on the fun (non-caffeinated, of course) with this play-espresso machine! They'll be whipping up their very own lattes and cappuccinos in no time, and the 'rents will undoubtedly have a great time watching them get to 'work'.
Anthropologie
Mon Ami Christmas Joyful Tree Kids Plush Toy
This cheerful tree plush rings in the Christmas season in the most adorable way possible. It's "soft, snuggly, and full of personality" to become your little pal's perfect companion!
Target
Syncfun Marble Run Set
With a whopping 196 pieces to play with and customize, this set is full of surprises and endless ways to race marbles. It's the gift that keeps on giving, since your kiddo can change the track day after day.
Target
Tonies Peppa Pig Toniebox Starter Set
This squishable speaker pairs up with Peppa Pig to play 9 different audible stories, songs, and more interactive sounds for your little one to listen to. It offers a great, screen-free way to keep them enriched and entertained throughout the day!
Anthropologie
Mon Ami Monsieur Croissant
This adorable animated croissant plush will inspire joy (and comfort) for any kiddo.
Bombas
Bombas Toddler Minions Gripper Calf Sock 4-Pack Gift Box
If they're totally crazy for the Minions franchise, they can now rock their favorite characters every single day. This sock gift box includes four different playful designs, plus you could even snag them in adult sizes to match!
Amazon
Areaware Cubebot
This puzzle-y friend can contort into dozens of different poses for your little one to play around with. If they're not too big on the puzzle part, this colorful guy still makes a pretty epic action figure!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
'Wicked' Star Michelle Yeoh On Pranking Ariana Grande & Singing With Cynthia Erivo — Exclusive
We've seen Michelle Yeoh's striking sophistication in Crazy Rich Asians, and seen her kick butt in Everything Everywhere All At Once, but in Wicked, we finally hear her sing! "I was terrified," she exclusively reveals to Brit + Co. "First of all, you know, singing in a room with your coach, singing in the recording studio, it's okay because it's very few people and it's you, and it's in a contained area, but that scene had so many people around and you know, and there you have the singing legend Cynthia [Erivo]."
- Michelle Yeoh reveals she was "terrified" to sing in the Wicked movie.
- Cynthia Erivo was her "rock" throughout filming the scene.
- She also says reuniting with director Jon M. Chu was "wonderful."
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
"She was like my rock," Michelle says of the movie's leading lady. "She just looked at me, held my hands and she said, 'I know you can do this because I've heard you, so just sing, just go for it and have fun.' And you know when you have a dear friend who has confidence in you? It just like gives you that extra [push], and I did and I had fun. So that was all in all a good day."
It's no surprise on a movie set with so many musical geniuses — Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey — that the cast would break into song between takes. "I was, like, in a rock concert the whole time," Michelle says. "I was just sitting back and watching them and they are like little angels singing. They have such incredible voices."
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
When we meet Michelle Yeoh's character Madame Morrible, she becomes an integral part of both Glinda and Elphaba's lives as a professor and a mentor. And for Michelle, working with Ariana and Cynthia was an "incredible opportunity."
"It was really truly magical in that sense to be surrounded by that kind of kinship and love," she says. "That was very, very special indeed. Ariana is young and she's so eager, and so loving and lovely at the same time. And so working with her — Jon and I sometimes would play tricks on her. He'll come up to me and say, 'can you just scare the h—ll out of Ariana?' And I'm like, 'No,' he said, 'Please, it will be so fun.' And it was! I mean, I scared her so bad her eye lens popped out. We are so naughty."
"And then with Cynthia, she's a pro, come on!" Michelle continues. "She's an Academy nominee, he's a [Tony] winner. She's everything, but at the same time so grounded. And when you work with people like that who is passionate, who is because they only make you better, we only try to make each other better, and that is the true experience of an amazing storyteller. It was fantastic, and having Jon around again was wonderful."
Universal Pictures
In our final moments together I can't help but point out how the film makes room for every kind of woman, and how it'll make every viewer feel more powerful when the credits roll. "I think the most amazing thing, it's like you can be whatever you want to be, and believe that people will accept you for who and what you are," Michelle says. "I think that's the most important thing.
I think the very diverse cast makes a big difference because you know, you have a Madame Morrible who's Asian looking, then you have an Elphaba who's green, but more than green. So I think that the coming together of this cast and particularly at this time — why did they hold out for 20 years before they brought it to a cinematic experience? I think there are very good reasons for that."
See our interview with Ethan Slater to hear more about Ariana Grande & Jonathan Bailey, The Wicked Cast Family, And Embarrassing Crushes.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Whether your kitchen is equipped with a teeny 18-inch range or magnificent double ovens (can we come over???), somehow it always seems to be operating at capacity come the holidays. While some things are non-negotiable when it comes to getting a bit of heat, dessert doesn't have to be one of them. This collection of 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts will save the day, allowing you to serve up something sweet without breaking a sweat. That way, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love. From tasty cakes to pretty pies, you'll love all the no-bake options available to choose from.
Half Baked Harvest
Fudgy Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake
Chocolate lovers won't be able to get enough of this delicious ice cream cake. It balances salty and sweet *perfectly* and on top of the fact that it tastes great, it looks just as amazing. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Oreo Turkey Pops
This is a great easy Thanksgiving dessert to get your guests involved in. Simply set up an activity station to kick off the festivities, and by the end of the night, their Oreo turkeys will be ready to shake their tail feathers. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Ice Cream Tart with Speculoos Crust
We totally recommend that you keep a few of these tarts in your freezer at all times. Simply pop them out of their molds and top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle of pecans as needed. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse
Ease your day-of Thanksgiving dessert prep with this delish prepared-ahead mousse. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Coconut-Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
The contrasting textures offered by a chewy coconut crust, silky pumpkin filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping make for one decadent pie. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Diethood
Pumpkin Mousse Ice Box Cake
It’s almost hard to believe that this gorgeous layered creation requires no baking at all. (via Diethood)
The Real Food Dietitians
4-Ingredient Scotcheroo Bites
The only thing you'll need to fire up for this easy Thanksgiving dessert is your stovetop, to make the melty chocolate topping. Otherwise, this recipe is super painless and oh-so tasty. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Shared Appetite
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle
You'll need to pull out your skillet for this (mostly no-bake) easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Trust that the sautéed cinnamon-sugar apples that result will be totally worth it. (via Shared Appetite)
Slim Pickin's Kitchen
Bailey's & Coffee No-Bake Pots de Crème
With only five ingredients, these spiked custard cups can be thrown together in a jiffy. (via Slim Pickin's Kitchen)
White on Rice Couple
Fluffy Cranberry Pie
The pretty pink hue of this pie is bound to elicit a few oohs and aahs from Thanksgiving party-goers. Thankfully, the flavor lives up to the hype! (via White on Rice Couple)
The Edgy Veg
Vegan No-Bake Cookies
Packed with oats, nut butter, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds, these no-bake cookies are a great healthy option for your easy Thanksgiving desserts. (via The Edgy Veg)
Life With the Crust Cut Off
No-Bake Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecakes
Five minutes of prep, four flavor-packed ingredients. We're sold. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)
Life, Love and Sugar
Caramel Apple Trifles
Fans of cinnamon and caramel — and let’s face it, everyone else for that matter — will swoon over these eight-layer trifles. This is already one beautiful dish, but the fact it's a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert makes us love it even more. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Forks Over Knives
Vegan Cranberry Pear Tart
An abundance of fruit and nuts goes into making this beautiful, just-sweet-enough fall tart. (via Forks Over Knives)
Belle Vie
Caramel Apple Cookie Dough Bars
Cookie dough fanatics will go wild for these bars flecked with fresh apple chunks and cinnamon chips. (via Belle Vie)
Earthly Provisions
No-Bake Edible Cookie Dough Bites
With a total of 7 ingredients and 10 minutes to make 'em, these bite-sized cookie dough balls make the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will be reaching for over and over again. (via Earthly Provisions)
The Recipe Rebel
Caramel Apple-Golden Oreo Icebox Cake
What’s not to love about cream-filled cookies, cheesecake, and caramel apple goodness coming together in one easy make-ahead dessert? (via The Recipe Rebel)
Dessert for Two
Easy Pumpkin Tiramisu
For something that sounds and looks so fancy, tiramisu is actually a snap to prepare. We’re talking only fifteen minutes of prep (plus a few hours to chill). (via Dessert for Two)
Sweet + Savory
Chai Latte No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes
Not only are these chai-spiced treats no-bake, but lining your muffin tin makes them also practically cleanup-free. (via Sweet + Savory)
Vanilla and Bean
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
This easy Thanksgiving dessert looks so stunning, it'll fool everyone into thinking you spent way more time on it than you actually did. (via Vanilla and Bean)
We hope these easy Thanksgiving desserts have saved you some time in your holiday plans this year! Make sure to join our newsletter for more recipe inspiration and check out the B+C Baking Bundle of online courses for more ideas!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Ethan Slater might have snagged a role in the Wicked movie, but he's as much of a fan as the rest of us. "It was such an honor to be a part of," he exclusively tells Brit + Co. "That sounds like a sort of a platitude, but it really was, I'm such a big fan of Wicked and have been for so long that to be a part of it is insane."
- Ethan Slater considers his role in the Wicked movie "an honor."
- The cast felt like a family "immediately" thanks to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- He also points out an Easter egg that will change the way you see Jonathan Bailey's 'Dancing Through Life.'
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as well as director Jon M. Chu, welcomed the cast with open arms — literally. "[They] would hug everyone who came in," he says. "The first day I think every actor had a minimum two-hour meeting with Jon just to walk through all of the designs and all the things and talk about character. And so from from the very beginning, it just felt like it's really safe...This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."
And part of that family dynamic meant there was a lot of laughing, even if there weren't too many pranks. "There was a lot of just hanging out and giggling on set. I think Jon and Michelle [Yeoh] have a real special — they go back and so they were really funny...All of the people in this cast from afar are so intimidating. It's Michelle Yeoh, like, it's Jeff Goldblum. And then in person, they're just down to clown and it was so fun. I don't know if [there were] pranks, I was too nervous to do pranks. And I think people were kind and didn't prank me, but there was a lot of giggles."
With Ariana Grande's natural humor and SNL star Bowen Yang, it's no wonder some of the funniest moments happened during the Shiz University scenes. "I cannot wait for like the roll out of everything that Bowen said that isn't in the movie, or Ari, honestly, said that isn't in the movie. Just take after take."
"It's hard not to [laughing while filming]," he continues. "I think we were pretty good. But the moments where somebody broke, it was always great. There's one that's seared into my memory of, in Doctor Dillamond's classroom, I don't remember what Ari said but she got Cynthia and it's just the two of them across the way and they're staring at each other and she got her so good. There's something really wonderful about breaking. It's delightful."
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
Another standout scene featuring the Shiz students is "Dancing Through Life," and the number's rehearsal is one of Ethan Slater's most memorable days on Wicked. "We had a rehearsal with, I don't know, maybe 100 dancers working on 'Dancing Through Life' and Jon came down, this was really early on and he gathered all the dancers around and he gave this speech [where] he basically told the story about how he fell in love with filmmaking," he says. "And it was because of dancers and it was because of the collaboration between dancers and the camera. And he was like, 'We're all in this together. And if you need anything, find me. I'm in the director's chair, but I'm accessible.' And he was, I would sit next to him and watch take after take and he would like point things [out]. He was just so generous."
Is directing something Ethan himself would be interested in? "There's so much I have to learn, but I'm excited to learn it," he says. "And I write and I love writing for the screen and all of that someday I would love to take that on. But I think I'm self aware enough to know that it might be a little ways down the line."
Now, bringing it back to the "Dancing Through Life" of it all, I couldn't help but dance in my seat throughout the song, and Ethan Slater promises it was just as fun to film as it is to watch. "[Jonathan Bailey] the most charismatic human on the planet, it's nuts," he says. "That whole scene was so fun and it was fun. Jonny and Ari are so funny, they're just an incredible duo and they're so funny individually."
"What you can't see is that even in the shots that I'm not in, I'm like, just right here [off camera]," he continues. "I'm just like really close by just out of frame which is like a little Easter egg just for me, you know, watching it and be like, 'Oh I was there!' But I just got to sort of be around in their orbit. They're magnetic, both of them."
Universal Pictures
While his character Boq spends the whole film nursing a huge crush on Glinda, Ethan Slater actually swept Ariana Grande off her feet IRL. The duo made headlines when they reportedly coupled up while filming, but Ethan says he still feels like a middle schooler when it comes to romance — and that "just existing" means he embarrasses himself in front of his crushes.
"I definitely am a person who suddenly can't speak or just be like, 'Oh my God, good morning and thank you for coming,'" he says, pretending to tear up. "That is kind of my MO and always has been. I think I've never left the place of feeling like a 7th grader." I guess we're all just fools in love!
"Dancing Through Life" is just one number Wicked fans have been looking forward to — "Popular" and "Defying Gravity" are two of the most recognizable showtunes, and they're so recognizable that a line from "Defying Gravity," "Everyone Deserves The Chance To Fly," became the tagline for the film.
"The message that 'what makes us different makes us unique' is really powerful, and I think it's two-fold," Ethan Slater says. "One is, it's empowering to each person that you do deserve it, you deserve happiness, you deserve to be seen and you deserve to do the great things that you want to be doing. But also as a directive, you know, the way that we treat others. It's not just me that deserves that, it's you. And making sure that you treat others the way that you would want to be treated, or to acknowledge the humanity in others that it's so easy to acknowledge in yourself. So I think it's both things. I think it's both empowering and it's like a good way to treat people."
Universal Pictures
What does Ethan pick when he wants to sing? (No, it's not Spongebob). "Honestly, if I just want to like belt at the top of my lungs, I go to Jesus Christ Superstar. I do "Heaven On Their Minds." It's so good. It's incredible. Talk about a great movie musical."
While the fan (and theatre kid) reactions have been incredible so far, Ethan Slater says he loved talking to the original Wicked cast. "I've become very close with Chris Fitzgerald, who was the original Boq and with Norbert Leo Butz who is the original Fiyero," he says. "So after they saw it, I got to talk with them a little bit about what it was like to see and that was really meaningful. Not just because they're friends of mine and not just because I look up to them, but because it meant a lot to me that I took care of Boq, this role that Chris created. And he's, the best of the best so that was really cool."
Check out the latest news on Wicked: Part 2 for more, and our interview with Wicked Star Michelle Yeoh On Pranking Ariana Grande & Singing With Cynthia Erivo!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Listen — I'm always looking for a reason to get new party dresses, and the holiday season gives PLENTY of reason alone. We've got sequins and velvet on our brains, but we want everyone to look — and feel! — their best. So, here are some of the best plus size options because there's so many stylish pieces out there that deserve to be highlighted. From mini to maxi, these 15 plus size dresses are going to make someone jealous during the holiday party you're attending.
Sequin Plus Size Dresses
Target
Eloquii Mini Cowl Sequin Dress
Whoo, you'll be one hot mama in this pink sequin dress! It's worth noting that sequins and the holidays go together like hot chocolate and winter, so this is our way of saying this dress deserves a spot in your closet.
Torrid
Torrid Mini Sequin Mesh Dress
Want to go a little shorter and vibrant without going the pink route? Feast your eyes on this mini dress! It's designed to hug your curves and give you your own personalized version of Jessica Rabbit's dress. Don't lie — we know you've always wanted to wear something sultry like she did in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Boohoo
Boohoo Sequin Wrap Dress
As always, leopard print remains the easiest fall/winter trend that anyone can wear. We never thought we'd see it in sequin form, but we've immediately fallen in love with this wrap dress. You can keep the rest of your accessories simple because it's sure to make a statement!
Macy's
Macy's Kiyonna Starry Sequined Lace Dress
Have a winter wedding to attend and want to wear something that feels black-tie without distracting from the bride (huge faux pas)? Dance your way into this sequined lace dress that has — gasp! — pockets!
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing Asymmetric Sequin Maxi Dress
OR, wear this form-fitting maxi dress that is as sleek as it's sexy. It's bound to make you walk with your head held high and when paired with a pair of sexy stilettos? Whew, our hearts go out to the ex that happens to see you at the wedding reception.
Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant Lurex Shimmer Dress
Not all holiday parties are meant for you to expel an intoxicating amount of sex appeal. If you're attending a family-friendly event, keep it very demure with with this shimmer dress. It has a silhouette that'll flatter your frame and pockets in case you don't feel like carrying a clutch or wristlet.
Midi Plus Size Dresses
BloomChic
BloomChic Velvet Ruched Midi Dress
Skip the sequins and drape your body in this velvet ruched midi dress. This luxe emerald shade will immediately make you luxurious along with a pair of jewel-encrusted heels.
Eloquii
Eloquii Lurex Midi Dress
This dress is making us blush because it's so pretty. All you have to do is pull it over your head and shoulders without fretting over a back zipper. It has an elastic waist so you'll have room to breathe even though your waist may look cinched in.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Velvet Midi Dress
Still want to wear something that gives you a little more breathing room? Wear this deep burgundy dress instead. It's the color of the season and comes with an asymmetrical neckline that's hard to ignore.
Amazon
SCOMCHIC Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
Love burgundy, but can't stand velvet? This dress will give you everything you're comfortable with. It doesn't feature a pesky zipper and feels lightweight. It'll look like you're floating on the tides of Christmas if you choose to wear it to your family's annual winter party.
JCPenney
Jessica Howard Sweater Dress
Sweater dresses can be worn to parties, especially if they look like this! The red color is the perfect shade for Christmas gatherings and the flouncy hemline makes it the perfect piece to dress up or down. Just add your footwear of choice and you'll be good to go!
Maxi Plus Size Dresses
Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart Hi Low Lurex Mermaid Gown
Excited to bring your S.O. or plus-one along with you to job's holiday party? You have to show up in this mermaid gown. The color alone is fit for a queen, meaning it'll automatically make you look regal. Isn't that what getting dressed up for holiday parties are all about?
Forever21
Forever21 Tiered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Honestly, this dress could serve as the perfect wedding reception option too, but you're more than welcome to wear it to a holiday party! The tiered hem gives it a playful appeal while the color balances that with chicness.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Dress
Take a break from sequins and velvet by wearing satin. It's the kind of fabric that immediately elevates any look which is why we're adding something similar to our winter wardrobe.
City Chic
City Chic Forbidden Love Maxi Dress
Not ready to part ways with summer's bardot trend? We hear ya and agree that you shouldn't have to when plus size party dresses like this exist. Known as the 'Forbidden Love' dress, it may make someone fall in love with you once they spot you wearing it from across the room.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.