You’ll Cheer for Starbucks’ New All-Inclusive Parental-Leave Policy

We’ve been seeing some SERIOUSLY positive things in our newsfeeds today: From New York’s new regulation to continue free birth control to the 500 women who signed up to train to run for office following yesterday’s marches, it feels like one big continuation of yesterday’s insane lovefest.

Now, Starbucks is giving us yet ANOTHER reason to smile (in addition to its Cascara Latte, which, may we say, just may be our favorite yet — less sweet!). The megachain has announced that, as of October 1, non-store, corporate employees seeking maternity leave that work 20 hours a week or more can look forward to not only the six weeks off they currently have at 67 percent of their usual pay (federal law mandates a total of 12 weeks unpaid), but 18 weeks off at 100 percent. Whoa.

What’s more, they can choose to extend that time by an additional 12 weeks, though that time would be unpaid.

And what about the men or non-birth mothers of non-store employees, you ask? (This week is all about gender equality, after all.) They’re eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave — even as adopted parents.

Store employees will also receive greater benefits — they’ll now receive their six weeks at 100 percent paid versus the previous 67 percent, with the option to take 12 weeks of additional unpaid leave, with non-birth partners offered up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

Dang! No wonder it’s been previously named one of the top 100 companies people want to work for!

Bravo, Starbucks. Bravo.

What do you think of Starbucks’ new parental policy? Tell us @BritandCo.

(h/t Refinery29, photos via Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks)

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this post stated the new policy would be effective for all Starbucks employees. These benefits will be available to non-store corporate employees, although greater benefits will exist for current store employees as well. The post has been updated, and we regret the error!

Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.

When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.

Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! The family has shown up to the Eras Tour multiple times, and most recently supported the popstar at her concert in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blake and Ryan were joined by oldest daughter James (who looked amazing in a Reputation-inspired 'fit), and I can't believe how much James and Blake look alike! She's truly her mini-me! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.

One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

For Super Bowl Sunday in 2024, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."

How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

At the end of September, Ryan Reynolds revealed how different parenting seems to be now than when he was a kid. "Parents today are so different. We're so soft," he said at HubSpot’s INBOUND tech conference (via People). "I don't yell. I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”

“Now it's like, I can go look at all my resources for parenting and remind myself how to be perfectly compassionate,” he continued. "Something I love about [conflict resolution], and I know this is not very fancy, but what I love about it is that you can meet somebody where they are, and you don't have to be right or wrong...You can disagree and still connect."

Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.

“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”

I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.

What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' fourth baby is named Olin, which he revealed during the July 22 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine!

Before Ryan chose to reveal the name, he appeared on the Today show and made a cheeky joke about it after the hosts urged him to spill the beans. He said, "We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child's name will be. We'll say this: we're still waiting."

What are Blake Lively kids ages?

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Blake Lively's kids are all under 10. James is 9 (turning 10 on December 16), Inez is 7 (turning 8 on September 30), Betty is 4 (turning 5 on October 4), and Olin turned 1 in February.

What gender is Ryan and Blake's fourth child?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

On July 26, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that he and Blake Lively's fourth baby, born in February 2023, is a boy in an Instagram video supporting mental health charity Walking 4 Hope. Speaking with founder John Bell, who struggled with suicidal ideation after the 2020 loss of his son Jake, Reynolds says, “I want to share with you that I, too, have a son...Boy, John, if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I’ll feel like I’ve done a pretty d—mn good job.”

Considering how adorable James, Inez, and Betty are, I can only imagine how cute Blake Lively's son is!

How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth child.

Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."

Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."

How old was Blake Lively when she had her first child?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively was 27 when she gave birth to her first daughter, James, in December of 2014.

Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."

Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!

What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?

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In a conversation with Hugh Jackman ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds opened up about how his family has helped his anxiety. "I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your kids," he says (via People). "I love that I've had anxiety because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."

Per People, Ryan Reynolds has also made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying "the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."

We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access in 2020. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”

He mentioned his newest child in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Deadpool actor also offered some parenting advice on Amanda Hirsch’s hit podcastNot Skinny But Not Fat. "Embrace the chaos,” he tells Hirsch. "[Blake] always says, ‘They're all under our roof right now. The whole family's under our roof right now. We have them all.’ And that is a fleeting thing. Not an infinite resource, you know?”

While Reynolds understands firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, he also doesn't wish away this time with four young kids: “Just say, ‘Think about what you would give in 40 years or 30 years to come back and enjoy this one moment.’"

Besides this, Ryan knows their kids' childhoods don't mirror his or Blake's. However, he's not trying to place a huge emphasis on that because he wants them to have "as normal a life as possible" (via Page Six).

"I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood," he said (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout,’ or whatever."

In his eyes, he doesn't feel like it's the kids' responsibility or "bag of rocks to carry" because they're full of "gratitude" and "have a strong sense of empathy." That's how he knows he and Blake are "doing an OK job" as parents.

How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images;Art by Claire Shadomy/B+C

Blake Lively opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."

She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her kids! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibility not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”

Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

However, Blake Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."

Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.

While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.

When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation

Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's daughters are James, Inez, Betty, and her fourth child is named Olin! Their fourth baby's name was announced during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blake gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and Olin in February of 2023.

Do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids have nannies?

Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids!

This story has been updated.

Luigi Mangione sparked a media frenzy after his arrest for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and details of the case set the internet ablaze with speculation and theories, transforming the tragedy into a gripping real-life mystery. The bizarre circumstances surrounding the case, coupled with the public’s insatiable appetite for true crime, quickly turned Luigi Mangione into a household name.

As shocked as I already am about the whole situation, nothing could have prepared me for the thirst edits or the Luigi slideshows playing against Hannah Montana's "He Could Be The One"— are y'all okay?! And it looks like the celebrity fascination is peaking because 7 days after his arrest, a Luigi Mangione documentary is already on its way.

Here's everything we know about the Luigi Mangione documentary coming soon.

A Luigi Mangione documentary is in development from Stephen Robert Morse.

Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Deadline confirms that Stephen Robert Morse (who's behind documentaries like Amanda Knox and How to Rob a Bank on Netflix) is developing a feature documentary about 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. The filmmaker, who's been nominated for two Emmys, is already set to direct.

“This case is complex and raises important questions about vigilantism, the devastating cost of a privatized healthcare system, and the inevitability of violence when peaceful change is seen as impossible,” Stephen says in an interview with Deadline. “My goal is to present a balanced exploration of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s assassination, showing all sides of the story while respecting the profound loss of life and its impact on everyone involved.”

In the age of the internet, it's no surprise a documentary is coming together so quickly. And Stephen is already planning how to engage with members of Gen Z who will be tuning in, noting that “this documentary will be memed.” But he also explains that he wants the film to “foster a deeper understanding” of the entire legal situation while also honoring the loss, which will help not to alienate older generations.

The internet has one celebrity they want to see play Luigi Mangione.

Even though this Luigi Mangione documentary might include interviews with the individuals involved instead of a cast of actors, the internet is already fancasting a hypothetical feature film (which, based on the current obsession with biopics, isn't out of the realm of possibility).

The most popular fancast is Dave Franco, and honestly the resemblance is uncanny. "No audition needed. I crown you Luigi!" one TikToker says in the comments, while another jokes, "He was born for this Role.. it is destiny."

Stay tuned for the latest news on this documentary — any any potential feature films.

What do you think about the internet reaction to Luigi Mangione's arrest? Are you one of the true crime-obsessed? Let us know on Facebook. And check out The Best True Crime Podcasts to listen to tonight.

Well, if it isn’t another Starbucks menu leak! This go-around – courtesy of food blogger @markie_devo – speculates an exciting drop of 4 new drinks, 2 new snacks, and one very long-awaited reformulation to Starbucks’ matcha powder (at least, according to matcha fanatics like me). New items are rumored to drop on January 2 and February 4, 2025.

Scroll on to see everything rumored to join the Starbucks January (& February!) menu at the top of 2025!

Of the 4 new drinks is a traditional café staple – the cortado – that Starbucks has never served before. It’s rumored to be made with shots of the chain’s “higher profile” ristretto espresso.

It also appears as though Starbucks is finally rethinking their approach to matcha lattes. Their current matcha powder comes pre-sweetened, enough to bulk up a single drink with 29 whopping grams of sugar. But, the new (rumored) powder will come “completely unsweetened” and only be sweetened with Starbucks’ classic syrup by default. Plus, the menu leak claims baristas will prepare matcha lattes in a blender moving forward – rather than a shaker – to better infuse the matcha powder for a smoother sip.

The menu leak comes about a month after Starbucks announced they’re no longer charging extra for alternative milk.

All in all, the leaked Starbucks winter menu for 2025 suggests that the chain is making small strides towards authenticity – perhaps a reflection of new CEO Brian Niccol‘s vision to return “back to Starbucks.”

Drinks On The Leaked 2025 Starbucks Winter Menu

Starbucks UK

NEW! Cortado

Starbucks' cortado debut will reportedly include 3 ristretto shots of blonde espresso and steamed whole milk. Ristretto shots are essentially more condensed than your traditional shot of espresso – they use half the amount of water for a more concentrated, sweeter taste.

Due to the traditional construction of a cortado, this drink will only be available in Starbucks' short size.

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.

NEW! Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado

The Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado is speculated to follow the same recipe, but swaps whole milk for oat milk and adds brown sugar syrup and cinnamon to the mix. It's extremely similar to the chain's popular Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso. It looks delish.

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.

@markie_devo

NEW! Blackberry Sage Refresher

Now this is how you do a flavor combo. Like most Starbucks Refreshers, this rumored iteration will be available to order as a plain Refresher or with lemonade.

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.

Starbucks

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

This blended frozen bev hit the Starbucks menu back in February 2024, just in time for Valentine's Day (AKA the best holiday ever)! It's supposed to taste just like chocolate-covered strawberries, which makes me want a sip ASAP.

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.

NEW! Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew

Hazelnut syrup and chocolate cream cold foam make this cold brew sweet as can be. It gets topped with some cookie crumbles for a fun texture, too. I love hazelnut and chocolate flavors respectively, so when mixed together, it's gotta be tasty!

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.

Starbucks

Pistachio Latte

Oh, I can't wait until the Pistacho Latte is back on the menu. Let's hope the rumors are true!

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.

Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

Speculated to join the famed Pistacho Latte is the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, which layers a creamy layer of pistachio-infused cold foam on top of Starbucks' strong cold brew.

This drink is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.

Food On The Leaked 2025 Starbucks Winter Menu

@markie_devo

NEW! Spicy Falafel Pocket

Ooh, this new food item is vegan, according to menu leaks! It's rumored to include smashed falafel, creamy hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and a spicy herb sauce inside a toasted piece of lavash flatbread. Plus, it'll include a dippable cup of Bitchin' Sauce, which I am practically addicted to. I can't wait to try this one!

This item is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.

@markie_devo

Vanilla Bean Custard Danish

This danish is just like Starbucks' classic Cheese Danish, but leans sweeter, thanks to the vanilla bean.

This item is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on January 2, 2025.

@markie_devo

NEW! Valentine Cake Pop

Finally, this adorable little cake pop – Valentine's-themed, no less – flaunts a cute heart design with flavors of vanilla and buttercream.

This item is rumored to join the Starbucks winter menu on February 4, 2025.

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The most wonderful time of the year is finally here, complete with bright and colorful decorations everywhere, holiday music and movies on repeat, and endless amounts of hot chocolate. But with this joyous season comes a reemerging question that some of us dread: “What gift should I get for my loved one this year?!”

Fortunately, TikTok has you covered with the latest gift-giving trend emerging in recent years — burr baskets! This holiday-themed gift basket is almost like a stocking stuffer, but cozier. Like the spooky “boo basket” trend during Halloween, burr baskets are a great way to show someone you’re thinking of them during the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Whether you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your special someone, or looking to add some finishing touches to your holiday list, here are some suggestions to make your burr basket sparkle like freshly fallen snow!

Here are 5 must-haves for your beautiful holiday burr basket!

Amazon

1. Don’t Forget the Basket!

Before you think of anything you want to add to your boo basket, you have to get a crucial step out of the way – getting an actual basket to store all the gifts in, duh! Don’t worry, you don’t have to go too crazy with this part; even a simple container like this INough storage box from Amazon will do the trick. In addition to the variety of colors and patterns offered, there is also a built-in drawstring sack that helps to keep everything in place while adding to the holiday theme. Looks like Santa has some competition!

2. Something Cozy

It’s no surprise that most people like to bundle up and stay indoors as the weather gets colder (myself included), so why not use this gift-giving trend as an opportunity to give your special someone things to keep them warm? Personally, when winter rolls round, there are two clothing items that become essentials in my loungewear routine – fuzzy slippers and fuzzy socks.

If you’re on a budget but also searching for the perfect UGG slippers dupe, look no further than Land’s End Suede Furry Lined Slippers! Not only do these shoes have a fuzzy faux fur interior to keep your toes warm and toasty, they also have durable rubber soles, making them perfect to wear whether you’re on the go or staying at home. Plus, these slippers are currently on sale for $35 for the holidays. Compared to $100 and up for a pair of UGG slippers, it’s a deal you can’t refuse.

Target

A comfy getup isn’t complete without a fresh pair of fuzzy socks! My favorite kind of fuzzy socks are ones that are super colorful and have cute animals on them, like kittens, llamas or (admittedly) even characters from Bluey. These “Holiday Movie Crew” crew socks from Target fit that description to a tee; who wouldn’t find a rabbit and a bear watching holiday movies together adorable? There’s also a gift card holder included in the socks, just in case you’re looking for a creative way to include an extra gift.

Send A Friend

3. Something Comforting

Let’s face it – while the holidays are fun, it can also be extremely stressful. To me, one of the best ways to show someone you care about them is by giving them a care package filled with their favorite snacks, drinks, or even a stuffed animal that they can snuggle with when you can’t be there. If your burr basket recipient is in need of an impromptu spa day, one of the best care packages I would recommend is the Self Care Bundle from Send a Friend. This care package includes a pair of fuzzy socks, a wellness journal, a lavender bath soak, Bigelow lavender and chamomile tea and, of course, a fluffy friend! Not only can you choose from over 40 stuffed animals to include in your package, it will also contribute to a good cause; a portion of each purchase is donated to multiple nonprofits across the United States.

Amazon

If you’re well-versed in all things beauty and wellness, then you already know that one of the biggest trends that is currently taking the industry by storm is achieving a “snatched” face – or in other words, a defined jawline and cheekbones. While there are cosmetic procedures that can help to get this look, “natural” alternatives, like the use of facial massagers, have also gained popularity in recent years. If you’re looking for an affordable tool for your skincare guru, Pacifica Beauty’s Gravity Rebound Facial Massage Roller is the perfect option. The dual zinc alloy rollers help to cool the skin while adapting to the contours of your face to depuff and sculpt your face through lymphatic drainage. You can even store it in your fridge or freezer for an extra cooling effect. Personally, I’ve incorporated this roller into my morning skincare routine and it’s made a huge difference in getting me awake, refreshed and ready for the day!

Target

4. Something Yummy

Arguably one of the best aspects of the holiday season – besides spending quality time with your loved ones, of course – is the treats. As an avid baker, one of my favorite things to make are warm, gooey cookies. But if you’re baking for people who have dietary restrictions, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out how to bake treats that not only taste good, but that everyone can enjoy. Luckily, Sweet Loren’s premade cookie dough is here to help make holiday baking so much easier. These cookies are gluten-free, vegan and allergen-free, and also come in a variety of fun flavors including gingerbread and chocolate mint. Plus, if you’re a fan of eating raw cookie dough, you could eat these as is – no baking required!

Amazon

5. Something Fun for Everyone

One of my favorite holiday traditions is game nights with my family. Whether it’s an intense round of Uno or a simple game of Charades, game nights are a fun way to bring people closer together. If your burr basket recipient is also a fan of card games, consider adding the holiday edition of “What Do You Meme?” to their rotation. Here, you can combine image and caption cards to create the best holiday meme, or combine it with other “What Do You Meme” expansion packs for even more laughs. After all, laughter is the best medicine, and what better way to get your fix than through creating fun memories with your loved ones?

Looking for more holiday inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you never miss a thing!

I definitely have my go-to’s when it comes to Trader Joe’s frozen meals. Their freezers host some absolute bangers – namely the Soup Dumplings, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, and Vegetable Fried Rice. They’re all on regular rotation around here! Trader Joe’s desserts like the Mint Chip Ice Cream and Lemon Bars are also some of the best items you can pick up from the frozen section.

Because I truly can’t escape from the grasp Trader Joe’s has on me, my fridge, and my wallet, I scrolled through several recent Reddit discussions under r/traderjoes to feed my curiosity about exactly which Trader Joe’s frozen meals other people like me are loving and why. The responses have my cravings going crazy!

Scroll on to see the best Trader Joe’s frozen meals to shop, according to Trader Joe’s shoppers.

Trader Joe's

Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese

“Their mac and cheeses are fire,” as one Redditor put it. One of the most frequently-mentioned macs was this Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, which is crafted with a classic cheddar and, of course, authentic green chiles straight from Hatch Valley, New Mexico.

Trader Joe's

Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza with Deep Fried Crust

“Best I’ve had so far is the Roasted Garlic [&] Pesto Pizza," one person wrote. I have to agree that TJ's kills it in the frozen pizza department!

I really adore their Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza and (not technically a pizza) their Burrata, Prosciutto & Arugula Flatbread.

This iteration includes all the cheese (mozzarella, provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano, and burrata), fresh pesto, and roasted garlic on a delish deep-fried crust – TJ's describes it as "perfectly crunchy and dreamily airy, chewy, and pillowy."

Trader Joe's

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

"The potstickers are amazing and such a good price," one TJ's fan said. For just $3.99, you get one pound of these amazing bites. I've bought them over and over and over again and can verify that they're worth the hype!

Stuffed with chicken, cabbage, onion, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, and ginger powder, you can cook 'em any way you like, including steamed, microwaved, or pan-fried.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Fried Rice

“Vegetable fried rice and any flavored chicken (teriyaki or mandarin is my go-to) then I fix up the fried rice with some extra diced garlic, fresh green onions if I have them," one Redditor offered for an easy meal idea. "It's sooooooo good! Also I bought a bottle of Panda Express mandarin chicken sauce and it really elevates the frozen chicken! Totally recommend.”

I have got to try this combo ASAP. I really like the Vegetable Fried Rice because it's easy to prepare and always has such an enjoyable texture – it's never dry.

Trader Joe's

Family Style Meat Lasagna

“It's really quite good. It's a real bargain at $7," one person said about the Family Style Meat Lasagna. "You could probably make a homemade lasagna four times as big for $28, but you couldn’t make one this size for $7 if your life depended on it. And did I mention it’s really good?”

Okay, I'm sold. I don't even have a family to feed, but I could see this family-style frozen meal being perfect for leftovers!

Trader Joe's

Quiche Lorraine

The Trader Joe's Quiche Lorraine was mentioned quite a bit between Redditors! It's made with a flaky pastry crust, 20% uncured ham, and Swiss cheese, all embedded in a soft egg custard that impressively retains its moisture when you heat the already-cooked frozen pastry back up.

I already love the Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Quiche so much, so I'm definitely adding this pick to my list for my next TJ's run.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Biryani

"[The] veg biryani is surprisingly cheap and tasty," one Redditor noted.

This $3 heat-and-eat Trader Joe's frozen meal has a "diverse blend" of flavors to help you shake up your mealtimes. You'll find some yummy rice, seasoned veggies, and delightfully tender vegetable dumplings to top it all off.

Trader Joe's

Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi

"I love the frozen gnocchi," one thoughtful user wrote. "My kitchen is teensy and I don’t have a dishwasher, so I hate cooking full meals. If I want to have a more “hearty” dinner, I just cook some chicken, chop it up, and throw it into the bowl with the gnocchi. It works great as a diverse base for meals."

Trader Joe's also offers frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi, which I particularly love to serve with grilled chicken and broccoli for an easy dinner.

Trader Joe's

Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice

"Thai shrimp fried rice is my all time favorite," someone else wrote.

This fried rice makes the perfect complete meal in my opinion, since you get grains, veggies, and protein all in one easy-to-make bag. The Thai red chilis add some extra oomph to the flavor, too!

Trader Joe's

Frozen Steel Cut Oatmeal

"Frozen oatmeal!" another TJ's Redditor said. "My breakfast every single morning for years!"

This could make a super easy breakfast if you're n a pinch. Add some berries on top, and boom, you're ready to take on the day.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Bird's Nests

"The vegetable nests… so good," another person wrote.

These $4 appetizer-worthy bites are essentially little bundles of julienned onions and carrots with chopped kale that have been fried in a tempura batter. Okay, crunch! You can easily make them in the oven, air fryer, or the pan.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Pad Thai

"I stir fry it in a pan with some broccoli and add an egg at the end with some chili crisp," one home cook wrote. "So good."

And suddenly, I'm craving some noodles! These are seemingly super authentic, since TJ's says they're made by a supplier in Thailand. Each bite is "a little sweet and a little spicy."

Trader Joe's

Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings FTW! Trader Joe's makes a few different flavors of them, but they're all tasty! Shoppers are still lovin' them, no matter the variety.

Soup dumplings are exactly what they sound like – warm, little pockets filled with some delicious broth and a hearty filling. What I like the most about 'em is how easy they are to heat up in the microwave for a very low-effort meal.

Trader Joe's

Butter Chicken & Basmati Rice

“The frozen Indian meals are so great," one user said. "They taste close to the real deal, plus I can fit them into my daily caloric goals so much easier than eating at my lovely local Indian place... dreamlike.”

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