Gifts For A Tween Boy That Aren't Video Games

Emma Chao/Romper; Getty

If you find yourself shopping for a tween boy this year, you know the challenge of finding them a gift that isn’t a video game but will still makes their eyes light up. These kids are hilarious and sweet, but they’re also too cool for toys and not quite ready for teen stuff, and all but guaranteed to roll their eyes at whatever ideas you float their way.

And yet, we love them anyway, and we still try. Each of these suggestions has been tested by the world’s toughest critics — actual tween boys — and they all passed with flying colors. None of these gifts are money, a Nintendo gift card, or a video game, and all of them have skibidi rizz.

Their pet’s derpy face on a T-shirt

Custom-Printed Pet Shirt

Etsy -

For a certain 12-year-old, walking around with your dog’s derpy face blown up huge on your T-shirt is the height of cool. Because here’s the thing about tween boys: They might act tough, but they’re softies about their pets. A custom pet shirt lets them show off their furry BFF in the most epic way possible. There are lots of custom pet shirt options available on Etsy, but this one reads as “metal,” which my 11-year-old tells me is a good thing.

A poster for the sneakerhead whose eyes are bigger than his wallet

A Chronological Compendium of Sneakers

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In middle school, sneakers aren’t just shoes; they’re basically social currency. Watch a tween boy unbox a new pair and you’ll see pure joy in human form. The poster itself has that perfect mix of sporty and scientific vibes — it’s not a kid poster but an actual piece of wall art that makes their room feel more grown-up. Plus, tween boys are usually deep in their collection/obsession phase, whether it’s Pokémon cards, rocks, or (in this case) dreaming about their future shoe collections.

An LED light that makes peeing at night an adventure

Motion Sensor Activated Toilet Bowl Light

Amazon -

Look, a tween boy loves (literal) toilet humor. They will love this first because it’s hilarious: This thing lights up the toilet bowl and turns their bathroom trips into a disco party. But it is actually kind of practical, too: No more stumbling around in the dark for midnight bathroom runs and peeing all over the place. We recommend you emphasize the ridiculousness over the utility in deference to their hatred of being nagged. It is the holidays, after all.

A murder mystery puzzle book that is a bonafide phenomenon

Murdle: Volume 1

Bookshop -

Murdle is a book packed with super fun whodunit mysteries that turn your kid into a mini detective. The puzzles are challenging enough to keep tweens hooked but not so tricky that they’ll toss it aside. But be warned: These are addictive, and you might find yourself begging your kid to put their book down (really!). But good news: Once your tween cracks their first case and gets hooked, there are more Murdle mysteries waiting to be solved in other editions.

An extremely fluffy men’s robe — monogrammed, obviously

Men's Wicked Plush Robe

L.L. Bean -

There’s something very cool about chilling in robe that’s literally got your name on it (well, initials). For tween boys, this isn’t just any old bathrobe; it’s basically a grown-up superhero cape, but soft. And don’t forget to have their initials embroidered on it — even tween boys aren’t immune to the joys of customization! Also, there’s something pretty cute about them lounging around on weekend mornings in their own custom robes, like cozy little grown-ups. Win-win.

A way to bake cakes without destroying the kitchen

'Snacking Cakes' by Yossy Arefi

Bookshop -

Tween boys are starting to look for ways to be independent and impressive, but they also still love anything hands-on and messy, especially when they are satisfying results — enter Snacking Cakes! Snacking Cakes and its sister cookbook Snacking Bakes are perfect for this age as the cakes are basically impossible to mess up (perfect for building confidence), and your kiddo can go from a sugar craving to an actual cake in about an hour. There is no fancy equipment needed — if they can find a bowl and a pan, they’re good to go. And here’s a secret: While they’re making dessert for the family, they’re actually picking up some life skills. Math in measuring, science in baking, all under the disguise of a cake. Sounds delicious.

An electric-powered way to roam the neighborhood

Segway Ninebot Portable Electric Scooter

Amazon -

For the more adventurous kiddo, consider the electric scooter. Think about it: They can cruise to their friend’s house without begging for a ride, roll up to the park looking like the coolest kid ever, or just take the long way home from school because they can. Plus, this isn’t some little kid scooter — this is serious tech with real power and speed controls.

Bulk Big League Chew, because of course

12 Pk. Big League Chew™ Original Baseball Bubble Gum Pouches

Oriental Trading Co. -

For a tween’s favorite gift, go big or go home! Buy in bulk. Wrap up enough Big Chew for their baseball season, or wrap up the biggest box you can find with their beloved Doritos. The best part? Not only will you get a cute “OMG, THIS IS ALL FOR ME?!” photo, but you’re also sending the message that you see them and you appreciate their fixations, whatever that may be.

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I Spend 20 Hours A Day In Bed & It’s My Kids’ Favorite Spot In The House

Ariela Basson/Romper; Getty Images

If there is one parenting trope that I think about a lot, it’s the bed mom. The bed mom has given up. Or she will give up soon. Her children sit outside her door, hoping that it cracks open, desperate for just one moment of their mother’s love.

She’s usually depressed, or addicted, or dying of cancer. She has a migraine. The room is stale, or, as with Edie Beale from Grey Gardens, overrun with ephemera, a hot dog maker and a record player.

When I mention this trope to friends, most of them have no idea what I am talking about. They hardly remember seeing moms in bed, they tell me. But it haunts me. I notice every instance in a movie scene or book passage with a mom in bed. They scream to me, reiterating my theory that this is a type. My own insecurity-driven Baader-Meinhof phenomenon.

I worry about what it means to be a mom in bed. On average, I am in my bed for 20 hours every day. I sleep in bed and work in bed, and because my husband David and I have two young kids, I parent in bed. K is 7, is joy personified, and little F is seven months old and is perfectly mushy.

My bed is king-sized with an adjustable frame and a hybrid spring/foam mattress. We call it my bed, but technically, it’s also David’s. He has a side of the bed and a nightstand and a pillow but if hours logged determine ownership, it’s mine. I have an auburn floral quilt and a checked cotton coverlet. My sheets are crisp and floral. In my closet, I store my night pillows: a shredded latex option that is best for my neck and shoulder pain and a heavy memory foam body pillow that helps my hips stay in alignment.

I have an auburn floral quilt and a checked cotton coverlet. My sheets are crisp and floral.

In the morning, David helps me set up my bed for the daytime: we pull the quilt up and replace my night pillows with my two pretty day ones, in their tawny quilted shams. We elevate the head of the bed and raise the foot and wheel over the portable end table. From underneath, I pull out my lap desk, computer, and notebook. I put in my hearing aid and divide out the day’s medicine and David microwaves my heat pack for my lower back and brings in a pile of cold ice packs for my upper back.

But I’ve jumped ahead. An hour or more before any of this, around 6 am, I wake up. David sleeps in the baby’s room during his first year. I can’t stand up at night or even sit up, so David is responsible for night feedings or the occasional insulting night poop.

I swallow my morning pills as soon as I wake up, and they take about an hour to work. My medication treats part of my disability, POTS, and reduces the amount of dizziness I feel when sitting and standing. Until it takes effect, I must stay horizontal. Even after that hour, I cannot stand for more than 30 seconds and use a wheelchair when outside the home. But without the medicine, I couldn’t do even that much.

K comes in, climbs under the covers, and asks about my dreams. Recently she’s been joined by her “bottle of wonders” — an old plastic bottle filled with “marbles and heads.” A bit later, once she’s set up with her chocolate milk and the TV, David brings in F, who flops around under the covers with me, pulling on my lips, poking my cheeks, and pawing at the collar of my t-shirt.

David makes his coffee and mine and we all talk, F exploring my bed, attempting to hurtle himself off the edge. I wrap my hand around his plump ankle to stop him. We make some joke about how busy the baby is, and David takes him to his playpen where K “babysits” and David unloads the dishwasher and takes the dogs out to pee.

My adjustable bed isn’t the only seat in the house, of course, but the intensity of my daily pain and the persistence of my dizziness means that it is the only place I can bear to spend more than an hour or so at a time. As one hip begins to throb, I adjust the foot height slightly and experiment with different backrest angles. I reposition my pillows. I refresh my ice packs and rewarm my heat pack.

I do most of my parenting from here: I color with K, feed F his bottles. I have a basket of baby toys at hand. I change diapers and cuddle and give F food, putting down a towel to protect my quilt. K dumps her fidget box next to the bed, and we play with her favorite glitter wands. I clip fingernails. In three days, it’s hair weekend, and I will spend a total of 10-12 hours detangling and braiding K’s hair. In bed.

I scratch backs and apply lotion and suck snot from noses. I cut tags out of clothing and label clothes for school. I cut up pills and negotiate TV time. From bed.

This approach, to reject hyper-productive and individualistic parenting, and to live within our actual needs and limits, could benefit everyone. I wish every parent could listen to the important and real limits of their bodies and minds.

This week, I have been trying to track down more baby formula for F because there is a shortage. I schedule doctor visits and file insurance claims and organize playdates and order more kid clothes and order groceries and order masks and order birthday presents.

And, of course, I don’t only parent from bed. I work here too. I write books; I am writing this essay; I record podcast interviews. I meet with publishers and publicists and agents — in bed.

I go to therapy and I check in with friends and I read books.

Sometimes, before an important meeting, I consider trying to relocate myself (and my heat pack and my computer and my ginger candy for nausea) somewhere else. Should I move everything over to a chair or the sofa? And sometimes I do, because I feel embarrassed or I want the other person to know I am taking things seriously. I think about the rule from grad school that attending class from bed counted as an absence.

But part of me worries that being embarrassed of my bed is being embarrassed of my fragile and aching body. And I’m not. She is doing a very good job.

When writing my book on disabled parenting, Unfit Parent, one of my favorite realizations was just how much a disabled perspective transforms the experience of caring for children. It is widely accepted that being a parent right now is difficult: it asks more from our bodies and minds than we have to give. What I have seen in my own life and in the lives of other disabled parents is that disabled people are dislodged (by their needs, by ableism, by exclusion) from the factory-produced model of what a parent should do or be. It’s from that outsider position that we apply disabled innovation, creativity, and acceptance and set up structures that respect what our bodies and minds actually are.

This approach, to reject hyper-productive and individualistic parenting, and to live within our actual needs and limits, could benefit everyone. I wish every parent could listen to the important and real limits of their bodies and minds. Because that’s what my bed is; it’s the spot that works for my body. Full stop.

And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my bed is, unanimously, the favorite spot in our house. It’s not for nothing that every person’s first stop after waking is under the covers with me.

Jessica Slice is a disabled author, speaker, and essayist. Her forthcoming book, Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World will be released in April 2025. She is the co-author of Dateable: Swiping Right, Hooking Up, and Settling Down and This is How We Play. She is a graduate of Davidson College and Columbia University (MSW) and lives in Ontario with her family.

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17 Naughty Elf On The Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf

Christmas is just a little over a month away and you know what that means: Time for Elf on the Shelf to make an appearance. A Christmas tradition since 2005, Elf (or Elfie as some kids call him/her) is the work of mother-daughter writing duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell and is all about an Elf who comes to check on kids on Santa’s behalf in the lead up to Christmas. Each morning kids find Elfie around the house in various frozen poses. And while these can be silly or simple — say, Elfie swinging from the kitchen light fixture or hiding in the cookie jar — some parents choose to go next level with their Elf on the Shelf’s hijinks. Naughty elf on the shelf ideas range from putting elves in just slightly mischievous scenarios (like drawing on a family member’s photo), to situations that are definitely not kid-friendly and probably better suited to prank a roommate or spouse.

Depending on how extra (or in some cases crass) you care to go, the trouble your Elf on the Shelf can get into is only limited to our imagination. Proud Elf orchestrators the internet over have posted their scary, silly, and sometimes unsettling scenes for everyone to enjoy. Want your prank-loving elf to exhibit his or her sense of humor? Try covering the entire toilet in wrapping paper. Prefer to go even more over the top? Have Elfie shave Dad’s head. No joke, these are actual concepts some people came up with. Take a look at these naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas.

A Halloween candy bandit

Elf on the Shelf

Looks like you have a little bit of competition for your kid’s Halloween candy overflow. Have the elf get caught red-handed stealing some sweets from your kid’s trick-or-treating bag. Make sure they’re holding one unwrapped item (for less clean-up, stay away from chocolate), and leave a few empty wrappers around the elf as “evidence” that they were the ones dipping in the candy stash, not you.

Elfie vandalizes photos

Elf on the Shelf

On the more PG end of bad Elf on the Shelf hijinks, you can have Elfie take part in some mischievous graffiti in your house by drawing on a framed photo of someone. Plus, you can make Elfie’s artwork as light-hearted, goofy, or inappropriate as you want. All you’ll need to carry out this bad Elf behavior is a family photo, picture frame with glass, and a dry erase marker (this last one is key, unless you want to actually ruin a picture frame with permanent marker). Who knows what they’ll draw.

Special Elf apple juice

When it comes to naughty Elf ideas, bathroom humor is an immediate go-to. For this one, fill some cups up with pee-colored drinks, such as apple juice or lemonade, and face Elfie toward the mysterious liquids as if they are peeing into the glass. Once people are sufficiently grossed out, maybe even offer up some taste tests. Here’s hoping it’s juice...

A toilet paper party

Another easy Elf idea, turn to the hijinks of teens for ideas. In this case, that means relying on the good old pastime of TPing. Throw a roll all over a room and put Elf at the bottom clutching the roll. You can do this in your child’s actual bedroom to make them super surprised that the sneaky little imp was able to do this without waking them up. Or take it to a communal space where all the kids can find it at once.

A game of spin the bottle

Elves like to play party games from time to time, too! Take things back to middle school with this silly set-up. To execute this Elf on the Shelf shenanigan, set up your festive figures with a few of their friends — such as Bratz, Barbie, and Ken dolls — sitting in a circle with a bottle in the middle. To make the game a bit more kid-friendly, you can always use a soda bottle instead of a wine or beer bottle.

Little Elfie drummer boy

Who knew Elf was a rockstar? Turns out that all he needs is a couple over turned pots and pans and some tiny drum sticks and he’s ready to go full Ringo Starr on your household. If you’re feeling even more extra, give him some backup vocals from a couple of Barbie dolls or add in some action figures on guitar and bass. Bonus points to all the parents who write Elfie’s band’s name on the bass drum.

Naughty chef Elf

Uh oh. Looks like Elf decided to do a little baking. But boy, that’s not the way most people make Hershey kiss cookies. If poop jokes are allowed in your house, expect this scenario to elicit all kinds of giggles from your kids. Basically Elfie hovers over a cookie as if, well, read between the lines. Is it gross? Sure. Is it funny? Ask a 6-year-old. But beware, they’ll probably also want to eat the cookies for breakfast too.

An extra special package

This next naughty Elf on the Shelf antic only works if you have more than one toilet in your house. Lord knows no parent needs to deal with an accident at 6 a.m. in the morning. That said, if you have a back up potty, your kid will be blown away to find that Elfie has wrapped the entire toilet in wrapping paper overnight. In this case, Elfie left a message for its kiddo. Grab a small grease board to make your own note.

A sticky Elf scenario

Don’t want to mess with wrapping paper? Grab a couple packs of sticky notes then and go wild. Here, elves took a pack of sticky notes and put them on everything in one family’s play room. We’re talking floor to ceiling sticky note action. In fact, they even wrote a message in notes: “Hi.” For any child that’s on the fence about whether Elf is real, this mega redecorating trick will probably convince them.

On a toilet paper roll

Here’s an easy Elf on the Shelf scene you can throw together late at night after your child has fallen asleep. Grab a toilet roll. Put Elf in it. Then fashion it on the stairs as if Elf was caught mid roll. If your child has an upstairs bedroom, waking up to this will have them squealing before the sun comes up. And likely wishing they were small enough to fit inside a TP roll too.

A trip to the dark side

As any Star Wars fan will tell you, you don’t want to mess with the Dark Side. Darth Vader does not play. As illustrated here in this hilarious naughty Elf on the Shelf scene in which he’s taken hold of dear Elf and has him levitating in a corner. Will Luke and Leia arrive to save him? You can make that tomorrow’s Elf situation a rescue mission if you want to keep the intergalactic theme going.

Elf joins Squid Game

Gotta love a family that incorporates pop culture into Elf on the Shelf’s visit. For one little girl’s birthday, Elf showed up in a Squid Game costume. You know, the super popular show all about contestants who compete in children’s games in order to survive. Perfect kid fodder. It’s the cupcake body suit that really takes this scene to the next level, no?

An Elf-endorsed haircut

Really ready to make a statement with Elf this year? Brace yourself. You have to really, really want it. OK, here it is. Have Elf give you or your partner a haircut in the night and have your child find the character holding the hair clippers. Cue: All the screams! What you do with your new hairstyle after the initial reaction is over is up to you, but you’ll kids will have a story to tell their classmates for years.

An Elfie rager

Hey, even elves need to let loose now and again. How or what that looks like is up to you. But take some bad Elf on the Shelf inspo from this Twitter user who awoke to find Elf had thrown down the night before: they found “Santa was Here” graffiti on the wall, cups strewn about, and party hats akimbo. Wanna make this more PG? Trade the wine stains for chocolate milk stains. What kid hasn’t returned from an epic birthday party looking just like this. They’ll relate.

Nacho Libre Elf

Does your family love wrestling or WWE? Put Elf in the ring to show his skills. You can fashion his own Nacho Libre look with a little bit of fabric for a face mask and cape. Then build a DIY ring out of straws or sticks. Grab one of your children’s action figures to face off again Elf and wait for the sounds of shock and surprise the next day when they uncover the newest title champion.

Merry ‘Prankmas’ Elf-style

Thanksgiving is just weeks away and if your Elf has already been released onto your house, why not let him get in on the feast? For this idea, you might need a stunt turkey in order to not let any good birds go to waste. Here, Elfie is caught inside the fowl with the stuffing! You could use a fake turkey to make this happen or even put him inside a cold bird before the big event. Just keep hygiene in mind and clean him up as necessary.

Xerox buns

Bun copies! Oh no, Elfie, no. Looks like this bad little elf decided to have some fun with the Xerox machine. But don’t let the boss find those. We don’t know what Santa’s HR policy is, but one imagines it doesn’t include making inappropriate copies of one’s bottom on the clock. This little elf better prepare for a stern talking to and possible leave without pay. For an office laugh, try this naughty elf scene.

Ready to get a little naughty with this year’s Elf antics? Take a cue from these creative people to pack your elvish scenes with a punch.

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8 Sensory Holiday Gifts for Sensitive Kids

Romper/Getty; Images Courtesy of Brands

Whether you’re shopping for a niece, a grandchild, your own kid, or someone special for whom you’re an honorary auntie, ‘tis the season to start the very fun task of wondering what kinds of gifts will bring the kids in your life maximum joy. As you scroll through Instagram or pop in and out of toy shops, you may have bumped into phrases like “sensory-friendly.” Or maybe you know that the child you’re gift-hunting for has sensory sensitivities and you’re planning to let that guide your search.

While the first thing that might come to mind (or pop into your Instagram ads) is a big-ticket item like a sensory compression swing, the occupational therapists we spoke to agreed that kids who are looking for sensory feedback don’t necessarily need anything as big and specific as a swing. Erin Cochran M.A., and Katherine Breithaupt, O.T.D., pediatric OTs at Oregon Health & Science University told us that even just being wrapped in a really soft blanket covered with images of a favorite character can be a soothing sensory experience for a child, whether they have uniquely strong sensory preferences because of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorder (SPD) — or not.

“When we think about sensory gifts or toys, we often think about lights and sounds,” says Breithaupt, reminding gift-givers to think about all five senses when shopping for sensory toys for kids. When buying a gift for a sensory kid, both Breithaupt and Cochran urge friends and family to consider versatility and “control-ability” — meaning, are there ways for the child to easily manipulate the sensory experience of the toy themselves? Can they dial up or down the experience to suit their mood and needs in the moment?

Weighted items, chewable items, and textured items of all shapes, sizes, and price points may make wonderful, thoughtful sensory-sensitive gifts — but like with any gift for any kid, it all depends on the individual child’s needs and preferences. Sensory needs or not, it’s always a nice courtesy to ask a kid’s caregivers if a toy or gift is welcome and wanted. Breithaupt suggests that potential gift-givers start by simply asking the child’s parents or caregivers what their kid is into: any particular characters? Fabric that they really love (or really hate) the feeling of? Cochran says that portable, versatile gifts like chalk, bubbles, or things with dough-type textures are all wonderful gifts that could help a child with sensory needs thrive in a variety of environments or situations (which is a gift to parents, too).

Pretend Food That’s Stylish And Chewable

Ramen Bowl Playset

kiko+ & gg -

Play food that’s actually meant to be chewed on? Get inside any kid’s head for a second and think about how awesome that would be. Sure, you may want to wash it thoroughly between play dates, but this is one sensory-feedback gift that kids will adore. (This one is best for kids age 3 and up.)

Princess Dresses For Kids Who Hate Tags & Zippers

Sensory Sensitive Princess Dress

Merci Milo -

Why are so many costumes so scratchy? And why has no one solved that yet? At last, in 2024, Merci Milo has, with a line of four princess dresses that will please any kid but that were created with sensory-sensitive kids especially in mind. Colorful and sparkly (but notably glitter-free), these fanciful dress-up dresses are tag- and zipper-free, and the folks at Merci Milo have added an extra layer of super soft material over the areas where different fabrics meet to ensure maximum comfort.

A Cozy, Inflatable Canoe For Anyone Who Loves Deep Pressure

Harkla Hug

Harkla -

Touchless deep pressure can be a fast way to help an overstimulated kid (or grown-up!) calm back down. When inflated, kids can nestle into this “boat” and enjoy the feeling of being enveloped on all sides. It can also be easily deflated and tucked away, which will make parents who are short on space happy, too.

An Audio Player Your Kids Can Control Themselves

Yoto Player

Yoto Play -

Catherine TK likes the idea of sound boxes or audio players for kids with sensory needs, because they can be adaptable and are often — as is the case with Yoto players — controlled by the child themself. “If a sound box makes it possible for the child to easily pause, rewind, or change the duration of the music or repeat the music, that can be a really nice, flexible item for a child who maybe needs calm music to go to sleep to, but something more lively in the car on a long road trip.” Yoto also has a number of cards focused on mindfulness, meditation for kids, and routines, which may be helpful to any family, but particularly one where regulation is a skill that they’re working hard on.

A Weighted Stuffy That Soothes Kids Safely

Percy, the Weighted Hug Bear

With his friendly smile, kind eyes and weighing just over 3 lbs, Percy is great for quiet time, bed time, or any time a kiddo (or adult!) may need a little extra support.

For the Cubs -

Erin TK, OT says that folks looking to give a gift should probably consider weighted items that are not blankets so that they don’t have to worry about safety considerations. “Weighted stuffed animals that could be on a child's lap might be really nice for a gift,” she mentions. This is another moment when you might consider a particular character, as well, that a child adores. Ask parents or caregivers about preferred fabrics, too.

A Sensory Smörgåsbord For Little Fingers

PlayTab

Fat Brain Toys -

This fun and customizable play tab is a super thoughtful, versatile sensory gift for babies and toddlers. Families can build the entire board by loading it with six of the fine-motor-focused tabs, or they can just toss a few of the activity tiles in the car or stroller and enjoy a little on-the-go sensory input.

Petit Artisan Clay Kit

Petite Artisan Clay Kit For Kids

Breathe People -

This adorable clay kit makes it really easy for non-crafty parents of kids who like to create and get their hands into doughy textures to pass a rainy afternoon at home. Air-dry clay anchors the package, but included, too, are tools like rollers and gentle cutters to shape the clay, as well as lots of paint and paintbrushes for decorating the creations once the paint is dry.

Soft Blankets With Beloved Characters

Bluey and Bingo Kid's Throw Blanket

Amazon -

Is there a kid anywhere on Earth who would not love to have this super-soft, cheery Bluey and Bingo blanket? Probably not! But, as Catherine and Erin suggest, it’s a great idea to ask what characters your friend or family’s child is into right now and hunt down a soft and snuggly blanket with their favorite face on it — whether it’s Cocomelon, Owlette, Grizzy, or better yet, someone you’ve absolutely never heard of.

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How To Watch Every 'Modern Family' Thanksgiving Episode In 2024

Colleen Hayes/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

Thanksgiving is full of beautiful traditions. Family! Food! Communal gratitude! But, at a certain point, all that family togetherness (dear God, especially in an election year!) might make you thankful for a little bit of TV. Personally, I’ve never been one for watching football on Thanksgiving (or, like, ever). But watching a Thanksgiving Friends marathon is a tradition for many. But why not spend Thanksgiving with Modern Family as well? The beloved mockumentary sitcom offers an honest and hilarious perspective on family life through the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker crew. Indeed, every single Modern Family Thanksgiving episode will not only make you laugh, but they will also tug at your heartstrings. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the series’ festive episodes this Thanksgiving.

There are seven Modern Family Thanksgiving episodes.

• Season 3, Episode 9 — “Punkin Chunkin”: A former kid neighbor of the Dunphys, who never went to college but is now a billionaire, visits the family. But this creates some tension since Haley thinks going to college isn't the only way to pursue your dreams, while Phil blames Claire for holding him back from his own dreams. Meanwhile, Mitchell doesn't believe Cameron's "punkin chunkin" childhood story.
• Season 6, Episode 8 — “Three Turkeys”: English food writer Nigella Lawson is a guest star in this 2014 holiday special when Phil decides to cook Thanksgiving dinner with Luke as his sous chef. But Claire has no confidence in their meal and prepares a secret turkey of her own. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria get their holiday plans interrupted and regret not telling anyone, which turns into the worst idea ever. Not to mention, trying to convince Lily to wear a nice dress for dinner becomes an obstacle.
• Season 7, Episode 7 — “Phil’s Sex, Sexy House”: Jay and Gloria host a Thanksgiving brunch. While there they talk about Phil helping Mitch and Cam’s friend sell his house. Everyone decides to sneak into the house to have some fun, but they all chose the same day to go, which turns into a game of hide and not-seek. Meanwhile, Gloria steals copies of everyone’s driver's licenses during the brunch so Jay and her can buy them all a surprise family trip to Miami. However, Jay has a surprise in store for Gloria.
• Season 8, Episode 7 — “Thanksgiving Jamboree”: Cameron hosts a Thanksgiving jamboree and spares no expense, literally. He used all of their Hawaii vacation money to make it happen. And Haley has to talk to her dad and tell him that she would rather spend the rest of her holiday with her new boyfriend than staying for the traditional family football game. As for Jay, he is just trying to keep his blood pressure down.

Claire in Season 9’s Thanksgiving episode, titled "Winner Winner Turkey Dinner.” | Ron Tom/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

• Season 9, Episode 7 — “Winner Winner, Turkey Dinner”: It’s Jay’s turn to host Thanksgiving and he decides to honor the entire family on their recent success. But Phil feels left out because with Haley they practiced a magic tour which did not happen very well. But secrets are revealed and everybody isn’t so perfect after all; like Jay getting Joe fired from kindergarten and Claire cheating on a race.
• Season 10, Episode 7 — “Did the Chicken Cross The Road?”: In this episode, Cameron gets a chicken to reconnect to his roots after forgetting the words to his favorite country song. Cullen McCarthy, Rosa Blasi, Reid Ewing, Nalini Sharma, and Jackson Duryea Carter are all guest stars in this 2018 Thanksgiving episode.
• Season 11, Episode 7 — “The Last Thanksgiving”: A final hoorah for the family that ends in a charade game. Haley attempts to cook Thanksgiving dinner as a thank you gift for Claire and Phil's support of the twins. Meanwhile, Mitchell accidentally creates a misunderstanding when he says they split up with Cameron, and their friends assume they have to split sides.

Cam in Season 3’s Thanksgiving episode, titled “Punkin Chunkin.” | Richard Foreman/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

Where can you stream all of the Modern Family Thanksgiving episodes?

All 250 episodes of Modern Family, including every Thanksgiving episode, are available to stream on Peacock with a subscription, which starts at $7.99 a month, with a 7-day free trial. You can also stream Modern Family on Hulu, with plans starting at $9.99 a month.

Modern Family is really one of those shows that each of us can find some aspects of our family in, especially around the holidays. And let’s face it, a good Thanksgiving episode is hard to find these days, but Modern Family manages to still kept us stuffed!

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20 Best Advent Calendars For Kids 2024

Romper/Getty/Shutterstock; Photos Courtesy of Brands

There are genuinely few things that make me feel more warm and fuzzy inside than the lead-up to Christmas. Having grown up with a mom who made everything feel magical this time of year, I always looked forward to the day I would be able to do the same for my own children. One of the best hacks for helping this process along? Kids’ advent calendars.

Even now, at 12 and 13, my children get so excited when it’s finally time to open the first little door, window, box, what-have-you, in whatever advent calendar (or calendars) we have on hand any given holiday season. As their mom, much of the fun for me has been trying out different options each year to see what they love the most, from candy to toys to little collectibles.

Since there are definitely more adult-oriented options on the market than kid-friendly (truffle oil advent calendars, no thank you), I went ahead and rounded up some of the best advent calendars for kids so you can cross one more thing off your list.

Straw Topper Advent Calendar

Straw Toppers Advent Calendar

Amazon -

If you have a tween, you already know they don’t leave the house without their emotional support tumbler. This straw topper calendar is so cute, and it gives your kid the perfect excuse to show off their Stanley’s new accessories to all of their friends.

Play-Doh Advent Calendar

Play-Doh Advent Calendar

Amazon -

Kids love Play-Doh — it’s just, like, a scientific fact. That makes this advent calendar a no-brainer, especially since it comes with 24 mini Play-Doh cans, surprise tools (think a snowflake mold), and tear-off playmats your kid can complete using their brand-new creations.

Step2 My First Advent Calendar

Step2 My First Advent Calendar

Amazon -

You’ll need to fill the 25 bins in this adorable Step 2 holiday house calendar, but how much fun will it be to see your little one’s face light up as they discover each treasure? Not only is this entire setup just super precious, but it also strengthens preschoolers’ fine motor skills, concept of time, and *patience.* You can go as simple as one Hershey’s kiss in each bin.

Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle

Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle

Amazon -

What did parents do before Bluey existed? Let’s not think about those dark times. Instead, lean into the love we all have for the Heeler family by gifting your kid this advent calendar filled with 24 Bluey mini-books — including a special Christmas story to read on Christmas Eve.

Chapstick 12 Days of Holiday Lip Balm

ChapStick 12 Days of Holiday Advent Calendar

Amazon -

Kids' lips are literally always chapped, and you’re probably just as tired as I am of them stealing your lip balms. This advent calendar will help them build their own festive little Chapstick stockpile with flavors like Candy Cane, Cake Batter, and Sugar Cookie.

Build-A-Bear Merry Mission Christmas Advent Calendar

Merry Mission Christmas Advent Calendar

Build-A-Bear -

Inspired by the Glisten and the Merry Mission movie from Build-A-Bear Entertainment, this adorable advent calendar’s doors feature miniature versions of the Build-A-Bear creations your kid knows and loves. In addition to six mini plushes, they’ll find 19 mini clothing and accessory items (and let’s be honest, it’s the accessorizing kids like the most).

Olive & June 25 Days of Mani Magic Calendar

25 Days of Mani Magic Advent Calendar

Olive and June -

Steal a little time each day leading up to Christmas to enjoy a little mani moment with your kiddo. This calendar contains three mini bottles of Olive and June’s long-lasting nail polishes (Tangled Lights, XOXO, and To Me You Are Perfect) and three mini bottles of their quick dry polishes (Blitzen, Fiddlefig, and Freshwater), along with a bunch of other mani-themed goodies.

Dungeons & Dragons: The Official Countdown Gift Calendar

Dungeons & Dragons: The Official Countdown Gift Calendar

Amazon -

Mini books, stationery, buttons, tech accessories — this countdown calendar inspired by the Forgotten Realms is filled with fun items for your little D&Der to bring on their quests. And with 25 pockets, it’s packed full of a monstrous assortment.

Fidget Toy Advent Calendar

Fidget Advent Calendars for Kids

Amazon -

My kids ask me for fidget toys every single Christmas, so I love that this advent calendar has a ton all bundled into one cute holiday experience. I mean, just look at the little Santa pop-its!

Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar

Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar

Amazon -

Now that my kids are older, I feel super nostalgic for this kind of simple, sweet advent calendar. An educational and entertaining way to get little ones into the Christmas spirit, it features 24 magnetic ornaments and one shining star for the top of the tree. Bonus: A poem on the back of the wooden box makes for a lovely little holiday read-aloud ritual.

KiwiCo Santa’s Railroad Advent Calendar

Santa's Railroad Advent Calendar Project Kit

KiwiCo -

What mom doesn’t appreciate a festive activity that’ll keep their kiddo busy long enough for her to get a few things done? This KiwiCo advent calendar project kit features 24 envelopes, each revealing the project inside. After following the instructions and decorating their creations, kids can add them to the snowy scene for a super fun winter railroad.

National Geographic Magic Advent Calendar

National Geographic Magic Advent Calendar 2024

Amazon -

Get your STEM on this holiday season with 24 magic tricks and science experiments, courtesy of National Geographic. Watch your kid marvel as they pull off stunts like making a coin disappear and revealing a secret message.

Schleich Advent Calendar Horse Club

Advent Calendar Horse Club 2024

Schleich -

What I would have given for this Horse Club advent calendar when I was a kid! I mean, whoever opens all the little doors gets to put the white crampons on the mare and help her into the bridle. It’s every horse kid’s dream come true.

Mini Brands Advent Calendar

Mini Brands Advent Calendar 2024

Amazon -

Mini Brands toys have been hot since my kids were toddlers a decade ago, and they’re still going strong with my little nieces and nephews today. There’s just something about brands they know and love in teeny tiny form. This calendar is full of 24 surprises any mini-loving kid would flip over.

The American Girls Collection Advent Calendar

The American Girls Collection 2024 Advent Calendar

Amazon -

Is this calendar for you, or is it for your kid? Listen, you’ll hear no judgment from me if you spend more time admiring the American Girl advent calendar than your little one does. Each window opens to reveal a stylized figure of one of American Girl’s fan-favorite characters, beginning with Kaya (1764) and concluding with Isabel and Nicki (1999).

Squishmallows Micromallows Holiday Advent Calendar 2024

Squishmallows 2.5"Micromallows Holiday Advent Calendar 2024

Walmart -

Is this calendar on the pricier side? Yes. But kids are obsessed with Squishmallows, and you will quite literally make their whole month if you gift them with a set of 24 holiday-themed micro plushes from the iconic brand.

Schylling NeeDoh Sensory Toy Advent Calendar

Schylling NeeDoh Sensory Toy Advent Calendar

Walmart -

Kids and squishies just go together like milk and cookies, so why fight it? Let them count down to Christmas with a mini squishy surprise every day. The colors of this set are so fun and captivating, too!

Slime Advent Calendar

Slime Advent Calendar 2024 Kids

Amazon -

I apologize in advance for the mess your kids are about to make with this slime advent calendar... but we all know that slime just makes kids super happy. And you’ve gotta admit — the festive theming of this countdown collection is pretty perfect.

Mini 3D Printed Animals Christmas Advent Calendar

Mini 3D Printed Articulated Figurine Advent Calendar

Amazon -

OK, but why are these so cute?! Just look at their little eyes! And their bendy little bodies! I can see why kids like these articulated miniatures. This advent calendar comes with 24 3D printed animals made from eco-friendly PLA material, perfect for use as fidget toys or for hanging around your home.

Wood Train 3D Advent Calendar

Wood Train 3D Advent Calendar

Pottery Barn Kids -

We have this wooden train advent calendar from Pottery Barn Kids on our mantle, and it’s one of those heirloom items I can’t wait to one day pass on to my kids. For now, it serves as an integral part of our holiday decor and a fun excuse to give our kids a special treat every day leading up to Christmas.

Whether you choose one of these advent calendars or have a super simple candy version, know that the countdown to Christmas is going to be so magical.

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20 Thanksgiving Knock Knock Jokes Your Kids Will Love

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Perhaps you’re looking for ways to really up your dad joke game on Thanksgiving this year. Or maybe you’re also looking for a way to break the ice if your close-minded and big-mouthed Uncle John decides to go off about social issues after he’s had a few too many Bud Lights. Maybe the kids are getting hangry, or even your adults guests are. I’ve got you covered, friend. Boy have I ever — enter Thanksgiving knock knock jokes. That’s right. We’re talking the ultimate corny joke: the knock knock joke.

These Thanksgiving knock knock jokes are so bad, they’re good. Even the king of Dad jokes will cringe at these while making everyone at the table roll their eyes. That’s the dream, right? The more eye rolls the better and the more cringe and cornier the jokes the better. Whether you need material about leftovers, eating too much, celebration, or just jokes about each of the delicious foods families get to munch on for their Thanksgiving feast, you’ll have groans and sighs for days if you keep these Thanksgiving knock knock jokes in your arsenal. Godspeed, good sir or madam, and enjoy these truly awful Thanksgiving knock knock jokes.

Thanksgiving knock knock jokes about eating too much

• Knock, knock! Who's there? Aida. Aida who? Aida lot more than I should have!
• Knock, knock! Who's there? Norma Lee. Norma Lee who? Norma Lee I don't eat this much!
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Nate. Nate who? Nate too much on Thanksgiving last year…

fstop123/E+/Getty Images

Thanksgiving knock knock jokes about leftovers

• Knock, knock! Who's there? Arthur. Arthur who? Arthur any leftovers?
• Knock, knock! Who's there? Tamara. Tamara who? Tamara we'll eat all the leftovers!
• Knoc,k knock! Who's there? Don. Don who? Don eat all the gravy, I want some more.

Thanksgiving knock knock jokes about celebrating

• Knock, knock! Who's there? Gladys. Gladys who? Gladys Thanksgiving. Aren't you?
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Ben. Ben who? Ben nice to see relatives on Thanksgiving.
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Further. Further who? Further the last time, please set the table for Thanksgiving dinner!
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Happy. Happy who? Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Thanksgiving knock knock jokes about food

• Knock, knock! Who's there? Dewey. Dewey who? Dewey have to wait long to eat?
• Knock, knock! Who's there? Harry. Harry who? Harry up, I'm hungry!
• Knock, knock! Who's there? Possum. Possum who? Possum gravy on my potatoes.
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Dewey. Dewey who? Dewey have to wait much longer for the pumpkin pie?
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Esther. Esther who? Esther any more cranberry sauce?
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Franny. Franny who? Franny more gravy for the turkey?

Thanksgiving knock knock jokes about turkey

• Knock, knock! Who's there? Annie. Annie who? Annie body seen the turkey?
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Drew. Drew who? Drew hand turkeys for all the place settings.
• Knock, knock! Who’s there? Aaron. Aaron who? Aaron you having more turkey?

You’ll be wowing your family, friends, and relatives with these punny and horribly bad Thanksgiving knock knock jokes. Please don’t tell anyone where you got these knock knock turkey jokes — I don’t want any rage emails in my inbox the day after Thanksgiving.

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Partner & Your Family Don't Get Along? Here's What To Do

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I am so lucky that I love my mother-in-law and my mother-in-law loves me. It may help that my husband’s family lives in Colorado while we’re here in Georgia, and they’re not across the street or anything, but I hear so many horror stories from others about their in-laws. It’s bad enough to have a rough relationship between spouses and families, but navigating your own family and your partner, and having to choose between the two is a nightmare. How in the world do you navigate that and keep everyone happy while also keeping your sanity and mental health in tact?

This scenario is not uncommon, says clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly. “Family members sometimes don’t find our partners likable and sometimes our partners simply don’t like some or all of the people in our family of origin. When a partner or family members don’t like each other, the relationship can suffer in the long run due to the grating, sandpaper-like nature of the friction,” she says.

How to talk to your partner about getting along with your family

Depending on how often you and your partner see your family and the level of the dislike, different coping strategies may be needed. For example, if you see your family very infrequently and the level of dislike is fairly low, you and your partner can work to show up as a secure, positive team.

“When partners focus on being loving and team-oriented, feelings of dislike tend to feel less abrasive. However, if you see your family frequently and strong aversion is obvious, it’s important to address the underlying issues to prevent harming the relationship with your partner and the relationship with your family,” says Manly.

Handling the discord starts with hearing your partner out about why they’re not comfortable with your family, Manly says. “For example, a partner may dislike certain family members because they are controlling, rude, or unwelcoming. Listen without judgment; the goal is to understand your partner’s thoughts and feelings.”

She says you should work with your partner to address the issues they bring up. “For example, if your partner is concerned about a parent’s abusive nature or alcoholic tendencies, it’s important to take steps with your partner to create emotional, mental, and physical safety,” Manly says. But if your partner’s concerns are focused on less obvious and tangible issues, like feeling inadequate or excluded, it’s important to work with your partner to create “emotional safety” within your partnership to counteract any negative energy from family members. “And, if a partner is simply being critical or negative without any cause, it’s absolutely appropriate to ask your partner to show up with kindness and respect for the people you love,” she adds.

Manly also suggests creating tools to help you navigate family situations together. Partners usually just want to feel safe and loved, and by working with your partner and offering them genuine reassurance, a partner’s feelings of being rejected or disliked by family members becomes a nonissue, according to Manly. “When a partner’s well-being is put ahead of family dynamics, a partner will generally feel much safer and more secure,” she says.

How to talk to your family about getting along with your partner

If you’re working with your family who doesn’t like your partner, the steps are the same: talk to them openly and honestly about why they dislike your partner — without your partner present. “The goal is to understand the genesis of any negative feelings,” she says. “For example, family members may dislike a partner for a variety of reasons, such as being abusive, low-achieving, disrespectful, or generally ‘not good enough.’ Strive to listen objectively to understand the nature of your family’s concerns.

“Without being defensive, talk with your family about their concerns,” she says. “For example, if your father is worried that your partner is not financially stable, it’s important to express why this concern isn’t valid or important. In general, family members are often highly protective of their loved ones and may not like a partner for very valid reasons.”

But Manly notes that in other cases, feelings of dislike are based on inappropriate, unhealthy personal judgements and bias. “If family members register valid concerns, it may be worth considering their worries. If, however, family members are being highly critical and judgmental, it’s appropriate to request that they also act with kindness and respect,” she says.

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How to deal with guilt & judgement from your family & partner

“As each of us know, there are people we like and people we don’t. Because you like someone doesn’t mean someone else will, even if they love you,” says Dr. Gail Saltz, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine.

“Recognize you can’t control who likes who, but you can ask them to keep their opinions to themselves if it’s hurtful to you, and you can ask them to stop endless criticism. You can agree to disagree, rather than having a running painful litany of guilt and judgment. Ask them to do this in the name of preserving your own relationship,” she says.

Manly says it’s not your burden to carry. “If feelings of guilt and judgement arise, imagine putting them aside like a heavy backpack that doesn’t belong to you,” she says. “As hard as it can be, it’s important to have strong boundaries that clearly state, ‘I have done my part to create peace and positivity, but if you’re not willing to be kind and peaceful, I’m stepping back from the negative dynamic.’”

Tell your family members you and your partner are a team and that their aversion to your partner is causing you stress, Manly says. “Assure your family that you are safe and happy within your relationship; this reassurance — especially if it’s genuine — will often reduce family members’ concerns.”

How to set up boundaries to protect yourself

“Ultimately, it’s important to create sanity-saving boundaries that allow you to feel safe and loved,” says Manly. “If partner-family dynamics continue to be negative even after healthy resolution attempts have been made, it’s absolutely appropriate to call a mental health timeout.”

This can include telling your partner that it makes you sad and stressed that they continue to dislike your family, and that it may be a good idea for them to make other plans when you see them. Also tell them that you hope they’ll come to a place where they can embrace your family out of their love for you.

Alternately, if the family members are the source for the dislike, Manly says it’s appropriate to tell your family you need a break. Tell them you’re hurt that they continue to be unkind to your partner, and that you’ve let them know how much it stresses you out. Then say, “Until you are able to welcome my partner into the family with kindness, I must take a step back for the sake of my own mental health — and my relationship,” Manly says.

What to do if you don’t like your partner’s family

“You may not like them, but they are your partner’s family,” says Saltz. She suggests being kind and respectful — but don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of or treated badly.

“If there is no harm going on, and you are just not a fan, realize that interacting is important to your partner and that we all do things for our partners in the name of the health of the relationship. It’s the only family they get, and criticizing them only hurts your partner,” she says.

Experts:

Dr. Carla Manly, PhD, a clinical psychologist, advocate, fear specialist, and author of Date Smart and Joy from Fear.

Dr. Gail Saltz, M.D., a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine.

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