Disney's 'Wish' Toys Include LEGO Sets & A Talking Valentino Doll — FIRST LOOK

I have three daughters, which means that at any given moment, there is a Disney toy singing in my house. But it’s time for Elsa and Moana and Mirabel to make room, because there are some really lovely new Wish toys coming in honor of Disney’s newest movie, releasing November 22.

Wish is set in the magical kingdom of Rosas and stars Asha, a young apprentice to the king who makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by an actual Star. Together, Asha and Star have to show King Magnifico exactly what happens when humans connect with the powerful magic of stars. I know — it sounds so sweet. And the lineup of Wish toys to come really takes all of that magical energy to the next level. Romper can exclusively reveal four new toys launching soon in connection with the Disney movie Wish, and your little ones are going to want all of them. (Honestly, I could do with my own Star.)

Star is such a fun character in Wish, and this super soft, super squeezable version of the character is just the best. Retailing for $39.99, the Star Cuddleez plush has soft, embroidered features, and has a spongey soft fill to make Star the ultimate cuddle companion. Kind of want to use it for my own bedtime wishes, honestly, and Star does so much to help Asha in the movie that it’s hard not to fall in love with them. This little toy will be available exclusively at ShopDisney, starting Oct. 2.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

There are few things I love more than watching my girls play out scenes featuring courageous girls with their toys, and this new Asha doll will be a must in their collection. Not only does Asha have her signature braided hair and removable outfit and shoes, but she also sings her song “This Wish” from the movie, and kids can put her Star figurine right into her hand so she can sing straight to her new friend. It’s one of those toys that’s perfect for recreating a big movie scene, and if you already have a princess castle or two in your house (it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me), she’ll fit right in as your standard-sized fashion doll. You can pick up Asha at several stores, including Target, for just $24.99.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

King Magnifico is complicated (and seems villainous from the trailer), but still a great character in Wish, and you can find him in everyone’s favorite form: LEGO. At $99.99, the LEGO King Magnifico Castle set features 613 pieces so you can build out all of the details of his palace, including the kitchen and plenty of detailed accessories. The set is perfect for kids ages 7 and up, and also features several other character minifigures from the movie. This is a great piece for big LEGO collectors, as well as those who just want to act out their favorite movie scenes in miniature brick form.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

And finally, there is Valentino, the ultimate companion. In the latest trailer for Wish, you get a real fun look at some of Valentino’s best moments (including a great chicken coop scene that really helps explain his look here), and it’s easy to see why he’s going to become a fan favorite very quickly. This Valentino toy is a moving and talking little guy with over 20 sounds and movements. And, like the movie, Valentino makes his “normal” animal noises until you bring Star right up to his cheek where the magic suddenly allows him to speak. (I know, I need him, too.) Valentino also comes with some fun accessories like a carrot and yarn, and the more you play and interact with him, the more new words and movements he learns. The JAKKS Pacific Walking & Talking Valentino is $54.99 and available now.

— Mitchel Wu Toy Photography for Disney

More fun Wish toys are sure to come once the movie is released, but go ahead and prep yourself for these incredible four items featured here. This new Disney movie is full of magic, courage, and friendship, and the toys are a great reflection of those moments. Perfect for recreating favorite scenes or just helping kids build their own little imaginative worlds, the Wish toy line already feels just as magical as the movie and the kingdom of Rosas itself.

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16 Oktoberfest Dinner Ideas, From Spaetzle To Bratwurst

— LauriPatterson/E+/Getty Images

Oktoberfest is known as being pretty much the most epic fall drinking holiday, but there are plenty of ways to turn Oktoberfest into a family-friendly (and sober) event. The traditional festival takes place all over the world, but its ties to Germany give you the chance to whip up some epic Oktoberfest dinner ideas for your family. From traditional German Oktoberfest fare like pretzels and Bavarian cheese beer dip to fun recipes like a German pancake or schnitzel, there is so much fun to be had with an Oktoberfest dinner menu.

These dishes may sound complicated, but a lot of them are much easier than you think to pull off. Invite a bunch of people over for your own Oktoberfest celebration with family and friends, or just use this opportunity to discuss Germany with your kids and make your own Oktoberfest dinner. There are so many ways to work in these Oktoberfest dinner ideas, and anybody at your table is going to shout, “Wunderbar!” at every bite. (And then maybe wander... to the bar? OK, not the kids, but feel free to grab a few Oktoberfest brewskis for those of legal drinking age to enjoy with all of the German food.)

German Potato Salad

— Budget Bytes/Yummly

Who says you can’t make a meal out of a side dish? This recipe for German potato salad is the perfect mixture of creamy and tangy, and goes great with a big plate of bratwursts, or stick to some fan favorites like chicken nuggets.

Obatzda Bavarian Cheese Spread

— Frugal Haus Frau/Yummly

Obatzda is a classic Bavarian cheese spread that’s usually made by mixing two-thirds of an aged, soft cheese like camembert and one-third butter. There’s also some beer and seasonings mixed in, and it makes for a perfect German appetizer to celebrate Oktoberfest. This Obatzda recipe featured on Yummly includes cream cheese and horseradish, as well as tons of seasonings for a super flavorful dish. You can use anything from bread and pretzels to sliced pears and apples to dip.

Soft Pretzels

— Pinch of Yum

I mean, it’s just not Oktoberfest until you’ve had a soft pretzel. Whether you dip it in mustard or the Obatzda cheese spread, these soft pretzels from Pinch of Yum are a must to try. Don’t panic — they’re very basic and a cinch to make, and your friends and family will be so impressed.

German Pancakes

— Tastes Better From Scratch/Yummly

Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please. Celebrate Oktoberfest with this amazing recipe for German pancakes. German pancakes use a lot of eggs to give a texture similar to a popover, and they are absolutely delicious. Powdered sugar and syrup really set them off, and fresh fruit is a great topping.

German Schnitzel

— Foodie Crush

If you want to go super authentic for Oktoberfest, serve up Foodie Crush’s German Schnitzel. Veal is used in a lot of traditional schnitzel recipes, but you can try out just about any thinly pounded meat to make this classic German dish. Serve it up with any of the sides listed here, like spaetzle or red cabbage.

German Spaetzle

— Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Mmm spaetzle. Does it get much better than this classic German meal? Mel’s Kitchen Cafe has a great recipe for homemade German spaetzle, which is basically a perfect, dense, chewy little noodle often covered in cheese or gravy with meatballs. It’s so much fun to make, and the texture is similar to dumplings, but much smaller. So good and comforting.

German Beer Cheese Soup

— The Starving Chef/Yummly

Love a good beer cheese dip, but want to make it more substantial? Try whipping up this German beer cheese soup, featured on Yummly. It’s thick, it’s gooey, and it even has shredded chicken inside to make for a really hearty, delicious dinner. Top it off with chives and serve it with some soft pretzels on the side for sopping up all that goodness.

Bratwurst & Sauerkraut

— Budget Bytes

It truly does not get more traditional than this bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe from Budget Bytes. With apples and onions mixed in with sauerkraut, this recipe is packed with flavor and so much tangy goodness. Best of all? It’s a pretty budget-friendly dish and kid-friendly (even if you have to leave out the sauerkraut).

Sauerkraut Balls

— Dorothy Lane Market/Yummly

I am absolutely obsessed with sauerkraut, and this recipe for sauerkraut balls featured on Yummly is just beyond amazing. Made up of mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, the balls are rolled in bread crumbs with plenty of seasoning and fried. Dip them in sour cream or just enjoy them on their own — they’re the perfect bite-sized taste of Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Ribs With Apple Sauerkraut

— Pork/Yummly

Pork spareribs that have been cooking all day in a perfect mixture of apples and sauerkraut? Beyond good. This recipe for Oktoberfest ribs featured on Yummly is so good, and the flavors will just knock you out. It’s the perfect fall recipe, and it’s a one-pot meal, so it can even be a great weeknight dinner to celebrate Oktoberfest.

Potato Pancakes

— Caroline's Cooking/Yummly

Like a hasbrown, but better. Try whipping up these German potato pancakes for a perfect Oktoberfest breakfast, a great after-school snack, or a side dish to an epic German-themed dinner. The whole family will love them.

German Red Cabbage

— One Lovely Life/Yummly

If you need a side dish to go with your schnitzle or brats, you can whip up rotkohl — German red cabbage. This recipe featured on Yummly only has nine ingredients, including all of the seasonings, to make this flavorful veggie dish. It’s tangy, it’s got a kick of sweetness, and it has a great crunch.

German Onion Soup

— Sumptuous Spoonfuls/Yummly

Tired: French onion soup. Wired: German onion soup. With just 11 ingredients, this German onion soup — Zwiebelsuppe — is a hearty, incredible dish to get on the table for an Oktoberfest celebration or just a random weeknight dinner. So cheesy and savory.

German Rouladen

— Host the Toast/Yummly

Authentic German Rouladen includes thin slices of meat wrapped around bacon, onion, and pickles. It’s so good — so much flavor packed into a tightly-rolled piece of meat — and looks really impressive with a side of egg noodles or spaetzle.

Schwabischer Zwiebelkuchen

— Daring Gourmet/Yummly

Say this one three times fast: Schwabischer-Zwiebelkuchen. This traditional German meal is like a savory pie, and this Schwabischer-Zwiebelkuchen recipe featured on Yummly includes crispy bacon and tons of caramelized onion for a stick-to-your-ribs Oktoberfest dinner.

German Apple Kuchen

— 31 Daily/Yummly

Kuchen is a classic German dessert, and this recipe for an apple version featured on Yummly has all the great tastes of Oktoberfest. It only has eight ingredients and is actually pretty easy to pull together — and who doesn’t love apple? This would honestly make a great Oktoberfest breakfast and is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest celebration or just want a fun, themed dinner for your family, these Oktoberfest dinner ideas are a must to try.

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Alba Botanica's Acnedote Pimple Patches Changed My Hormonal Cystic Acne

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dealing with acne since I was about 14 years old. For years I hoped that as I grew up, my hormones would calm down and just let me be great. I’m in my 20s now, and acne is still something I struggle with regularly. After years of investing in tons of skin care products (drugstore and high-end), facials, and fancy tools and gadgets, I’ve learned a few things about my oily, acne-prone skin: less is more, natural ingredients are best, and consistency is key. One product you’ll forever find in my medicine cabinet is a box of the Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches.

Seriously, why aren’t more people raving about Alba Botanica? My skin loves their products, and these zit-busting patches are no exception. You simply peel off a small, circular patch and place it over whatever pimple is currently ruining your vibe. It provides a protective barrier to prevent more irritation, keeps you from picking, and draws out the fluid (*gag*) from deep within. Whenever I have an occasion where I need my skin to look its best (which is usually when it decides to look its worst), I can always rely on the Acnedote Pimple Patches to transform my skin in a short amount of time.

Alba Botanica Acne Pimple Patch (40 ct.)

Target

Stats

• Price: $7.99 at Target, but I can usually find them two or three dollars cheaper at TJ Maxx. (They’re also sold at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh Market for varying prices, and on Amazon.)
• Sizes: The box comes with 40 patches in two different sizes — one standard size and one large size for heavy-duty pimples.
• Color: These patches are translucent so they look nearly invisible on the skin.
• Who it’s for: This product is for anyone who gets pimples (so, you know, everyone).

The science & ingredients

Hydrocolloid bandages are usually used to cover wounds that heal better without drying out all the way, and someone, somewhere must have discovered they work wonders on pimples. Pimple patches are just small hydrocolloid dots. They adhere to the skin and work to absorb all of the gross gunk and bacteria in a zit without you having to pop it (which we all know can lead to scarring).

By this point, we savvy shoppers know what brand marketing teams are doing when they package a product in green and white tones with a minimalist layout: The design screams, “I’m natural and good for you,” even when the product lacks the ingredients or certifications to back these claims. But Alba Botanica’s hydrocolloid patches actually match their branding. They’re infused with just four plant-based ingredients:

• Tea tree leaf oil: An antibacterial and anti-fungal compound that has been scientifically proven to fight acne
• Witch hazel: An anti-inflammatory ingredient that constricts and dries out pimples
• Lentil fruit extract: A softening and smoothing agent that contains high levels of vitamin B5, which attracts moisture to the skin
• Parsley extract: Another compound with anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that also helps regulate skin’s oil production

Bonus points: The product is 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, artificial coloring, synthetic fragrances, and rubber latex (for those who might have an allergy).

How I use the Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches

My favorite way to use these patches is wearing them overnight. After cleansing my skin before bed, I apply the patches where needed and continue with the rest of my nightly skin care (avoiding applying anything over the patch). When I wake up, my pimples are usually gone, or at least significantly smaller. For the more stubborn spots, I’ll repeat that process for a second night and they always disappear after that.

For me, this product moved up in rank from good to great when I used it to treat my recurring hormonal cystic acne. For months I kept getting the same annoying, painful cluster of cystic acne during my menstrual cycle. The pimples never came to a head no matter how much I picked and probed at them. Instead the acne stayed under my skin’s surface — inflamed, red, and painful — where I couldn’t do much to shrink them. Every month, like clockwork, once the old pimples began to heal and the scars were finally fading, my period would come back and bring more new, unwelcome little friends.

Once I realized these pimples were caused by my cycle, I decided to take preventative measures. A week before my period was scheduled to arrive, I started applying the Alba Botanica patches and tons of tea tree oil (I read up on its supposed acne-busting benefits) to my problem areas, even before the acne appeared, and continued it nightly until my cycle was over. After two or three months, the cystic acne began to shrink and my scars gradually disappeared, until both were gone for good. I am beyond grateful for these patches because they brought the painfully large cysts to the surface of my skin, where my other skin care products could actually treat them, instead of them staying deep and painful.

And while I personally haven’t tried wearing the patches under makeup, I’ve seen people on social media do it so they can shrink their pimples during the daytime. I can’t vouch for how it looks myself, but food for thought.

View on Instagram

Pros & cons

Pros:

• They’re made with natural, clean ingredients with names you can actually read.
• They work quickly, even on cystic acne.
• They’re easy to travel with.
• The box includes two size options for large and small pimples.
• The patches stay in place, so you don’t have to worry about them moving around while you sleep.

Cons:

• While these patches go on invisible, as they begin to pull all of the gunk out of your skin, they start to turn white. They’re great for overnight use, but if you plan to wear them during the day, you only have a couple of hours before they start becoming noticeable.
• Witch hazel can be too drying or irritating for some people’s skin, according to forums about treating acne at home. If you’re sensitive to witch hazel, you should probably opt for a different brand of pimple patch.

The final verdict

There are plenty of pimple patches on the market, but I love the Alba Botanica ones in particular because of their clean, natural ingredients. They have quickly become a staple in my routine, and I can always depend on them if my skin decides to betray me and get a pimple the day before I have an event. I like to travel with them in case I or anyone I’m traveling with gets an unwelcome visitor, and they always work in a pinch.

The TL;DR

For anyone who gets pimples and wants them gone ASAP, these are for you. They work super fast without breaking the bank.

Had To Share highlights the products and finds that Romper editors and contributors love so much, we just had to share in the group chat.

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10 Fall Rom-Coms & Romance Movies Perfect For A Cozy Night In

— Max

Fall means lots of different things. Big sweaters. Apple picking. Decorative gourds. Holding a large mug with two hands as you watch leaves fall. And, of course, cuddling up under a bunch of blankets to watch cozy fall movies. But where do you start? Most people would say “horror” and that’s a good start, but for those of you who aren’t fans of the spooky stuff, don’t worry. In fact, we’re suckers for love this time of year, so we’ve rounded up 10 cozy romantic movies to watch this fall.

Pretty much none of these movies require that they be set in the autumn, but the fact that they are, even if it’s only for a little bit, gives such a sense of comfort and coziness to them. From classic rom-coms to sweeping historical epics, there’s something for every mood... as long as that mood is “fall” of course.

(We’d also like to take this time to acknowledge the winners of this list, as it seems that there are some actors who are a sucker for a romantic autumn movies as well. Meg Ryan and Aidan Quinn each appear in two movies on this list and Sandra Bullock clocks in at a respectable three.)

When Harry Met Sally

Quite possibly the greatest romantic comedy of all time, When Harry Met Sally tells the story of an unlikely couple whose various quirks and peccadilloes go from irritating to endearing as they fall in love over the course of several years. Since this movie plays the long game, not all of this movie takes place in the fall, but the Central Park in Autumn scenes are some of the most iconic of the film and lend it a cozy vibe perfect for sweater weather.

Stream When Harry Met Sally, rated R, on Max.

Practical Magic

The women of the Owens family are unusual. It could be that witchcraft runs in their family, starting with their ancestral matriarch who cursed them all to never be able to hold on to true love. Sally and Jill have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves, but that changes when Jill’s boyfriend dies unexpectedly. But magic, it seems, can’t solve all your problems, especially when a handsome and charming detective starts to get suspicious...

Stream Practical Magic, rated PG-13, on Hulu.

Autumn in New York

Who says tearjerkers can’t be cozy? Will is a successful restaurateur and even more successful womanizer. Charlotte is a newly minted 22-year-old (and a haberdasher so, yes, she’s a bit of a manic pixie dream girl for sure). When Charlotte goes to one of Will’s restaurants for her birthday, he is immediately drawn to him, only to realize that he once dates her mother, Katy, who died shortly after Charlotte was born.

This does not stop him from asking her out. This movie is problematic; we’re not going to let that get in the way of enjoying it.

Needless to say, they start a relationship, which Will knows has no real future. Charlotte also knows this, because she’s dying of a heart condition.

The comfortable fall vibes in this movie are second only to the emotional whiplash.

Stream Autumn in New York, rated PG-13, on YouTube and Amazon Prime.

You’ve Got Mail

Another classic of the genre, You’ve Got Mail is an ode to a time when the idea of lots of emails in your inbox filled you with excitement, not annoyance and dread. Kathleen owns an independent bookstore, which is struggling in the face of corporate behemoth Foxbooks. In fact, the only thing she hates more than Foxbooks is the owner of Foxbooks, Joe, especially when a shop opens up across from hers!

Little do the pair know that the intense and anonymous internet romance they’ve both embarked upon is with each other! Can their love survive offline? (The questioned is answered by the fact that this is a movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in 1998.)

Stream You’ve Got Mail, rated PG, on Max.

St. Elmo’s Fire

This Brat Pack classic takes place after a group of seven friends graduate from Georgetown. As their lives pull them in different directions, friendship, love, and character is tested in ways that college never prepared them for. There’s not a ton about this movie that explicitly labels it as “Fall” but it has the feel of a movie that takes place in fall, if that makes sense!

Stream St. Elmo’s Fire, rated R, on Hulu.

Kissing Jessica Stein

This 2001 film is the cozy, queer, indie rom-com we all deserve.

Jessica hasn’t had great luck in dating, something seemingly everyone in her life wants to help her with, especially her fussy mom. One day, she comes across an ideal personals ad... only to find out it was for women seeking women.

Well... why not, right?

As Jessica struggles with her sexual identity, her new girlfriend Helen struggles with Jessica’s struggles, first with the speed of the relationship itself, and then with Jessica’s reluctance to admit she and Helen are in love.

Thoughtful and witty, this movie is a cult classic and with plenty of fall and High Holy Days scenes, it has excellent autumn vibes.

Stream Kissing Jessica Stein, rated R, on Amazon Prime.

Legends of the Fall

The Brothers Ludlow, Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel, live on a ranch in Montana with their father, the Colonel. When Samuel returns home from college he brings with him a fiancée, Susannah, but it isn’t long before the trio sign up to fight in WWI. What follows is a sweeping epic of love, family division, and tragedy... also Brad Pitt and Julia Ormond just looking *chef’s kiss* and absolutely understanding the assignment of “onscreen chemistry.”

Another movie that takes place over the course of years, Legends of the Fall plays with the idea of seasons reflecting mood and time, and the fall sequences are at once soothing and electric.

Stream Legends of the Fall, rated R, on Netflix.

Notting Hill

William is a London bookstore owner who lives a quiet, somewhat boring life, until the world’s most famous actress, Anna Scott, stumbles into his life. A chance encounter turns into a whirlwind romance, but can their love survive the pressure of the paparazzi and tabloid gossip mills? (Again: it’s a rom-com. Of course. But it’s all worth wondering to get to the “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy” speech...)

Stream Notting Hill, rated PG-13, on Hulu.

The Lake House

We will admit: this is a weird one. Kate and Alex live in the same house — a lake house — two years apart. Somehow, they are able to communicate with one another by writing letters and putting them in the mailbox, but cannot connect in real time. Of course, this doesn’t stop them from falling deeply in love. Will the pair ever find one another, or is it just not to be?

The overcoat and comfy sweater budget for this movie must have been one of the highest Hollywood has ever seen, and it was worth every penny because the autumnal vibes are just perfection.

Stream The Lake House, rated PG, on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.

The Proposal

Margaret Tate is a high-powered publishing executive who runs her poor assistant, Andrew, absolutely ragged. When her employers let her know that her work visa has been denied and that she’s going to be deported to Canada, she hatches a plot, telling them that she and Andrew are engaged. Not only that, they’re heading up to see his family in Alaska to break the good news!

In Alaska (where it’s always Sweater Season, hence the fall feel of this movie), Andrews family is loving but quirky, and hilarity ensues as they try to keep up the appearance of a happy couple. But will this charade transform into the real deal?

Also there’s Betty White as , who has improved anything she’s ever been even sort of connected to.

Stream The Proposal, rated PG-13, on Amazon Prime.

Happy fall, y’all!

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'Bluey' Episode About Death Shows How Children Cope Through Play

— Disney+

Bluey may be a cartoon about talking dogs, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t tackle some very heavy, even grown-up subject matter. From aging parents to miscarriage to infertility, the series has done a tremendous job encapsulating very big ideas in 7-minute episodes. One Bluey episode about death — yes, we’re going there — shows how children understand and process this chapter of life, and it’s truly beautiful and surprisingly uplifting.

“Copycat” is a Bluey episode about death.

The Season 1 episode begins with Bluey playfully mimicking her dad throughout the morning. From the moment he wakes up through to his morning walk, she has fun copying his every word and action, until she notices a little budgie — a common parakeet native to Australia — lying on the ground. Bandit determines that they should take the little guy to the vet to see if they can get it help.

Carefully putting the tiny bird into a shoe box with a cozy tea towel, the pair drive to the vet and wait. When the nurse receptionist comes back, it’s bad news: the budgie died.

“Oh. OK,” Bluey says flatly. Bandit gives her a comforting hug and they drive home.

“Dad?” she says from her car seat. “I don’t want the budgie to have died.”

“I know. Me neither,” he replies. “But there’s nothing we can do: it’s out of our hands.”

“Are you sure he won’t get better?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

When they get home, Bluey is greeted with a sympathetic hug from Chilli. Bingo, 4, is being carried by Chilli, and seems relatively unaware of the situation, though she is clearly picking up on the mood of the people around her.

Later that day, Bluey ropes Bingo, who remains blithely unaffected by the day’s events, into a game.

“Can you pretend to be a budgie?” she asks.

“OK!” Bingo says excitedly. “Tweet tweet!”

What follows is a word for word, beat by beat recreation of Bluey’s sad morning with her dad, in which she mimics everything Bandit had said and done, down to tiny little details that seemingly had nothing to do with the fate of the budgie, like yelling at a careless driver on the way to the vet and looking both ways before crossing the “street.”

She carries Bingo/the budgie to her mum inside where Chilli takes the role of the nurse receptionist. After a few moments of waiting, Chilli comes out all smiles. “I’ve got good news! your bird is OK!” she says cheerfully.

“No, no, mum,” Bluey says in a brief moment of breaking character. “You have to pretend it’s bad news: that the budgie’s dead.”

Chilli’s uncertain, but goes with it. Bingo, however, didn’t get the memo and bursts out of the “office” tweeting and flapping her “wings.”

“This isn’t how you wanted the game to go,” Chilli says warmly to Bluey.

“No,” she says glumly, but then brightens. “It’s OK. There’s nothing we can do; it’s out of our hands.”

The episode concludes with both Bluey and Bandit smiling at the realization that Bluey has finally stopped copying him, unaware that that’s exactly how she’s managed to process this sad event.

Children understand and cope with death through play.

Unsurprisingly, Bluey has drawn from real-life child psychology in their approach to this episode. Bluey’s reenactment of the budgie dying is actually an excellent — and common — processing tool for children, especially if it’s their first close encounter with mortality. Death itself might be too big for anyone to truly be able to wrap their heads around, but the events surrounding it can be knowable, and make children feel better about the aspects of it they can’t undrestand. Even kids who haven’t seen death face to face might seem to have an obsession with death and, rest assured, it’s very normal.

Bluey and Bingo’s ages explain their different behaviors in the episode.

And just as Bluey and Bingo’s ages — 6 and 4 in this episode — are indicative of the way they play from a developmental point of view, so too does it inform how they process the death of the budgie. Bluey is just the right age to begin to understand death as permanent and irreversible. Though there’s a final glimmer of hope that the bird will come back from death, which is also for this cusp age, she understands that the budgie is not coming back.

Bingo, on the other hand, at 4 years old, is at a different developmental age than her sister. When the family is mourning the bird in a group hug, she seems a bit aloof and maybe even a little confused. Afterwards, she is unfazed by her sister’s sadness and is just happy to be asked to play. When her “character” is supposed to die during their game, she gets up again and starts tweeting: she’s too young to get death as permanent.

Other Bluey episodes deal with death and loss as well.

While none of these episodes are as overt as “Copycat,” a sense of loss or mortality can be found in other episodes as well. In “Granddad,” Chilli expresses vulnerability about the idea of losing her father, who’s just dealt with a health scare. “Play” arguably has a reference to miscarriage. “Flat Pack” plays with the idea of an afterlife where those who have died look after loved ones from a beautiful place above it all.

“Camping” is about losing childhood friends, but could easily be taken for a metaphor for death when Chilli tells her daughter “Sometimes special people come into our lives, stay for a bit, and then they have to go. [It’s sad.] ... But the bit where they were here was happy, wasn’t it? Maybe that makes it all worth it.”

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Hilary Duff's 4-Year-Old Daughter Banks Gave Her A Very Vulgar Birthday Card

— Handout/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Hilary Duff celebrated her 36th birthday on Sept. 28 and, as a mom of three, you know her kids wanted to do something special for her. Something personal and meaningful to let her know how much they truly cherish her as a mother. Like her 4-year-old daughter Banks, who went out of her way to choose a special birthday card for her mom with the precious message, “Happy Birthday Di*khead.” These are the moments to treasure, folks.

The Lizzie McGuire star’s husband, musician Matthew Koma, shared the card their little girl got for her mom’s birthday on his Instagram Story recently. Banks found a birthday card featuring a beautiful birthday cake on the front of it, with bright sprinkles and vanilla frosting. It looked delicious, so you can understand why she was drawn to it. The message, however, was less than delicious. “Happy Birthday Di*khead” was written in icing across the cake, and this was what Banks chose for her mother.

“Banks picked this out by herself for @hilaryduff. She can’t read yet,” Koma explained after the fact. And now we can’t stop picturing Duff, who is also mom to 11-year-old son Luca and 2-year-old daughter Mae, opening this card and reading the message.

Those acting skills of hers are going to come in handy if she hopes to keep a straight face.

Duff shared Banks’ birthday card on her own Instagram Story along with a whole host of other loving messages from friends and family. And while we don’t know what her other two children gave her to celebrate her birthday, Banks’ card really must be hailed as a unique stand-out. Banks herself has long been known as a feisty little queen (remember when she told her soccer coach that her mom had diarrhea?) so the card really shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to anyone.

The family has long embraced humor and individuality, as evidenced by their 2022 Christmas card where Koma and Duff were tied together by Christmas lights as their kids ate cupcakes and laughed. “All is not calm” the card read, which tracks for a household with three kids.

Holiday cards are fast becoming a family specialty in their household. Maybe they should let Banks take over the card buying from this day forward.

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This Will Be Your Favorite Life Hack For Shopping New Baby Essentials

Parenthood is a rewarding and loving experience, but it can also be stressful, nerve-wracking, and tiring. Any tool to make your life just a tiny bit easier can mean the difference between getting some much needed sleep or running on fumes the next morning. Luckily, when it comes to baby-proofing your house and budget, you don’t have to do it alone. New (and experienced) parents can get a leg up on purchasing all of their baby essentials when they take advantage of Klarna, an app that gives you all the tools you’ll need to outsmart the traditional shopping process.

With a new baby, you likely have a shopping list a mile long, and there’s much to consider before decking out your home in new baby gear. Rather than purchasing everything at one time, parents can use Klarna to spread the cost of their baby essentials into four interest-free payments. That way, there’s no need to stress about fitting all the essentials into your budget before your little one even arrives. (Don’t waste precious time worrying about tracking the latest deals and price-drops, either; the Klarna app will take care of that, too!) Keep scrolling to take a look at some of the great products you can buy through Klarna to help make being a parent a bit easier.

Shop The Parent-Saving Products Available On Klarna:

Forma Diaper Bag Backpack

Skip Hop

Infant Car Seat and Stroller

Doona

DXR 8 Pro Baby Monitor

Infant Optics

Secure Grip Changing Pad

Munchkin

Baby Bottles

Lansinoh

Glider LX Gliding Swing

Graco

Hushh Portable Sound Machine

Yogasleep/Marpac

Elephant Pacifier

WubbaNub

Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier

Ergobaby

Essentials Swaddle Wraps

Aden and Anais

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