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Advent Calendar for Teens That They Will Love

Monday, November 6th, 2023

An advent calendar for teens and tweens can make the holidays special. Shop this curated guide for fun ways to countdown to Christmas this year.

Advent Calendar for Teens They Will Love

One of my favorite gifts to give my teen is their advent calendar as a Christmas gift each year. This year, we wanted to offer this year’s best calendar ideas for your kiddos in this age category, as well as those college-age kiddos that deserve a fun way to celebrate the season.

We have you covered with a few of our favorite ways to countdown Christmas in 2023.

To keep it economical, be sure to read our suggestions for ways to reuse keepsake boxes or diy advent calendars for the season with our smart ideas for saving.

DON’T FORGET TO ACTIVATE YOUR RAKUTEN WHEN SHOPPING. HERE IS $40 back on your first purchase.

If you aren’t familiar with the program, this is my beginner’s tutorial on how to use Rakuten (and some sneaky ways I get cashback on stuff we buy all the time).

Let’s celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with these fun ideas for the season.

Advent Calendar for Teens

Discover the perfect teen advent calendar for a memorable holiday countdown with these fun suggestions curated by the MomAdvice team.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

HOLIDAY ADVENT CALENDAR GAMES AND BUILDS

These advent calendar games and puzzles can be done independently or as a family experience.

EXIT: The Game - Advent Calendar - The Silent Storm Family Game

The new Exit Advent Calendar experience offers 24 days of thrilling puzzles and a Christmas mystery that your teen can enjoy alone or with friends.

In this game, you'll solve escape room-style puzzles by tearing, discovering, writing, and cutting components to uncover the secrets of the North Pole and save Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar

For teens who love the spooky side of Christmas, this pop-up advent calendar is a perfect choice.

It brings the enchanting world of Halloween Town to life with a creepy-cool one-foot-tall tree and a guidebook that reveals all the town's secrets.

Teens can enjoy a ghoulishly delightful countdown to Christmas with their favorite Tim Burton characters- perfect for pairing with The Nightmare Before Christmas movie night.

Louise Cunningham Merry & Bright 12 Days of Christmas Advent Puzzle Calendar

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

This budget-friendly Countdown to Christmas offers 12 festive puzzles for the season! The set includes twelve 80-piece puzzles filled with whimsical winter scenes.

We recommend this DIY Jigsaw Puzzle Mat as a space-saving strategy through the holiday season.

Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

This science experiment advent calendar is perfect for the science enthusiast in your family.

The advent calendar features 24 experiments that include elements of chemistry, biology, mechanics, optics, and magnets. The step-by-step instructions also have materials to complete each project.

LEGO Star Wars 2023

Do we ever outgrow LEGOS? I hope not! Our team loves this limited edition LEGO advent calendar because it can be reused year after year.

This year's LEGO kit includes 9 Star Wars characters like Emperor Palpatine, an Ewok and a Pit Droid in holiday outfits, a Gonk Droid dressed as a reindeer, Omega with a sled, a 212th Clone Trooper, B-1 Battle Droid, and Princess Leia.

It also contains ten mini vehicle building toys and five additional mini builds for 2023.

Searching for other 2023 LEGO advent calendar options? Here are a few others to discover this year:

2023 Harry Potter Advent Calendar

LEGO City 2023 Advent Calendar

Remember that advent calendar options can be combined with other limited edition LEGO sets to build on over the years.

Puzzle Advent Calendar

Peek through the windows of this puzzle advent calendar.

This puzzle advent calendar features 24 jigsaw puzzles, illustrating a cozy winter apartment scene in a building for the holidays.

Christmas Movie Advent Calendar

This personalized movie advent calendar offers a unique and budget-friendly way to celebrate Christmas with 24 holiday films and exciting movie trivia to celebrate the season.

Make those cozy movie nights a cherished tradition with this fun advent calendar that celebrate iconic moments in film.

EXIT Advent Calendar Game

A terrifying avalanche sets the stage for a 24-day adventure in this advent calendar.

This family game offers a daily door to open and discover a new riddle to escape the ice cave's mystery.

This version of the Exit advent calendar was one of our reader’s favorites from last year, especially for parents of middle-school-aged children.

ART ADVENT CALENDARS

These arts and crafts advent calendars are perfect for the budding artist in your life.

Hand Embroidery Kit Advent Calendar

This embroidery project celebrates the season with a stitch a day leading up to Christmas.

Please note that this year's featured design offers versions that are Christmas themed and ones that are not for the season.

The shop offers accompanying stitching lessons on their Instagram account, and readers praise these embroidery gift sets as one of their teen's favorites from our gift guide last year.

Watercolor Advent Calendar

This affordable digital download offers a one-page advent calendar that can be printed at home on watercolor paper and paired with a paint set.

The creator offers daily watercolor painting lessons and a holiday playlist to accompany this download.

The finished paintings can be cut out and used as gift tags for the gift-giving season!

Advent Cookie Cookbook

Fans of The Great British Baking Show will love this creative and interactive advent calendar.

This cookie cookbook provides 24 delicious recipes to bake together throughout December, adding a unique and tasty twist to a traditional Advent calendar experience.

ADVENT CALENDARS FOR TEEN BOYS

You don't need to be a teen boy to love these ideas, but Google likes us to have gender specific category titles for our gift guides. Why? We don't know!

Funko Pop! Marvel Advent Calendar

Teens will have a blast with this Spider-Man Advent Calendar. It's packed with 24 exclusive Funko Pocket Pops, featuring those beloved Marvel characters in holiday outfits.

As all the other Funko Pop! advent experiences have been selling out fast, I would order quickly if you want to grab this one.

With a new collectible to discover every day, it's a fun way for teens to countdown to the winter festivities.

Skincare Essentials Advent Calendar

This gathering of skincare essentials includes eye and face masks for extra pampering through this busy season.

This advent set includes 16 sheet masks designed to hydrate, soften, soothe, and brighten all skin types.

My Hero Academia Socks

Surprise your teen with the My Hero Academia 12 Days of Socks gift set.

This set features eight pairs of ankle socks and four pairs of crew socks, all adorned with detailed All Might themed designs.

Fishing Tackle Advent Calendar

If you have a fishing enthusiast in your family, this company makes creative tackle boxes to count down the season.

The creator shared that one hundred hours went into replicating a cherished family heirloom filled with antique lures he had inherited.

The box itself is door number one on this advent calendar. Upon opening the tackle box, you'll find 23 compartments with high-quality fishing gear.

FOOD ADVENT CALENDARS

Unwrap a tasty surprise every day with this list of food advent calendars. From chocolates to gourmet treats, find the perfect December bite for the season.

Hot Sauce Advent Set

Give your teen an unforgettable advent calendar experience with this hot sauce set!

This set offers 30 different spicy surprises, making each day a flavorful adventure.

The set offers thirty mini glass bottles filled with hot sauces, each with its unique flavor and level of spiciness, from Smoky Bourbon to Sweet and Spicy.

Advent Cookie Calendar

This advent cookie calendar offers a delightful way to count down to Christmas with cookies every day.

While we know this advent calendar list is for teens, we want to share that this also makes an excellent gift for grandparents!

The treats offered include a variety of cookies such as double chocolate cherry, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla shortbreads, and dark chocolate peppermint.

24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar

I have a teen who loves to unwind with a cup of tea and this tea advent calendar option couldn't be more perfect for her.

The Brew Company (a small business selling on Etsy) offers this gorgeously packaged bestseller option with these tea flavors for 2023:

Nordic Berries and Chai, Good Morning Quince, Green Refreshment, Black Tea Chai, Lovely Liquorish, Tasty Berry, Raspberry and Fruit Basket, Japanese Sencha, Fruity Figs and Pineapple, Sweet Chamomile, Blueberry-Mint, Cool Mint, Earl Grey, Cranberries and Grenadine, Red Berry Dream, Ginger Lemon, Sweet Sea Buckthorn, Pink Grapefruit, Detox Tea, Fruity Passion, Revitalizing Treat, Rooibos Blood Orange, Mulled Wine, and Spicy Turmeric.

12 Days of Christmas Tower

This holiday tower is a charming way to add festive treats to your advent experience.

This chocolate advent calendar offers twelve drawers filled with gourmet delights like moose munch popcorn, chocolate-covered cherries, and handcrafted chocolate malt balls.

The drawers are easy to open, and you can reuse the tower in future years, filling it with budget-friendly treats.

ADVENT CALENDARS FOR TEEN GIRLS

You don't need to be a teen girl to love these ideas, but Google likes us to have gender specific category titles for our gift guides. Why? We don't know!

12 Pack Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Win all the cool mom points with these Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets for the holidays.

This set includes 12 uniquely designed bracelets to share with their friends or add a touch of Taylor Swift charm for the season.

Taylor Swift Inspired Advent Calendar Vinyl Stickers - Etsy

Unwrap a world of Taylor Swift advent calendar magic with this fun sticker package that you can get in a 12-day or 24-day package.

With a mystery pack of Taylor Swift-themed stickers, each day brings a delightful surprise for the Swiftie in your family.

These vinyl stickers are perfect for decorating their laptops or Hydroflasks.

Crystal Advent Calendar

The Crystal Advent Calendar is a perfect teen advent experience, offering a daily dose of beautiful crystals and gemstones.

You need only look at the reviews on this advent calendar to know that this is an experience unlike any other.

Burt's Bees Holiday Finds Advent Calendar

Teens will love this festive-flavored lip balm advent calendar as their countdown to Christmas.

Behind each door is a different option with unique flavors like cranberry and salted caramel.

If your teen goes through a lot of lip balm over the school year, this is an excellent deal, too.

Olive & June Christmas Calendar

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

These sell out so fast- we have missed the experience in the past- I recommend ordering right away if this is something you want.

For the last two years, we have gifted this experience to our daughter, and we have the best time doing our nails together for the holidays.

The Olive and June Christmas Advent Calendar offers 25 mini mani surprises. You'll find everything you need for beautiful nails, from polishes to nail art stickers, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season.

The company also offers a Hanukkah Calendar with eight nights of mini mani surprises!

12 Days of Nails Advent Calendar

Le Mini Macaron's 12 Days of Nails Advent Calendar is another delightful treat for nail enthusiasts. If you can't get your hands on the Olive & June version, this is another great option.

This year's calendar is filled with both classic favorites and limited-edition surprises.

The calendar comes in a keepsake box, making it a perfect choice for storing all your gel manicure items even after the holiday season.

The Big Advent of Change

The Body Shop Advent Calendar is the ultimate beauty advent calendar for teens, filled with 25 luxurious surprises like shower creams, body scrubs, and masks.

For the eco-conscious Gen-Z family member, this company uses Community Fair Trade ingredients and eco-friendly packaging for their calendar.

Sephora Collection Advent Calendar

The Sephora Collection Advent Calendar is a fantastic choice for teens who love a good makeup tutorial.

With 24 beauty surprises, this advent calendar makes the holiday countdown a tad more glamorous for the season.

POCKET ADVENT CALENDAR & OTHER DIY ADVENT CALENDAR EXPERIENCES

These personalized calendars allow you to personalize it to your teen's interests.

Fill the pocket calendar with handwritten notes, a crafty calendar with homemade treats. These DIY advent calendars offer a unique way to make the holiday season more meaningful.

Personalized Pocket Advent Calendar

Fill this pocket calendar with a wide range of treats, from gift cards and beauty masks to special snacks.

These reusable cloth advent calendars are eco-friendly and offer a sustainable way to celebrate the holiday season year after year.

Advent Personalized Gift Candle

Transform your teen's holiday countdown into a multisensory experience with this interactive Christmas-scented candle advent calendar.

Pair it with their favorite candies, bath bombs, or chocolates for a cozy gift.

Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar Bags

Teen advent experiences come alive with these Christmas Vacation-inspired drawstring bags.

Featuring unique images from the film, these drawstring bags add a fun touch to the holiday countdown.

You can make it as budget-friendly as you like by filling them with treats or self-care items.

Pair this with a Christmas family movie night together.

Christmas Trivia Advent Calendar

Do you buy a fresh wreath each holiday season? You can turn it into a fun Christmas Trivia Advent Calendar, perfect for a tween in your life.

We provide all the FREE printables and instructions for the world's cutest DIY Christmas Trivia Wreath.

This free printable advent calendar includes fun Christmas themed trivia questions for the holiday season.

Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar

The Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar encourages daily acts of kindness to infuse your Christmas season with meaning and the true spirit of the holidays.

You can download and print the cards and envelopes for free to share this lovely tradition with your family.

Printable Christmas Advent Calendar

This free DIY Advent Calendar offers a cute and easy way to connect with your family during the holiday season.

The calendar features 25 fun activities for families to create lasting memories together.

PET ADVENT CALENDAR

Have a teen that's crazy about their furry friends? A pet advent experience can be a lot of fun for teens to open!

Dog Advent Calendar

Make your teen's furry friend's holiday season extra special with this unique dog chew advent calendar.

With rave reviews, it's a delightful choice for teens wanting to pamper pets during the holiday countdown.

Cat Advent Calendar

I believe that this advent calendar would be Taylor Swift approved!

With a variety of fun and interactive cat toys, it ensures endless hours of entertainment for both teens and their furry companions during the Christmas countdown.

Plus, it's a thoughtful way to protect your tree and ornaments while keeping your cats engaged throughout the holiday season.

Love this guide? Don’t miss these other holiday gift guides:

Best Gifts for Minimalists

The Best Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything

Retirement Gifts for Men They Will Love and Use

Unique Gifts for the Man Who Has Everything

Advent Calendars for Teens They Will Love

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The Best Halloween TV Episodes to Stream Now

Thursday, September 21st, 2023

Discover the best Halloween TV episodes and where to stream them now. From heists to haunted houses, these Halloween shows deliver hilarious fun for viewers.

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

When I was little, I started having nightmares. My mom eventually realized they were caused by something she’d allowed me to watch on television. The terrifying show? Scooby Doo.

I’m no longer scared by a silly cartoon, but I could only watch one season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer before I got too scared.

I don’t see horror movies in the theater, I don’t read Stephen King novels, and when our local amusement park starts playing its “fright night” commercials every year, I lose my mind because HOW DARE THEY?

Suffice it to say, I’m not really here for the scary parts of Halloween. But the candy bars and costumes?

Oh yeah, that’s my jam.

I love dressing up my kids and seeing other kids’ clever and cute costumes. Sometimes I even dress up with them.

And, obviously, I’m in it for the candy. And the pumpkins. And don’t forget It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (where to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown full movie)

But luckily for scaredy cat couch potatoes like me, that’s not the only Halloween fun to be found on TV.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As the licensing deal with Netflix expired on your favorite sitcoms, we have updated this list on where to stream these shows in 2023 with a Halloween Cheat Sheet with season and episode names.

Browse today’s updated list of Halloween episodes and where to stream them.

The Best Halloween TV Episodes to Stream Now

Skip the scary movie, pop some popcorn, and join me on the couch for these sitcom Halloween episodes.

Join your favorite characters for costume mishaps, ghostly fun, and non-stop laughs. It's a scream-worthy season you won't want to miss!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Halloween Episodes

What is Brooklyn Nine-Nine About?

Brooklyn Nine-Nine" is a hilarious comedy series centered around the quirky detectives of the 99th precinct of the NYPD. Their annual Halloween Heist has become a beloved tradition among fans, showcasing the team's wit, competitiveness, and camaraderie.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Halloween Episode Descriptions:

In Season 1's "Halloween," Jake Peralta's (Andy Samberg) prankster antics set the stage for the first Halloween Heist, igniting an annual battle of wits and trickery.
"Halloween II" sees the heist tradition intensify as Jake and Captain Holt go head-to-head once again in a high-stakes competition.
"Halloween, Part III" continues the annual Halloween Heist, with intricate plans, unexpected alliances, and hilarious betrayals within the precinct.
In "Halloween IV," the Halloween Heist gets even more outlandish as Jake and the squad pull off elaborate schemes to claim the title of "Ultimate Detective/Genius."
"HalloVeen" in Season 5 takes the heist to a whole new level, featuring unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and a surprising engagement, uniting the precinct in the most chaotic and side-splitting affair yet.

With each installment, the Halloween Heists are not only a test of detective skills but also a testament to the show's ability to deliver humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments all wrapped up into one.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Halloween - Season 1, Episode 6
Halloween 2 - Season 2, Episode 4
Halloween, Part III - Season 3, Episode 5
Halloween IV - Season 4, Episode 5
HalloVeen - Season 5, Episode 4

WHERE TO STREAM BROOKLYN NINE-NINE: Prime Video or Peacock

Modern Family Halloween Episodes

What is Modern Family About?

"Modern Family" is a heartwarming sitcom that follows the lives of the Pritchett and Dunphy families, and when it comes to Halloween, they spare no expense to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.

Modern Family Halloween Episode Descriptions:

In "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 6), the families embark on a costume competition, setting the stage for their annual Halloween extravaganzas.
The Halloween specials get even more outrageous as the seasons progress. "Open House of Horrors" (Season 4, Episode 5) turns their home into a haunted house with unexpected twists.
"Halloween 3: AwesomeLand" (Season 6, Episode 6) brings the family to a theme park for a Halloween adventure.
"Halloween IV: Revenge of Rod Skyhook" (Season 8, Episode 5), brings the competitive spirit to its peak as the families vie for a limited edition movie prop.
"It’s the Great Pumpkin, Phil Dunphy" (Season 9, Episode 5) sees Phil trying to create a magical Halloween for his daughter, but chaos ensues as usual.
"Good Grief" (Season 10, Episode 5) showcases the family dealing with the loss of a beloved relative in their own quirky way, all while celebrating Halloween.

These Halloween episodes of "Modern Family" showcase the show's ability to blend humor and heart, making them a cherished annual tradition for fans.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Halloween - Season 2, Episode 6
Open House of Horrors - Season 4, Episode 5
Halloween 3: AwesomeLand - Season 6, Episode 6
Halloween IV: Revenge of Rod Skyhook - Season 8, Episode 5
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Phil Dunphy - Season 9, Episode 5
Good Grief - Season 10, Episode 5

WHERE TO STREAM MODERN FAMILY: Prime Video, Hulu, or Peacock

Parks and Recreation Halloween Episodes

What is Parks and Recreation About?

Parks and Recreation is a delightful comedy series that takes us on a journey through the quirky world of local government in Pawnee, Indiana, and they certainly know how to celebrate Halloween!

Parks and Recreation Halloween Episode Descriptions:

In "Greg Pikitis" (Season 2, Episode 7), the episode revolves around Leslie's relentless pursuit of a notorious teenage prankster, making it a memorable Halloween adventure filled with humor and clever twists.
"Meet N Greet" (Season 4, Episode 5) sees the characters participating in a public forum on Halloween night, blending political satire with festive Halloween elements.
"Halloween Surprise" (Season 5, Episode 5) truly steals the show. This episode features a heartwarming moment by Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) to Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), making it the best Halloween surprise for both the characters and fans.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Greg Pikitis - Season 2, Episode 7
Meet N Greet - Season 4, Episode 5
Halloween Surprise - Season 5, Episode 5

WHERE TO STREAM PARKS AND RECREATION: Prime Video or Peacock

New Girl Season 1

What is New Girl About?

"New Girl" is a comedy series that follows the lives of quirky roommates in a Los Angeles loft, and their Halloween episodes are a hilarious mix of comedy and relationship drama.

New Girl Halloween Episode Descriptions:

These "New Girl" Halloween episodes offer a perfect blend of laughs and romantic entanglements, making them a fun addition to the series for fans.

In "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 6), the gang throws a Halloween party at their loft, resulting in a series of amusing misadventures and costume choices. The episode captures the essence of the show's humor and the characters' quirky personalities while celebrating the spooky holiday.
"Keaton" (Season 3, Episode 6) takes the gang to a haunted house, where the scares aren't limited to the spooky setting. Relationship drama ensues, making the Halloween adventure even more entertaining and relatable for viewers.

Personally, I love the one at the haunted house, where the relationship drama is scarier than the special effects, even more.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Halloween - Season 2, Episode 6
Keaton - Season 3, Episode 6

WHERE TO STREAM NEW GIRL: Prime Video, Hulu, or Peacock

How I Met Your Mother Season 1

What is How I Met Your Mother About?

"How I Met Your Mother" is a sitcom that revolves around Ted Mosby (played by Josh Radnor) recounting the story of how he met the mother of his children to his friends, featuring a series of humorous and heartfelt adventures in dating, friendships, and career pursuits.

How I Met Your Mother Halloween Episode Descriptions:

Who commits to a bit better than this gang? Nobody, I tell you! Ted’s search for “the slutty pumpkin” (not to mention their costumes through the years) never fails to make me laugh!

"The Slutty Pumpkin" (Season 1, Episode 6) - Ted attends a Halloween party each year in the hopes of meeting the mysterious girl he met at the same party years ago, known as "The Slutty Pumpkin."
"Canning Randy" (Season 6, Episode 7) - Marshall and Lily struggle with their desire to start a family while Barney helps Ted realize that he has a unique talent for identifying the perfect burger.
"The Slutty Pumpkin Returns" (Season 7, Episode 8) - Ted finally reunites with "The Slutty Pumpkin," but he must grapple with the fact that she isn't exactly who he had romanticized her to be over the years.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

The Slutty Pumpkin - Season 1, Episode 6
Canning Randy - Season 6, Episode 7

The Slutty Pumpkin Returns - Season 7, Episode 8

WHERE TO STREAM NEW GIRL: Prime Video or Hulu

Community Halloween Episodes

What is Community About?

"Community" is a sitcom about an eclectic group of students at Greendale Community College and their quirky adventures in classes and campus life.

Community Halloween Episode Descriptions:

"Community" is also known for its clever and inventive Halloween episodes, which added an extra layer of hilarity to the already quirky show.

In "Introduction to Statistics" (Season 1, Episode 7), the gang attends a Halloween party, and we're treated to memorable moments like Britta's squirrel costume and Jeff Winger's foray into eyeliner, all while navigating their own interpersonal dynamics.
"Epidemiology" (Season 2, Episode 6) takes a spooky turn when a mysterious virus outbreak occurs during a Halloween party at Greendale Community College, leading to hilarious zombie-like chaos and revealing even more about the characters.
"Horror Fiction in Seven Spooky Steps" (Season 3, Episode 5) showcases the study group telling scary stories, each reflecting their deepest fears. This episode is a brilliant homage to classic horror tropes, and Abed's Batman costume steals the show.

While the later seasons of "Community" might have had their ups and downs, these early Halloween episodes remain standout examples of the show's creativity and humor, making them essential viewing for fans.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Introduction to Statistics - Season 1, Episode 7
Epidemiology - Season 2, Episode 6
Horror Fiction in Seven Spooky Steps - Season 3, Episode 5

WHERE TO STREAM COMMUNITY: Prime Video or Netflix

The Office Halloween Episodes

What is The Office About?

"The Office" is renowned for its hilarious and cringe-worthy workplace humor, and its Halloween episodes are no exception.

The Office Halloween Episode Descriptions:

"The Office" Halloween episodes are a testament to the show's ability to infuse humor into everyday office life and are a treat for fans. You can enjoy these episodes and relive the hilarity of Dunder Mifflin's Halloween celebrations.

"Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 5) showcases Dunder Mifflin's quirky Halloween costumes, including Jim's "Three-Hole Punch Jim" outfit, highlighting the show's unique humor.
"Diwali" (Season 3, Episode 6) brings a cultural twist to Halloween as the staff joins Kelly Kapoor's Diwali celebration, blending workplace humor with cultural exploration.
"Employee Transfer" (Season 5, Episode 6) showcases Pam's Charlie Chaplin costume that turns into an unintentionally awkward affair when her grease-painted mustache won't come off,. The costume of the year includes Creed, Kevin, and Dwight ALL channeling Heath Ledger's Joker from "The Dark Knight,"
"Murder" (Season 6, Episode 10) takes Halloween pranks to new heights with a murder mystery theme.
"Costume Contest" (Season 7, Episode 6) showcases the staff's competitive spirit in creative costumes.
"Spooked" (Season 8, Episode 5) features Erin's fears of losing her job when the Halloween party she organized for Robert and his son becomes a disaster.
"Here Comes Treble" (Season 9, Episode 5) brings Andy Bernard failing to create a successful Halloween party at the office despite facing numerous obstacles and distractions. Complicating plans further, his college, a cappella group, "Here Comes Treble," arrive bringing chaos.
STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Halloween - Season 2, Episode 5
Diwali - Season 3, Episode 6
Employee Transfer - Season 5, Episode 6
Murder - Season 6, Episode 10
Costume Contest - Season 7, Episode 6
Spooked - Season 8, Episode 5
Here Comes Treble - Season 9, Episode 5

WHERE TO STREAM THE OFFICE: Prime Video or Peacock

Frasier Halloween Episodes

What is Frasier About?

"Frasier" is a sitcom that follows the life of Dr. Frasier Crane, a successful psychiatrist and radio show host, as he navigates the challenges of his personal and professional life in Seattle, often getting entangled in humorous and complex social situations with his family and friends.

Frasier Reboot: Did you know there is a New Frasier series on Paramount Plus? The new Frasier show will start streaming on October 12th! You can watch the new Frasier trailer here.

Frasier Halloween Episode Descriptions:

Of course, our favorite stuffy Seattle-ites would throw a fancy Halloween costume ball. And, of course, misunderstandings and laughter are aplenty!

In "Halloween" (Season 5, Episode 3), the Crane brothers, Frasier and Niles, host a high-society Halloween costume party. As expected, misunderstandings, social faux pas, and comedic situations abound as the characters navigate their way through the evening in elaborate costumes.
"Room Full of Heroes" (Season 9, Episode 6) explores the world of comic book collectors, adding a unique twist to the Halloween festivities. The episode combines Frasier's signature wit with a dose of pop culture humor.
In "Tales from the Crypt" (Season 10, Episode 5), the Halloween theme continues with the Crane brothers' ongoing humorous misadventures as they find themselves in peculiar situations at the party.

STREAM THEM ALL HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

Halloween - Season 5, Episode 3
Room Full of Heroes - Season 9, Episode 6
Tales from the Crypt - Season 10, Episode 5

WHERE TO STREAM FRASIER: Prime Video or Peacock

EDITOR'S EDITIONS

The MomAdvice editors curated these additional Halloween sitcoms that you might be searching for.

Glee Halloween Episode

What is Glee About?

"Glee" is a vibrant musical comedy-drama series set in the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio. It revolves around a diverse group of high school students who unite to form the "New Directions" glee club.

Through the power of music, the show explores themes of acceptance, diversity, and personal growth as the students face the challenges of adolescence.

Glee Rocky Horror Picture Show Episode:

In the memorable episode "The Rocky Horror Glee Show" (Season 2, Episode 5), the glee club takes on a unique Halloween project.

Will Schuester, their teacher, decides to stage a "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" production to help the students confront their fears and insecurities. As they prepare for this daring performance, they grapple with personal issues, relationships, and the complexities of growing up.

GLEE HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

"The Rocky Horror Glee Show" (Season 2, Episode 5)

This homage to the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" features iconic songs like "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite" as the glee club members transform into characters from the film.

WHERE TO STREAM GLEE: Disney+, Hulu, or Prime Video

Freaks and Geeks Halloween Episode

What is Freaks and Geeks About?

"Freaks and Geeks" is a cult classic coming-of-age television series set in a suburban high school in the 1980s.

Unfortunately, the show only had one season, but it featured a memorable Halloween episode titled "Tricks and Treats" (Season 1, Episode 3).

Freaks and Geeks Tricks and Treats Episode:

The Halloween Freaks and Geeks episode follows the main characters, including Lindsay (Linda Cardellini), Sam (John Francis Daley), and their respective groups of friends, as they navigate the challenges and adventures of the holiday.

Lindsay is torn between joining her "freak" friends on a night of Halloween mischief or spending time with her family and her "geek" brother Sam. Meanwhile, Sam and his friends embark on a quest for Halloween candy and a chance to impress some girls.

FREAKS AND GEEKS HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

"Tricks and Treats" (Season 1, Episode 3)

The episode beautifully captures the mix of teenage angst, rebellion, and the innocence of childhood that often accompanies Halloween. We recommend this for anyone who appreciates a nostalgic trip back to the '80s.

WHERE TO STREAM FREAKS AND GEEKS: Hulu or Prime Video

Curb Your Enthusiasm Halloween Episode

What is Curb Your Enthusiasm About?

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" is known for its unfiltered and humorous take on the life of Larry David, a fictionalized version of himself.

Curb Your Enthusiasm Trick or Treat Episode:

In the Curb Your Enthusiasm Trick or Treat episode, Larry David grapples with the Halloween holiday in his typically awkward and neurotic fashion.

The central plot revolves around Larry's refusal to give candy to teenage trick-or-treaters whom he deems too old to participate in the tradition.

His decision sets off a chain of comedic events, including clashes with neighbors and a hilarious encounter with a police officer.

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM HALLOWEEN CHEAT SHEET:

"Tricks and Treats" (Season 2, Episode 3)

WHERE TO STREAM CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: Max or Prime Video

Tell Me: What Halloween sitcom episode do you watch every year? Are we missing anything on this list?

The Best Halloween TV Episodes to Stream Now

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Tags: Halloween
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Unique Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults You’ll Fall In Love With

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

These jigsaw puzzles for adults offer unique designs in 500, 1,000, or 2,000 piece counts. This list has easy puzzle designs to more challenging jigsaws shapes.

Unique Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults You'll Fall in Love With

As soon as the weather turns crisp, we designate a table in our home as the puzzle table for the season. I love to have a puzzle that we can work on in those early morning hours with coffee or at the end of the day with a cup of tea.

Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite puzzles we’ve done at our house and some that made my wish list this this year. We have had the best time updating this guide for you.

Make sure to bookmark this list for gift-giving this year. Puzzles make incredibly unique hostess gifts, housewarming presents, and holiday gifts.

try this tutorial for a diy jigsaw puzzle mat

Before we dive into the puzzles, I do want to mention a few ways that we have saved A LOT of money over the years on our puzzle collection.

Three Easy Ways to Save on Jigsaw Puzzles

Find Out if Your Local Library Lends Puzzles- I can’t tell you all of the ways we have saved money over the years with our local library.

Contact your local library to see if they offer any jigsaw puzzle exchanges or if you can check out puzzles with your library card.

Start a Puzzle Swap With Friends- One of the best ways we have saved is offering a puzzle swap with our friends.

When we have coffee together, we just bring our puzzles we have finished and trade them for a fresh puzzle.

Check Deals Sites For Deep Discounts On Puzzles- If you want to buy puzzles at a brick and mortar spot, our used bookstores offer huge savings on used puzzles as well as new.

No matter where you shop make sure that you are signed up with Rakuten and that you activate your savings before any shopping!

If you are new to the Rakuten app, this discount code should give you $30 on your first puzzle purchase! I also wrote a tutorial on how to use the app on items you regularly buy that will give you cashback rewards.

Unique Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults You’ll Fall In Love With

Spend a cozy night with these jigsaw puzzles that are great gifts for adults AND kids.

Trade in a board game night for these fun-themed puzzles that embrace bookish themes and more in their puzzle designs.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Craving a quick win? These 500 piece puzzles are the perfect fit.

New Yorker Winter Page-Turners- 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Have you ever read a book that was just too good to put down?

These captivated readers ice skate, snowshoe, and even capture fish while reading.

I love how relatable this is!

Galison Beside The Sea – 500 Piece Puzzle

Meet me at Tea by the Sea for a cup of tea.

This new puzzle from Galison features a bright and cheerful seaside town.

With just 500 pieces, it is the perfect weekend puzzle project.

Cloudberries Space 3D Jigsaw Puzzle, 500 Piece

Paging space nerds!

This stereoscopic puzzle has a fun twist! The puzzle includes two pairs of 3D glasses to see the astronaut, planets, and stars jump right out at you in 3D.

I recommend these Andy Weir books to pair this puzzle with for the perfect date night at home. All of his audiobooks are EXCELLENT!

JIGSAW PUZZLES FOR BOOK LOVERS

Celebrate your love for books with this jigsaw puzzle collection that honors your love for reading.

“Dog Tales” Literary Collage Jigsaw Puzzle, 1,000-Piece

This nostalgic jigsaw puzzle incorporates a book with dogs.

Not only does it feature classics like Rin Tin Tin and Old Yeller, but modern-day selections like Lily & the Octopus are on there too.

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Spot the Hidden Clues Agatha Christie Puzzle

Oh, Agatha Christie fans, this puzzle is such a treat!

In this puzzle you can spot famous characters, find crime-solving clues, and historical locations as you build the puzzle.

This Agatha Christie puzzle has 90 clues within the puzzle including some of her most memorable characters, from Poirot and Miss Marple to Tommy & Tuppence and Parker Pyne.

We also discover real moments from Agatha Christie’s life!

Great American Novels 1000-Piece Puzzle

This 1,000-piece book-themed puzzle features 24 literary classics.

It would make the perfect pairing with an audiobook of one of these classic books!

Nancy Drew Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 Piece

I feel so nostalgic about my Nancy Drew mystery days so I couldn’t wait to add this to our family’s puzzle collection.

This one is a 1,000-piece puzzle recommended for ages 13 and over.

Comic Book Heaven 1000-Piece Puzzle

We have done a lot of fun comic book puzzles in our house, and they are always a hit.

I love this 1,000-piece puzzle that captures all the comic book magic when browsing those shelves.

Reviewers also shared that the puzzle pieces were fun to work with, just like this gorgeous image.

Famous Authors Postage-Stamp Collage Puzzle, 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for All Ages

I couldn’t adore this collection of author stamps more.

I love that this puzzle has William Shakespeare, Harper Lee, and Stephen King on one puzzle.

Pick a book from one of these famous authors to listen to on audiobook while you are puzzling or catch up on the Book Gang podcast for book recommendations.

Agatha Christie Book Cover Jigsaw Puzzle Murder Mystery 1000 Pieces

This murder mystery jigsaw puzzle showcases 57 iconic covers from 22 Agatha Christie books.

The puzzle includes books like The Mirror Crack'd, And Then There Were None, and Murder in Three Acts.

JIGSAW PUZZLE GIFTS

Looking for a unique gift idea for a jigsaw puzzle lover? I recommend these jigsaw puzzle ideas and fun packaging ideas.

Autumn in The Neighborhood 1000 Piece Puzzle

This cozy fall puzzle would be perfect with a cup of cider and a fall movie.

Illustrated by Joy LaForme, this perfectly captures a cozy fall neighborhood scene.

Looking for movies to pair with this puzzle? Stream these 22 cozy fall movies for a fun night in.

House of Horrors and Scary Movies 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Where are my spooky pals at? I couldn't add this one to my cart fast enough.

All of your favorite slasher icons are brought together in this entertaining jigsaw puzzle.

Packed full of horror movie nostalgia, pair this with your favorite scary read. If you need a good starting place, check out the best Josh Malerman books list.

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle

I love a good gift puzzle and this is my new go-to.

In this puzzle, it is up to you to solve the crime, piece by piece.

You begin by reading the story of the incident.

Then, guided by the narrative rather than a visual reference, complete the jigsaw.

The finished image provides all the clues you need to decipher whodunit.

Pair this with a magnifying glass for a fun gift.

Daydreams '80s and '90s Pop Culture 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Are you craving a nostalgic puzzle with your favorite throwback tunes?

This brings all of your childhood favorites together in one room.

Inspired by '80s and '90s pop culture, the retro illustration by artist Rachid Lotf depicts every girl's room in this decade.

With a Barbie, a Madonna poster, and a Cabbage Patch doll- this feels like stepping back into my bedroom too.

Stranger Things Jigsaw Puzzle- 1,000 Pieces

Trying to lure a teen or tween into doing a puzzle with you? This Stranger Things puzzle makes the perfect gift for the whole family.

Make it a fun family night this would be with some Eggo waffles for brinner and some Kate Bush tunes.

Jonathan Adler Shelfie 1000 Piece Puzzle

Design-lovers will fall in love with this shelfie puzzle.

This 1,000 Piece Puzzle colorfully highlights the living room shelf of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s Shelter Island living room bookcase for a chic and challenging puzzling experience.

Janet Hill The Cat Countess 1000 Piece

We collect Janet Hill prints and my 40th birthday gift was an ORIGINAL Janet Hill.

To say we are obsessed with this artist is an understatement.

I love that the New York Puzzle Company is offering her whimsical paintings in different puzzle sizes. This Cat Countess puzzle is on my wish list this year.

You can also find many of her art prints have been made into these fun 1,000-piece puzzles too!

If you love Janet Hill’s work, be sure to visit her studio shop to get some beautiful art for your walls.

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Vintage National Parks Puzzle 1,000 Piece

This puzzle is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts that are craving their next adventure or want to reminisce on those camping memories.

Enjoy these national park destinations from the comforts of home with this 1,000-piece puzzle.

CHALLENGING JIGSAW PUZZLES

Are you craving more of a challenge? Try one of these difficult puzzles we have gathered for the puzzle enthusiast in your house.

Cloudberries Reflection Puzzle, 2000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

This epic 2000-piece jigsaw puzzle for adults offers a symmetrical design with two identical sides and a fantastic mirror effect.

The challenge is that the pieces on each side are cut slightly differently, making this a fun and challenging puzzle.

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Geode Puzzle

This geode puzzle is such a unique brain teaser.

The artists were inspired by how a geode’s crystalline structure is created in nature and used a special simulation program that develops the puzzle’s image by layering color that radiates from the puzzle’s edge.

This wooden puzzle is made from birch plywood.

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Impossible Puzzle Impossible Acrylic Puzzle for Adults

As someone who relies on context clues from the image on the box, this clear acrylic puzzle would be an impossible one for me.

Reviewers love this clear design and say that they never get bored doing this one over and over again.

It also would be a great interactive detail on any coffee table.

Looking for more fall activities to try? Check out these fun additions to your puzzle routine!

watch these fall shows & movies while doing your new puzzle

The Best Fall Shows & Movies to Stream Right Now

download an audiobook from scribd while puzzling

How to Use Scribd for Your Reading Life from MomAdvice.com

What has been your favorite puzzle to do with your family?

Tags: Jigsaw Puzzles, Shopping Guide
Posted in Celebrations, Entertaining, Frugal, Gifts, Holidays, Home, Marriage, Teenagers | No Comments »

New Family Movies From 2022 To Watch Now

Thursday, January 12th, 2023

These family films include our top recommendations from movies we loved in 2022. While you wait the release dates of new films you can escape real life with this fun family movie streaming list!

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

My family has always loved watching movies together, but since 2020, we’ve become a little obsessed with Family Movie Nights.

I am constantly on the lookout for family friendly movies new and old that might be, at the very least, acceptable to both my kids and my husband.

(Obviously, I’m aiming for something they’ll love. But if you live with more than one person, I’m sure you understand the necessity of compromise and settling for “fine, I will sit here with you and watch this thing someone else picked but I’m gonna roll my eyes but maybe I also kind of like it but I’ll never say so and you can’t make me.”)

With a six-year age gap between my girls—one being a teenager and one a tween, both being quite opinionated—that’s no small task. It falls somewhere on the difficulty scale between fixing a meal that nobody complains about and making them both laugh at the same “dad joke.”

But I’m determined to make Family Movie Nights happen at least once every several weeks, so I persevere.

Fortunately for me—and for you—we are in a golden age of entertainment where we do not lack for options. In fact, we almost have too many options sometimes.

And with so many movies premiering or quickly appearing on streaming services, deciding what to watch has become even more complicated.

Well, you can scratch this whole issue off your list of things to worry about or be frustrated by, friends.

I’m here to help!

I have 12 movies that came out last year, along with reviews and where you can stream them.

Just like that, you’re halfway to one Family Movie Night a month!

Now you just need to pick a date and pop the popcorn!

New Family Movies From 2022 To Watch Now

The Adam Project (Netflix) – Are you sarcastic? Do you like action movies, buddy comedies, or time travel? If so, this Ryan Reynolds movie is for you! A time-traveling fighter pilot has to team up with his 12-year-old self to save the world, and it’s a blast. (watch the trailer)

The Bad Guys (Netflix) – Based on a series of children’s graphic novels, this animated caper follows a group of notorious criminal animals (e.g. shark, snake, spider, wolf) who pretend to be “good” to avoid prison. I watched it with my girls and we loved it so much we watched it again with my husband so he could enjoy it, too! (watch the trailer)

Better Nate than Ever (Disney+) – A 13-year-old and his best friend travel alone to NYC so he can audition for a Broadway play. This live action musical is based on a book, and it is the most beautiful, heartwarming movie I watched last year. (watch the trailer)

Cheaper by the Dozen (Disney+) – This is a modern-day remake of the 2003 movie starring Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union as an interracial couple with a blended family navigating complicated home life, a family business, and a new neighborhood that isn’t exactly welcoming. (watch the trailer)

Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers (Disney+) – If you like your kids movies to come chock-full of references and jokes only the adults will get, you’re gonna like this return of our favorite crime-solving chipmunks. The jokes are nonstop and lean heavily on nostalgia, but both my youngest daughter and I had fun watching it. Voices include Andy Samberg and John Mulaney! (watch the trailer)

DC League of Super-Pets (HBO Max) – What if the fate of the world was up to Superman’s dog and a motley crew of other pets? Enter Krypto, the Super-Dog, here to save the day! This animated movie was cute (and not dark like most DC movies). (watch the trailer)

Enola Holmes 2 (Netflix) – Sherlock’s little sister is back, solving mysteries and breaking the fourth wall and (oh yeah) maybe falling in love. This period piece based on a series of middle-grade novels is sweet, funny, and actually tells a solid mystery. I hope we get many more Enola Holmes movies! (watch the trailer)

Luck (Apple TV+) – Ever wonder if luck is real and, if so, where it comes from? In this animated adventure, an unlucky young girl who’s just aged out of the foster system stumbles into the worlds of good luck and bad luck. Determined to improve her luck, she is pulled into the battle between good and bad luck, making friends and her own luck along the way. (watch the trailer)

Minions: The Rise of Gru (Peacock) – If you’ve wondered how Gru became Gru, this is your movie. If that’s never crossed your mind, it’s also your movie if you were born in the 70s or just love those crazy minions. (Banana!) This prequel to the Despicable Me movies is Gru’s origin story, and it’s both hysterical and heartwarming. (watch the trailer)

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (Paramount+) – Only cats are ninjas, but Hank the dog really wants to become one anyway. He seeks out the ninja who once saved him but is now washed up and possibly high on catnip (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson). Reluctantly, the old ninja trains a new one and together (again, reluctantly) they save the cat ninja world. Full of jokes for grown-ups, this one made all of us laugh a lot. (watch the trailer)

Secret Headquarters (Paramount+) – A middle school boy and his friends discover his distant dad’s secret underground lair. Because his dad is the most powerful superhero in the world! Hijinks ensue when the bad guys come after the kids and they have to save the day. If your family likes The Adam Project, this will be a hit as well, as it stars the same kid (Walker Scobell) and another lovable, sarcastic adult (Owen Wilson). (watch the trailer)

Turning Red (Disney+) – A 13-year-old girl enters adolescence and turns into a giant red panda. Like you do, apparently, when you’re a female in her family. She has to learn how to handle her inner panda, as well as a tricky relationship with her mom, along with the help of her friends. (watch the trailer)

A Note for Parents

Some of these movies are totally appropriate for little kids; some of them are better for older kids. Refer to Common Sense Media for parent reviews and guidance that can help you make decisions for your family.

Another note: I haven’t watched Lyle, Lyle Crocodile or Disenchanted yet. Based on reviews I’ve read and what I know of my family, we’re going to love that singing crocodile and his bonkers movie, but I don’t know for sure yet.

What’s the last movie you watched with your family?

Looking for more of the best family movies? Try these posts!

17 Movies From the 90’s You Must Share With Your Kids

22 Fall Movies & TV Shows to Cozy Up With Right Now

Tags: best family movies, family movies 2022
Posted in Entertaining, Family, New Parents & Babies, Teenagers | No Comments »

22 Fall Movies & TV Shows To Cozy Up With Right Now

Monday, September 12th, 2022

Stream these cozy fall movies and tv recommendations for the autumn season. This list of 22 cozy classics also includes some fun new releases you may have missed!

22 Fall Movies & TV Shows To Cozy Up With Right Now from MomAdvice.com

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

The moment the calendar turned to September, I started seeing posts about how it was time.

And while, yes, I saw and heard plenty of people celebrating the return of pumpkin spice season, that’s not what I’m talking about.

I’m referring to all the people starting their annual rewatch of Gilmore Girls, a practice that can only logically take place in the fall.

Some shows, as well as plenty of movies and books, just give us the coziest fall vibes.

Our pediatrician just said this week that she re-reads Harry Potter every single fall.

Since I know Amy has us covered in the books department (but can I recommend The Raven Boys series by Maggie Stiefvater for anyone looking for magical, fall-ish young adult reads?), I’m sticking to movies and TV shows for your autumnal enjoyment!

(Note: You’ve probably heard of most of these, so I won’t bore you with long plot summaries. Instead, I’m saving you time by doing the research, aka scrolling through all my streaming services, and curating a list just for you!)

22 Fall Movies & TV Shows To Cozy Up With Right Now

12 of the Best Fall Movies To Try

You’ve Got Mail (Hulu) – “Don’t you love New York in the fall?” Obviously this is my number one pick! The adorable rom com doesn’t quite hold up in every way, but do I still love it? Yep. I do. What could be better than the chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan?

When Harry Met Sally (Netflix) – Speaking of New York in the fall, this romantic classic highlights the city in our favorite season like none other.

Love, Guaranteed (Netflix) – Fabulous sweaters, scarves, and coats and plenty of colorful leaves add a coziness to this cute romantic comedy.

Practical Magic (HBO Max) – Would you believe I hadn’t seen this movie about witch sisters until a couple years ago? Since then, it’s spooky season required watching for me!

Beautiful Creatures (Prime) – Speaking of magic, this movie based on a YA novel is gothic and dramatic in the way magical teens are dramatic. And it takes place in fall, so there you have it!

The Edge of Seventeen (Netflix) – This coming-of-age comedy has plenty of drama and jackets. The sarcasm is thick in this one, and so are the falling leaves. It’s a good fall watch!

Dead Poet’s Society (Prime) – Seize the day to watch this boarding school drama and just try not to be inspired all over again. Plus, who doesn’t want to visit New England in the fall? (starring Robin Williams)

Knives Out (Netflix) – Before the sequel comes out this winter, take time to revisit Chris Evans and his sweater, Daniel Craig and his accent, and this dysfunctional family and their mystery.

The Adam Project (Netflix) – Does this movie take place in the fall? I’m not sure, but they do wear jackets and it’s strangely heartwarming for a science fiction, action film. Therefore, I deem it fall appropriate!

Coco (Disney+) – This animated movie is about a young boy and his family as they celebrate the Day of the Dead. The music is catchy, the colors are vibrant, and the story is moving. What more could you ask for from Pixar?

Fantastic Mr. Fox (Hulu) – I haven’t seen this animated movie based on the Roald Dahl book, but my brother tells me it is, truly, fantastic. And the internet says it is, truly, a fall movie. I’ve bumped it up on my family’s to-watch list for this month!

And coming this fall:

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is being adapted into a movie starring Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, and Christina Hendricks.

I actually haven’t read this beloved and frequently recommended book (I know! I will read it soon! I promise!), but I hear it’s quite cozy and the trailer for the movie has characters wearing a lot of sweaters and jackets. Plus, it’s coming out on October 7. Which is in the fall. Therefore, it’s a fall movie!

NOTE FROM AMY: If you haven’t read this book, you must! I included it on our Books About Books, Bookstores, and Libraries reading list! Check this post for the full review and more recommendations.

12 Fun Fall TV Series Recommendations

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) – A twisty mystery that keeps you guessing, the surprisingly sweet friendship between the three main characters, and all the puffy coats Selena wears make this a great fall-feeling movie.

A Discovery of Witches (AMC+) – This fantasy about vampires, witches, and demons that’s based on the books by Deborah Harkness is moody in every way and perfect for a spooky watch this season.

Friday Night Lights (Prime or Peacock) – Fall means football, right? And while this show is about so much more than sports, everyone knows the most important season in Dillon is football season (aka, fall).

My So-Called Life (Hulu) – With its flannel and melancholy, fall is the perfect season for Gen X-ers. And few shows are more Gen X than this gone-before-its-time show.

Freaks & Geeks (Paramount+) – Speaking of short-lived shows and flannel, this is another fall-feeling show set in a school—and even has episodes about marching band and Halloween!

Good Witch (Netflix) – Small town witch inherits a haunted mansion in a show from the Hallmark Channel? Can it get any more fall-ish?

Charmed (Peacock & Netflix) – Three witchy sisters, both in the original show and the reboot, say the magic word. (It’s “fall.” Fall is the magic word!)

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix) – What can I say? Shows about witches give me fall feels. I’m too much of a scaredy cat for this one, but if you like creepy, scary stuff, this might be for you!

Halloween Wars (discovery+) – Get crafty with this seasonal competition series featuring candy makers, cake decorators, and—are you ready for this fall-ness?—pumpkin carvers!

Anne with an E (Netflix) – Like Anne, I’m so glad I live in a world with Octobers. Aren’t you?

I hope these movies and TV shows are just what you need to get into the fall mood. Grab your favorite pumpkin (or apple) spice drink and a soft blanket, and get your fall vibes on with one of these movies or shows!

What movies or TV shows do you like to watch in the fall?

This post contains affiliate links

Love these recommendations? Here are two other fun fall recommendations!

8 tv shows with hilarious halloween episodes

fall date ideas for your bucket list

Tags: Fall Movies, Fall Shows, Fall TV
Posted in Entertaining, Marriage, New Parents & Babies, Teenagers | No Comments »

Accomplish More With a Virtual Body Double

Wednesday, September 7th, 2022

Learn how body doubling can help you stay on task and improve your executive function as an adult or teen with ADHD. Get my top virtual videos to get started!

Friends, I have missed you!

It’s so good to be back at my desk after battling “the virus that must not be named.” It was just as awful as I’d expected, but we had a protocol to activate as soon as I got that positive test.

I’ve struggled with motivation since all of this, but today I wanted to share the incredible productivity hack that has changed my work-from-home life since the health chaos began.

After eighteen years of working from home, you would assume that I would have the best systems to be productive in my daily life.

You would be wrong.

The truth is, I struggle EVERY DAY and had even considered spending the money on a co-working space to hold me accountable to my work day.

I did unlock the secret for working alone while incorporating a motivating presence in my life though and it just might surprise you.

Not only is this hack helpful for people with ADHD. It’s also helpful for anyone struggling with mental health or chronic illness.

I want to talk about how body doubling can improve the lives of you or your teen/tween today!

What is Body Doubling?

Body doubling is a productivity strategy where someone can work alongside you to complete a challenging task. You can do these sessions virtually or in person with a friend or family member.

I want you to close your eyes and think about the thing that you have been putting off.

Do you see a stack of bills you haven’t paid yet?

An overflowing hamper?

The refrigerator with expired food?

The basket of socks that never got matched?

Now imagine you had a friend to do that with you.

How would this change your perception of that task?

For many people with ADHD, the presence of someone else can be just the motivation they need to stay on track.

When I think about this, I think about ways I have unknowingly done this for people in my life. There have also been people who have come to our house that sat as I folded a load of laundry, meal prepped, or cleaned my kitchen.

In those moments, it didn’t feel so burdensome. It is, perhaps, why body doubling works so well for my work life.

Do You Need ADHD to Benefit From This? NOPE!

I have not gone through the process of ADHD diagnosis because the medications that I would use to treat it wouldn’t be an option for me with my current health issues.

In case you missed it, this is something we talked about on my Book Gang podcast with Paula Engebretson, a Certified Life Coach specializing in helping adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) live their best lives.

Specifically, we discussed how many women get diagnosed at this stage in our lives and some ways to improve reading memory and focus through that.

It’s such an impactful episode that has changed my reading life and many of my listeners.

Listen to this episode below:

Personally, I know that I display every symptom of ADHD because it runs in my family, AND I happen to live with people who have it too.

I have gotten around treatment by choosing a job that works with my brain, but hormonal shifts and brain fog have made things even more challenging.

After that episode, I’ve been on a quest to figure out how to continue working WITH my brain, and it is through that research I discovered how body doubles work and how to use them to motivate me.

In fact, I’m using a body double RIGHT NOW to write this post.

The best part is that this productivity hack is completely free.

**a screenshot from my favorite body-doubling channel– angela v**

How I Use YouTube for Body Doubling

There are several excellent virtual options if you need a body double but don’t have a partner to work with at home.

This is how I manage the work portions on my to-do list and how my daughter finds study-date partners when she needs to accomplish studying for tests.

My preferred working method is recorded sessions on YouTube (see below for some of my favorite options).

**this is an example of the breaks that are provided on screen**

Many of these previously recorded sessions rely on the Pomodoro setup technique. Five-minute breaks follow these 25-minute sessions of work for recorded sessions that are, typically, two hours.

I didn’t know how motivating it would be to have a “pretend” work-from-home buddy, but I find it even more effective than anything else I’ve done for my WFH life.

There is no pressure to make small talk, someone else is monitoring the timer for our work sessions, and it puts me in the mood to get my to-do list done.

How Do I Set-Up My Office To Use This Strategy

I use this pop-up desk (we covered the top with this inexpensive marble paper) and set my workstation up in front of our television in our family room.

We have the Samsung Frame TV, and I can cast my favorite videos onto the television.

If you don’t have a room with a TV, you can utilize your tablet or phone to pull up the video.

Personally, I do find the larger screen to be more impactful while I’m working, and I love it displaying at eye level.

It helps brings the accountability aspect into focus.

How to Find a Live Virtual Body Double

Focusmate offers body doubling sessions with an accountability partner for a live, virtual co-working session that will keep you on task. They offer three free sessions a week or you can pay $5 to have unlimited sessions.

They have shared that 95.5% of their users reported a significant increase in productivity and reduced procrastination.

You can also find users sharing live sessions on TikTok if you search for body doubles.

So I guess social media isn’t ALL bad, is it?

How We Help Each Other as Body Doubles in Our Home

If you live with a friend or family member that can act as your support group through a task, you might not need to call on a virtual double.

As longtime readers know, my son has ADHD (you can read about that diagnosis process here when he was young), and we continue to tweak and refine what works best to help him.

Now that he is TWENTY (how is this possible?), we still work together as accountability partners and utilize this simple to-do checklist board with our most important tasks. Our to-do list is almost identical, so we check on each other throughout the day or do these tasks together.

You can see that these are VERY modest goals because I want to honor my body and where it is now.

I usually work much more than the time on my chart, but this allows me to check it even when I’m having a bad day. That is the difference between a day I’m proud of and a day that makes me feel bad about myself.

Want to give this productivity hack a try? Here are some of my favorite videos to get you started!

Try These Videos For Working at Home (or Studying)

Be sure to also look up any task you need help with- folding laundry, daily hygiene tasks, or cleaning/organizing are all available with a simple search.

Want more help with that WFH life? Check out these posts!

Earn Money Investing In Women With Ellevest — **a beginners guide to investing your work-from-home profits**

Hands free reading — **33 joyful activities that get me through hard days**

Creating a Weekly Cleaning Routine — **create a weekly cleaning routine (free printables)**

Do you think you would try this productivity hack? I would love to hear if this has worked for you or for your teen?

Tags: ADHD, body doubling
Posted in Cleaning, Family, Home, Organizing, Teenagers, Time Management, Work | No Comments »

The 20 Best Family Movies to Stream Right Now

Wednesday, April 13th, 2022

Pop the popcorn, grab a board game, and watch the best family movies for your next memorable night together. We have you covered with family films to stream on Netflix, Prime, & Disney+.

The 20 Best Family Movies to Stream Right Now

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

My family is not one of those quiet, calm ones (do those even exist?).

I wouldn’t even try to convince you that I always love spending time with them or that hunkering down with my crew is my happy place.

That’s not us.

But while we cannot agree on where to get takeout, whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher, what snide comments about politics are over the line, what board game is the best, or who gets to use the bathroom first in the morning, we can agree to occasionally watch the same thing on the same screen.

Miraculously, we can agree that family movie nights are our favorite nights.

And, more often than not, the same people who were just fighting over who gets to sit in the comfy spot of the couch or use the softest blanket, settle down in front of the TV and have a great time together.

Sometimes, we even share the popcorn bowl without a fuss.

Because family movie night has such a calming and bonding effect on my people (and me), I’m always on the lookout for feel good stuff to watch together. And I’m here to share what I’ve found!

If you’re looking for some great family night movies, I’ve got you covered.

I’m assuming you’ve heard of (and have possibly watched a few too many times) Encanto, Princess Bride, Star Wars and every other super popular kids movie.

These are movies you might not have heard of or perhaps forgot about, and they’ve all been vetted and voted for by my family.

FYI, my family includes my husband who doesn’t really like “kid movies,” my 14-year-old who would watch Harry Potter and Marvel movies all day long given the choice and also thinks she’s too cool for “kid movies,” and my 8-year-old who [bless her heart] is game for pretty much any movie that brings us all to the same room at the same time.

Some of these picks won’t work if you only have little kids. But if you have older tweens and teens, especially if you have an age gap like we do, you’re definitely going to find your next movie here!

ANIMATED FILMS FOR FAMILY NIGHT

Family Movie Night Ideas From MomAdvice.com

Abominable (rent on Prime) – A grieving young teen discovers a yeti on the roof of her apartment building. She and two friends travel across China to return him to his home, while trying to avoid capture by a corrupt collector and zoologist. Sweet and fun enough that we’ve watched it more than once.

Leap! (IMDbTV through Prime) – An orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina, so she escapes her orphanage and, after a case of mistaken identity, joins a ballet school in Paris. She befriends both a former dancer who becomes a mentor and a young inventor who becomes a friend. Takes place in late 1800s but feels modern. My youngest adores this movie!

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Netflix) – A dysfunctional family embarks on a cross-country road trip, only to find themselves in the middle of a robot war. Enormously creative animation and a realistic portrayal of a family that struggles to get along even though they love each other deeply.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (rent on Prime) – A black teen boy in Brooklyn becomes the Spider-Man in his universe, then has to work with other spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to save the whole multiverse. Great adventure with character development—and incredible animation!

Vivo (Netflix) – A Cuban kinkajou and quirky tween work together to deliver a love letter and song to a famous singer. Fun adventure and sweet story with original music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

LIVE ACTION MOVIES FOR FAMILY NIGHT

Flora & Ulysses (Disney+) – A girl whose parents are separated and struggling finds a squirrel she believes to be a superhero. The family bands together to protect the super squirrel from an overzealous animal control agent. Cute, big-hearted movie I actually can’t wait to watch again.

Lemonade Mouth (Disney+) – A group of high school misfits and mild rebels forms a band that inexplicably makes it big. Adorable with actual great music, and when those kids deal with family and friend issues but persevere for the music, I legit tear up. Every single time.

The Sleepover (Netflix) – When two siblings discover their mom is a former thief in witness protection, who’s just been kidnapped, they team up with friends to rescue her. Wacky adventure and so much fun!

Spin (Disney+) – A teenage girl struggles to balance the expectations of her multigenerational Indian-American family with her new passion of deejaying. Solid portrayal of figuring out the balance between honoring your family and following your dreams, and bonus points for the diversity of characters.

Yes Day (Netflix) – Kids convince their uptight parents (though mostly the mom, sigh) to devote an entire day to saying “yes” to every idea they have. Of course the family bonds through the fun and the mess that ensue. Fun and, thankfully, didn’t convince my own kids we need to have a Yes Day at our house.

MIXED ANIMATION & LIVE ACTION MOVIES FOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Mary Poppins Returns (Disney+) – Of course, Mary Poppins is a classic and for a reason! But this sequel (that mirrors the original nearly beat for beat in a lovely homage) is a blast too. Catchy music that’s bound to become new classics and, like with the Julie Andrews musical, some fun animation mixed in with the live action.

Paddington (1 – Netflix; 2 – rent on Prime) – Is there a sweeter, accidentally wiser bear than Paddington? I think not. Both of these movies are a delight.

Peter Rabbit (1 – rent on Prime; 2 – Netflix) – Nobody’s accusing Peter Rabbit of being sweet and wise, but he (and his animal friends and family) are quite funny. Both of these movies are a blast.

OLDER MOVIES THAT ARE STILL GREAT FUN

Akeelah & the Bee (rent on Prime) – A tween with a rough home life and community competes in a spelling bee to avoid detention. To her surprise she wins! Her principal encourages her to compete in the regional spelling bee and to be coached by a former professor. This one was inspired by a true story and might be eye-opening for your kids about the challenges other kids face.

Dora & the City of Lost Gold (Prime) – This one isn’t that old, but if you thought Dora was a thing of your past (and were glad), I urge you to give this movie a try anyway! It’s a funny, occasionally self-aware live-action adventure that isn’t grating like the original cartoon.

Night at the Museum (Disney+) – A single dad struggles to connect with his son and hold down a job, takes a position as a night guard for a museum that comes alive after closing. Rumors say a fourth movie is coming out this year or next, so now’s the time to watch the first three!

Parent Trap (Disney+) – I grew up on the original movie with Hayley Mills, but my family really enjoyed the Lindsay Lohan remake about identical twins who meet at summer camp and realize their parents divorced and then split them up as young girls. The hijinks are just as fun and the conclusion just as sweet in this newer version.

Race to Witch Mountain (Disney+) – My kids and husband would ask if we’re even having a conversation about family movie nights if we don’t include a movie with Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. So last but certainly not least is this adventure that unites two sibling aliens, an ex-con, and a scientist as they try to escape evil aliens and corrupt government officials to get the alien kids home to their own planet. It’s a ride, in the best way!

What’s the last movie your family watched together?

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Tags: Family Night, Movies
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#RelationshipGoals from the TV Shows I’m Watching Right Now

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

#RelationshipGoals from TV / MomAdvice.com

#RelationshipGoals from the TV Shows I’m Watching Right Now

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

When I set out to write this post for you, I made a long list of all the best marriages I’ve seen on television.

Of course, you can probably guess the top couples from tv on my list:

Coach and Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights

Ben and Leslie from Parks & Recreation

Adam and Kristina from Parenthood

After all, these are the couples on everyone’s #MarriageGoals list!

As I expanded my memory and my list, though, I realized that I’d written this post before!

Yep, that’s right. Over on my blog, you can read all about my favorite TV marriages and why I think they’re great. https://marycarver.com/2019/02/best-marriages-tv-makes-great/

So today, I’m going to talk about something else.

Today, I’m thinking about the best relationships in the shows I’ve watched recently—including friendships and family relationships, not just marriages—the ones that give me #RelationshipGoals.

#RelationshipGoals from TV / MomAdvice.com

Ted Lasso #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Ted Lasso and Coach Beard

If you haven’t watched TED LASSO on Apple TV+, stop what you’re doing and watch it right now.

This truly is the show we need in 2020.

It’s a sitcom about an American college football coach hired to coach a professional soccer team in the U.K., and it is the most delightful, heartwarming, hilarious show I’ve watched in years.

One of the best parts of the show is the deep, authentic friendship between Ted, the main character, and his assistant coach, Coach Beard.

The two men have such a complete understanding of one another that they can frequently speak in their version of shorthand, uttering just a few words to get a complicated point across.

They also support each other, completely and unconditionally, and it’s beautiful.

Psych #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Shawn and Gus

Before the new PSYCH movie came out this summer, I rewatched the whole series.

And one thing that struck me this time around was how completely on board Gus was for all of Shawn’s shenanigans.

Sure, their vastly different personalities mean they approach life differently.

But rather than one roping the other into trouble, they really are—for the most part—equal partners in crime (or, crime-solving).

I also appreciated that when Shawn went too far, Gus called him on it.

True friends speak the truth, even when it’s hard or when they normally go along with things.

One Day at a Time #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Penelope and Schneider

I actually adore every relationship in the new ONE DAY AT A TIME, but Penelope and Schneider are my favorite.

Over the seasons, they’ve developed such a deep friendship, partly bonding over their personal struggles and hard-earned through some serious conflicts.

Though they come from totally different backgrounds, they have found common ground, and it’s created an affection and a bond they don’t seem to have with anyone else.

Sweet Magnolias #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue

The ladies of SWEET MAGNOLIAS have been friends since childhood, and it shows.

They know each other at a level we don’t always see in newer friendships, and that allows them to accept and encourage one another so completely in everything they face.

It also allows them to be honest, but loving, with each other—a gift to any woman living life and navigating decisions in career and relationships like they are!

Holly Hobbie #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Holly Hobbie’s Parents

If you haven’t watched HOLLY HOBBIE on Hulu, I do recommend it!

Sure, it’s a show made for and aimed at tweens like my daughters, but I loved it just as much as they did!

And while the show focuses on the children, I couldn’t help but be impressed and inspired by the parents in this show.

The mom is the breadwinner of the Hobbie family, while the dad takes on more of the daily parenting duties—and I am here for that.

They were supportive of one another and presented a [mostly] united front to their kids, and I love the way the show avoided stereotypes of dumb parents or needlessly contentious spouses.

Cobra Kai #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Daniel and Amanda LaRusso

I wasn’t sure about this one.

Every single main character of COBRA KAI, the Karate Kid reboot series, seems determined to make the worst decisions possible.

But while I do not love Daniel nearly as much as I did in the 80s, I do love his wife and her refusal to put up with his crap.

When he acts like a child, she rolls her eyes and gently points out a more reasonable approach to parenting, teaching, work, and his relationship with Johnny Lawrence.

And when his feud blows up their life, she draws a hard line to protect her family and restore some sanity.

At the same time, the series shows them working together as an excellent sales team at their car dealership, working through disagreements in a realistic way, and connecting like actual adults who love each other.

It’s the most refreshing part of this show.

Madam Secretary #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Elizabeth and Henry McCord

I will never miss an opportunity to shout the praises of MADAM SECRETARY, including the marriage portrayed by the main characters.

Elizabeth and Henry are two high-powered professional in an intense industry (politics!), but never do they neglect care for their relationship and for each other.

Even when they disagree at work or about decisions they must make, they treat one another with respect and genuine affection.

Almost every single episode of this show (which, though it ended last year, I finished watching this year so it counts) finds the McCords in their bedroom, getting ready for the day or unwinding before bed or even in bed together.

Like a normal adult person love story. (I’d like to stop feeling the need to classify fictional characters as “normal adult people,” but let’s be honest: So many TV characters are ridiculous and unrealistic and childish! That can be fun to watch, but I like the normal adult people, too.)

Girl Meets World #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Cory and Topanga Matthews

Most of us know Cory and Topanga as childhood sweethearts from BOY MEETS WORLD in the 90s.

I do, too, but I was re-introduced to them when my girls watched the reboot, GIRL MEETS WORLD.

The new show is just as cheesy and “Disney-fied” as the original, but also?

It’s sincere and heartfelt and lovely at times.

And the way grown-up Cory and Topanga appreciate each other as professionals, present a united front as parents, speak kindly to and about each other, joke and tease and play off each other—well, I loved it.

Babysitter Club #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

The Girls of The Baby-Sitters Club

I mean…could they BE any cuter?

The girls in the new version of THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB aren’t perfect.

They are awkward, they make mistakes, they feel and act insecure and jealous, and they are just as different in personality as Ann M. Martin intended.

But, they are also sweet and kind and normal kids who make the choice to develop these friendships they then rely on and nurture and protect.

It’s adorable and lovely, and those are the kind of friends I want for my girls—and myself!

The Unicorn #RelationshipGoals MomAdvice.com

Every relationship in The Unicorn

Don’t sleep on this fairly new CBS sitcom.

THE UNICORN is about a friend group of three couples after one of the wives dies.

The way the two couples show their love for both their widowed friend and his late wife is beautiful.

When you think of the phrase, “it takes a village,” this is what you’re probably imagining.

The three families swap carpooling duties and share meals; the kids play together (and sometimes don’t); the married couples encourage their newly single friend to begin dating but balance out their silly advice with true understanding and love.

Again, this is a show (surprisingly) about actual adults, acting like adults.

And the best kind of adults, because they’re just such incredible friends.

To be clear, they’re not perfect and their relationships aren’t conflict-free (that would be a boring show).

But they work through things and come out stronger and more loving in the end, and I think we need more of that.

So, that’s my updated #RelationshipGoals list! Who’s on YOUR list of best TV relationships?

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#RelationshipGoals from TV / MomAdvice.com

If you like our relationship goals from favorite tv shows, you’ll love these posts too!

How Podcasts Saved Our Marriage

Joyful Things Getting Us Through Hard Days

Rules for Watching TV

Shows to Watch with Husband - MomAdvice.com

Shows to Watch with your Hubby

90’s Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Crafts for Kids of All Ages

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Tags: Date Night Shows, Entertainment, TV Shows
Posted in Entertaining, Family, Marriage, New Parents & Babies, Teenagers | No Comments »

11 Shows to Watch With Your Tween

Monday, August 24th, 2020

Looking for the perfect show to watch with your tween? Check out some of our family favorites – here are 11 shows that are age appropriate and entertaining for both adults and kids!

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

11 Shows to Watch With Your Tween

My daughters are 12 and 6 years old, and while I know that age gap won’t always seem so large, it feels insurmountable at times.

Times like my annual quest to find matching outfits for family photos.

Times like figuring out a vacation plan that will be fun for everyone.

And, for sure, times like deciding what TV series to watch next.

I get asked often about good shows for tweens because this stage encompasses such a wide range of ages.

So finding something to watch that’s not too baby-ish but also not too mature is tricky.

But because my girls are close to that age range (technically, tweens are aged 8 to 12), and we love watching TV as a family, I am constantly answering this question for my own family—and am happy to answer it for you, too!

Here are eleven TV shows that your tweens will love—and won’t drive you crazy to watch along with them.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

The Baby-Sitters Club

Based on the beloved book series by Ann M. Martin, this show features middle school students who start a business and develop friendships.

This newest iteration is smart, modern, and sweet.

My girls and I all loved it and can’t wait for another season. (And my 12-year-old decided to give the books another chance.)

Watch on Netflix.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Diary of a Future President

A Cuban-American middle school girl journals about her life, growing up to eventually become the president of the U.S.

I’ve only watched the first episode of this show and have heard later episodes have some more mature themes better for older kids, but I did like what I’ve seen so far!

Watch on Disney Plus.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street

Gortimer and his friends are suburban middle school students who go on adventures with a smidge of magic and occasional melancholy, learning life lessons that are thankfully not heavy-handed.

This is my family’s number-one favorite show.

Watch on Amazon Prime.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

If you and/or your kids like the original High School Musical movies, you will likely love this new scripted series as well.

It’s about a group of high school students putting on the HSM musical, and they just happen to attend school in the building where the HSM movies were filmed.

It’s sweet and funny and as melodramatic as you’d expect a group of theater kids to be.

Watch on Disney Plus.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Holly Hobbie

Middle-schooler Holly lives in a small town but she has big dreams (and big feelings).

This is a super sweet but relatable coming-of-age show for tweens.

And I loved it so much I wouldn’t let my girls watch a single episode without me!

Watch on Hulu.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Just Add Magic

Three friends find a magical cookbook and work together to break curses and solve mysteries that plague their town and families.

This show is super cute, and I especially appreciated the focus on friendship and family (instead of romance, which sneaks into so many shows for kids!).

Watch on Amazon Prime.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Just Roll With It

A newly blended family learns to “roll with” the changes, both in their family and in the show, where the audience gets to rewrite the script and make the actors do crazy things in the middle of the episode.

Watch on Disney Plus.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Phineas and Ferb

I know some kids resist animated shows as they get a bit older (as do many adults!), but this one is just so funny.

Is it also formulaic and predictable?

Of course.

But it’s nonstop gags and jokes, many of them with references you’ll find even funnier than your kids do.

Watch on Disney Plus.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Sydney to the Max

A widowed dad raising his middle school daughter remembers his own middle school years.

If you are approximately my age (and therefore the age of the dad on this show), you’ll love the flashbacks to childhood in the early nineties.

Watch on Disney Plus.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

When Calls the Heart

This drama about the Canadian West in the early 1900s is an original Hallmark show, based on a book series by Janette Oke.

We don’t watch it in my house but every single conversation I have about shows for tweens involves someone else saying their tweens love this show.

So, if you like this genre, give it a try!

Watch on Hallmark Channel (and catch up on earlier seasons on Netflix).

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

The Who Was? Show

Do your kids love reading the Who Was history books?

Do you love sketch comedy shows?

Then have we got a show for you!

This sketch comedy series features goofy but educational bits about historical figures, and it’s really a lot of fun.

Watch on Netflix.

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Honorable mentions and sneak peeks:

If your kids (or you) prefer reality or competition shows more than scripted series, I recommend LEGO Masters (Hulu), Brain Games (Netflix), Floor is Lava (Netflix), The Big Family Cooking Showdown (Netflix), World of Dance (Hulu), American Pickers (Hulu), and Home Town (Hulu).

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

And stay tuned for my review of a couple shows I discovered while preparing to write this post. Both The Letter for the King (Netflix, for older kids) and The Healing Powers of Dude (also Netflix, probably good for any tweens) look incredible, and I can’t wait to watch them!

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

For more shows your family might enjoy, here’s The Ultimate List of TV Shows for Tweens and 24 Diverse TV Shows for Kids & Tweens.

What shows do your tweens like watching?

Shows for Tweens from MomAdvice.com

Sign up for the MomAdvice Newsletter!

Check out these other great ideas:

Middle School Series Books to Get Your Child Excited About Reading

90’s Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Historical Fiction Novels for Middle Grades

DIY Tween Confidence Kit

Gift Ideas for Tweens and Teens

Tags: Tween, Tween Television, Tween TV Shows
Posted in Early Childhood, Entertaining, Family, Teenagers | No Comments »

18 Hilarious TV Shows to Watch with Your Husband

Monday, July 13th, 2020

Hilarious TV Shows to Watch from MomAdvice.com

Looking for your next hilarious comedy show binge watch for date night? Here are some of our favorite comedy tv series to watch with your spouse. We give you 18 hilarious tv shows to watch with your husband.

Hilarious TV Shows to Watch from MomAdvice.com

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

I don’t know how it works at your house, but here, it can sometimes feel impossible to find something good on tv to watch with my husband.

Occasionally, he’ll indulge me and watch something I like that he does not (this would include every Hallmark movie he’s ever watched), and sometimes I do the same for him (hello, American Pickers and Pawn Stars).

But we really do enjoy having something we can call, “our show,” something we enjoy together–so I am constantly on the lookout for TV series that I think might fit the bill.

Now, in addition to having very different tastes in what we find entertaining, we also tend to avoid shows with too much violence, sex, or other mature content.

For the most part, we stick to shows rated PG-13 or TV-14. (The exception is a show rated higher because of language.

That’s not something that particularly bothers us.

Obviously every couple has their own parameters and choices!) It’s a boundary we agree on and value, but it does make finding our next show even harder!

If you’re in a similar situation, you’re not alone.

And it’s not actually impossible! I’m here to share some of the shows my husband and I have most loved watching together.

So grab your remote, your snacks, and a blanket big enough to share, and get ready for your next couple binge!

Today I’m giving you recommendations for comedies because, let’s be honest, we all need a little lightness these days.

Not to mention, laughing with my husband strengthens our connection more than just about anything else. So, here goes!

18 Comedies Perfect to Watch with Your Husband

Hilarious TV Shows to Watch from MomAdvice.com

Comedies about friends

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Community

A motley crew of adults end up in a community college study group.

If you love pop culture references and a heavy dose of sarcasm with your comedy, this often outrageous show is for you.

Watch this show on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Happy Endings

A close-knit group of friends has to deal with one of the friends leaving her fiance (and another member of that group) at the altar.

Awkward!

The jokes in this one come fast and while the characters are sometimes kind of (okay, a lot) mean, they also love each other and you can tell.

Watch on Hulu.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

New Girl

What started as a sitcom about a quirky single gal moving in with three guys quickly became an ensemble about a friends figuring out how to do life.

I love this show so much that I’ve watched the entire thing twice and am halfway through season two with my husband. In case you’re wondering, he loves it too.

Watch on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

The Unicorn

This was a new show last fall, and I did not expect to like it.

But I did!

And so did my husband.

It’s about a widowed dad and the two couples he and his late wife have been close friends with for years.

It’s sweet but also sharply funny, and even better?

It is about real, grown-up people (which I can’t really say about the other friend-centric shows on this list).

Watch on CBS.com.

Comedies about the afterlife (strangely, we have two options)

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

The Good Place

This show. It is so good!

After watching the first season, I made my husband watch it and from then on, we watched together.

Starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, this show is about what happens after we die.

And it’s about specific people who find themselves in “the good place” at the same time.

And it’s smart and thoughtful and sharp and hilarious and so very twisty and surprising.

I can’t say any more.

Just watch it!

Watch on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Upload

This is a fairly new show (only one season so far) also about the afterlife.

This one is more sci-fi-ish, but it’s also laugh-out-loud funny and moving in a way that surprised me.

Upload is rated TV-MA for language and brief nudity.

Watch on Amazon Prime.

Comedies about families

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Arrested Development

You thought your family is dysfunctional?

Wait ‘til you meet the Bluths.

This was another one I watched alone before deciding my husband would love it.

I forced him to watch, and he was glad.

A show about rich, messed up people dealing with the consequences of their insane behavior, this one is incredibly quirky and funny in that dry, sarcastic way that my husband and I both love.

Watch on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Black-ish

This is a traditional family sitcom that happens to focus on a Black family and their unique experience.

The kids are goofy and mouthy, the in-laws are around to criticize and offer wisdom, and the parents are juggling a whole lot of important things like parenting, marriage, career, and culture.

Yep, just what you’d expect from a family sitcom–and so much more.

It’s sweet and funny, for sure, but for me (as a white person) I really love how this show gives me another perspective on our world, from politics and history to business and family life.

Watch on Hulu.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Bob’s Burgers

Like cartoons made for grown-ups?

A quirky family and dry humor?

May I offer you Bob’s Burgers?!

Sometimes I need a palate cleanser after watching something more serious, and for me (and my husband), that’s where the very funny Bob’s Burgers comes in.

Watch this animated series on Hulu.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Kim’s Convenience

This is currently my treadmill show, but I am planning to rewatch with my husband as soon as I finish it!

The Kims are a Korean-Canadian family who own and operate a neighborhood convenience store.

They have some issues, both individually and collectively, but they also love each other a lot.

I adore both the parents and the grown daughter and son, but the supporting characters are lot of fun, too.

Watch on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

One Day at a Time

No, not the old one! I’m talking about the reboot, truly inspired by the original but absolutely modern.

The show is about a Cuban-American family — single mom, son, daughter, and mother/grandmother played by the fabulous Rita Moreno — and it is so stinking good. It’s laugh-out-loud funny but don’t be fooled.

This show addresses so many real, hard issues in a sympathetic and authentic way that it’s impossible not to be moved.

Watch on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Schitt’s Creek

It might seem a little tone deaf to our current times to recommend a show about a spoiled rich, white family who loses everything and finds themselves facing poverty.

Or, is it exactly right for these times? I don’t know. What I know is that Schitt’s Creek was my husband’s idea and though it took me a few episodes, I’m now the one suggesting we watch it!

Like so many of these shows, it’s deeply funny and moving all at the same time.

And Eugene Levy!

For what it’s worth, the show has given us the best collection of GIFs of anything in recent years.

Watch on Netflix.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

The Goldbergs

Speaking of recent years, that’s not what this show is about.

The Goldbergs takes a look at a middle-class, suburban family growing up in the 80s.

It’s sweet, funny, and all the nostalgia a gal (and her husband) could want.

Watch on Hulu.

Comedies in the workplace

Better Off Ted

One of the first shows I rewatched by introducing it to my husband (and one of the shows I’ve watched, start to finish, most), this is a good one.

It’s a satirical look at a giant corporation, with the most sincere and loveable characters playing all the stereotypical roles you find in such a company.

Quirky, hilarious, and one of our favorites!

Watch on Hulu.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

In our current climate all TV shows about police are being reconsidered.

I think that’s a good thing, but I also hope that this one comes back whenever TV comes back.

It’s a goofy take on the police procedural, but it’s also a show with one of the diverse (and excellent) casts on TV right now.

Watch on Hulu.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Parks & Recreation

Ahhhh, my beloved Parks & Rec!

Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope!

This truly is one of my top favorite shows of all time, and I was beyond thrilled when my husband loved it, too.

The characters are co-workers (at a small Indiana town’s parks and recreation department) who become friends and, by the end, family.

It has some of the cringe humor we know from The Office, but it also has exponentially more heart.

I love you.

You should watch it.

Watch on Netflix.

Superstore

If you’ve ever worked retail or have a Jim-and-Pam-sized hole in your TV-loving heart, Superstore is the comedy series for you.

Set in a quasi-Walmart in Missouri, it somehow makes you fall in love with the most ridiculous characters ever.

Watch on Hulu.

Comedies to Watch / MomAdvice.com

Veep

If you can’t stomach real world actual politics right now, this outrageous satire might be more your speed.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the vice president, and hijinks ensue.

As so the expletives, so be prepared for incredibly creative (but possibly offensive) language.

Watch on Hulu.

What TV show have you loved watching with your husband?

Hilarious TV Shows to Watch from MomAdvice.com

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Hilarious TV Shows to Watch from MomAdvice.com

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