Amy Schumer and Ben Hanisch Have Officially Called It Quits

Amy Schumer and her boyfriend, Ben Hanisch, appeared to be as adorable as ever (we’re *still* swooning over his super sweet anniversary message, TBH), but as we well know, not everything in Hollywood is quite as it seems. In fact, fans will be disappointed (if not totally shocked) to hear that the pair apparently wasn’t all that happy, as they’ve just officially called it quits.

Together for a year and a half after meeting on a dating app in November of 2015, the two made their relationship public when they visited the White House the following January, with the 35-year-old actress calling the Chicago-based furniture designer her “man.”

For a while, all seemed swimmingly, with Schumer even admitting to Marie Claire, “[He] is the first guy who’s really been my boyfriend.” Thirty-year-old Hamish seemed to feel the same, saying, “A year ago I met the love of my life… I knew I wanted to spend my life with her.”

While we’re still not clear on what exactly went wrong for the couple that seemed so meant to be, a rep for Schumer told People, “Amy and Ben have ended their relationship after thoughtful consideration and remain friends.”

Totally mature. Totally understandable. Still totally sad.

Are you surprised that Amy Schumer and Ben Hanisch have broken up? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t People; Photo via Gareth Cattermole/Getty)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship has captivated us throughout the years. Their story has love, family, loss, and of course, royalty. But how did the Duke and Duchess of Sussex come to be the powerful, independent couple they are today? Here's everything we know about the pair's relationship timeline, starting from the first time they met!

Mike Coppola / Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala

July 2016: Meghan and Harry meet

After initially meeting on Instagram (a classic plot point for 21st century relationships), Meghan and Harry met for a first date in London.

“I was scrolling through my feed and someone who was a friend had this video of the two of them [and Meghan], it was like a Snapchat,” Harry said of is digital introduction to Meghan in the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries. He remembers asking himself, "Who is that?"

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

November 2016: Meghan and Harry reveal they are officially dating

It was an official statement from Kensington Palace that confirmed Meghan and Harry's relationship.

At the time, Meghan faced mass amounts of sexist and racist backlash through the media for her association with the royal family. Kensington Palace denounced the hate in a statement:

“Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and Web article comments,” the statement read. “Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriends; the bombardment of nearly every friend, coworker, and loved one in her life.”

Despite the hate, Meghan and Harry persevered as a couple.

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

September 2017: Meghan shines a light on her relationship with Harry

Meghan revealed even more information about her connection with Harry in a Vanity Faircover story in September 2017.

“We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she told Vanity Fair. “I’m sure there will be a time when we have to come forward and present ourselves, and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

November 2017: Meghan and Harry are engaged

Meghan officially moved to London in the fall of 2017 and the couple announced their engagement not long after.

Harry proposed to Meghan at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace with a ring made from two of Princess Diana's diamonds, and she said "yes" on the spot!

An official statement from the palace detailed their engagement further:

“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,” it read. “His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.”

Meghan recalled the moment Harry proposed on the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries:

“He’s down on one knee and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was so joyful and excited. I was like, ‘Ah we’re doing this."

Ben Birchall / Getty Images

May 2018: Meghan and Harry’s wedding

Meghan and Harry got married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They admitted a few years later that they had actually exchanged vows three days before they walked down the aisle, for the sake of privacy.

“No one knows that,” Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. “We called the archbishop and just said, look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us, so the vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the archbishop of Canterbury.”

Millions of people tuned in for their televised wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018.

October 2018: Meghan announced her first pregnancy

On October 15, 2018, Kensington Palace released a statement informing the public that Meghan and Harry were expecting their first child the following spring.

The news broke while Meghan and Harry were on a 16-day royal tour through Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The pair returned home and settled in at Windsor Castle's Frogmore Cottage to start prepping for the baby.

Dominic Lipinski / Getty Images

May 2019: Meghan and Harry welcome their first child

The couple welcomed their first son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019."We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz," an Instagram post from @sussexroyal read. "The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives."

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

January 2020: The couple steps back from their roles in the royal family

After "many months" of deliberation, Meghan and Harry had decided to "transition" from the royal family in early 2020.

In an official statement, they shared their plans to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family, become financially independent from Her Majesty, and split time between the United States and United Kingdom.

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity," the statement read. "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties."

They moved to the U.S. a couple months later, staying in Montecito, California until they bought a home in Santa Barbara in the summer of 2020.

November 2020: Meghan announced she had a miscarriage with her second child

Meghan admitted she experienced a miscarriage with her second pregnancy, writing in a vulnerable New York Times op-ed essay that the loss of her second pregnancy with Prince Harry felt like “an almost unbearable grief.”

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” Meghan wrote. “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”

March 2021: Interview with Oprah

The couple sat down for a very candidinterview with Oprah in March 2021, coming clean on multiple topics that had arose since living in the public eye. From Meghan’s mental health to the dynamic of the royal family – including the racism Meghan had experienced since becoming a member – they spoke honestly.

Yui Mok / Getty Images

June 2021: Meghan and Harry welcome their daughter, Lilibet

The pair publicly announced their second pregnancy in February 2021, welcoming their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor, a few months later.

Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021 in Santa Barbara, California.

Kirsty O'Connor / Getty Images

June 2022: Meghan and Harry attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Meghan and Harry headed to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking their first joint appearance in the U.K. in over two years at that point.

The two weren’t publicly mingling with other senior royalty in attendance, though they reportedly introduced Lilibet to the Queen in private during their trip.

"They aren't part of the [working] royal family anymore, and that's a decision they have taken — but maybe [the public] hasn't quite accepted that yet," a source close to the couple told Peoplein 2022. "Yes, they were low-key. They paid their respects and went home."

September 2022: Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

Meghan and Harry were called to Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96.

They briefly reunited with Kate Middleton and Prince William to support the royal family amid the news. According to Kensington Palace, the rare meeting was actually William's idea, with a source noting that it "was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."

Sascha Schuermann / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

December 2022: The Harry & Meghan docuseries drops

The first volume Meghan & Harry Netflix docuseries hit screens on December 8, 2022. The pair addressed their full love story, their new family, and dived deeper on their reasons for distancing from the royal family in the three-part series.

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

March 2023: Meghan and Harry were told to leave their royal residence in the U.K.

Meghan and Harry were asked to “vacate” Frogmore Cottage in the spring of 2023.

"We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson for the couple's Archewell Foundation told People.

Andrew Chin / Getty Images

January 2024: The truth comes to light about Queen Elizabeth’s blessing for Meghan and Harry’s daughter’s name

An inside source disputed the claim that the late Queen Elizabeth had not given Meghan and Harry her blessing to name their daughter after her known nickname, Lilibet.

“Meghan and Harry 100 percent got permission from the queen to use the name Lilibet,” the insider said. “The report is not true. [Harry and Meghan] don’t know where this is coming from...They’re shocked that this is coming now; it seems out of nowhere and out of left field. They just feel like it’s more of the same spear campaign that continues against them.”

Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

March 2024: Meghan and Harry were in Austin, Texas for SXSW

Meghan was slated to speak on a South by Southwest panel for International Women’s Day 2024, so she and Harry traveled to Austin, Texas.

While they were in Austin, the couple had a date night at Soho House Austin.

“They were happy and in great spirits,” an eyewitness told People. “Harry was very animated throughout the dinner. They were super low key and seemed happy to be around the upbeat vibes at the lively venue.”

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on your favorite couples!

Lead photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation.

Taylor Swift loves to reference the past in her songs. Every new album adds another layer to a whole web of lore (as the kids say), and The Tortured Poets Department is no different! There are enough pop culture references to to keep you glued to Google for the whole weekend, which is why I read every single lyric to decode each movie and literary reference so you don't have to! Keep reading for the full scoop from our fearless leader: The Chairman of the Department ;).

Literary References In The Tortured Poets Department

Image via engin akyurt/Unsplash

Down Bad — "Did You Take All My Old Clothes, Just To Leave Me Here, Naked And Alone"

While "Down Bad" feels like a reference to aliens, it's also reminding us of the story of Adam and Eve, who were left naked in the Garden of Eden after eating the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The "experiments" Taylor Swift references in the first verse (plus the "Fortnight" music video) are also giving Mary Shelley/Frankenstein!

Image via Amazon

So Long, London — "You Left Me At The House By The Heath"

Hampstead Heath is a beautiful area of London that reportedly inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia in the late 30s and early 40s. As Narnia's self-proclaimed biggest fan, I'm totally claiming this indirect literary reference, especially since the Pevensies have to stay at the Professor's house when they're evacuated from London.

Image via Amazon

I Hate It Here — "I Hate It Here So I Will Go To Secret Gardens In My Mind People Need A Key To Get To"

This Taylor Swift song is all about wishing she was somewhere else during an early period of her life, and referencing The Secret Garden makes total sense. In the book, lead character Mary has to access the Secret Garden to discover the hope, joy, and healing she's lost.

Image via İlknur ERDURAN/Pexels

thanK you aIMee — "I Pushed Each Boulder Up The Hill"

This seems to be another Greek mythology reference, this time to Sisyphus. He was forced by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill — and then do it again when it rolled back down. Considering this song seems to reference Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and the drama that led to Reputation, it feels like a reference to the feud that rears its head over and over again.

Image via Robin Erino/Pexels

Cassandra — "So They Killed Cassandra First Cause She Feared The Worst And Tried To Tell The Town"

In Greek mythology, Cassandra (whose name means "she who entangles men," FYI) was a beautiful woman, and princess of Troy. The god Apollo falls in love with her, and gives her the power of prophecy — that is, until she rejects him and he turns the gift into a curse where no one believes her anymore.

Image via Amazon

The Bolter — "She Fell Through The Ice, Then Came Out Alive"

This is another indirect literary reference I'm claiming that totally reminds me of Amy March from Little Women. Amy falls through the ice when the March sisters are all children living in Massachusetts. Fans have historically hated her character, which is tied to the "A curious child, ever reviled // By everyone except her own father" lyric.

Movie References In Taylor Swift's New Album

Image courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys — "I Felt More When We Played Pretend Than With All The Kens"

The internet has claimed Taylor Swift as the real-world version of Barbie, and after last year's blockbuster hit (and Taylor referencing Ken in "Hits Different") we get another nod to our favorite doll. Plus, this song reminds me of Syd from Toy Story destroying his toys, and "he was my best friend down at the sandlot" got me thinking about The Sandlot. So many movie references, so little time!

Image via Michele K Short/Sony

Guilty As Sin? — "How Can I Be Guilty As Sin?"

Taylor Swift wrote "Carolina" for the book-to-movie adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing. In "Carolina," she sings that Kya's community has "said that I was guilty as sin and sleep in a liar’s bed.”

More Pop Culture References

Image via Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

  • The Tortured Poets Department — Taylor Swift mentions poet & writer Dylan Thomas, singer-songwriter & poet Patti Smith, and American singer Charlie Puth, boygenius singer Lucy Dacus, producer Jack Antonoff.
  • But Daddy I Love Him — This is a line in both The Little Mermaid and The Notebook.
  • Florida!!! — Florence Welch is featured on this song, which mentions a hurricane. Florence + The Machine has a song titled "Hurricane Love."
  • Guilty As Sin? — Taylor also references "The Downtown Lights" by The Blue Nile, as well as the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus in The Bible.
  • Who's Afraid Of Little Old MeWho's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf revolves around a bitter and aging couple who weaponize the youth of their guests against one another.
  • loml — "The coward claimed he was a lion" is a reference to The Wizard of Oz, while "Mr. Steal Your Girl" is a Trey Songz track.
  • I Can Do It With A Broken Heart — This whole song is about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
  • The Alchemy + The Prophecy — In Taylor Swift's TIME interview, she references Harry Potter, which has huge themes around alchemy and prophecies.
  • Clara Bow — This song references Clara Bow, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor herself!
  • So High School — Taylor Swift Mentions video game Grand Theft Auto, Artistotle, and American Pie. She also mentions games like Kiss Marry Kill, Truth or Dare, and Spin the Bottle

Which of these pop culture references in The Tortured Poets Department is your favorite? Check out the latest news on the album here!

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Women like Kristin Cavallariare giving a middle finger to outdated rules like who's allowed to have an age gap relationship or not, and it's refreshing to see. As much as we remember her for her time on The Hills, she's branched out as an author, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari. Speaking of her podcast, Kristin Cavallari doesn't hold back in her latest episode, diving into all the tea surrounding her new boyfriend.

At first listen, her giddy tone is evident and immediately draws you in for the 45 minutes she gushes about the key details that led her to a new relationship. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the most important things she covered!

How did Kristin Cavallari meet her new boyfriend?

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

We're truly living in a digital age because TikTok is the reason Kristin Cavallari was introduced to her new boyfriend Mark Estes. She told her best friend Justin Anderson that she was scrolling down her timeline when she came across what she called a "boy group" called The Montana Boyz and they both agreed one of them specifically is her type. She said, "He's gorgeous. Like, everything about him is perfect. But, he's also outdoorsy and manly."

Three weeks later, she got a DM from The Montana Boyz that said "I love you" and she immediately let them know she wanted to have them on her podcast. Although the podcast didn't happen, Kristin Cavallari appeared in one of their TikTok videos. Once Kristin Cavallari learned from her assistant that they were planning to move to Nashville, she arranged for a line dancing meet-up with The Montana Boyz and her staff. After they met, Kristin decided to call the guy who would become her boyfriend "Montana." (Cavallari uses Montana as a stand in for her boyfriend's real name during the podcast recording as she never names anyone explicitly on her show.)

Kristin Cavallari hard launched her new relationship with boyfriend Mark Estes on Instagram in February, and the rest is history!

How does she feel about their age gap?

Image via Presley Ann/Getty Images for MTV

Kristin Cavallari didn't know how young The Montana Boyz were, but she wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with "Montana" at first. She did admit she had a brief issue with their age gap, but decided that "Montana" being 24 while she's 37 doesn't really bother her. Justin pointed out that she actually used to say she wouldn't date guys who were only 30 because she thought they were too young. However, she's more interested in who "Montana" is as a person and notes that life experiences and how you were raised is more indicative of one's maturity level than age alone.

Do Kristin Cavallari's kids like her new boyfriend?

Image via Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari said her boys were so excited to meet "Montana" for the first time and she feels like they really want her to be happy. "I've been really good about separating my dating life from their [life]," she said. Her oldest son especially approves of "Montana" and it's shocking to Kristin because he's usually the toughest judge of whoever she's dating.

How has her career prepared her for public opinions about her relationship?

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Kristin Cavallari is at a point where doesn't really care what anyone thinks about her new boyfriend. She's lived life in the public eye and is comfortable enough with herself to make decisions that make her happy. Kristin said, "...when this news came out, it's the first time in my entire life I 100% haven't given a sh-t what anyone thinks... My own mother is noticing a difference in me."

Did she mention anything about her divorce from Jay Cutler?

Image via Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler were married for seven years before announcing their divorce in 2020. She didn't go into detail about it during the podcast episode, but she did talk about the magnitude of her relationship with her new boyfriend. "It's the first time I've gone public since my divorce," she said.

Everyone will always have opinions about a relationship they're not in, but all that matters is Kristin and Mark's happiness.

Where did Kristin Cavallari and her new boyfriend recently go during their date night?

Image via Kristin Cavallari/Instagram

Kristin Cavallari and her new boyfriend Mark Estes were spotted enjoying a fun date night over the weekend. Page Six notes they were seen exiting SUGARFISH — a sushi restaurant — in Beverly Hills. The *hot* couple was sporting ear-to-ear smiles and were holding hands as they strolled down the sidewalk. Mark Estes wore a more casual look while Kristin Cavallari rocked a slightly oversized cardigan, white tank top, and sleek leather pants.

TMZ also shared a clip of the happy couple that confirms who we think Mark Estes reminds us of too — the late actor Heath Ledger. It's the chiseled jawline for us.

How did Mark Estes feel about his first date with Kristin Cavallari?

Image via Mark Estes/Instagram

Don't let his good looks and magnetic energy on TikTok fool you because Mark Estes was a bundle of nerves during his first date with Kristin Cavallari. He made the cute admission to Page Sixand even shared why Krisin Cavallari made him so nervous. He said, "Obviously she’s gorgeous. She’s an amazing person as well, and a great mother. So, yeah, pretty much [the] full package."

How is Mark Estes adjusting to being in the public eye with Kristin Cavallari?

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Montana Boyz's Mark Estes Says He's a "TRUE ROMANTIC" With Girlfriend Kristin Cavallari | E! News

Mark Estes may be in the spotlight because he's dating Kristin Cavallari, but that doesn't mean he's super enthusiastic about it. E! News caught up with him at the CMT Awards and he said, "It comes with the territory, I guess...It is what it is." One thing his friend Kade Wilcox — another one of The Montana Boyz — mentioned is that Mark is quite the romanticist when it comes to Kristin Cavallari. He told the outlet, "He's pretty good at date nights."

How does Mark Estes really feel about his relationship with Kristin Cavallari?

Image via Kristin Cavallari/Instagram

Kristin Cavallari's boyfriend Mark Estes recently appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen where he opened up a little more about his relationship with Kristin Cavallari. Andy asked the question everyone is wondering: is this a real relationship?

Mark Estes nodded his head and said, "Yeah, it's as serious as serious gets."

What do you think about Kristin Cavallari's relationship with her new boyfriend Mark Estes?

This post has been updated.

Header image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Hearty dinner recipes are always going to be high on our list, but spring and summer tend to call for light lunch ideas to keep us energized and able to enjoy longer hours of sunshine everyday. I'll be the first to say that eating chicken pasta or pizza for lunch often makes me feel sluggish, so I try to stay away from them during the work day. Not only that, but I've noticed I feel better when I eat something that's a little fresher and healthier. If your summer plans include having as much energy as possible, here's 15 light lunch ideas to help you successfully get through your days!

Light Lunch Ideas: Tasty Salads

Chicken Tzatziki Avocado Salad

Light lunch ideas don't have to be tasteless just because they don't cause you to feel sleepy in the middle of the day. One of the best ways to enjoy something tasty is to make a Mediterranean dish. This chicken tzatziki avocado salad is full of season, roasted chicken, feta, kale, and creamy tahini sauce. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Farro

This recipe had us at goat cheese! If you haven't had a chance to try it yet, this roasted golden beet salad with farro is a great way to introduce it to your palate. It also features shallots, thyme, and honey to balance out the crunch you'll get from the almonds! (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Cobb Salad

Add this chicken cobb salad your list of non-complicated light lunch ideas! It's full of tasty ingredients like avocados, cherry tomatoes, and eggs that'll hit the spot during lunchtime. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry and Asparagus Salad with Chicken

Your salad needs an upgrade that involves lightweight fruit like strawberries. You can always exclude the chicken if you've been eating a meatless diet. (via Completely Delicious)

Feta Green Goddess Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

We're not sure who made this rule but pasta salad just seems to be one of the light lunch ideas that works extremely well for summer. This recipe features a homemade green goddess dressing that lightly covers the delicious ingredients, making it one of our favorite meals. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Smashed Potato Spring Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

We love that this smashed potato spring salad can be eaten during summer. The Creamy lemon dressing complements the butter lettuce, asparagus, and green onions that you'll happily devour. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Simple Cold Pasta Salad

Simple light lunch ideas are the stuff that our summer dreams are made of. After all, meals like this cold pasta salad are great alternatives if you're truly looking for something quick and lightweight. (via Barley and Sage)

Summer Sesame Noodles

Is it a salad or noodle dish? Maybe it's both! One thing we know is that you'll get a ton of healthy vegetables and noodles drizzled in a sauce that has sesame paste, vinegar, and more! (via Gastro Plant)

Light Lunch Ideas: Creative Sandwiches, Tacos, and Wraps 

Breakfast Bagel Sandwich with Smoked Salmon

Skipped breakfast? It happens to the best of us! Make up for it during lunch with this breakfast bagel sandwich with smoked salmon. Our mouths are already craving the herbed cream cheese that's on it. (via Vikalinka)

Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Spicy Mayo

Craving a smoked turkey sandwich that has a kick to it? Make this dish for lunch, but don't forget to bring something soothing to drink that'll help counter the mayo's spiciness! (via The Original Dish)

Tasty Tacos

Tacos Rancheros

This is technically another breakfast meal, but we like to think that some meals can double as light lunch ideas! This is a great option if you have to eat lunch early. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Kale Chicken Caesar Wraps

You've never had chicken caesar like this before. The dressing doesn't have a ton of calories so you'll get to eat something that's healthy and yummy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Light Lunch Ideas: Veggies

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

Our mouths are watering looking at this garlic parmesan zucchini dish! The fresh garlic and parmesan make for a dish that's full of hearty flavors without making you feel sluggish. (via The Endless Meal)

Mediterranean Sweet Potatoes

Although these aren't considered sweet potato boats, you can think of them that way thanks to their shape. The spicy chickpeas in the center offset the sweetness of the sweet potatoes while the feta adds a lightweight flavor. (via Cozy Cravings)

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

This roasted vegetable quinoa bowl is one of the best light lunch ideas we've come across and it's gluten-free! Not only does it feature sweet potatoes, but you'll also get to savor juicy yellow squash! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Follow us on Pinterest for more light lunch ideas to cook this summer!

Lead image via Vanilla and Bean

Figuring out how to buy gifts for new moms that they actually like — and need — can feel hard. Should you go with the generic postpartum gifts or knock it out the park with something extravagant? These are extremely valid questions that will have different answers based on who you ask. But, the main person you should keep in mind is the mom you want to surprise. After all, entering motherhood for the first time can bring on a lot of emotions — just ask Ylleya Fields, mother of 6 and author of children’s book series, Princess Cupcake Jones.

"The first couple of years [of motherhood] are not your own, especially when you have multiple children," Ylleya said. She also mentioned that postpartum depression is such a real thing that's not always fully understood until someone experiences it. Even if new moms don't experience it, she said, "Anyone can feel inadequate or have moments of sadness while going through it." It's something she felt with every child, but Ylleya and I both agree that these moments are temporary.

That being said, she believes it's important for moms to receive gifts that will help them with their babies and self-care. Whether you're gifting a food delivery subscription or making sure baby can safely practice independent play, here are top 37 essential gifts for new moms!

Gifts For New Expecting Moms

Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Set

Take it from a toddler mom — being gifted a skincare set is top tier. Sure things are shifting and stretching over a long period of time, so having items that prioritize a pregnant mom's skin is necessary.

Urban Skin Rx Super C Body Bright Oil

I can't speak for other moms, but I started developing body acne and more visible stretch marks when I was pregnant. I would've loved to use a body oil that's meant rejuvenate and refresh my skin. It also targets discoloration and premature aging of the skin, making it one of the perfect gifts for expecting moms.

ESARORA Ice Roller

Sometimes a puffy face during pregnancy is inevitable. It can be a little jarring for an expecting mom who's not used to it, so I recommend using an ice roller to help with any puffiness she may experience.

Earth Mama A Little Something for Mama-to-Be Gift Set

As much as it's important to make sure you growing baby is nourished and taken care of, mams deserve to pamper themselves too. Let this gift set serve as a little pick-me-up on the days where she feels drained by pregnancy.

Boppy Multi-Use Total Body Pillow with Removable Pillow Cover

"I used a Baby Bjorn pregnancy pillow during my pregnancies and feel like this is hands-down one of the most important gifts to give," Ylleya said.

Michael Kors Extra-Large Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag

Although it's tempting to make sure a new mom has all the essentials she'll need in her hospital bag, don't forget to give her a 'just because' gift. Help her become comfortable with carrying tote bags by surprising her with Michael Kors' reversible design.

Lila Maternity Labor & Postpartum Gown in Sage

Gifts for expecting moms can be cute too! Although it may not matter to everyone, some moms would prefer to get out of their hospital gown after giving birth. This postpartum gown will be a real treat as mom recuperates from birthing her little one.

Postpartum Gifts For New Moms

Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit

There are many recovery kits that moms should be gifted after giving birth, but I truly love that Frida mom has a c-section recovery kit. Not every mom experiences a vaginal birth, so this gift is a nice gesture to remind c-section mamas that their care is equally important.

Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Underwear

Recovering from giving birth can get messy whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. One of the things that helped me tremendously during postpartum was investing in comfortable underwear things healed down there.

Ingrid & Isabel Post Birth Gel Pack

In addition to having postpartum underwear, moms who have recently given birth need something to help heal their perineal area. The unfortunate fact about vaginal births is that sometimes moms can experience perineal tearing so having something that helps soothe and heal that area makes a world of difference. Luckily Ingrid & Isabel offers a Post Birth Gel Pack that can help provide relief down there!

Lansinoh Postpartum Essentials Recovery Bundle

Go the extra mile and make sure the new mom in your life has access to as many healing postpartum products as possible! With Lansinoh's Postpartum Essentials Recovery Bundle, moms will have access to an upside down perineal bottle to help clean her tender areas during bathroom breaks, an herbal postpartum spray that soothes any aches she may be feeling down there, and two cooling packs for her to place in her postpartum underwear!

Nurtured 9 The Peaceful Postpartum Gift Set

Help the postpartum mom in your life ease into her new normal with this thoughtful gift set. She'll appreciate drinking tea that helps soothes her uterine cramps while wearing soft slippers.

What's included:

  • Earth Mama Organic Periodic Tea
  • Blush Pink Slippers
  • Agni Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for Postpartum
  • Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
  • Nurtured 9 "Moment For Mama" Apothecary Matches

Nurtured 9 The Soothing Recovery Postpartum Gift Box

If you're truly in the giving mood, surprise a new mom with this soothing recovery postpartum gift box.

What's included:

  • Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Pajama Set
  • Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
  • Mother Mother Organic Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath
  • The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother

Untie The Bow Gifts Fall New Baby Gift Box

This cute little gift box is a congratulatory set that includes items for baby and mom.

Everyday Medical Store Post Surgery Abdominal Binder

Ylleya said, "After carrying a baby for 10 months, the diastasis recti muscles aren't going to be the same. Having a belt that helps those muscles contract — especially if a new mom isn't breastfeeding [for whatever reason] — is something that's needed."

Willow 360 Wearable Breast Pump

If you know a new mom who interested in breastfeeding her newborn, take the pressure off her shoulders by giving her a hands-free breast pump system. It can be isolating to use one that has a bunch of wires, so be sure to add this to the top of your 'gifts for moms' list.

Skims Maternity Nursing Sculpting Bra

Don't forget to give the new mom in your life a nursing bra to go with her hands-free breast pump!

Ode To Us Wellness French Terry Breastfeeding & Pumping Hoodie

This breastfeeding and pumping hoodie is for all my cozy girls who love when fashion is combined with functionality. One of the best features are the dual zippers that'll make your nursing or pumping sessions super easy. If that's not enough to convince you, it also helps keep your temperature regulated.

The Poppy Brand Crossbody Diaper Bag — Classic Black

Carrying a huge diaper bag can be overwhelming for some moms, plus there's a chance she can get flustered when looking for her keys or wallet! Eliminate her stress by gifting her this compact and stylish crossbody diaper bag by The Poppy Brand. It has two zippered sections — one for her baby's essentials and one for anything she needs — to help her find what she needs when she's looking for it.

It has features an elastic opening to store baby wipes and has a matching changing pad that can easily be folded to put back in the bag when she's not using it. Trust me, she'll love this gift!

The Essentials Gift Set

Made with no synthetic scents and organic ingredients, these bathing essentials are clean and refreshing for baby and their mamas. Enjoy the soothing scents of lavender and rosemary for a relaxing bath experience.

Aura Cacia Shower Tablets - Refreshing Peppermint

Chances are that a new mom won't be able to get to a spa, so bring it to her with these refreshing peppermint shower tablets.

Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence

Gifts for expecting moms should include something that's going to provide optimal hydrating for their skin. As their hormone levels balance out, they can experience dry and sensitive skin from head to toe. However, Farmacy's Honey Milk Hydrating Essence works to rebuild the skin's moisture balance with the aid of white honey, chamomile, and vitamin B5!

NUDESTIX Peptide Body Creme

This Peptide Body Creme is packed fulled of great ingredients like coconut oil and 3% AHA Complex to help repair a new moms skin while also moisturizing it. t's one of the most nourishing skincare gifts for expecting moms that just makes sense.

Food-Related Gifts For Expecting Moms

Hello Fresh Subscription

This is self-explanatory, but the last thing a new mom will be thinking about is buying ingredients to cook a full-course meal. Gift her with a Hello Fresh subscription so figuring out what to cook doesn't feel like another chore.

Stanley Cup The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Whether she's breastfeeding or not, a new mom is going to be thirsty. Luckily, Stanley Cup has a 64 0z. tumbler that'll quench her thirst and then some.

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup

And if she wasn't a big coffee drinker before, she'll likely need as much energy as she can get via coffee. Trust me — you can't go wrong with Keurig's single-serve coffee maker.

Dunkin' French Vanilla Flavored Medium Roast Coffee Keurig K-Cup Pods

Just don't forget to include a box of Keurig K-Cup Pods when you surprise her with a new coffee maker!

Gifts For New Moms & Babies

Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier

If your new mom wants to do light housework without worrying about keeping an eye on her baby, she absolutely needs a baby carrier. "Baby carriers make things a little easier," said Ylleya.

Nature Friends Baby Activity Chair

Activity chairs are so adorable and will entertain a newborn like no one's business. Help the new mom in your life out by bringing this with you during your next house visit.

Skip Hop x pbk Animal Friends Classic Activity Gym

If a new mom isn't really keen on the idea of an activity chair, gift her this activity gym instead. It's one of those gifts for moms that'll help them encourage tummy time.

Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Sack

Weighted sleep sacks are a dream according to some moms I've talked to. It helps keep the baby safely in place while promoting a peaceful rest.

MAM Matte Starter Set — Pacifiers & Baby Bottles (Set For Newborns)

Whether a mom plans to breastfeed or not, having bottles nearby can be a big help for her. One of the brands that worked for my son was MAM because they have an anti-colic design that reduces the chance of newborns developing colic. The nipples on the bottles also have an anti-slip feature that ensures baby's milk will stay in their mouth instead of spilling down their chins.

As a bonus, this gift set features three pacifiers for mom to keep handy in case she decides she wants to give one to her baby.

HONEST Diaper Cake - Pandas, Deluxe

I'm going to be candid — newborns go through a ton of diapers. This diaper cake by HONEST will be a blessing to a new mom for at least a month.

Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

Speaking of restful sleep, this dream machine is — wait for it — a dream for new moms. It helps baby get used to resting at night with soothing sounds that lull them to sleep.

Nanit Baby Monitor with Camera

Ylleya said, "I'm one of those moms who still has a baby monitor, especially for my younger kids. I like to see what's going on." To help ease any fears a new mom may have about letting their babies sleep in nurseries, bring this baby monitor with you if you plan on visiting after she's given birth.

Pottery Barn Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner

Recliners are essential for a new mom who will likely be up for late-night or early morning feedings. I spent countless hours in a rocking chair during the first few weeks after giving birth. It probably explains why my toddler prefers to be rocked to sleep now!

Peg Perego Ypsi Stroller

Gifts for expecting moms should benefit them as well as their little one like this Peg Perego stroller. It's designed to be easier to maneuver and collapse when not in use — two very important things that'll decrease a mom's stress! Also, the 360 degree wheels will help mom turn tight corners or simply walk through the grocery store without having to worry about the wheels locking while she's trying to pick up items.

While you're at it, be sure to gift her Peg Perego's compatible baseless infant carseat!

For the new moms who may be taking notes to share with their loved ones, Ylleya wants you to remember a few things. She said, "Don’t be hard on yourself if you're experiencing different emotions during postpartum. If you can, ask people to support you mentally or physically as you make the transition from being pregnant to caring for a child for the first time."

By far, one of my favorite things she said during our conversation is, "Being a parent is a learn-as-you-go process. Even with being a mom of 6, I'm still learning and that's okay. You just have to trust yourself and the process."

Which gifts for new moms are you thinking about adding to your holiday shopping budget? Let us know and sign up for our newsletter for more holiday gift guides!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Nurtured 9.