17 Office-Appropriate Holiday Dresses

Oh, the holidays. As stressful as they can be, nothing beats hot cocoa, tree decorating and ice skating with your besties. But what about when you have to schlep to the office and wear your boring work clothes? Nope, that’s not happening this year. We’ve discovered some pretty stellar holiday frocks that you can wear to the office AND to after-work cocktails. From sparkles to fancy lace details and metallic accents, we’ve got you covered on all fronts… and then some. Deck the halls (and your office wardrobe) with these 17 dresses.

1. Cold Shoulder Pencil Dress ($114): This sleek pencil skirt dress is perfect for boardroom meetings. Remove your blazer and you’re ready for after-work cocktails.

2. Zara Dress with Full Skirt ($80): Channel your inner Alexa Chung in this Peter Pan collar mini dress. The bold hue makes it the perfect holiday office dress, especially when paired with a cardigan and flats.

3. Duckegg Embellished Romper ($42): Like the dress above, this mini romper does require some extra layers. We suggest opting for black wool tights and black pumps for a funky party look.

4. Ada Velvet Burnout Dress ($228): Nothing beats luxe fabrics and rich hues during the holidays, and this velvet frock doesn’t disappoint. Throw on a cropped blazer for a polished finish.

5. Floral Applique Two-Piece Dress Set ($129): Technically this isn’t a dress, but this matching set is our ultimate idea of holiday office dressing. It’s cute, it’s simple and the added embellishments make it just the right amount of festive.

6. Joa Shake Down Fringe Dress ($110): Shimmy your way through all those boring meetings in this fab fringe frock. To tone it down for the office, layer it under a sleek blazer.

7. Dinner Party Hostess Dress ($60): Not only does this sparkly polka dot dress range from petites to plus-size, but the fit and flare style is flattering on every body type. Throw on a bold red coat for an extra jolly look.

8. Sunburst Crochet Bell-Sleeved Dress ($28): We promise, this bell-sleeved crochet dress will quickly become your go-to dress all year long. Wear it in the winter with tights and statement heels, and solo in the warmer months.

9. Sequined Velvet Dress ($180): We’re OBSESSED with Mango’s new plus-size line (seriously, we’ve bookmarked everything) and this sparkly LBD quickly caught our style eye. Wear it at the office AND get another wear in on NYE too.

10. Pim + Larkin Metallic Dress ($109): All that glitters really is gold. We love this dress with tights and black ankle boots for the office and a leather moto jacket for a night on the town.

11. Sequin Embroidered Dress ($70): This fitted, embellished LBD adds just the right amount of sparkle to get you through all those end-of-the-year meetings.

12. Ombre Dress with Belt ($80): If sparkle isn’t your thing, try going for a nice gradient shade instead. We love this mauve dress and silky pleats. Wear it with knee-high boots and a black luxe coat for a runway-inspired look.

13. Rhinestone + Sequins Dress ($50): Get ready to enchant the room in this dazzling sleeveless dress! The snow-white color and subtle beading leave room for some fun accessorizing, too.

14. High Neck Satin Swing Dress ($85): This simple, high-neck dress is classy enough to take you from work meetings to the office holiday party.

15. Printed Metallic Floral Shift Dress ($124): Pair this shiny floral mini dress with ankle-strap heels, a topknot and a bold lip for a girly holiday look.

16. Matte Satin Stripe Dress ($135): The midnight hue and classic stripes on this dress make it the perfect base for a holiday-ready office look. Add a bit of sparkle with a jeweled statement necklace and glitzy heels.

17. Adelyn Rae Metallic Dress ($89): A subtle metallic fit and flare dress is perfect for work and play. Add a colored blazer and knee-high boots for a fashionable touch.

Do you have an upcoming holiday office party? Which one of these dresses will you be rocking? Tell us in the comments!

When thinking about the holidays, a few things come to mind — decorating, gifts, family and indulgence. Sure, there is slow roasted poultry and ham, buckets of mac and cheese (or at least, we hope you have buckets of mac and cheese) and finally, holiday cookies. If you're guilty of under-appreciating these delicious and intricate delicacies, for that you owe the following 30 recipes an apology. Because here is the best list of holiday cookies ever. Bake them for your next holiday fete, wrap them as gifts, or just toss them in the cookie jar for yourself!

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. This vanilla-bean-speckled version sure holds its own under all that royal icing. (via Brit + Co)

Brown Sugar Maple Sugar Cookies

These chewy Brown Sugar Maple Ginger Cookies are a cross between a really great ginger cookie and a delicious chocolate chip cookie, made with dark brown sugar, rich molasses, ginger, and the real secret…chocolate chips! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Hot Chocolate Cookies

You're going to want a glass of milk with these gooey hot chocolate cookies, complete with big marshmallows and chunks of melted dark chocolate. (via Averie Cooks)

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie

These chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are loaded with flavor, and they're so easy to make. Betcha can't eat just one! (via Hello Little Home)

Cannoli Cookies

We say take the cannoli...these delicious bites are packed with Italian classic cannoli flavors with a soft, fluffy texture. Have for breakfast or dessert! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Pecan Sandies Cookies

Made with buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie dough, warm spices, and holiday-perfect pecans, these cookies make the best edible gifts! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

The secret to these dark chocolate shortbread cookies? Two words: Cacao nibs. They’re like brownies but make it shortbread! This recipe is vegetarian and easily vegan too! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chocolate Kiss Cookies

From the cookbook, Sally’s Cookie Addiction, these classic cookies are fun to make with kids and are the perfect holiday treat to leave for Santa! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pumpkin Pie Cookie

This flavorful pumpkin pie cookies recipe by Chahinez of Lifestyle of a Foodie is totally share-worthy and is sure to pump up the party with pumpkin pie goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Melting Moments Cookies

These buttery eggless treats have a soft and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, hence the name! (via Give Recipe)

Peppermint Sparkle Sugar Cookies

Make your sugar cookies sparkle with crushed peppermint and white sugar! Just one bowl needed! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Roll these lemony treats in powdered sugar before baking to get this delightful texture. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Think Santa is a Swiftie? We followed Taylor Swift’s chai cookie recipe and were starstruck by how painless they were to make! Read on as B+C editor Meredith Holser tackles the ultimate Swiftie cookie recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Hojicha Gingerbread Cookies

The hojicha (Japanese green tea) brings out a nutty flavor in these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies – the perfect canvases for holiday decorating! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Snowman Macarons With Eggnog Buttercream

How cute are these snowman macarons? Filled with eggnog buttercream and decorated with royal icing, they will be the star of your cookie party! (via Barley & Sage)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can never go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie, add a dash of cinnamon to make them extra seasonal and delicious! (via Cozy Cravings)

Linzer Cookies

Crisp, buttery almond-scented cookies with a sweet raspberry filling say holidays without saying a word. (via Culinary Hill)

Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Get all your holiday flavors in with this one cookie: peppermint, brownie and chocolate cookies. Say no more! (via Salt & Lavender)

Spritz Cookies

We might as well start with something healthy-ish and delicious (‘tis the season). With no egg and a whole wheat dough, these light and delicious lovelies just might shock you. (via Food Faith Fitness)

White Chocolate Covered Gingerbread Oreos

A great DIY hack. These tasty treats take no time at all and are great for a holiday party or to be wrapped up as little party favors. (via Pies and Plots)

Fennel and Rosemary Cookies

Every once in awhile a more savory dessert is what will hit the spot, and these will not disappoint. (via Local Milk)

Eggnog Cookies

If you don’t usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. (via Half Full)

Peppermint Macarons

Class it up with this fun twist on the French macaron, great for parties or just a lovely family dinner. (via Studio DIY)

Gingerbread Dreidles

We don’t usually associate dreidels with eating, but when we do, we do it with gingerbread batter. (via Could Be Parve)

Gluten-Free Rugelach With Cranberry Port Jam, Chocolate and Walnuts

The perfect way to keep rugelach relevant for all the holidays (via The Bojon Gourmet)

Italian Anisette Cookies

Usually these cookies have a strong licorice flavor, but this adaptations makes them a bit sweeter and lighter with vanilla and lemon. (via Cooking and Beer)

Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Otherwise known as “Rudolphs,” these chocolaty treats have it all — color, holiday flavor and chocolate. What more could you want? (via Eat in Eat Out)

Christmas Sugar Cookies

You can’t have a holiday cookie list without a sugar cookie, and these are some of the most beautiful we’ve seen. Get creative and have fun. (via Pastry Affair)

Shortbread Surprise

Talk about a surprise in the middle. These flaky cookies have an entire Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Sub in a Rolo if you want more of a caramel flavor. (via Baked in Arizona)

Cookie Christmas Trees

Take cookies and turn them into festive trees for the holidays — adorable, delicious, and super fun. (via Brit + Co)

Get more holiday recipe ideas on our Food page and be sure to sign up for our weekend scroll for more inspiration!

Lead image via Vanilla and Bean

The Lion King is one of the most beloved Disney movies — like, of all time — which means that its fans are VERY protective of it. Everyone was a little apprehensive about the live-action remake, but whether you loved it or hated it, one thing's for sure: the cast knocked it out of the park. Mufasa: The Lion King brings back all your favorites (including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, and James Earl Jones, no biggie) but we'll also see (er, hear) Beyoncé's daughterBlue Ivy Carter! Here's everything we know about the new Disney movie.

What will Mufasa: The Lion King be about?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

I don't know a single '90s kid who doesn't LOVE the character of Mufasa, and Mufasa: The Lion King is all about the future king's coming-of-age story. Rafiki tells Kiara (Simba and Nala's daughter) the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub — and how everything changes when he meets Taka, the heir to the royal bloodline.

When is Mufasa: The Lion King coming out?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theaters December 20, 2024. I don't know about you, but the holidays are ALWAYS a good time for a Disney movie. I will be seated.

Is Beyoncé in Mufasa: The Lion King?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Yes, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter returns to Mufasa: The Lion King as Nala, as well as Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, and we'll also see Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara!! I'm super excited that Blue Ivy is in this new Disney movie because it makes it even more of a family affair. Any movie that includes an IRL parent and child in the cast automatically pulls at my heartstrings!

Mufasa also stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother Eshe, Lennie James as Taka’s father Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother Afia, and Keith David as Mufasa’s father Masego.

Why does Scar hate Mufasa so much?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Scar is Mufasa's little brother, and throughout their lives, Scar's secretly desired to overthrow Mufasa and take the throne for himself. His hatred for Mufasa and his family is intensified when Simba is born, making Simba next in line for the throne instead of Scar himself.

The story takes heavy inspiration from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, as well as some inspo from the stories of Moses and Joseph in the Bible.

How many Oscars did Lion King win?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

The original Lion King won two Oscars in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, and its music also ~scored~ some Golden Globes, Grammys, and American Music Awards.

Mufasa: The Lion King is just one of the new Disney movies coming our way. Let us know which one you're most excited for in the comments and check out our TikTok for more pop culture news!

Lead image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

We love our holiday staples but sometimes we like to mix it up with someone new, whether it's a new appetizer to try (love this baked brie recipe), a new side dish, or even a new dessert or holiday cocktail. Conversations around the holiday table can't help but center on the food, and when you can drop a celeb name to the dish the conversation takes a juicy turn. This year, our holiday dinner goes to Hollywood for celebrity takes on holiday desserts, dishes and drinks. Make them now and well into winter. Who knows, they may become your family favorites too. Now scene!

SOMETHING SWEET

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Taylor Swift adapted this cookie recipe from Joy the Baker and our editor Meredith Holser gave them a go in her kitchen. She was starstruck by how easy they were to make!

Dolly Parton's Walnut Pie

  • 1 fold-out pie crust (thawed)
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • whipped cream
Directions:
  1. Preheat over to 400 degrees. Roll out the crust and line a 9-inch pie plate with it.
  2. Beat eggs in a large bowl with hand mixer. Gradually add the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Continue mixing until combined. Add the melted butter and beat until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell. Add the walnuts, spreading them evenly within the mixture. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake 45 minutes more. Place a collar of foil around the edge of the crust after 30 minutes.
  5. Serve with a Dolly-up of whipped cream.

Kristen Bell's Everything Cookies

For your next cookie party serve up the Bell's favorite Everything Cookie (oats, butterscotch and chocolate, oh my!). Get points for gluten-free too! (from Today)

Carly Pearce's Pumpkin Pie

The country music singer, based in Nashville, shared her mom's pumpkin pie recipe with us and we are all over it.

Dough:

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling:

  • 2 cups of unsweetened pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves (we like to add an extra pinch!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Instructions:
  1. For the dough, mix together flour, sugar and salt evenly in a bowl
  2. Lightly beat in butter and egg
  3. Cover the dough in plastic and let chill in refrigerator for 2 hours
  4. Once chilled, sprinkle flour on a flat surface and roll out dough, then roll dough onto pie pan. Leave about half an inch extra around the edge and fold underneath the edge of the crust.
  5. Pinch edges of pie with your fingers, then freeze the shell for 30 minutes.
  6. Add parchment paper over the pie shell and fill with pie weights (this can be dried beans or even sugar)
  7. To prep the dough for the filling, bake on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 375 degrees, or until pie shell is golden brown
  8. Take the crust out of the oven and remove the weights, then let the crust cool.
  9. Set oven temp to 350 degrees
  10. For the filling, mix the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, half-and-half, light brown sugar and spices and eggs into a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  11. Pour mix into pie crust, bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
  12. Remove from oven, let pie cool for 30 minutes

Sarah Michelle Gellar's Gingerbread Cookies

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum makes this adorable Gingerbread family at home with her two little ones. (from Us)

Chrissy Teigen's Sweet Potato Streusel Pie

Buttery pecan topping? Yes, please! Thanks to Cravings by Chrissy Tiegen for the recipe.

Amy Grant's Fudge Sauce

The 6-time Grammy Award winner shared with us her mom Gloria's recipe for fudge sauce. Dip cookies, add to ice cream or drizzle on pie:

  • 4-5 unsweetened chocolate squares
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 stick butter

In a double-boiler, melt Chocolate Squares and Sweetened Condensed Milk, then fill empty can with water. Add water, a little at a time, to the melted chocolate mixture. Allow it to cook down, and add more water and repeat. After about 20 minutes, remove from heat, add butter and beat until shiny.

Martha Stewart's Shortbread Cookie Wreaths

Slay your cookie party with these candied flowered cookies from the baking queen.

SOMETHING SAVORY

Whether you're heading out to a potluck or tasked with the whole meal (or a meal) these recipes will give you a head start on what to prepare. We've got breakfast, lunch and dinner served.

Blake Lively's Sausage And Brie Puff Pastry

Lively recreates one of her favorite personal recipes using locally sourced meats and ingredients with Elletra's Goodness. (via Vogue)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Roast Chicken with Lemon Pepper Rub

If you're over turkey and turkey leftovers, this flavorful roast chicken from the Modern Family star will mix up your holiday meal with lemon-y deliciousness.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Potato Apple Latkes with Smoked Salmon

We never met a fried potato we didn't like. This Hanukkah hit from GP makes a great holiday breakfast or side dish. (from Goop)

Joanna Gaines' Friendsgiving Casserole

This chicken casserole is the perfect one-pot meal to take to your holiday potluck or just whip up for a delicious winter meal for days. (from Magnolia)

Kylie Jenner's Famous Matzo Ball Soup

Warm up a winter holiday day with a bowl of matzo ball soup courtesy of the Kardashians star. She walks you through her recipe — the matzo balls can be made by following the instructions on the box.

SOMETHING SPIRITED

Get in the spirit of the holidays with hot and cold spirits! Enjoy a cocktail or two with the help of a few celeb friends and ring in the new year right. Cheers!

Jamie Chung's The Moet 75

A twist on one of our faves, the French 75, this official Golden Globes cocktail created by the The Misfits star has a kick of tequila. (from Haute Living)

Meghan Markle's The TIG Cozy Cocktail

The duchess calls this warm and cinnamon-y bourbon-based drink "the very best apres ski drink I can think of." Cue the roasting fire. (from The Mail)

Kourtney Kardashian's Pomegranate Champagne Punch

So easy and so tasty! Give this festive Champagne-based cocktail a swig to ring in the new year in style. (from In Style)

Cheers and happy holidays! Want more trending entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook for the best pop culture updates.

Lead image via Today.

Moms juggle a lot, and oftentimes, taking a single day to celebrate them isn't nearly enough. She's the caretaker, the advice giver, the shoulder to cry on, and the cheerleader behind everyone in her crew! You just can't not give mom (that also includes all the sisters, girlfriends, mentors, wives, stepmoms, and grand-moms in your life) a much-neededspecial something to show her that you love her and you get her.

Here are some Mother's Day gifts that are just as fun to give as they are to get, from self care must-haves and trending fashion pieces to stylish home goods that'll make Mother's Day uniquely special this year.

Old Navy Cool Moms Club Graphic T-Shirt

Mom already knows she's a cool mom, but with this cozy cotton graphic tee, she'll actually get to show it off!

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Sauté Pan

Not only is this pan aesthetically pleasing, it's practical, too! The durable nonstick coating makes cooking all kinds of foods a total breeze, plus it can even go in the oven up to temperatures of 500 degrees F.

Barzel 18K Gold Plated Woven Love Knot Stud Earrings

These classy stud earrings are worthy of everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to mom's accessory game in an instant. They are crafted to be waterproof and tarnish-proof. Score!

Bedsure Yellow Fleece Blanket

Mom's couch blanket def needs a nice upgrade. This affordable one is the perfect solution! It's made from a crazy-soft fleece material that delivers comfort year-round. Opt for a bright color like this yellow for the warmer months!

Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant

These exfoliating bars smell not-to-sweet, with hints of tonka bean and musk for a very well-rounded effect. Each one is loaded with superfine sanding crystals floating throughout a moisturizing, soothing soap base that'll make mom feel like sheer luxury and super smooth.

This set of two bars is $33.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

Bet you she's never felt hydration like this! The Laneige Water Bank Moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration for up to 100 hours thanks to the formulation of hyaluronic acid and squalene.

Custom Leather Jewelry Box with Name & Birth Flower Month

This convenient jewelry box is the gift for moms on the go. Its compact size makes it super travel-friendly, slipping into a backpack or purse with ease. There are spaces for everything from necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings, and mom can customize the layout to her liking since the dividers are removable!

Threshold Ceramic Signature Chip & Dip Serving Bowl

For the mom that always welcomes you home with snacks, this sleek chip and dip serving bowl will compliment her kitchen with a limited color palette and streamlined design, so you can both get some dip on your chips with ease!

Personalized Birthdate Pendant

Shoppable at 20% off for a limited-time Mother's Say sale, the Birthdate Pendant is totally customizable, as it's based on any birthday day and month. This sweet astrological homage to mom's birthday (or any other significant date) is laid into either a 14K gold plated or sterling silver pendant that she can flaunt every single day!

Great Jones Sweet & Savory Baking Mats

Let's hear it for zero waste! This 2-piece set of baking mats is the ultimate sustainable, reusable alternative to parchment paper. Made from silicone, the mats are 100% dishwasher-friendly, BPA-free, and food- and oven-safe... plus, they have cute little illustrations for maximum enjoyment in the kitchen.

Magnolia Bakery Mother's Day Flower Cupcakes

Magnolia Bakery is so tasty, so any mama with a sweet tooth will adore a treat-filled gift like this one! This 6-pack of sweets arrives fresh and ready to eat. A vanilla cupcake base is topped with hand-piped vanilla buttercream in the shape of a flower, so who really needs a real bouquet?!

Subtl Beauty Starter Stak

Time for a touch-up? This 5-in-1 portable makeup stack is the perfect size for slotting into a purse or glove box so mom can keep her freshest face on all day! It comes complete with a cream concealer, lip and cheek color, powder bronzer, powder highlighter, and a shine-control powder for those mid-day makeup breaks.

Hedley & Bennett Smock

Aprons and smocks are made to get dirty, but you might as well gift mom one that's cute, too! This flowery pick from Hedley & Bennett x Rifle Paper Co. features all sorts of blooms to match the tone of this year's armer months. It slides on with a comfy cross-back design that keeps slips conveniently at bay in between all of mom's fun cooking and baking projects!

Salt & Stone Antioxidant Body Wash

Self-care should feel like a total treat, and this body wash from Salt & Stone ensures a pleasurable experience with each use with notes of black rose and oud. The glass bottle and firm pump really elevates this gift from your run-of-the-mill body washes!

Anthropologie Bubble Letter Monogram Necklace

This playful necklace costs under $50, making it a wonderful (and nicely personalized) affordable Mother's Day gift. Gift mom her own initial, or even give her yours as a reminder of the amazing child you are.

SeaVees Acorn Trainer

Get mom into all things trendy with some cute sneakers! If the viral Adidas Sambas aren't supportive enough for her step, these cushiony-soft green kicks from SeaVees are equally trendy with a deep green colorway and heightened heel space for added comfort.

Frasier Sterling x Anthropologie Sunglass Case

Gifting mom this adorable case alongside a colorful pair of sunnies is the perfect way to help her kick off summertime. The fruity theme is too fun to ignore, she'll be carrying it with her everywhere she goes!

Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm

This "intensely nourishing" lip balm comes in 13 different shades that deposit a deliciously sheer sheen of color to the lips that looks stunning alone or on top of lipstick. And the best part? A tube is only $10.

Cabot Creamery Salty & Sweet Gift Box

Satisfy her cravings for both salty and sweet with this super snacky gift box filled with chocolates, salted maple crackers, raspberry jam, and a delicious mix of Cabot Creamery cheeses! With this gift, mom scores a cheese knife and a cutting board, too, for all future cheese board sharing.

Hello Adorn Tiny Links Necklace

This delicate necklace design can be representative of you and your mom's special bond, or it can simply serve as an adorable everyday piece for her collection! You can snag it either in sterling silver or a 14K gold fill material, so no mom's metal preference is left out.

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

For the mom who's always behind the camera (AKA all of us), this Polaroid camera delivers instant prints of her fave memories, places, and people. It'll give her a nice dose of nostalgia, too!

Nostalgia Eau De Parfum

The light white lily scent of this perfume is perfect for spring and summertime, but better yet, it'll make mom think of you every single time she spritzes it on.

Athleta Excursion Waistbag

This versatile everyday sling bag helps her keep her essentials in check with this convenient pockets, a comfy strap, and a cozy mesh material that ensures breathability in each and every wear.

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

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.

What did the ending of The Challengers mean?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.

Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.

Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.

Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.

Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.

Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.

We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.

What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.

Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios