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There’s no better feeling than running after the ice cream truck to get a sweet treat on a hot day. But how can you choose just one treat when there’s so many tantalizing options? Your birth month can point you in the right direction. All birth months have an ice cream truck treat aligned with their energy. Depending on when you were born, you might be impartial to a fruity popsicle, decadent chocolate treat, or classic ice cream novelty. No matter what you’re paired with, you can never go wrong ordering the ice cream truck treat meant for you, based on your birth month. Read on to find yours.

Your Ice Cream Truck Treat, Based on Your Birth Month

Check for the month you were born for pro insights.

January: Creamsicle 

People born in January look for a classic ice cream treat with a twist. Their Capricorn energy wants something traditional and noteworthy, but their Aquarius energy craves something unique. A creamsicle is the perfect compromise for what January’s looking for. Creamsicles have a notable reputation, since they’re beloved for their tangy sweetness and unique appeal. January can never go wrong with the creamsicle, because this treat represents their formidability and individuality. 

February: Snow Cone

February’s aligned with the underdog of ice cream truck treats—the snow cone. People born during this month share Aquarius’ quirkiness and Pisces’ whimsy, so they love a fun, flavorful treat. A snow cone represents February’s colorful yet polarizing personality. Like this birth month, a snow cone can be a bit messy but it's all in good fun. February doesn’t care what others have to say, because the snow cone reigns supreme in their eyes.

March: Two-Ball Screwball

Picking just one treat isn’t easy for March. Their whimsical Pisces energy and competitive Aries spirit wants to have the very best ice cream, so they’re aligned with the Two-Ball Screwball. No other ice cream truck treat is as exciting, because the Two-Ball Screwball is famous for its candy twist. March cannot go wrong with either a cherry or blue raspberry Two-Ball Screwball since they’re picking this treat for its surprise—the two hidden gumballs!

READ: Your Perfect Beach Read, Based on Birth Date

April: Ice Cream Sandwich

April looks for a classic ice cream truck treat. Their self-starter Aries spirit and loyal Taurus heart doesn’t need anything fancy, since they prefer something tried-and-true. No matter what else is on the menu, the ice cream sandwich remains the undisputed champion in April’s heart. Ice cream sandwiches have a nostalgic appeal that brings April back to simpler times. April will never be disappointed choosing the ice cream sandwich. 

May: Fudgesicle

Similar to April, those born in May are called to a trustworthy treat. May’s Gemini side might have explored, but their steadfast Taurus heart always brings them back to the fudgesicle. May doesn’t have to wonder if they’ll like the fudgesicle or if the fudgesicle will satisfy their ice cream cravings. This fudgy pop is renowned for being dependable and predictable, which keeps May coming back for more. 

June: Bomb Pop

If anyone’s going to make a statement at the ice cream truck, it’s June. Being co-ruled by mischievous Gemini and trendsetting Cancer means that June wants a standout treat. Their ice cream should be a conservation starter, so naturally, June feels called to the Bomb Pop. The mix of cherry, lime, and blue raspberry fits June’s multifaceted personality. Besides, June isn’t afraid to say that Bomb Pops are far superior to Firecracker Pops. 

July: King Cone

July’s ice cream truck treat should represent their star power. Those born during this month are self-assured due to being influenced by the luminary signs, Cancer and Leo. July’s confidence and radiance are best represented by the King Cone. As if the name isn’t telling enough, the King Cone aligns with July’s strong personality. July cannot help but feel like royalty every time they enjoy a King Cone.  

FUN: Which Golden Girls Character Are You, Based on Your Birth Month?

August: Push-Up Pop

August’s dilemma is that they want ice cream, but they don’t want to deal with a sticky mess given that they’re co-ruled by excitable Leo and neat Virgo. Luckily, they’ll find the perfect compromise with Push-Up pops. These yummy popsicles have smart, mess-free packaging designed to keep August’s hands free from icy drippings. August can enjoy their Push-Up pop without worrying about it melting all over the place.

September: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar

Everyone loves September because they’re a wonderful combination of attentive Virgo and caring Libra. Their ice cream truck treat exemplifies September’s popularity, so they’re connected to the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. People gravitate toward this treat for the same reasons they gravitate to September. Both the birth month and strawberry shortcake ice cream bar are beloved for having a light-hearted, adorable energy. There’s no doubt that September’s treat is as sweet as they are.  

October: Chipwich

October is beloved for its richness and depth, which comes from being influenced by Libra and Scorpio. People born during this month are simply iconic, just like the Chipwich. October’s aligned with this tantalizing ice cream cookie masterpiece because this sweet treat represents their irresistibility. The Chipwich exemplifies this birth month’s splendor and magnetism. Nobody can deny how alluring the Chipwich or this birth month is. 

November: Choco Taco

Similar to October, this birth month wants a rich treat but with a fun twist. November’s guided by alluring Scorpio and daring Sagittarius, so they’re willing to try the more unusual ice cream truck treats. Their explorativeness leads to the Choco Taco. November might be initially hesitant, but the Choco Taco will blow them away. Choco Taco represents November’s willingness to get out of their comfort zone and try the more unusual things in life.

December: Character Popsicles 

People born in December are such characters due to being a mix of personable Sagittarius and reputable Capricorn. Although December’s drawn to many treats, their ice cream should reflect their personality. They’ll always find glimpses of themselves in a character popsicle. December has ample options to choose from depending on what they feel like that day. Whether they’re feeling sweet like Tweety Bird, brave like Mario, or heroic like Spiderman, there’s a popsicle aligned with every December-born. 

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It has spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, broken multiple chart records and become one of the defining country songs of 2026. But what exactly makes Ella Langley's hit song "Choosin' Texas" so unforgettable?

According to some of Nashville's most accomplished songwriters, it's a rare combination of great writing, memorable production and a performance that feels completely authentic.

In a new Billboard feature, several hitmakers behind songs for artists including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Demi Lovato and Carrie Underwoodbroke down why Langley's blockbuster single has become such a lasting success.

If you've been following Langley's remarkable year, the praise comes as no surprise. Earlier this summer, "Choosin' Texas" became the longest-running No. 1 Hot 100 country hit by a female artist, breaking a record that had stood since Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" in 1977. More recently, we've also looked at how "Loving Life Again" is rapidly climbing the charts and appears poised to become Langley's next major hit.

Ashley Gorley, whose résumé includes chart-toppers such as Wallen's "Last Night," Post Malone's "I Had Some Help" and Luke Bryan's"Play It Again," believes "Choosin' Texas" succeeds because it never wastes a moment.

"Choosin' Texas' is an instant country heartbreak classic, and Ella is the perfect artist to bring the song to life," Gorley said. "There are no wasted notes or lyrics; it sounds completely authentic."

He added that great songwriters strive to create songs that feel "fresh yet familiar," while remaining true to themselves, calling "Choosin' Texas" the kind of song people "never get tired of listening to."

Laura Veltz, whose credits include Maren Morris' "The Bones," Dan + Shay's "Speechless" and Kane Brown's "High Road," admired the song's emotional simplicity.

"It takes a long time, and thousands upon thousands of songs, to write something that simple so well," she said, adding that the song captures an everyday experience while remaining deeply vulnerable. "Songwriters dream of writing songs that can hit all those cylinders at once."

Several writers singled out another element listeners hear before Langley even begins singing: the instantly recognizable opening guitar riff.

Luke Laird, who has written hits including Eric Church's "Drink in My Hand" and Kenny Chesney's "American Kids," said the opening hook "pulls you in immediately," while songwriter Blake Pendergrass, who wrote Thomas Rhett's hit "Ain't a Bad Life," praised the intro guitar part for hooking listeners "after the very first listen."

Producer and songwriter Gabe Simon, who co-wrote seven songs on Noah Kahan's album Stick Season, shared perhaps the strongest endorsement of all. While working in London recently, he said a studio assistant asked where he was from. When he answered Nashville, she immediately started singing "Choosin' Texas."

"That's the power of this song," Simon said, praising its "simple, cruising" feel, memorable guitar hook and Langley's "effortless confidence."

Darrell Brown, the songwriter behind Keith Urban's "You'll Think of Me" and Josh Turner's "Why Don't We Just Dance," pointed to something even harder to achieve.

"It has that timeless, lived-in quality that reminds you why the classics still work," he said. "Those kinds of songs don't chase the moment, they outlive it."

The songwriters' praise comes as "Choosin' Texas" continues rewriting the record books. The hit recently became the longest-running non-holiday No. 1 by a solo woman artist in Billboard Hot 100 history, surpassing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together."

For Langley, the accolades from fellow songwriters may be just as meaningful as another chart milestone. After all, records can eventually be broken, but earning the admiration of the people who make a living writing hit songs is a distinction that lasts far longer.

Related: Ella Langley's Next Big Hit Is Rapidly Climbing the Charts

Fitness culture and beauty standards that promoted thinness were big in the '80s, fueling the rise of a slew of questionable diets. Many of these diets quickly took off, even when they weren’t backed by science.

“In general, the popular fad diets of the '80s were not good for health or long-term weight loss,” Sonya Angelone, RD, PhD, a former spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a San Francisco-based dietitian, tells Parade. Some may have included healthy elements, like a focus on certain fruits or vegetables, but ultimately were presented in a way that just wasn’t healthy, she says. 

Even though medical experts didn’t support these fad diets, many sold plenty of books and products, Angelone points out. There’s one diet in particular that was huge in the 1980s that fueled a national obsession with a certain food—and it was everywhere. “I remember my mother doing this,” saysJessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. 

But while this diet was huge in the '80s, it can trace its roots back to the 1930s. It moved a particular fruit from relative obscurity to a grocery store staple—and it lingered for years before fading into obscurity. Here’s why dietitians say they’re glad it seems to be gone for good. 

Related: Oncologists Say This Common Bedroom Item Could Be Quietly Increasing Your Cancer Risk

More Than 40 Years Ago, This Diet Became a National Obsession

It’s the Grapefruit Diet. There are variations of the diet, but all generally follow the same theme. 

The idea behind this diet is that grapefruit contains fat-burning enzymes that can help you lose weight, Cording explains. As part of the diet, people were encouraged to eat grapefruit at breakfast, lunch and dinner to “detox” the body and lose weight.

Claims varied depending on who was hawking it, but plenty of followers swore that you could lose 10 pounds in 10 days on the Grapefruit Diet. 

Related: We Asked 3 Registered Dietitians About the Worst ’80s Diet and They All Said the Same Thing

People were also encouraged to have very few calories on this diet, sometimes as low as 800 calories per day. Followers typically paired their grapefruit with high-protein foods while cutting back on carbohydrates, Cording says. In situations where grapefruit wasn’t available, people could have grapefruit juice instead. 

A popular breakfast on the Grapefruit Diet was pairing a grapefruit with hard-boiled eggs, Cording says. But followers would also have their grapefruit with meat or coffee throughout the day. 

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Why Was the Grapefruit Diet So Popular?

There are likely a few reasons why this diet took off. “The diet was easy to understand, required very few foods, and promised quick results,” says Sandra Zhang, RDN, LDN,dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center. “Those are common features of many fad diets that become popular.”

The “rules” around this diet were simple—limit your calories, don’t eat a lot of carbs, and have a lot of grapefruit, Angelone says. That makes it appealing to people who want quick results, she explains. 

Many people could find what they needed to follow this diet at the grocery store, making it easy to pick up quickly, Cording says, telling Parade, “Similarly to some of the other popular diets of the time, you get rapid early weight loss. Even though it’s usually water weight, it’s reinforcing the idea that you’re doing something drastic and it’s ‘working.’”

Why Was the Grapefruit Diet So Bad for You?

Research has found that grapefruit can be part of a healthy weight loss plan. An older study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that people with obesity who ate fresh grapefruit three times a day lost 3.5 pounds over 12 weeks, compared to the 0.6 pounds lost by people who took a placebo. 

But the Grapefruit Diet took a healthy fruit that may support weight loss and revolved an entire eating plan around it. “It was extremely low calorie and highly restrictive,” Cording explains. “It was really difficult to meet your vitamin and mineral needs on this, too.” 

Related: Doctors Say These ’90s Health Tips Actually Hold up Today

Another concern, per Angelone: “Grapefruit interacts with several medications.” In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically warns that grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with drugs like some statins, high blood pressure medications, anti-anxiety medications, corticosteroids and antihistamines. 

What Happened to the Grapefruit Diet?

The Grapefruit Diet eventually fell out of favor as nutrition science advanced, Cording says. The concept that grapefruit contained special fat-burning enzymes was debunked, and people even struggled with their dental health from all of the acid in the grapefruit they ate, she says. 

But experts say that the Grapefruit Diet largely faded because it wasn’t sustainable. “It did not provide the nutrients needed for good health,” Angelone says. 

Up Next:

Sources:

• Sandra Zhang, RDN, LDN, dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center
• Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers
• Sonya Angelone, RD, PhD, a former spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a San Francisco-based dietitian
• Does the Grapefruit Diet Work? Cleveland Clinic
• Fujioka K, et al. The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2006 
• Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don’t Mix. Food and Drug Administration

Rock band Breaking Benjamin has soared to No. 1 on the charts, earning its ninth No. 1 hit on the coveted Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

"Something Wicked," the second single off the band's upcoming unnamed seventh studio album, reached the top spot on the chart's Aug. 8, 2026 listing after 11 weeks climbing to No. 1.

"'Something Wicked' is a quick look into our influences both musically and thematically. We challenged ourselves especially hard on this record and on this song," explained singer Benjamin Burnley in a statement at the time of the song's release. "We pushed every boundary we’ve previously had as far as it will go, then pushed a little more. 'Something Wicked' was the result."

The song was released on May 11, 2026, and continued the Pennsylvania rockers' triumphant return to music. Fans couldn't get enough of the powerful track, which further sets the tone for the band's seventh album.

While no release date has been set for the record, the band confirmed in June 2026 that it had been completed.

Related:Beloved 2000s Rock Band Makes Long-Awaited Return With First New Music in Years

"We're done. It's sinking in, 'cause we see all the comments, we see all the fans [saying], just, like, 'When's the new album [coming out]? When's the new album?' And, like, trust me, we are so ready to [put it out]," guitarist Keith Wallen said, per Blabbermouth. "We are so excited."

The forthcoming album's debut single, "Awaken," was released on Oct. 16, 2024, and was Breaking Benjamin's first new piece of original music in five years. Upon its release, the track shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Digital Song Sales chart.

In September, the band is hitting the road, touring across the United States and Canada. Prior to this, the band's last big North American tour was a 2025 co-headlining tour alongside Three Days Grace.

The imminent fall tour will open in Camden, New Jersey, on Sept. 2 and conclude on Oct. 24 in Bristow, Virginia.

Related: 2000s Rock Band Announces First New Album in 13 Years

If you're one of those people who hopped on the ube train (or someone who has always loved the flavor before the hype), you'll be pleased to find that there's a brand-new coffee creamer flavor inspired by the global food trend—and it sounds like a must-try. Chobani's Ube Sweet Cream coffee creamer is reportedly dropping in stores soon.

The creamy new splash of flavor for your morning cup of joe will reportedly be making its way to grocery shelves for fall, according to an Aug. 1 Instagram post by trusted food blogger Markie Devo.

Chobani Debuts New Limited-Edition Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer

Decked out in spooky season packaging, the Chobani Ube Sweet Cream coffee creamer Flavor Drop features an ombré purple and white background with a black cat floating in a bubble, floating chunks of ube, and a witch's legs sticking out of a cauldron emitting a smoky green substance. If the festive fall design is anything to go by, the flavor drop will only be around for a limited time.

Ube, a naturally sweet, starchy vegetable that is grown by farmers in the Philippines, is also known as purple yam. "In the past year, ube has transcended Filipino culture and entered the mainstream consciousness as coffee chains and restaurants hunt for the next viral food and drink craze," CNBC wrote in an article published in April 2026.

Ube offerings have risen by 230% across restaurant menus in the U.S. in the past four years, according to food and beverage analytics firm Datassential, the news outlet reported.

As for the taste of the trendy veggie, Datassential's chief product officer Emily Tang told CNBC that "it pairs well with things that people like, meaning coffee, drinks, desserts, and pastries, and it has a mild nutty flavor, so it’s got a very low barrier to trial. It’s not a scary flavor; it’s safe experimentation, and it’s also visually stunning.”

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In the comments section of the social media reveal, fans wasted no time reacting to the unique coffee creamer flavor release.

"I feel like a proud parent watching ube finally start to get its moment in the mainstream spotlight 💜🥹," one wrote, while another admitted, "So wish this was non dairy! Might have to try it anyway because I love ube so much ☠️."

"Omg ube!!! I currently use ube extract and froth it…can’t wait to try this," a third exclaimed.

Many more elated commenters dropped notes like, "STOP IT!!! Oh my goodness 🤤," "Omg this is amazing 🤩," "OMG YES!" "SIGN ME UP SIGNNN ME. up 😍," "Wow this looks fabulous," "Can’t wait to try this," "I NEEEDDDDD IT," and "This needs to be in stores ASAP!!!"

Chobani’s “Simple Ingredients” Approach, Debut of New Flavors

Chobani’s dairy creamers are known for a short ingredient list: real cream, real milk, cane sugar, and natural flavors—with no added oils, emulsifiers, or carrageenan. That’s been the brand’s calling card since it entered the category. The Ube Sweet Cream flavor joins the grocery brand’s current available lineup of coffee creamers: Sweet Cream, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, and Cinnamon Coffee Cake—likely only for a limited time.

Recent additions White Chocolate Raspberry, Raspberry Rose, and American Blueberry also made waves. Late last year, Chocolate Covered Strawberry and Toasted Coconut Vanilla were released in December and said to be “coffee’s perfect match,” along with the welcoming back of fan-favorites Cookies & Cream and Confetti Birthday Cake.

Next, Beloved Ice Cream Classic Finally Revived After Years of Fan Demand

Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell are officially married.

The Grammy-winning singer, 28, and the Cleveland Cavaliers guard, 29, tied the knot on Saturday, Aug. 1, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. Guests included NBA stars Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson and Bam Adebayo, along with celebrity couple Ciara and Russell Wilson.

Videos shared to social media showed the newlyweds dancing to Musiq Soulchild's "Love" during the celebration, with Jones wrapping her arms around Mitchell for a kiss. In another clip, guests flooded the dance floor as the DJ announced the new Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell.

Jones first captured hearts as a kid star in the Disney Channel original movie Let It Shine, before going on to build a Grammy-winning music career as an adult. Mitchell, meanwhile, has spent his NBA career establishing himself as one of the league's top guards.

The couple kept their relationship largely private before announcing their engagement in July 2025. They shared the news on Instagram with a photo of the two sharing a kiss, Jones showing off a large engagement ring on her left hand.

At the time, representatives for the couple said the engagement came after Mitchell wrapped an "amazing season" and Jones finished a sold-out tour, with the pair using a vacation together to recharge before the proposal.

Jones later opened up about the milestone, comparing the commitment to the biggest deal of her career. She said the moment felt "indescribable," admitting she had to remind herself the relationship was a real, forever commitment rather than something to approach like business.

She described feeling a mix of emotions about getting married, calling the experience "exciting," "intimidating" and "powerful" all at once. Jones has also praised Mitchell for being supportive of her career, saying the two understand each other's demanding schedules and that he makes her feel truly seen.

James Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor on what would have been the couple's 16th wedding anniversary.

Sharing a sweet series of photos of the two as well as their family, she penned an emotional message.

"16 years ago I was the luckiest woman in the world to marry @vanderjames. The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold every day with all these incredible children we have. He continues to be present and guide us. I'm eternally grateful. 🙏🌹😍🥰," she captioned the post.

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The Dawson's Creek star died after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer in February 2026 at the age of 48. A GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after by his friends and family in an effort to raise money for Kimberly and the couple's children.

“Throughout [James’] illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” the page read, and as of August 2026 had raised more than $2.9 million.

Van Der Beek's wife has been helping keep his memory alive, with Kimberly often sharing photos and videos of their life.

At the beginning of July, she shared a post about Van Der Beek's final show, in which he has a posthumous role in the “Legally Blonde” spinoff “Elle.”

"We have this unique opportunity to get together as a family and watch @vanderjames in something we’ve never seen before, @elleonprime, which premiered yesterday!," she wrote. "While our family was going through a minor obsession with Legally Blonde, James was offered a role on Elle. He jumped at the opportunity, and he made sure to bring both Annabel and Emilia on their own special trips to set. Those days became treasured memories

"From @junediane to @jasontmoore, and truly the entire cast, directors, and crew, thank you for treating James and the kids with such kindness, respect, and playfulness," Kimberly added.

One album changed his career and the direction of rock with it.

Butch Vig, the celebrated producer and drummer for Garbage, turns 71 on Aug. 2. His work on Nirvana's Nevermind earned him the nickname "The Nevermind Man," but the Wisconsin native's influence extends across several decades and some of alternative rock's most important records.

Born Bryan David Vig in Viroqua, Wisconsin, he played in bands during high school before studying film at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Creating music for films helped spark his fascination with recording, and he eventually founded Smart Studios with Steve Marker in 1983.

Vig spent years recording punk and independent acts before his work with Killdozer caught the attention of Billy Corgan and Nirvana's label, Sub Pop. His career changed in 1991 when he produced both the Smashing Pumpkins' debut album, Gish, and Nirvana's Nevermind.

The latter was recorded in just 16 days, with Vig helping the group preserve its power while making its songs clear enough to reach a much larger audience. He later recalled learning that the album had done what his contacts thought was impossible.

"Next week Nevermind was No. 1," he told Pitchfork. "I remember walking into the studio mindblown."

Vig soon added the Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream and Sonic Youth's Dirty to his production credits. He later worked with Green Day and Foo Fighters, earning recognition far beyond the '90s. The Recording Academy credits him with three Grammy wins and 10 nominations.

His career also expanded beyond the recording booth when he formed Garbage with Marker, Duke Erikson and Shirley Manson. Serving as the group's drummer and co-producer, Vig helped create hits including "Only Happy When It Rains" and "Stupid Girl." Garbage released its eighth studio album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, in 2025 and toured Europe in 2026.

Vig has continued producing as well. In May, the Smashing Pumpkins revealed that they had reunited with him for their first studio collaboration in 32 years. Corgan called the nearly completed song an "11 out of 10 announcement," according to Guitar World.

At 71, Vig remains closely connected to both sides of the career that made him famous, creating new records in the studio and performing the music that secured his own place in '90s rock history.

Related: 1978 Timeless Classic, Named No. 1 Hit for Eight Weeks, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

Crumbl is giving away free Dirty Sodas for one week only!

The chain, which launched its Dirty Soda lineup nationwide earlier this summer, is celebrating the new offering with a free drink offer for eligible customers.

The customizable beverages combine soda with flavored syrups and cream. Customers can choose from Crumbl's signature Dirty Soda creations or build their own using mix-ins like coconut, lime, fruit flavors, and a splash of cream.

Crumbl previously faced backlash for the viral Dirty Soda menu online, with some critics taking issue with the drinks' high sugar and calorie content.

Here's everything to know about who qualifies for the free drink offer—and how to claim yours before it ends.

How to get a free Dirty Soda from Crumbl

From Aug. 3–8, customers can claim one free featured Dirty Soda with no purchase necessary by downloading the Crumbl app, signing in, and redeeming a voucher under the More → Vouchers & Promotions tab.

The offer is available at participating locations while supplies last.

RELATED: Dunkin’ Donuts Is Giving Away 1 Million Free Refreshers on August 3

More Crumbl news

Crumbl just unveiled a new cookie flavor—and fans aren’t having it.

On Sunday, July 26, the cookie chain revealed its new Flamin’ Lime Crunch Cookie as part of its weekly lineup. 

Seemingly inspired by Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the dessert features a lime sugar cookie rolled in a spicy cheese crisp mixture, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, coated in a spicy cheese crisp streusel, and finished with crunchy spicy cheese crisps and a fresh lime wedge.

After Crumbl shared the new cookie on Instagram, customers quickly flooded the comments section with reactions, many expressing confusion and disappointment over the unconventional flavor combination.

The early reviews on Crumbl’s website haven’t been much kinder. The top-rated review called the cookie “disgusting,” with the customer claiming they had to buy chocolate milk to wash it down because they thought they were going to throw up.

Crumbl reveals its weekly lineup of cookies every Sunday.

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When Allen Levi self-published his debut novel, Theo of Golden, in 2023, the story of hope and human connection became a word-of-mouth sensation, with readers sharing its heartwarming and simple message of kindness and community.

Following its massive grassroots success, with more than 170,000 self-published copies sold, the novel was picked up by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. In October 2025, it then was launched to a wider audience, landing it on the New York TimesBest Seller list and, now, at the top of Amazon Charts.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Kfvp84wiQEw?si=H4eGov78J2D71FOr

According to the shopping juggernaut’s tally, Theo of Golden is the most-sold novel right now, with 34 weeks on the list, outranking the year’s buzziest titles, including Kathryn Stockett’s The Calamity Club and Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear, which are Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.

A Katie Couric Book Club pick, Theo of Golden tells the story of a stranger named Theo who arrives in the small Southern town of Golden. After visiting a local coffeehouse, where portraits of Golden’s residents hang, he buys the sketches and distributes them to the people they depict. The only currency he asks for in return is their stories.

“And so portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered,” the synopsis reads on Amazon, which also quotes former Today show host Hoda Kotb calling the book “a treasure.”

Levi, a singer-songwriter, author, and former attorney and judge based in Georgia, has gained acclaim for his storytelling, blending warm narratives with themes of everyday compassion. According to his website, he practiced law until 1990, then moved to Scotland before returning to focus on a career in music.

With more than 20 albums and hundreds of unpublished songs, he worked as a traveling musician and storyteller, sharing whimsical and thought-provoking tales with everyone along the way. In 2003, he published a children’s book, Oliviatown, followed by a memoir, The Last Sweet Mile, in 2014.

Theo of Golden marks Levi’s first novel. In an April interview with AARP, he shared that without his friends, it would have stayed tucked away safely in a drawer at home. After they encouraged him to share the story with the world, he arranged for self-publishing.

“I said, ‘I’m almost 70. We’re really late in the game, so it would take too long to do that process. Let’s see if we can self-publish. And if we can sell a thousand copies, I would be over the moon,” he shared.

Today, the novel has sold more than 2.5 million copies across all formats, according toThe Wall Street Journal, and has just broken into Amazon's Top 3 most-read books as well, proving that chasing dreams has no expiration date.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s New Novel Ranked No. 1 Most-Read Fiction Book Right Now on Amazon

Mark Hamill and his wife, Marilou, have been married for 47 years, and a resurfaced set of throwback photos has people fixating on one particular detail: how much the couple actually resembles each other.

The photos, which trace the couple's relationship back to 1978, sparked an immediate wave of side-by-side comparisons. Commenters pointed to matching haircuts, similar facial structure and near-identical smiles, with several joking that the pair could pass as siblings rather than spouses.

The theory isn't entirely far-fetched, according to some who chimed in. Research has previously suggested that couples in long-term relationships can gradually begin to resemble one another over time, a phenomenon some attribute to shared expressions, similar lifestyles and even matching hairstyles adopted over the decades together.

Beyond the physical resemblance, the photos reignited appreciation for the couple's lasting relationship. Hamill and Marilou met beforeStar Warsturned him into a global star, and she worked as a dental hygienist at the time they first crossed paths. Several people noted how rare it is for a Hollywood marriage to survive sudden fame, let alone last for decades afterward without major public turmoil.

The couple's low public profile also stood out to many who saw the photos. Despite Hamill's decades-long career, which includes his iconic role as Luke Skywalker as well as extensive voice acting work in film and television, Marilou has largely stayed outside the spotlight, and their children have kept a similarly private presence over the years.

Some pointed to that separation from the entertainment industry as part of what's kept the relationship stable, suggesting that Marilou's life outside Hollywood may have helped ground the couple through decades of fame and public attention.

Throughout the comments, the sibling comparisons kept resurfacing, with many returning to the same observation: whatever the reason behind it, the resemblance is hard to unsee once it's been pointed out.

A viral Reddit taste test is reigniting one of the internet's most passionate grocery debates: Costco's Kirkland vanilla ice cream versus Aldi's Specially Selected version.

The original poster set out to settle the question after seeing claims that Aldi's ice cream was secretly better than Costco's. Their verdict landed firmly in Costco's favor, describing it as thick, rich and creamy, while calling the Aldi version thinner and more watery by comparison.

That take set off a flood of disagreement in the comments. Plenty of shoppers pushed back hard, arguing Aldi's version is actually the superior product because it skips the stabilizers and gums found in Costco's recipe. Several commenters said Costco's texture feels artificial or overly chewy as a result, with a few describing it as tasting closer to frozen pudding than traditional ice cream.

Other shoppers jumped in to defend Costco, insisting the gums are exactly what gives the ice cream its signature rich mouthfeel, and that the tradeoff is worth it. One commenter pointed out that "super premium" technically refers to higher butterfat content and less air in the mix, not necessarily a judgment on overall quality, adding another layer to the disagreement.

The debate didn't stop at just two brands. Commenters flooded the thread with their own favorites, name-checking Trader Joe's, Tillamook, Lidl, Häagen-Dazs and even Kroger's private-label vanilla as contenders. Several claimed Trader Joe's vanilla tastes nearly identical to Costco's, speculating the two may come from the same manufacturer, though that connection wasn't independently confirmed in the thread.

Price also came up as a factor. The original poster noted Aldi's container ran $5.49 for 48 ounces, while Costco's two half-gallon set cost $14.99, making the per-ounce price roughly comparable between the two.

For now, the debate remains unsettled, with shoppers split largely based on personal texture preferences: those who love a dense, creamy bite are sticking with Costco, while those seeking a "cleaner" ingredient list are firmly on Team Aldi.

After more than a decade of silence, Norther is officially returning to the stage.

The beloved Finnish melodic death metal band has confirmed its first live performance since disbanding in 2012, announcing that it will reunite for Wacken Open Air 2027. The news comes just days after the group sparked widespread speculation by posting a cryptic teaser on social media, leading fans to wonder whether a comeback was finally on the horizon.

The initial tease didn't reveal much.

Norther shared a brief Instagram post hinting that something significant was coming, immediately igniting excitement among longtime followers of the band.

"15 years of silence is over," the band captioned an Instagram post.

Given the group's absence for precisely that many years, fans quickly began speculating that the teaser pointed to a reunion rather than a simple archival release or merchandise announcement.

Those suspicions proved to be correct.

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Organizers of Wacken Open Air have now confirmed that Norther will perform at the legendary German festival in July 2027, marking the band's first concert since calling it quits in 2012. The reunion brings together members of one of Finland's most influential melodic death metal acts, whose combination of aggressive riffs, soaring melodies, and keyboard-driven arrangements earned them a devoted international following.

Formed in 1996, Norther built its reputation through albums including Mirror of Madness, Death Unlimited, Till Death Unites Us, and N. Alongside contemporaries such as Children of Bodom and Kalmah, the band helped define the Finnish melodic death metal sound during the late 1990s and 2000s, blending technical musicianship with memorable hooks and high-energy live performances.

Although Norther officially disbanded in 2012, interest in the band never disappeared.

Its albums continued to attract new listeners through streaming platforms, while longtime fans frequently called for a reunion. The recent resurgence of interest in classic Finnish melodic death metal has only fueled that enthusiasm, making the Wacken announcement one of the genre’s biggest surprises of the year.

Fourteen years after stepping away, Norther is finally returning where many fans hoped they would: onstage. With a reunion performance now locked in for Wacken Open Air 2027, the beloved metal band is set to write an exciting new chapter in its story while introducing its music to a new generation of metal fans.

Related: '80s Rock Legend Announces New Album 43 Years After Beginning Career

Actress Amy Sedaris has had many incredible roles over the years, but Star Warsfans will no doubt know her best as Peli Motto, the engineer who appears in both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett and has a personal (and adorable) relationship with "Baby Yoda"—whose actual name is Grogu. Now, Sedaris has revealed what the Child is really like on set and why it caught her by surprise.

Speaking exclusively to Parade about her experience working with the puppet of Grogu on The Mandalorian, Sedaris said, "I didn't think, I was like, come on, it's a puppet. I didn't think, but it was incredible. That is the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life. Really adorable."

About the possibility of Peli returning in the future, Sedaris said, "I would want a bigger uniform. That uniform was so tight. My outfit was so tight. If we did it all over again, I kept having to get an extension on my belt to go around my waist, and it was just so hard to move in it, but, you know, I don't know if they'll do any more of those. But I would just look older."

"I never knew what I was saying," she continued. "It was the hardest thing I ever had to memorize. And then [Jon] Favreau would explain it to me, and it didn't make any sense. So, it was the first time I had to memorize everything word for word, not knowing what I'm saying. It's a very strange process."

While Sedaris isn't yet sure if she will return in Star Wars—or, at least, she can't say—she does have one recently-unveiled venture alongside Lindsay Lohan and Patricia Arquette. Namely, the three partnered on a brand-new ad spot featuring the Reese's Oreo cup. Arquette directed the video, with Lohan offering twins, both played by Sedaris, some guidance on how to get along, as a callback to Lohan's beloved 1998 movie The Parent Trap.

Remember the Titans star Ethan Suplee is issuing a warning about GLP-1s.

Suplee, 50, kicked off his career on Boy Meets World before hitting it big in the football classic Remember the Titans. But the actor has gained tremendous notoriety in recent years for his serious physical transformation, which included dropping 300 pounds. But in a new interview, Suplee issued a warning about GLP-1s like Ozempic and Mounjaro, saying that he doesn't believe they're a "one-stop shop." Instead, he believes they must be a part of a bigger conversation.

"As a kid, I wanted a magical diet drug so badly. And now we have what is a magical diet drug," he told Fox News Digital. "I think, unfortunately, it's also not a one-stop shop. I think you can hop on a GLP-1 and experience weight loss. You can see the scale go down week over week for a long time without having to do anything else."

Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

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Is Suplee Against GLP-1s?

No. The star made it clear that if you're overweight, dropping some pounds will improve your health, no matter how you do it. However, he doesn't believe that people who truly want to transform their physiques should rely solely on them.

"By the way, a small amount of weight loss provides a huge health benefit," he noted. "So if you're just going into it, going like, 'I just want to be healthier. Let me hop on this GLP-1 agonist and improve my health.' Bravo to you. You're going to do that ... I'm not criticizing those people."

However, he made it clear that for people who want to reach their "ideal" weight, a GLP-1 can't be the only component of their plan.

"I think for those people, just hopping on a GLP-1 is not enough," Suplee added. "I think it also will require some resistance training to preserve lean tissue ... maybe increase protein a bit ... I just think [they] aren't a one-stop shop."

What Does Ethan Suplee Look Like Now?

After hitting around 500 pounds, Suplee has dropped 300. He's also gone through several skin-removal surgeries.

View this post on Instagram What's Ethan Suplee Up To These Days?

Suplee is the host of LifeLONG with Ethan Suplee, "a mix of powerful conversations, personal reflections, and selected scenes from Ethan’s film and television work, all centered around transformation, discipline, mindset, and the lifelong pursuit of growth."

Check out an episode below:

Related: Amy Schumer Shares Bikini Photos After 50-Pound Weight Loss— ‘Never Knew There Would Be Days Like This’

More than four decades after beginning his professional music career, Sebastian Bach is showing no signs of slowing down.

The former Skid Row frontman has announced a brand-new solo album, which is expected to arrive in 2026. The record will follow 2024's Child Within the Man and marks Bach's latest collection of original music as he continues balancing recording with an extensive touring schedule.

"I'm starting to get the itch to do a new studio album," Bach shared with Ultimate Classic Rock. My last one, Child Within the Man, came out in 2024 and I've made the first step, which is creating a Dropbox folder for Bruiser [Brody], my guitar player; Fede [Delfino], my bass player and Paris [Bach], my drummer, who's my son."

Bach has spent the past two years performing more than 100 shows in support of Child Within the Man, while continuing to write new material whenever time allows.

"The way I come up with songs is that I'm a bit of a hoarder," Bach told Ultimate Classic Rock. "I have a whole house full of rock and roll stuff, and I collect things. One of the things I collect are riffs and lyrics and titles. I have hundreds of them in my phone. And then if I'm collaborating with a guitar player like John 5 and he sends me the riff for 'Freedom,' I go, okay, yeah, that's a good one."

The upcoming release builds on a productive stretch for the singer.

After ending a decade-long gap between solo albums with Child Within the Man, Bach has remained committed to performing both new songs and the classics that first made him famous.

"It's not oldies night," Bach said . "We do play old songs, but we play new songs too. We're doing songs in my set from the year 1987 to the year 2024 and that's a pretty good run."

Bach first rose to international fame in the late 1980s as the unmistakable voice of Skid Row.

With his soaring vocal range and charismatic stage presence, he helped the band become one of hard rock's biggest acts through albums including Skid Row and Slave to the Grind. Hits such as "18 and Life," "I Remember You," and "Youth Gone Wild" established him as one of the defining rock singers of his generation.

Since launching his solo career, Bach has continued to record, tour, and collaborate with a wide range of artists while maintaining the powerful voice that made him a household name. His recent work has demonstrated that he's just as passionate about creating new music as he is about celebrating the songs that first brought him success.

"My next focus is getting a new album out," he added. "And I'm not one of these guys that really wants to release like a song here and there. I like albums, and I don't I don't care what everybody else is into. I like albums."

Forty-three years after beginning his professional career, Sebastian Bach continues to look ahead instead of back. With another new album on the horizon, the beloved '80s rock legend is proving that his unmistakable voice and relentless creative drive remain as strong as ever.

Related: '90s Rock Legend Announces New Album 47 Years After Beginning Career

David Crosby famously discovered a young Joni Mitchell, who would go on to become one of the most prolific and talented singer-songwriters of the late 1960s folk-rock movement. The pair went on to have a brief romance, the demise of which Mitchell documented with a song (naturally) on her second album, Clouds. The song, about a cheating lover, remains a Joni Mitchell classic despite not becoming one of her biggest hits at the time. Crosby later shared a surprising response to both his breakup with Mitchell and the song that documented the end of their relationship.

The Song That Captured the End of a Romance @gafcr

“That Song About The Midway” by Joni Mitchell 1969 fyp othersideofyesterday

♬ That Song About the Midway - Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell wrote "That Song About the Midway" after her breakup with David Crosby. One of the most personal songs to emerge from the folk-rock movement that dominated the late 1960s music scene, it gave fans insight into the relationship between two of music's most influential artists. Released in 1969 on her second album, Clouds, "That Song About the Midway" offers a glimpse into a pivotal chapter in both artists' lives.

How David Crosby Discovered Joni Mitchell

Crosby first encountered Mitchell in 1967 after hearing her perform at a club in Florida. Instantly "gobsmacked" by her voice and songwriting skills, Crosby was convinced he had discovered a once-in-a-generation talent. He became one of her earliest and most passionate champions. Already a star with The Byrds, Crosby used his influence to introduce Mitchell to key figures in the music industry and helped produce her debut album, Song to a Seagull, which launched her career and led to widespread recognition.

The professional partnership soon became romantic, and Mitchell and Crosby dated for about a year between 1967 and 1968. Though their relationship was marked by creativity and mutual admiration, their romance eventually came to an end.

A Song That Endured Long After the Breakup

"That Song About the Midway," written during that period, is widely linked to the emotional complexities of their relationship. Rather than serving as a direct account of their breakup, the song reflects the uncertainty and vulnerability that became hallmarks of Mitchell's songwriting. Its poetic lyrics showcased the qualities that would establish Joni Mitchell as one of the greatest songwriters of her generation.

Related: 1969 Rock Classic, Written in Just 20 Minutes, Named the Greatest Protest Song of All Time

The Compliment That Spoke Volumes

Despite the end of their romance, David Crosby remained steadfast in his admiration for Joni Mitchell. Years later, he paid Mitchell one of the most remarkable compliments in rock history, declaring that she was "more talented than Bob Dylan." Coming from one of Dylan's contemporaries and admirers, the statement highlighted the extraordinary respect Crosby had for Mitchell's songwriting, musicianship, and artistry, even after the end of their relationship.

More than 50 years after its release, "That Song About the Midway" remains an enduring snapshot of the relationship between two music icons and stands as a beautiful reminder of the lasting respect Joni Mitchell earned throughout her career. One of her lesser-known songs, "That Song About the Midway" has become a classic, demonstrating that Joni Mitchell's work continues to be discovered and rediscovered by new generations.

Related: 1969 Hit Just Named John Fogerty’s Best Song of All Time

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I've always heard that dividing perennials at the end of the summer growing season is a great way to give yourself free plants for next year—but can it be done with any perennials?

Unfortunately, there are only certain perennial plants that can be divided and turned into new plants for the next growing season. That said, which perennials are the best candidates for division?

To find out, Parade spoke with two gardening experts: Karin Velez, a market farmer and the founder of the gardening podcast Just Grow Something, and Ryan Scanlon, Growth Consultant at Pittsburgh-based Dirt Works Excavation Inc.

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"Dividing perennials in late summer and even autumn is a surefire way to expand your garden," Scanlon explains to Parade. "If given a few months or even just a few weeks to take in their new spots, they can be cut back before winter or when they become unsightly and still thrive the next year."

Keep reading for nine perennials you should divide in late summer, as well as Velez and Scanlon's best advice for growing perennials!

Related: The 5 Perennials You Should Stop Deadheading in Late Summer, According to a Gardener

What Does It Mean to Divide Perennials?

Dividing perennials simply involves splitting a single plant to create multiple plants. Many gardeners employ this easy trick to essentially give themselves free plants for next year.

Why Should You Divide Perennials?

In addition to giving yourself free plants, there are a few other reasons you should divide perennials.

"Dividing perennial plants in general is a good way to maintain the health of the plants," Velez tells Parade. "Many perennials develop woody centers and that can reduce their production over time. In other cases too many bulbs or rhizomes leads to overcrowding that competes for resources. Removing some of the plants to a new location helps increase the airflow in the original location."

Scanlon also says that thanks to his mother's dedication to dividing her perennials in late summer, she "has won garden of the year in our community several times."

"If employed correctly, you will not have to buy flowers much at all," Scanlon adds. He also notes that you'll also "spend much less time on upkeep, since perennials are quite hardy."

The Perennials You Should Divide in Late Summer for Free Plants Next Year1. Purple coneflower

jokuephotography / Getty Images

Scanlon highly recommends dividing purple coneflowers in late summer.

"They're a native beauty that if given ANY soil, they can probably survive," he says. "I've planted them directly into clay before, and they're doing well!"

2. Irises

Olga Rolenko / Getty Images

According to Velez, you should divide your iris plants every three to five years to keep them productive.

"Overcrowding can cause them to stop blooming all together," she adds. "This should be done in the late summer, about 6 weeks after they’ve flowered, so the rhizomes have time to establish themselves in their new location. Dividing in fall allows them to rebuild their energy stores to be able to bloom in the spring."

3. Peonies

nitrub / Getty Images

"Peonies are huge, pink or magenta summer flowers that are mostly done blooming by the fall," says Scanlon. "They bush up to about 3-5 feet sometimes, and can form an inspiring area in a few short years."

That said, you should "wait as late into summer or early fall for this one as you can, after they’ve finished blooming but before the first frost," according to Velez.

"Be sure to trim back the stems to about 2-3 inches above the ground before dividing to reduce the stress on the plant," she advises.

4. Daylilies

Alex Manders / Getty Images

"Daylilies often bloom later and longer in some regions than irises but once that bloom is spent, it’s time to divide," explains Velez. "This should be done every four to six years to avoid overcrowding and nutrient deficiencies. Dividing too late in the season, however, can damage both the original stand and the divisions, so be sure to do this well before the threat of frost."

5. Lamb's-ear

anmbph / Getty Images

Lamb's-ear has "felty, fluffy leaves" that "are vigorous and spreading," "always gentle to the touch" and able to "make any area feel a bit lighter," according to Scanlon.

"These can be planted literally in mulch and will take," he says. "Be careful though, because they require considerable upkeep just to keep in check after a few years."

6. Lily of the valley

Cyril Gosselin / Getty Images

"Infamous in Breaking Bad, the lily of the valley spreads maniacally wherever you put it," says Scanlon. He adds that this flower thrives in the shade and "will multiply exponentially if you forget about it," thanks to its connected roots.

7. Hostas

Grace Cary / Getty Images

Velez recommends dividing the leafy hosta plant at the very end of summer.

"The later in summer the better, since the overnights begin getting cooler which helps cool the soil and allows the plant to focus on that root regeneration without the stress of heat," she explains. "And since they’ll be at the end of their growing period they will require less water and fewer nutrients."

That said, hostas "can be grown for many years without division and thrive, but if you want new plants from your existing plants you can divide once the plants are mature." Maturation usually occurs after three to five years for smaller varieties of hostas.

8. Yarrow

Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Getty Images

"If you live in a warmer climate, yarrow will benefit from a late summer division," says Velez. "If you live in a more moderate climate, you can either wait until they’ve finished blooming for the year and divide then, cut the blooms and divide earlier, or wait until spring. But in hot climates late summer is best, generally every two to three years."

9. Strawberries

Viktoriya Skorikova / Getty Images

"Little known fact: strawberries are perennials and can be transplanted and moved around all the same," says Scanlon. "They require attention and guarding from chipmunks and rabbits if you want to harvest them, but given the right conditions they will thrive and spread with their own runners."

How to Divide Perennials

According to Velez, dividing perennials is a pretty straightforward process for most plants. Here's how she recommends doing it:

1. "Be sure to water the plant thoroughly a day or two before you plan to divide or time your division for a day or two after a good soaking rainfall."
2. "Use a spade or garden fork to gently lift the plant from the soil, whether that’s roots or rhizomes, keeping it as intact as possible."
3. "Once you’ve lifted the root ball, gently pull apart the roots by hand. If you’re dividing clumps of fleshy roots ... gently break apart the clumps with your hands or carefully cut them apart with a spade or a sharp knife."
4. "Immediately replant the divisions into their new home, keeping them at the same depth in the soil as they originated, and water them in."
5. "Keep your new divisions well-watered, especially in late summer when the temperatures can still be quite warm, until the plants have gotten established."

More Tips for Dividing Perennials

Velez recommends dividing your perennials on a cloudy day, as this can "avoid heat stress and minimize transplant shock."

She also suggests adding compost to the hole for your new planting and then topping it off with mulch, as this can help "keep the soil cool and moist while the plant is getting established."

Additionally, make sure to replant your divisions as soon as possible—ideally, right away or the next day. "Try not to allow the divisions to dry out entirely before transplanting or they’ll have a difficult time getting the roots settled before the cooler weather settles in," Velez advises.

Related: Fertilizing These 9 Plants in Summer Can Do More Harm Than Good—These 5 Still Need It

Scanlon also has a few tips for dividing perennials—most importantly, he warns that you should "be as careful as possible when uprooting a healthy group to transplant."

"Perennials grow deep roots, and just pulling them by the stem out of the ground usually won't be the safest route," he explains. "Dig deep at a 45 degree angle toward a point that's 6-12 inches under the mother plant, and crank it backwards. This will loosen enough roots on the edge that you're harvesting, and not displace the plant you're keeping in place too much."

From there, you should be able to insert a garden spade into the top of the mother plant, "and it will release the clones you'd like to transplant."

Furthermore, he recommends starting "the plant off right by loosening up the soil around the new location" and making sure to water it properly.

Up Next:

Related: The One Mistake That's Causing Your Basil to Flower Too Early, According to Gardeners

Sources:

• Karin Velez, founder of the gardening podcast Just Grow Something.
• Ryan Scanlon, Growth Consultant at Dirt Works Excavation Inc.

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If you grew up in the 1990s, you know it was a pretty special time. Kids who came of age in the '90s had access to some technological advances in the toy industry, sure. But they were also quite content with good old-fashioned toys that didn't require a battery. Imaginations ran wild when kids got their hands on the latest action figures or toy sets, and many of the brands that defined the toy landscape during the decade are still thriving today. As part of our ongoing Parade Rewind series, we consulted two toy experts to take a look back at the 25 popular toys every kid wanted in the 1990s.

We chatted with Bob Friedland, a toy expert who has experience running public relations for both Toys”R”Us and FAO Schwarz, and Blake Changnon, the founder, president and CEO of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles.

Whether you were a '90s baby and want a fun blast from the past, or your own children grew up during the decade and you remember all the hottest toy releases of the time, the list below highlights some of the most iconic 1990s toys that kids were obsessed with.

Related: 15 1980s Toys That Would Be Considered Way Too Dangerous Today

What Toys Were Invented in the 1990s?

When you think of the '90s, the holiday toy craze instantly comes to mind.

"With TV commercials playing during children’s television, kids wanted what they saw on TV and parents were willing to go to great lengths to get them," Changnon says.

The decade saw the emergence of more digital toys, including Game Boy Color and Tamagotchi, alongside analog toys.

"The 90s were a time where traditional toys still took first place with parents buying American Girl, Barbie and Pokémon cards," Changnon says.

Over the course of the decade, many collectible toys caused quite a stir.

"Collectibles became a bigger industry driver with Beanie Babies, Pogs and Pokémon cards acting as toys for kids and 'investments' for adults," Friedland tells Parade.

Overall, the '90s was a time of "incredible innovation," per Friedland, with many new toys and games invented over the course of the decade, including the Super Soaker, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers action figures and Zords, Beanie Babies, Tamagotchi, Tickle Me Elmo, Bop It, Furby, Pokémon and Razor Scooters.

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1960s

25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1980s1. Tickle Me Elmo

James Keyser/Getty Images

"Elmo became a top-tier Sesame Street Muppet in the '90s thanks to his high-pitched laugh and primary-colored fur," Friedland tells Parade. "Tyco Toys, the company that had the Sesame Street license in 1996, decided that the attachment kids had to Elmo would translate well to a plush toy with subtle, vibrating animatronics. But they didn’t expect the incredible demand for the first Tickle Me Elmo."

When kids hugged or squeezed Elmo, he laughed hysterically and shook, much to the delight of children.

"Appearances on Good Morning Americaand Oprahcatapulted the toy into everyone’s list. By Christmas, parents were paying multiples of the retail price to get one," he shares.

Related: Where Can You Buy NeeDohs? The CEO Shares Everything To Know About the Viral Collectibles

2. Furby

Matthew Fearn - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

"Introduced in the late '90s, this robotic toy with owl-like features was covered in fur and became a massive holiday fad with children wanting one to take care of," Changnon explains. "Furbies could speak their own language known as 'Furbish' and open and close their eyes and mouth."

Each Furby came complete with Furbish-to-English dictionaries to help owners communicate with their new toy.

"They also had sensors that responded to light, sound and touch, so each Furby behaved differently depending on what was happening around it," Friedland adds.

3. Tamagotchi

Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

This egg-shaped Japanese import arrived in the U.S. in 1997 and caused quite a stir.

"It fit in the palm of your hand and acted as a virtual pet. And much like the real thing, you had to feed it, play with it, clean up after it and make sure it stayed alive," Friedland explains. "Because you had to give Tamagotchi pretty regular attention, it became slightly addictive. While it was very hot for a brief period, kids’ attention went elsewhere, and their Tamagotchis died."

Related: 90 Questions About the '90s You HAVE To Ask Gen Z

4. Beanie Babies

Pat Carroll/NY Daily News via Getty Images

"Launched by small toy maker Ty Inc. in 1993, these small, bean bag plush toys encouraged collectability due to only being sold in small independent stores and not big retailers like Toys 'R' Us," Changnon says.

There were Beanie Babies for practically every animal imaginable, and they were affordable enough that kids could own a bunch of them.

"When Ty Inc. announced retirements of certain Beanie Babies, it encouraged kids (or more so parents) to look and call everywhere. Soon parents began to think that buying Beanie Babies and selling them later could help them put their kids through college," he shares.

5. Pokémon cards

Evan Agostini/Liaison Agency/Getty Images

After launching in Japan in 1996, Pokémon cards hit the U.S. in 1998 and exploded in popularity in a matter of weeks.

"What made it all work was that there was an anime with a continuous storyline, a Game Boy game that was addicting and a trading card game that mixed collectability and playability," Friedland explains. "All of these hit the U.S. at the same time, offering multiple entry points into the brand."

The main character of the anime series, Ash Ketchum, was also quite popular.

"In a way, children could collect cards from a blind bag, similar to how Pokémon trainer Ash would collect them on the TV show. The Pokémon slogan 'Gotta Catch ‘Em All' encouraged kids to collect and complete their collection," Changnon says.

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1970s

6. 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' action figures

Mario Ruiz/Getty Images

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers action figures were another example of a toy that was connected to a popular TV series.

"The brand and toys became a pop culture phenomenon with kids wanting the toys for the holidays. The toys were simple figures with a button on the back that flipped the Ranger’s helmet to its human face," Changnon says.

The Power Rangers TV series, which premiered in 1993, featured five teenagers with the ability to turn into Power Rangers and fly giant "Zords."

"While it felt similar to the '80s approach of a show as a commercial for toys, the show itself was focused more on martial arts, continuous storylines and combining Zords into a Megazord to fight giant monsters," Friedland shares. "The show was an immense hit when it first aired, and the toys were impossible to find because kids wanted to get all five rangers and all five Zords plus the Megazords."

7. 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' toys

James Keyser/Getty Images

Cue the catchy song in your head.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon may have premiered in the late '80s, but the characters and their pint-sized Playmates action figures exploded in popularity in the '90s after the first live-action film was released, per Friedland.

"What made the Playmates line work was that they did a great job of creating versions of each turtle that expanded on the base version every year," Friedland states. "Throughout the '90s, they also added new characters and variants tied to the sequels and the animated series, which gave kids constant reasons to buy new turtles, evil mutants, Foot Clan soldiers and my favorite, Baxter Stockman and his 'fly' version."

8. Barbie

Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images

By the time the '90s rolled around, Barbie had already been delighting children for three decades. But the doll's following only continued to grow during the decade.

"Barbie turned 30 in 1989 and spent the '90s evolving in a way that mirrored culture," Friedland shares. "Mattel leaned further into aspiration, introducing lines like Astronaut Barbie, Presidential Candidate Barbie and careers that reflected a changing cultural moment for girls."

Changnon notes that Totally Hair Barbie, which debuted in 1992, went on to become the bestselling Barbie of all time.

"Her hair reached her feet and came with a variety of accessories that children could use to style her," he says.

Related: 15 Vintage Barbies That Are Worth a Fortune Today, According to Doll Collectors

9. Barney

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"I love you. You love me. We're a happy family." We dare you to get this song out of your head now. Kids of the '90s certainly couldn't, and the Barney & Friends TV series won Barney a place in their hearts.

"The purple dinosaur that sang about loving each other was all over the airwaves, and when toys based on the character were released in 1993, they were literally everywhere," Friedland shares. "The toys themselves were relatively unremarkable—they were just plush as far as I remember—but preschoolers couldn’t get enough of them."

10. American Girl of Today

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Every little girl wanted one of the core American Girl dolls in the '90s. Personally, I was a Samantha girl. But the brand also created a cool line of dolls that were originally called American Girl of Today in the '90s. Now, they're sold under the Truly Me line.

"Instead of focusing on history, the line focused on personal identity, allowing children to pick a doll that looked like them," Changnon tells Parade. "The dolls came with blank journals for children to write their own stories. Children could put on outfits resembling those they wore."

Related: We Ranked the 66 Best Movies of the 1990s, From 'Fargo' to 'Forrest Gump'

11. Game Boy Color

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Many classic gamers still have one of these iconic gaming devices in their collection.

"Released in 1998, the Game Boy Color was all that kids wanted because, for the first time, they could play these digital games in color. The Game Boy Color could also play black and white games from its predecessor," Changnon says.

12. Buzz Lightyear

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When the first Toy Storymovie hit theaters in 1995, kids fell for the main characters, Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Naturally, a talking Buzz Lightyear figurine with pop-out wings and a retractable helmet was an instant hit and was hard to find anywhere.

"What's interesting about this is that the major toy manufacturers passed on the Toy Story license because they weren't sure the movie would be a hit, so a smaller company called Thinkway Toys produced the first line in limited quantities," Friedland explains. "Retailers were cautious in their orders and were completely caught off guard by the demand, which meant there was no way to restock in time for Christmas since the movie opened so late in the year. Toy Story 2 actually referenced the shortage directly."

13. Sky Dancers

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For kids who loved dolls but wanted a little extra pizzazz, Sky Dancers were a great option.

"This toy, a static or non-movable doll, was designed to shoot into the air when pulled by a string, and the dancers' foam wings would spin like helicopters. Though a beloved toy, they were recalled due to injuries inflicted on their users," Changnon states.

14. Littlest Pet Shop

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Kids who dreamed of getting a pet of their own had endless hours of fun playing make-believe with Littlest Pet Shop toys.

"Introduced in the market in the early '90s, these particular toys were not cartoonish bobbleheads like their counterparts of the early 2000s," Changnon says. "The '90s toys were more realistic with wagging tails and blinking eyes. The brand encouraged collecting and allowed kids to care for a toy, rather than a real pet."

15. Polly Pocket

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"Though launched in 1989, Polly Pocket exploded in popularity in the '90s because the tiny compact cases allowed for many hours of imaginative play, either by yourself or with a friend," Changnon says. "Because of Polly’s small stature, you could take her and her compact with you anywhere your heart desired."

Over time, the Polly Pocket line expanded to include larger dolls. To this day, the brand is still thriving and includes many fun themed sets based off popular TV series and movies like Clueless, Friends and Bridgerton.

Related: 15 Popular 1970s Toys That Would Be Considered Way Too Dangerous Today

16. Super Soakers

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Friedland says Super Soakers are the perfect example of a toy that came out of science and engineering.

"Similar to how Silly Putty and Slinky weren’t originally designed as toys, the Super Soaker came out of the design for an environmentally friendly heat pump system," he explains. "When NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson combined a high-pressure water gun using a nozzle, PVC pipe and a two-liter bottle, he accidentally created a new type of high-capacity squirt gun. When Super Soakers hit the market, they made every other water gun look sad in comparison."

17. WWF Wrestling Figures

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Many kids were enamored with wrestling in the '90s and eagerly tuned into the sport on TV.

"Larger-than-life figures like Hulk Hogan, Randy 'The Macho Man' Savage and 'The Million Dollar Man,' Ted DiBiase, had rivalries and storylines that extended beyond the ring, offering kids drama that was familiar from morning cartoons," Friedland shares. "Combined with a slightly rubbery and posable action figure line that was different than other toys, Hasbro’s WWF figures became an iconic part of wrestling."

Since there was an ever-changing WWF roster, there were always fresh faces and personalities to transform into action figures.

18. Pogs

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Kids in the '90s were incredibly proud of their Pogs collections.

"Pogs started as a Hawaiian playground game in the 1920s using cardboard milk caps," Friedland states. "In the '90s, Pogs came back with licensed and branded versions that drove scarcity and collectability. The game itself is simple: each player stacks their Pogs face down, takes turns slamming the stack with a heavier disc called a slammer, and keeps any Pogs that land face up."

19. 'Jurassic Park' toys

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Jurassic Park was a box office hit, so an accompanying collection of toys was a natural fit.

"Kenner Toys capitalized on the movie’s magic with the Electronic Command Dinosaur, the vehicles and a line of action figures," Friedland explains. "What made this line stand out is that Kenner took the dinosaur designs seriously, which meant the toys looked as good as the film, rather than being a brand-licensed cash grab. Kids who had never seen the movie wanted the T-Rex because it was a great-looking dinosaur toy."

20. Hot Wheels

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To this day, Hot Wheels are still a mainstay in kids' toy collections, and they're also popular with collectors.

"In the '90s, Mattel kept Hot Wheels fresh with new track sets and crash-and-stunt systems like Criss Cross Crash, but the core product never really changed. It always was, and likely always will be, a well-made, detailed die-cast car that is affordable for kids," Friedland shares.

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1980s

21. Bop It

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"Bop It made its market debut in 1996 and challenged players to a rapid-fire game of commands. The game would speed up as you played it, and the different modes allowed you to play with others," Changnon says.

The small device instructs players to pull it, twist it, flick it, spin it or bop it, and the speed of the commands increases over time.

"If you do the wrong thing or hesitate, then the game is over. The interesting thing is that there is an endpoint to the game, meaning you can go through an entire sequence and beat it," Friedland says.

22. Mighty Max

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"Often called the 'boys’ version of Polly Pocket,' these compact cases featured monsters, aliens and other themes that toy makers thought boys would love," Changnon says.

Similar to Polly Pocket, the pint-sized toys and cases made them quite portable and let boys get in on the fun.

23. LEGO

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By the '90s, LEGO had already been popular for decades. However, several sets from the 1990s were a big hit.

"Pirates, Space, Castle, Technic and Mindstorms gave kids challenging builds that could be played with after construction," Friedland says.

Additionally, Star WarsLEGO sets were also a strong seller.

24. Bitty Baby

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"Launched by Pleasant Company in 1990 as Our New Baby, this 15-inch baby doll was designed to help young children prepare for the new arrival of a sibling to their family," Changnon says.

Bitty Baby was a durable doll that came with high-quality outfits and accessories.

"The dolls were inclusive of diverse skin, hair and eye color, allowing children to play with a doll that looked like them," he says.

25. Groovy Girls

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"Launched in 1998, these plush and soft dolls offered an alternative to plastic Barbie and other fashion dolls. Kids loved playing with the colorful, yarn-like hair and bright clothing," Changnon says.

Up Next:

Related: 10 Old-Fashioned Summer Activities Kids Still Love That Don’t Require a Screen

Sources:

• Blake Changnon is the founder, president and CEO of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles, a virtual museum featuring his extensive collection of Pleasant Company and American Girl items.
• Bob Friedland is a toy expert who has experience running public relations for both Toys”R”Us and FAO Schwarz. Throughout his career, he has supported several toy brands and companies, including Hasbro, Target, Bandai, Lionel Trains and more.

Lori Petty is looking back on filming the '90s surf classic Point Break.

Petty, 62, made her debut in Cadillac Man before skyrocketing to fame as surfer chick Tyler in 1991's Point Break alongsideKeanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. The beloved film, which returns to theaters with a new 4K restoration in August, told the story of an undercover FBI agent, Johnny Utah, who becomes enmeshed with a group of surfers who moonlight as bank robbers. While Petty found great success with films like A League of Their Own and Free Willy after Point Break, the surf staple is still a classic for audiences. And in a rare interview, Petty opened up about making the film.

“It was a dream, for real. It was so much fun. Come on, it was me and 20 wet dudes. It was just so much fun just playing football and training and surfing and kissing. It was just a blast,” Petty told PEOPLE.

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What Was It Like Working With Film Legend Patrick Swayze?

Swayze, who died in 2009, was a beacon of adventure on set who would “go skydiving before work.”

“He loved it. He loved riding motorcycles. He loved skydiving. He loved dancing. He loved anything he could do with his body. He was doing ballet in the air. That was really him. So he was someone who just loved to push himself at whatever he did and take it as far as he could. And he was just sweet as pie, and he smelled so good all the time,” Petty recalled, noting that it was “pretty easy to be in love with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze.”

Did Petty Know How Big Point Break Would Be?

Petty reflected that while the team had so much fun on the set of Point Break, she had no idea how much of a phenomenon the film would be.

“I knew Patrick Swayze and his talent and legacy, and I knew Keanu’s talent and stardom. But when you’re making a movie, you don’t really think about what it’s going to do,” she told PEOPLE.

What Is Lori Petty Up To These Days?

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Petty hit the small screen in 2014 for a role as Lolly in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, and hit HBO in 2021 for Station Eleven. But these days, you can find her in the role of Dr. Lenora Friedman in NCIS: Origins.

Related: Keanu Reeves Is a Silver Fox With Shaggy Hair and a Gray Beard While Playing Chess Onstage