Falling in love with Autumn: Ranking our favorite things about fall

Rebekah Costa, Eshna Das, Juliet Dow, Aien Du, Vivienne Fox, Mikail Khan, Sarah Nguyen, and Wanya Zafar • October 24, 2024

The Review welcomes fall – Jellycats and all! Designed by Emily Matthews-Ederington and Emily Yen

Our Autumn Opinions

Ranking Fall Apparel: Aien Du

10. Mittens
They are itchy, impractical and completely useless. Sure, they are cute for the one photo, but after that, any time you want to use your phone, you have to take off the ten-fingered menace and stash them in a pocket somewhere. On top of that, they are so easy to lose, leaving you looking stupid and cold.

9. Beanies
One word: slouchy. Two words: hat hair. The beanie is only fit for a certain type of head. Too round, and the beanie slips right off. Too narrow, and it looks saggy. For me, it is not the first thing I would reach for in my fall staples.

8. Leg warmers
If you do not own one by now, I would not say they are essential, but they are certainly nice. Pair it with a chunky boot or just wear them around your house. Who am I to judge if your legs get cold easily?

7. Trench coats
Want to feel like Sherlock Holmes? Trench coats are the perfect staple for fall. Making you feel chic and ready to-go for a coffee date, trench coats bring the warm-toned brown to your everyday look.

6. Sweat sets
The one time (besides airports) where you can wear sweat sets in public and people will not judge you for being lazy or sloppy. They are cozy, comfy and the perfect layer for errands. The matching colors, cute design and baggy fit make sweat sets the perfect aesthetic for any cozy outfit.

5. Ear muffs
These cute, fluffy accessories can elevate any outfit while still protecting your ears from the bitter cold. They do not affect your hearing and they keep your ears from turning red. Cute and practical.

4. Puffer jacket
YES. The only drawback is that they take up a lot of space and are not practical during the rest of the year if you live in Texas.

3. Balaclavas
This is not to get confused with the Persian and Greek pastry dessert. Instead, it is the chunky, wool scarves that keep your neck and head warm. Styled in many different ways, balaclavas will make anyone jealous of your fall look.

2. Fluffy boots
Every fall, UGGS come back stronger than ever. Whether it is the Tasman Slip-ons or the Classic boots, UGGS are the ultimate fall essential.

1. Sweater/Jumper
Fall is literally called “sweater weather.” Sweaters live up to the hype. Coming in 100 different aesthetics, anyone can find their perfect coquette, grunge or Stockholm jumper.

Top 10 Fall Activities: Eshna Das

10. Corn Mazes
What’s worse than getting lost in a maze of corn? Practically nothing.

9. Making Leaf Piles
Making leaf piles can be romanticized. That is until you realize you are making a pile of leaves. Filled with dirt, worms and other miscellaneous bugs, leaf piles are not a fun way to spend a fall day.

8. Thanksgiving
With its controversial aspects and mediocre food selection, Thanksgiving is not the most exciting activity for fall. A hearty Thanksgiving dinner with family, however, trumps jumping in a pile of leaves any day.

7. Haunted House
A fun way to hang out with your friends while also getting scared to death. However, after one scare session, this activity gets a little boring.

6. Carving Pumpkins
Fun at first, until you realize that carving pumpkins is a lot harder than it sounds. Lots of pulp.

5. Picking Apples
This activity is rightfully romanticized (unlike leaves). What’s more fun than picking crisp apples with your friends and then baking an apple pie? Though this activity is quite a lot of work, it’s such a fun way to spend an autumn evening.

4. Baking Fall Desserts
What’s better than a snicker-doodle cookie or slice of pumpkin bread? Practically nothing. Baking fall desserts creates a lovely vibe to a crisp, autumn day.

3. Going on Walks
A quintessential aspect of fall. Going on walks with your dog while sipping a fall drink from Starbucks is the perfect way to spend an autumn morning. Placed at three because it is more basic than other activities.

2. Making a Boo Basket
These baskets are packed with every fall essential – from stuffed animals to sweet treats. Making and receiving these make you feel so warm inside and are true symbols of Autumn. Give a Boo Basket to your friend to brighten their day. With midterms approaching, they probably need it!

1. Friendsgiving
The most heartfelt activity in the fall. Getting together with a group of friends and appreciating each other creates the warmest feeling of all.

Best Thanksgiving Dishes: Wanya Zafar and and Viv Fox

10. Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce lands a low ranking because of its inability to perform on its own. While some enjoy the side dish as an enhancement to Thanksgiving turkey, we find that it has too strong of a flavor and an unappealing texture. It does, however, win points for style. The pop of color appeals to many and the side dish still ends up on our Thanksgiving plates, regardless of past trauma.

9. Gravy
As a difficult recipe to perfect, we just have to admit that gravy never meets our expectations. Good gravy can be appealing; however, bad gravy can ruin the dish. Its unfortunate, gloopy, hit-or-miss texture makes gravy ninth on our list.

8.Casserole
Casseroles are the dish at every Thanksgiving dinner that gets abandoned in the corner of the table, no matter the flavor. The sad, soggy, texture just does not fit the Thanksgiving spirit.

7. Sweet potato
You either love it or hate it. Some add marshmallows and some roast them. Either way, we agree that the dish is underrated. Yet it can still be underwhelming next to some of the Thanksgiving favorites.

6. Cornbread
The buttery, soft and sweet flavor is a Thanksgiving staple. Families not only enjoy the taste but also appreciate the aromas that waft from the oven when cornbread is being baked. The sweet crumble pairs well with the turkey’s dry and often salty taste.

5. Turkey
When people think of Thanksgiving, they often think of turkey. Yet many do not actually find this dish to be their favorite food. Some believe it’s delicious, yet others don’t find joy in the flavors or crispy skin. But still, it’s a classic.

4. Green beans
We find green beans to be an underrated choice. They pair perfectly with any part of a traditional Thanksgiving meal because of their unique smokey and savory flavors. Not to mention, they are a classic and the only semi-nutritious option on Thanksgiving day.

3. Mac and Cheese
Loved by many, hated by few, Mac and Cheese is a year-round enjoyment that shines on Thanksgiving day. Children and parents alike look forward to the cheesy and buttery noodles for a delicious addition to the meal.

2. Mashed potatoes
The soft, creamy and comforting flavor of mashed potatoes perfectly represents the fun, family-filled chaos of Thanksgiving. Everyone (rightfully) loves it, and somehow its tray is always empty when you go back for seconds.

1. Stuffing
At the top of our ranking, stuffing takes its spot as the champion Thanksgiving dish. With its combination of soft, buttery bread and whatever herbs and broths your family loves, its array of textures is simply impeccable. As our personal favorite, we just can’t wait for its time to shine on Thanksgiving day.

Ranking Fall Desserts: Mikail Khan and Rebekah Costa

10. Gingersnaps
The thin texture and the crunch of the cookie make it unappetizing. We would prefer something soft and chewy like warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies. Although it is simple to bake, this dessert does not appeal to us at all—why add a spice used to treat illnesses into a cookie?

9. Sweet potato pie
Sweet potatoes belong on the Thanksgiving table, not after the meal. Just because something is classified as “sweet” does not mean it belongs as a dessert. The dense, earthy filling does not go well with the sweet, vanilla whipped cream and pie crust.

8. Pumpkin Cranberry Cheesecake
Pumpkin and cranberry and cheese is a weird combination of flavors. Mixing tart cranberries with rich pumpkin and cream cheese leaves a weird taste in your mouth. There’s too much going on and too many flavors ruin a good dessert.

7. Pecan Pie
Why so many pies? The hard shells of the pecans make it difficult to cut, and unappetizing. The candied nuts hurt our teeth and make it too sweet. Even though it’s our Texas state dessert, the sticky filling leaves an unexpectedly long aftertaste.

6. Apple Cider
This drink is comforting during the fall season as it reminds us of a nice, chilly day in the middle of a serene forest. However, there is too much going on at one time. Too hot. Too fizzy. and the taste resembles Apple Juice.

5. Pumpkin Pie
The staple dessert every Thanksgiving, but do we really like it? Or does it just feel like a necessity every year? As a classic, it gets brownie points. Although its taste is lacking, it reminds us of a crisp fall day.

4. Pumpkin Bread
At first glance, one might assume that this dessert was just another way to market “pumpkin” for fall. However, when paired with chocolate chips, this dessert is not only easy to make; but really delicious. This is by far the best use of pumpkin in fall desserts.

3. Cinnamon Coffee Cake
One bite and we’re transported to Luke’s Diner in Gilmore Girls. The warm cinnamon taste feels comforting in the fall season. It’s not too sweet and perfect for any fall day. The vanilla frosting and cinnamon-sugar filling balance out the muted vanilla cake.

2. Apple Crumble
Warm apples with sugary topping, although simple, this dessert is great for the fall season. When combined with vanilla ice cream, the flavors are elite. The warm topping/crumble pairs well with the cinnamon apples, making an almost perfect dessert. The only flaw with this dish is that the apples get soggy in the mixture after some time.

1. Cinnamon Roll
The perfect dessert for the fall season. Whether baked from a pillsbury roll or homemade, this pastry always hits the spot. The creamy vanilla drizzle on the doughy roll creates perfect harmony between the two flavors. It can also be enjoyed for a snack, dessert, or breakfast.

Top 5 Fall Jellycats: Sarah Nguyen and Juliet Dow

5. Theo Turkey
Turkey is a classic during Thanksgiving, and this stuffed animal conveys the seasonal spirit in the best way possible. While it represents all things Thanksgiving, it isn’t the cutest of the Jellycats and doesn’t look as cuddly as the others. That being said, Theo Turkey could still be a great addition to your collection!

4. Vivacious Vegetable Pumpkin/Amuseables Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a fall staple, so these Jellycats are perfect for the season! Their petite stems and orange bodies fit well with warm and welcoming smiles. Although both fulfill seasonal expectations, there are definitely others out there that are more eye-catching and creative.

3. Amuseables Mushroom
This adorable mushroom is perfect for fall! With cute spots and a wide smile, this Jellycat brightens any room. While it is super fun, the Amuseables Mushroom doesn’t fit the vibe as well as others on this list, so it ranks third.

2. Amuseables Acorn
When you think about fall, you probably think about the bitter wind brushing through your hair, apple cider filling up grocery store aisles, and crimson leaves and crunchy acorns roaming the streets. The Amuseables Acorn makes its way in second place for its charming smile and its autumn spirit. The stuffed animal immediately catches everyone's eye as it is a simple yet lovable fall friend.

1. Amuseables Coffee Cup
With its appealing design and cozy vibe, this coffee cup sits at the top of our list. This stuffed friend is perfect for sitting by the fire on a cool fall day, and it brings the best of the fall season into one amazing Jellycat. Really get into the fall spirit with this cute cup!

Top 10 Halloween Jellycats: Sarah Nguyen and Juliet Dow

10. Ooky Jack O’lantern
Settling in last place, this petite, burnt-orange pumpkin brings a bit of Halloween festivity to any room. Pumpkin carving is definitely overrated, and usually just ends in a mess. While this stuffed animal is cute and definitely on-theme, the Ooky Jack O’lantern is a bit basic and not very creative, so it ranks last on our list.

9. Spookipaws Cat
Striking green eyes, an arched back, and raven black fur describes the ninth place Spookipaws Cat. Although it seems fittingly creepy for the Halloween season, this cat isn’t the most on-theme. A bit plain and simple, and this Jellycat just doesn’t immediately scream spooky season. Maybe add a little witch hat and it could earn a higher place in the ranking!

8. Skeleton Bob/Skeledog Dan/Skelebat Jim
This collection of skeletal stuffies is a classic addition to the list of Halloween Jellycats. Skeleton Bob, Skeledog Dan, and Skelebat Jim all bring a little bit of spooky fun to the season, so they are perfect for a bit of decoration. These three place eighth because, while they are fun and spirited, they lack color and could be a bit boring.

7. Ooky Spider
Spiders are a classic Halloween creature, and this Jellycat combines spooky spirit and cuddly stuffed animals. While the design is perfect, spiders aren’t known for their cuddling, so the Ooky Spider claims seventh on our list.

6. Mummy Bob
Mummy Bob is a cute spin on a spooky creature and perfect for any Halloween-related occasion! While the design is flawless, he can be a bit boring and isn’t very colorful, so we ranked this Jellycat in sixth.

5. Bashful Pumpkin Bunny
Hopping into fifth place, the Bashful Pumpkin Bunny immediately puts anyone in a good mood. The soft and delicate features of the bunny as it holds a small pumpkin provides cozy fall vibes. Although the pumpkin gives off fall vibes, the Jellycat as a whole doesn’t give off a Halloween feeling. The bunny itself is adorable but the stuffed animal would be upgraded if the animal was more related to Halloween, such as a bat or a ghost!

4. Richie Rain Frog Vampire
When you think of fall, you probably don’t picture a frog-vampire, but this Jellycat delivers just that. A cute frog meets spooky vampire cape and Richie Rain Frog Vampire is born! Perfectly on-theme but admittedly weird, this creature places fourth.

3. Spooky Greta Gremlin
Nothing fits perfectly into this theme than the Spooky Greta Gremlin with its striped feet, spunky purple fur, and vampire teeth sticking out of his inviting smile. This stuffed animal is paired with a signature witches’ hat and a black cape. If you are looking for the perfect fall gift, this Gremlin screams halloween in every way.

2. Wrapabat Brown
This adorable bat is perfect for cuddling! It represents Halloween spirit and characterizes the best parts of the spooky season. While there are two other bats available on the Jellycats store, the Ooky Bat and Wrapabat Black, we chose this one because of its cute design and lovable nature.

1. Ooky Ghost
This little creature is perfect for Halloween decor! With an endearing smile and classic design, the Jellycat Ooky Ghost will fit right in with any decorations. While it is very simple, the vibe it gives off is amazing and guaranteed to get you in the mood for this spooky season.

About the Contributors

Rebekah Costa, Staff Writer

Rebekah Costa (‘27) joined The Review in 2024 as a sophomore. Her favorite show is “How I Met Your Mother,” and her favorite dessert is cheesecake.

Eshna Das, Print Editor-in-Chief

Eshna Das (’26) joined The Review in 2022 as a freshman. She loves the color purple and has both a pet dog and a pet cat (no, they don’t get along).

Juliet Dow, Copy Editor

Juliet Dow (‘28) joined The Review in 2024 as a freshman. She loves traveling and has two dogs that have rhyming names, Bella and Stella.

Aien Du, Online Editor-in-Chief

Aien Du (’26) joined The Review in 2022 as a freshman. She loves taking pictures and the color pink. Autocorrect changes her name to Alien.

Vivienne Fox, Staff Writer

Vivienne Fox (‘28) joined The Review in 2024 as a freshman. She is an only child and can do the alphabet aerobics.

Mikail Khan, Online Assistant Editor-In-Chief

Mikail Khan (’27) has impeccable penmanship and loves to bake chocolate bundt cakes. He joined Review in 2023.

Sarah Nguyen, Copy Editor

Sarah Nguyen (‘28) joined The Review in 2024 as a freshman. She loves Corgis and has been saving to buy one since first grade, and she bakes, reads, and swims.

Wanya Zafar, Online Section Editor

Wanya Zafar (‘28) joined The Review in 2024 as a freshman. She has traveled to more than 10 countries and loves the performing arts.