Cactus Ring Toss is the Lawn Game You Need RN

Ring toss just got a very adorable upgrade. Can you believe we made these out of cardboard boxes? Follow along to see how it's done.

All you need is cardboard, paint and a utility knife to make your very own cactus ring toss game.

Grab a large piece of cardboard and draw a simple potted cactus. (Make sure the arms are thinner than the rings you'll be tossing!) Cut it out with a utility knife. Cut a long, thin strip from the bottom to the middle of the cactus. Then trace the cactus onto a new piece of cardboard and cut it out. On this second cactus, cut out a long, thin strip from the top to the middle.


Make sure the two cacti can comfortably sit perpendicular to one another.

Time to paint! Enlist your kids to help paint each cactus. Start with a layer of dark green, then use a lighter shade of green to paint on stripes, dots and any patterns you like. We painted our "planter" pink.

Have fun with making up your own prickly patterns.

Look at that little family of cacti!

Take it outside and get ready for hours of family fun.

This tutorial is being featured as part of a partnership with Scotts. Head to www.scotts.com for more fun ideas for getting creative outside with your kiddos.

This project originally appeared in this article.

Christmas party games are a fun way to connect, relieve some holiday stress, and bring some holiday cheer, way better than zoning out in front of the TV or navigating tricky political conversations. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or hosting the big day (or eve), here are some ROFL Christmas games for adults and kids to experience real holiday joy, perhaps create some new traditions, and take the best IG shots of the season.

Here are 20 exciting Christmas party games you can play with the whole family!

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Christmas Charades

Play charades with a holiday twist! Write down Christmas-themed clues (e.g., decorating a tree, Rudolph, Mariah Carey, building a snowman...) and have teams act them out. Keep it simple for kids, especially ones learning to read, or add some pop culture references (Buddy the Elf, anyone?) for adults-only parties.

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Name That Carol!

Play short snippets of Christmas songs and have guests guess the title. To up the challenge, use instrumental versions or hum the tune. For kids, you can turn this into musical chairs with holiday music!

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Christmas Trivia

Create trivia questions about Christmas movies, traditions, and songs. Bonus points for the most obscure facts! Here's a few to start:

  • Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? (Answer: Germany)
  • In the song Twelve Days of Christmas, what is given on the 7th day? (Answer: Swans a-swimming)
  • Which country celebrates “Feliz Navidad”? (Answer: Spain or Latin American countries)

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Guess the Holiday Scent

Use candles, essential oils, or holiday-themed spices like cinnamon, peppermint, or pine. Blindfold guests and have them guess the scent. Throw in some unexpected surprises like egg nog, maple syrup or Scotch tape.

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Snowball NBA

If you're lucky enough to have a White Christmas, set up buckets outside labeled with different point values. Guests toss real snowballs, or “snowballs” like white cotton balls or small foam balls if you're playing indoors, into the buckets for points.

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The Awkward Gift Wrap Race

Find awkwardly shaped items around the house, like a basketball or stuffed animal, and provide rolls of wrapping paper. The fastest (and neatest) gift wrapper wins!

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Ornament Relay

Hand out spoons or chopsticks and teams have to race to get ornaments from one side of the room to another.

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Candy Cane Hunt

Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide candy canes around the house or yard and let guests hunt for them. Wrap a few with dollar bills to up the ante .;)

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Holiday "Who Am I?"

Stick Christmas-themed names or characters (e.g., the Grinch, Jude Law, Holiday Armadillo, Charlie Brown) on players' foreheads. Guests ask yes/no questions to guess who they are. It's a great ice breaker for new friends!

cottonbro studio

Gingerbread Decoration Contest

Anything with a ticking clock adds a certain element of hilarity to it. Give your teams gingerbread houses with icing and decorations. Let the creativity flow, and award prizes for categories like “most festive” or “funniest" or "worst construction."

RDNE Stock project

Here are more Christmas games to play this season:

Jingle Bell Toss: Set up your college-era Solo cups into a bowling pin formation at opposite ends of the table. Each players tries to get large jingle bellsinto the opposite side’s cups. The first player to get a bell in each cup wins.

Human Hungry Hungry Hippo: Pair up, stand in a circle, and hand out plastic candy canes. Toss shatterproof Christmas balls in the middle of the circle. One person stands, holding the feet of the other person on the floor. The person on the floor tries to collect more balls with the candy cane than the other teams for a human version of Hungry Hungry Hippo!

Christmas Pictionary: Like charades, but on paper. Use pop culture references like "Hallmark Holiday Movie" or holiday-themed phrases like "Silent Night" for teammates to guess.

Left-Right Christmas Story Game: Make up a holiday story that includes the words "left" and "right" often. Guests pass a wrapped gift or object left or right as the words are mentioned, and whoever holds it at the end keeps the gift!

Christmas Bingo: Downloadbingo cards with holiday symbols or themes. Mark them off as they’re called out. First to yell “Bingo!” wins.

Reindeer Ring Toss: Use inflatable reindeer antler hats (or make your own) and toss rings to see who can "decorate" the reindeer.

Christmas Cookie Taste Test: Bake or buy a variety of holiday cookies. Blindfold guests and see who can identify the most flavors correctly.

Christmas Movie Emoji Quiz: Create a string of emojis that represent Christmas movies and have guests guess the titles.

Snowman Building Contest: If there’s snow, go outdoors for a snowman-building competition! If indoors, use toilet paper to “wrap” someone as a snowman.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of Christmas-related items like a red ornament, mistletoe, or a stocking and have guests search for them in teams.

Christmas Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine or app and sing along to holiday classics. Bonus points for best singer or most dramatic performance!

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

Psst, I have new hobby for you to try — and it has everything to do with visiting Trader Joe's for ingredients to make homemade matcha latte recipes! But first, you'll want to trade your doom scrolling habits for browsing different TikTok recreations to see what matcha drinks you're in the mood for. Your tastebuds could be craving something similar to Starbucks' spring menu, so I've explored the internet for the easiest drinks you can make at home. Plus, you'll even find a tasty cocktail recipe that'll replace your usual glass of red wine.

Discover the best matcha drink recipes you'll want to make every week!

Munching With Mariyah

Iced Matcha Latte

Yasmeen Ali considers herself a "self-proclaimed matcha addict/expert," so you can trust this matcha drink recipe tastes perfect. She gives a thorough breakdown of how to make sure you're able to create it's stress-free and smooth texture, plus you'll be surprised to find it only takes 5 minutes to make! (via Munching With Mariyah)

Earthly Provisions

Vanilla Matcha Latte

This matcha latte tastes like it was intentionally created for people who love all things vanilla or caramel. Not only does the recipe teach you how to make homemade vanilla syrup, it also gives a detailed explanation of how to effortlessly combine it with matcha. (via Earthly Provisions)

The First Mess

Vegan Iced Vanilla Oat Matcha Latte

Still on the oat milk train? You'll love recreating this matcha recipe at home because it features it along with maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Doesn't that sound like something you'll love shaking in your cup? (via The First Mess)

Half Baked Harvest

Iced Strawberry Milk Matcha Latte

If you love strawberries and matcha separately, you'll love them mixed together in this tasty recipe! It takes 10 minutes to blend milk, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, matcha powder, water, and lavender together for a drink you won't forget. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feel Good Foodie

Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte

Want something that tastes like summer in a cup? Feast your eyes on this strawberry matcha latte! It does take 10 minutes to make, but you'll enjoy every second as you watch how beautifully the matcha, strawberry, and milk of your choice fuse together to make a visually appealing drink. (via Feel Good Foodie)

More Matcha Drinks 

Mixop

Matcha Green Bubble Tea

Make your own bubble tea at home with this easy recipe that only needs 5 minutes of your time. You'll absolutely get to use tapioca pearls, but you'll also add in ingredients like brown sugar and matcha for a sweet drink you can sip any time of day. (via Mixop)

Takes Two Eggs

Blueberry Matcha

This is probably the longest matcha drink recipe you'll make, but the end results will make you appreciate your hard work. Also, the color payoff looks like something you'd drink while eating your "girl dinner!" (via Takes Two Eggs)

The Girl on Bloor

Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink (Starbucks Copycat)

You're not seeing things; pineapple is included in this matcha drink that's as refreshing as it's perplexing. You'll need pineapple ginger syrup, matcha green tea powder, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and patience. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Chef Bai

Golden Strawberry Matcha

There's a few things this recipe promises you experience. Not only is it naturally sweet, it's also quick to make and includes antioxidants your body will love. Why? It has everything from cinnamon to cardamom in it! My only wish is that you snap a few pictures before drinking it because it's gorgeous to look at. (via Chef Bai)

A Virtual Vegan

Matcha Lemonade

Tired of drinking the same old lemonade? Recreate A Virtual Vegan's matcha-infused recipe for a quick pick-me-up! It is a little tart, but you can add a little more cane sugar to sweeten it if desired. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and get acquainted with the lemons you'll be squeezing. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Vanilla and Bean

Ginger-Orange Matcha Green Tea Smoothie

If you're looking for something to completely replace your morning lattes, this ginger-orange matcha green tea smoothie is for you! It'll become your new "green drink" that kickstarts the wellness goals you're finally starting. No worries — I'm not judging you! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Tito's Vodka

Tito's Matcha Martini

If you want a nightcap drink, you'll love making Tito's matcha martini! You only need four ingredients for this recipe — Tito's handmade vodka, cold brew liqueur, matcha, and milk! According to Tito's, they recommend you drink this during brunch or the summer and fall seasons! (via Tito's Vodka)

Follow us on Pinterest for more drink recipe ideas!

Whether you’re the cool aunt or uncle who has no idea what The Youths like to get as gifts these days, or a parent who knows exactly what your kids want (the endless hints are not so much hints anymore!), tracking down gifts for kids can still be a big challenge. Let our guide to the best gifts for kids inspire your shopping sprees for whoever you’re gifting this year – we’ve got something for all ages.

Amazon

Littlest Pet Shop Playset

Turns out the Littlest Pet Shop is still a total must-have! This playset comes with two adorable pets and over 20 accessories that your kiddo can move around to customize their own little world.

Target

Target Toy Checklane

This interactive Target checkout counter will be very familiar to your little one if they're part of a Target family! It has options to browse store shelves, ring up play items, and pay with pretend money for the whole experience.

Amazon

Wild Republic Amazon Exclusive 2024 Holiday Bear

How cute is this sweater-bearing bear? We honestly want one for ourselves. This darling plushie makes the perfect bedtime snuggle buddy for the holiday season!

Target

Syncfun Play Kitchen Toys

If the kid you're shopping for isn't quite ready to cook and bake, they'll certainly learn the ways of the kitchen with this playset. It includes a coffee maker, toaster, and a blender, along with 2 knives, 2 spoons, 2 forks, 4 foods, 2 cups, 2 teacups, 2 plates, 2 saucers, and 2 "toasts" so their imagination can run wild.

Amazon

Ninja Blast Brain & Memory Game Cube

For kiddos in the 6 to 12 year-old range, this light-up, noise-making game cube comes equipped with tons of one- and two-player games to keep them occupied, sans TV or phone screen.

Amazon

Harper The Pig Weighted Comfort Plush

This cuddly stuffed animal helps "lower stress and boost calm" with a weight of 4.5 pounds to help anyone feel grounded and relaxed, even adults! Its soft fabric and cute, welcoming face will certainly satisfy any anxiousness. You can choose from Harper The Pig, Frankie The Cat, Charlie The Puppy, and more characters!

Amazon

Lego Despicable Me 4 Minions & Gru's Family Mansion

The Despicable Me franchise has a hold on us all, and for the kiddos who can't get enough of The Minions or Legos, this build-it-yourself building block set will definitely have them excited and enriched with the challenge of constructing Gru's famous mansion.

Amazon

Bestamtoy 36-Piece Wooden Sorting Stacking Rocks & Stones

Building blocks have come a long way from the basic triangular prisms and rectangles of our youth. This creative set emulates rocks and stones for a unique play experience since your kiddo can stack 'em in endless ways!

Amazon

Fisher-Price Learn & Serve Coffee Cafe Playset

If you know the kid you're shopping for watches mom and dad prep their coffee every morning, let them in on the fun (non-caffeinated, of course) with this play-espresso machine! They'll be whipping up their very own lattes and cappuccinos in no time, and the 'rents will undoubtedly have a great time watching them get to 'work'.

Anthropologie

Mon Ami Christmas Joyful Tree Kids Plush Toy

This cheerful tree plush rings in the Christmas season in the most adorable way possible. It's "soft, snuggly, and full of personality" to become your little pal's perfect companion!

Target

Syncfun Marble Run Set

With a whopping 196 pieces to play with and customize, this set is full of surprises and endless ways to race marbles. It's the gift that keeps on giving, since your kiddo can change the track day after day.

Target

Tonies Peppa Pig Toniebox Starter Set

This squishable speaker pairs up with Peppa Pig to play 9 different audible stories, songs, and more interactive sounds for your little one to listen to. It offers a great, screen-free way to keep them enriched and entertained throughout the day!

Anthropologie

Mon Ami Monsieur Croissant

This adorable animated croissant plush will inspire joy (and comfort) for any kiddo.

Bombas

Bombas Toddler Minions Gripper Calf Sock 4-Pack Gift Box

If they're totally crazy for the Minions franchise, they can now rock their favorite characters every single day. This sock gift box includes four different playful designs, plus you could even snag them in adult sizes to match!

Amazon

Areaware Cubebot

This puzzle-y friend can contort into dozens of different poses for your little one to play around with. If they're not too big on the puzzle part, this colorful guy still makes a pretty epic action figure!

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

This post has been updated.

Protein is essential for building muscle, staying energized, and feeling full, but it doesn’t have to come from the same ol’ boring grilled chicken and scrambled eggs. There are plenty of “underrated” sources of protein that pack a punch – from unexpected plant-based options to overlooked pantry staples. If you’re looking to bulk up your meals with protein while still getting the nutrients you need, these gems definitely deserve a spot on your plate.

Scroll on for 10 “underrated” sources of protein to add to your diet!

Pixabay / PEXELS

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. One cooked cup of quinoa carries about 8 grams of protein, so it’s an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans alike! In favor of more common grains like rice or pasta, give quinoa a try for that extra protein-rich boost.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

2. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is packed with protein – but not just any protein. It’s surprisingly rich in casein protein, a slow-digesting protein that helps with muscle recovery and satisfying your hunger. A single cup can provide over 25 grams of protein! A lot of people tend to avoid it due to its unique texture, but cottage cheese is actually incredibly versatile for smoothies, toasts, or eaten with fruit.

Ella Olsson / PEXELS

3. Tempeh

Tempeh, a block made from fermented soybeans, contains about 21 grams of protein per 100 grams. It also gives you those nice probiotics and fiber, which contribute to a healthy gut! It can be quite similar to tofu at times, though it has a firmer texture and a nuttier flavor.

Any Lane / PEXELS

4. Greek Yogurt

If you’re not eating Greek yogurt, you’re totally missing out! Greek yogurt has nearly double the protein of regular yogurt, with around 17 grams per serving – though you can buy some varieties with more. Greek yogurt also supplies lots of probiotics and calcium for gut and bone health. Eat it as a breakfast, add it to salad dressings, or even chicken marinades for added protein!

Mart Production / PEXELS

5. Lentils

Lentils have around 18 grams of protein per cooked cup, along with beneficial fiber and iron. They’re also a great budget-friendly option, are shelf-stable, and can easily be added to soups, stews, and salads. Add some lentils to your chickpea or black bean rotation, and you’re golden!

Nano Erdozain / PEXELS

6. Black Beans

Black beans are where it’s at! Black beans contain about 15 grams of protein per cooked cup, along with plenty of fiber that helps with digestion and controlling your blood sugar. Many people associate beans with carbs rather than protein, so they don’t always recognize them as a great plant-based protein source!

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

7. Seitan

Seitan (AKA wheat gluten) carries around 21 grams of protein per 100 grams. It’s very comparable to meat, though it’s fully plant-based. Its meat-like texture makes it a great substitute for both vegetarians and vegans. Add it to sandwiches, tacos, pastas, and more to bulk up your protein game.

Spencer Davis / PEXELS

8. Edamame

Edamame makes a wonderful high-protein snack, weighing in at about 17 grams of protein per cooked cup. Edamame, like quinoa, is also a complete protein, so it’s packed with the essential amino acids.

Taryn Elliott / PEXELS

9. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is another tasty complete protein with about 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. It’s also very rich in B12, which is essential for vegans who may not get enough. It has a totally underrated cheesy, umami flavor, but many people are unfamiliar with it or unsure how to use it. We suggest sprinkling it on popcorn, pastas, or soups!

Eiliv Aceron / PEXELS

10. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds contain about 5 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons and are loaded up with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. When soaked in water or milk, they form a gel-like texture that works well in puddings, smoothies, and oatmeal. Many people think of them as just a fiber source rather than a protein source, even though they offer a solid protein boost in a considerably small dosage!

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With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, plenty of people are already celebrating Irish culture and trying to bring a little extra fortune into their lives.

One charming way to tap into the spirit is by naming your little one something lucky. Here are eight of the most adorable baby names that have luck-related meanings.

Scroll to see all the lucky baby names we love for 2025!

1. Evangeline

Zura Modebadze

Evangeline is Greek in origin and derived from the words "eu" and "angelma," meaning "good news" or "good tidings."

This name has gained popularity in the U.S. because it carries a sense of hope and prosperity, making it a wonderful choice for parents welcoming a little girl.

2. Felix

Yan Krukau

With Latin roots, Felix is a timeless baby boy name that means "happy" and "fortunate." If you want to bless your child with a life full of joy, this name definitely conveys positivity and good fortune.

Felix also dates back to the 1st century BC and has ties to the New Testament, as well as several popes. It remains a popular pick in North America, South America, and Africa.

3. Gwyneth

Anna Bondarenko

The name Gwyneth is Welsh in origin and derived from the word "gwynaeth," which means "happiness." It embodies cheerfulness, and "Gwynnie" can even be used as a cute nickname.

It's no secret that actress Gwyneth Paltrow has popularized this name, but it also carries a bit of fantasy, thanks to characters like the priestess Gwyneth Berdara in the beloved book series "A Court of Thorns and Roses."

4. Merritt

Карина Суховерхая

When spelled a bit differently as "Merit," this baby name of Latin origin holds multiple meanings, including "valuable," "worthy," and "deserving of praise." Otherwise, "Merritt," which is British, actually means "boundary gate."

Either way, a baby boy with this name will be lucky, as the ability to set healthy boundaries (and stick to them) is a very sought-after trait.

5. Felicity

Travis Grossen

Derived from Latin, Felicity is another charming name that means "happy" and "good fortune." It's perfect for a little one you hope will bring joy to those around her.

The TV show "Felicity" added to this name's popularity, as well as the release of the American Girl doll Felicity Merriman. Some cute nickname options include Flick and Fee.

6. Asher

Holly Landkammer

While Asher, a name with religious ties, has traditionally been given to boys, it's growing in favoritism as a girl's name as well.

In the Hebrew Bible, Asher is the eighth son of Jacob and the founder of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Jacob blessed Asher before his death, and Moses said, "May Asher be blessed above other sons."

That's why this name is often said to mean "happy" and "blessed." It's a lucky choice that's particularly popular among Jewish families.

7. Destiny

Subin Cherian

Do you feel like your daughter was meant to be? If so, Destiny may be a delightful fit. Derived from the Old French word "destinée" and the Latin "destinare," it translates to "fate" or "one's certain fortune."

In addition to its divine connections, Destiny also has ties to Hollywood. You may not know that Miley Cyrus' given name was actually Destiny when she was born in 1992. Plus, we obviously can't forget about the iconic girl group Destiny's Child.

8. Chance

Sergey Makashin

Last but not least is Chance, a strong name with British roots and a meaning of "good fortune." Originally a diminutive of Chauncey, it's also tied to the title Chancellor, which is given to high-ranking government officials.

So, to set your little one up for a life full of opportunities and luck, you can't go wrong with choosing Chance as a baby name.

Anastasiya Gepp

This study found that these baby girl names are the luckiest baby girl names for 2025:

  • Iris
  • Felicia
  • Beata
  • Penny
  • Ayan
  • Jade
  • Winifred
  • Beatrix
  • Bente
  • Felicity

Abhishek Nigam

While these are the luckiest baby boy names for 2025:

  • Felix
  • Ayman
  • Lucky
  • Edmund
  • Benedict
  • Macario
  • Ace
  • Tashi
  • Octavian
  • Florentine

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This post has been updated.