Upgrade Your Couch With This Hip Cactus Pillow DIY (Free Template Included!) 

Everyone loves succulents and cacti. They’re tiny, they’re colorful and they come in a whole bunch of fun shapes. However, despite their reputation as being impossible to kill, apparently they’re actually quite delicate and require care and attention (and yes, we’re speaking from experience). If you want a little green that lasts forever and never needs to be watered, this tutorial is for you. Today we are creating succulent-inspired pillows two ways — both for those of you who know how to rock a sewing machine and those of you who don’t. No matter which version you go with, the end result is cute and made to hug.

No sew cactus pillow

Materials:

— green fabric

— stuffing

— succulents template

Tools:

— fabric glue

— fabric scissors

— tailor’s chalk

— pins

— tape

Instructions:

1. Print your template. The template will print out onto two pieces of paper. Tape them together and cut your cactus pattern.

2. Fold your fabric in half and trace the cactus outline with your tailor’s chalk.

3. Pin the fabric and cut your shape.

4. Glue the two faces together, but be sure to leave the bottom part open.

5. Turn it right side out and start stuffing your pillow.

6. Finally, use the fabric glue to close your pillow.

Sewn succulent pillow

Materials:

— green fabric

— pink fabric

— matching threads

— stuffing

— succulents template

Tools:

— fabric scissors

— tailor’s chalk

— pins

— tape

Instructions:

1. Like you did with the first pillow, print your template. The template will print out onto two pieces of paper. Tape them together and cut your cactus pattern.

2. Cut the succulent shape and the flower shape out separately.

3. Fold your pink fabric in half and trace the pattern onto it.

4. Secure your pins then cut the shape.

5. Sew around the entire perimeter of the flower, leaving a small opening at the bottom where you will insert your stuffing.

6. Trim any threads and turn your flower inside out so the seams are hidden.

7. Insert your stuffing and sew the closing.

8. Now take the green fabric, fold it in half and cut the succulent shape, exactly as we did before.

9. Place your flower between the upper part of the succulent and the bottom one as shown in the picture below.

10. Sew around the succulent perimeter, leaving the “stem” open, and turn it right side out.

11. Finally, stuff your pillow and sew the opening.

This succulent is a little trickier than the first one, but if you have your basic sewing skills down pat, it’s nothing you can’t handle.

No matter if you have good sewing skills or a bad relationship with the sewing machine, you now have some little succulents that will last forever, and the best place to show them off is front and center on your living room couch.

What do you think? Are you as crazy for cacti as we are?

Not everyone is an airplane sleeper, but those who are know just how uncomfortable drifting off after takeoff can be. That’s where a good travel neck pillow can come in, saving you from interrupted airborne naps and potentially sinking into the passenger next to you (and trust… no one wants that).

In a world of entirely-too-cramped aircrafts, these top-rated travel neck pillows – all perfectly plush and dense enough to provide your neck and head with actual support – totally change the game. Sorted from the highest to lowest customer rankings, these 6 travel neck pillows start at $15 and only go as high as $43, so you won’t worry about breaking the bank after spending big on your plane ticket.

Amazon

Weershun Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

Boasting 4.8 out of 5 stars, this travel neck pillow is comfy, easy to adjust, and even easier to travel with. The memory foam it's made of is quite firm, but adapts to your neck and head perfectly. The pillow secures a long velcro strip, making it easily adjustable for a variety of neck sizes. It comes with a removable cover made from a light jersey material which is hand- or machine-washable. You'll enjoy that it's easy to store – just roll it up and compress it into the storage bag! This top-rated pick is $31, with the option to use a 40% off coupon to save more.

Amazon

BSZXD Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

Amazon shoppers granted this travel neck pillow 4.8 out of 5 stars for its comfort level and versatility. You can use it to sleep sitting upright or face down, thanks to the curved shape and divots around the sides. The pillow itself is very lightweight, so it'll be an easy addition to your luggage. The memory foam contours right to your neck but still retains some firmness to offer support. The cover is removable, and easily washable! This pick goes for just $20.

Amazon

BSAMW Vac-Compressed Memory Foam Neck Pillow

With 4.7 out of 5 stars and unique curved design, this memory foam neck pillow boasts unbeatable adjustability. The elastic band locks in the perfect fit to suit all different neck sizes, all without getting in the way. The pillow shape has raised support around the chin, reducing any chance of your head craning forward and causing travel-induced aches. The brand states it's focused on "ergonomic excellence," so you can travel with this product very easily. It's now $30 (was $40), and you have the option to use a 20% off coupon for more savings.

Amazon

Umerci Memory Foam Animal Travel Pillow

This 4.6-star travel pillow is perfect for kiddos, or just the young at heart! The breathable cotton has a soft finish that'll send you right to sleep. It's packed with memory foam for maximum comfort and can even be compressed down to half its size in the matching carrying bag. The pillow comes complete with a coordinating eye mask for further relaxation when the sun's out. This pick is $19, plus an additional option to save 7% off with a coupon at checkout.

Amazon

Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Unlike the other fan-fave travel neck pillows on Amazon, this 4.6-star pick is inflatable. Not only does it quickly inflate in "a couple of breaths," it also deflates in seconds. This aspect makes customizing the pillow's firmness super simple, too, since you control how much air goes in. Once you're done using it, it packs down to be smaller than a water bottle, which proves very helpful for camping or backpacking trips where every inch of space counts. The design is intentionally narrow behind the neck and wider on the sides to fit seamlessly against head rests on cars or planes. The material is a soft, moisture-wicking fabric that is easily washable. This beloved pick goes for $43.

Amazon

Napfun Neck Pillow

Shoppers awarded this travel neck pillow 4.3 out of 5 stars. Its curved shape fits seamlessly against your shoulders, neck, and head, also offering some nice chin support. The memory foam filling boasts a 5-second rebound, so it's not too hard nor too soft. It can be compressed down to a smaller size for easy storage, and the removable pillow case is easily washable in between travel plans! This pillow clocks in at just $15 (was $22)!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more top-rated travel essentials!

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There's one popstar who's ready to get her "love on" — Selena Gomez is engaged! And in addition to Taylor Swift throwing her hat in the ring for flower girl and Hailey Bieber seemingly sending love to the happy couple, Selena continues to feel great as we get closer to the big day. Here's the latest news on Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's engagement, because I simply can't get enough.

Here's how Selena Gomez's feeling after her engagement to Benny Blanco — and how they celebrated.

Benny Blanco's proposal to Selena Gomez proves how well he knows her.

Benny Blanco reportedly popped the question on December 11, and we know from Selena's photo dump that the engagement began in a park with a Taco Bell picnic. And honestly? I've never had more respect for someone. And ever Selena Gomez's ring found its permanent home on her finger, sources says she's been "glowing."

“They’re so supportive of each other,” a source tells People. “He wants the best for her and she wants the best for him. They’re perfect together. They really are.”

These two know each other inside and out, and considering Benny Blanco grabbed Sel's favorite meal from Taco Bell, the proposal proves it! "It was very her," another source says. "It was a total surprise to Selena."

It's those tiny moments that are the most romantic to me because they prove you're willing to go the extra distance on tiny details other people would overlook. "Benny and Selena were so excited to share the news right away with their loved ones," the source continues, mentioning that the couple had an "impromptu gathering" with some friends and family members after Selena said yes. "It's such a true partnership between them."

And Selena Gomez has talked about how much Benny Blanco means to her.

Selena Gomez has spoken about how much Benny means to her, saying "he is my absolute everything in my heart" in the comments of an Instagram fanpage, while Benny told Howard Stern in May 2024 that he couldn't imagine his life without Selena in it. "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

And in March 2024, Selena Gomez posted the sweetest tribute for Benny's birthday, honoring his "emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart." Now they get to spend every birthday together!

Check out Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen's amazing proposal pictures for more celebrity engagement goodness.

When it comes to decorating your space, never underestimate the power of a throw pillow. Boring couch? Throw pillow. Bedspread missing a piece? Throw pillow. Need a simple boost of serotonin? Throw pillow. It's really a one-step solution to setting up your rooms in style.

Target throw pillows are arguably the best kind out there, because they come in a range of designs, different sizes, and are always very affordable. These 12 Target throw pillows can help you transform your home, all for under $25. Scroll for our top-favorite designs!

Threshold Woven Boucle Square Throw Pillow

Boucle is one of our favorite textures to decorate our rooms with, and this $20 throw pillow will definitely convince you of its magic powers. The neutral off-white color makes this Target-brand cushion super easy to move from your sofa to your bed. No wonder these Target throw pillows have a 5-star customer rating! To make this design last longer, make sure you wash the covers inside-out to preserve the fabric.

Threshold Luxe Velvet Oblong Mauve Decorative Pillow

Though it leans more decorative – and hear us out – this pink cushion would make the most excellent couch nap pillow. It measures 14x20 inches to accomodate all the leaning, laying, and lazing you want to do. The ruched velvet material lends a very luxe feel, but note that you can't remove or replace the insert since this pillow's seams are sewn shut. Nonetheless, this $20 design will retain its shape with loving care.

Opalhouse + Jungalow Round Embroidered Sun Fringe Decorative Throw Pillow

This sunny graphic is perfect for year-round decoration. It will make you long for summer in the wintertime, and allow you to further embrace the warm season once it finally rolls around.

The sun face on this cotton cushion is embroidered on in a thick, contrasting black thread that adds a fascinating texture all your guests will love to feel. As far as Target throw pillows go, this $20 pick works best for incorporating vibrant color into your rooms!

Pillowfort Heart Boucle Kids' Decorative Pillow

Heart-shaped anything always brings a touch of sweetness and self-love, which is as good an excuse as ever to snag this Target throw pillow for only $15! It's made of the same beloved boucle material we mentioned before, which is very cushy and unbelievably comfortable for your sofa, accent chairs, and bedspread alike. This design is available in light pink or a cream white to match your interior to a tee.

Threshold Long Faux Fur Round Throw Pillow

Customers adore this pom-pom pillow for adding a pop of fuzzy fun. One enthusiastic reviewer touts it for its versatility: "It is super soft but firm, very fluffy, seems to be of excellent quality, nice material, cool decor for any usage," they write. "The size is just right."

The rounded, shaggy character of this Target throw pillow is like an elevated take on popular 1990s home decor, infusing your place with a nostalgic feel. This cushion is now on sale for a good deal – $12, down from $20.

Threshold Oblong Windowpane Woven Decorative Green Throw Pillow

This $20 Target throw pillow provides the perfect touch of green without being too overwhelmed with color. It's subdued, but still a nice statement piece!

The front cover does differ from the material on the back, but each side is supremely soft, being crafted with a cotton blend. Consider this piece your plushest partner for evenings spent cozied up on the couch breezing through your current book.

Threshold Woven Striped Plaid Reverse Square Throw Pillow

Boasting one striped side and a plaid side on the other, this $15 square-shaped Target throw pillow is as versatile as they come. Plus, it's generously stuffed with a lavish filling for optimal relaxation, whether you're kicked back for movie night or napping next to your pet. The limited color palette makes this piece feel less grandma's-house and more cozy-chic.

Threshold Square Embroidered Floral Hearts Pillow

This $20 Target throw pillow definitely screams "Valentine's Day," but will last you and your space through the spring and summer seasons due to the tiny floral blooms dotted on the cute velvet cover. It's sure to be the #1 eye-catcher on your couch! Its square shape measures 18 inches long, so there's plenty of space to rest your head or prop up your back.

Mina Victory 'Welcome' Tufted Lumbar Throw Pillow

We love this tufted Target throw pillow because not only does it provide a warm welcome to anyone who walks through the door, it has a removable insert for easy cleaning, fluffing, and styling. This feature is absolutely preferred for regular upkeep, and if you plan to display this pillow in the day-to-day.

Aside from this cute royal blue color, you can shop this 12x21-inch design in blush pink, dark gray, or mustard yellow for just $20.

C&F Home Fern & Frog Pillow

If your interior design style favors earth tones and overall cottagecore vibes, this flora and fauna-covered throw pillow is just the thing your space has been missing! Its moderate size (14x22 inches, also available in 18x18 inches) makes it easy to place anywhere, especially considering its quick-drying, fade-resistant cover is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Grab it in either size for just $20 right now – it was previously $38.49.

Threshold Oversize Woven Jacquard Lumbar Tassel Throw Pillow

Nothing spices up a throw pillow like a few tassels. The brown twine tassels on each corner of this $20 Target throw pillow contrast seamlessly with the pink bohemian pattern spread across the front. The surface is textured, but not enough so that it's uncomfortable to lay on or lean against. The cushioned inside comes out from the inconspicuous zipper section to make cleaning super simple.

One shopper appreciates the quality of these Target throw pillows: "Good quality. It’s stiff enough to hold its shape and provide support but is still plush enough to be comfy. I’ve had mine for a couple months now and they still look great."

Pillowfort Sunshine Kids' Pillow

Give your room a dose of sunshine, even when the sun isn't exactly shining! This playful pillow is sure to put a smile on your face whenever you see it! Both the inside and outside of this $15 sun-shaped Target throw pillow are insanely soft, providing a supremely plush home base for weekend naps and lazy evenings year-round.

Shop more of our favorite cozy home decor through our Amazon storefront!

Images via Target.

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

If Gilmore Girls andThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have shown me anything, it's that creator Amy Sherman-Palladino always has an incredible story up her sleeve. Her new show Étoile, which is coming to Prime Video, promises to be a beautiful and sophisticated look at the world of dance, and if the fact that it's from Amy wasn't enough reason to watch it, it's also Prime's first new show to get a two-season order! Here's everything we know about the series.

What is the next Sherman Palladino show?

Writer/Producer/Director Amy Sherman-Palladino, Writer/Producer/Director Daniel Palladino seen at Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life premiere.Eric Charbonneau/Netflix

Following our beloved Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dan and Amy Sherman-Palladino's next series is Étoile, which is set at two world-famous ballet companies in New York City and Paris. When both companies run into some trouble, the decide to swap their most talented stars in a last-ditch effort to save themselves.

And based on the first set leaks from New York City, it looks like Étoile will definitely be packing on the drama. This short clip shows Luke Kirby standing outside Lincoln Center in a serious conversation (probably about the fate of his ballet company, TBH).

"Well, guess that plan for early retirement will have to wait," Dan and Amy said in a joint statement (via The Hollywood Reporter). "Instead, we’ve decided to embark on an international journey with an unbelievable group of players and the most talented ballet dancers in the world. We will sleep when we’re dead."

But this isn't the first time ASP has forayed into the world of ballet! Her ABC Family series Bunheads (which premiered on June 11, 2012) follows Michelle (Sutton Foster) who moves to her hometown of Paradise and starts working at her mother-in-law's dance studio The Paradise Dance Academy.

Who will star in the new show?

Photo via WB

The best part is that the role of Michelle's mother-in-law is played by Emily Gilmore herself, Kelly Bishop!

When does Étoile premiere?

Anya Juárez Tenorio/Pexels

We don't have an official release date yet, but considering THR recently revealed the show will finish filming soon, we're hoping to see Étoile in 2025. Just like Gilmore Girls is the ultimate fall rewatch, maybe Étoile will be the ultimate winter rewatch!

Who's in the Étoile cast?

Luke Kirby attends the The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Finale Celebration at the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles on Mon, May 22, 2023. Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Prime Video

So far, we know that Étoile will star Luke Kirby, Gideon Glick, Camille Cottin, Simon Callow, Lou de Laâge, and David Alvarez. Yanic Truesdale, who played our favorite Gilmore Girls concierge Michel, has also joined the series as a recurring character! I'm so excited to see Yanic working with Amy Sherman-Palladino again — it's like a Gilmore Girls reunion!

What does Étoile mean?

Jeremy Thomas/Unsplash

Étoile translates to "star," and there are so many different connections here! We have the ballet stars themselves, but you also wish upon a star and reach for the stars when you're working towards a dream. If you ask me, Étoile is the perfect name for this series.

How many episodes does Étoile have?

Merve Sehirli Nasir/Unsplash

The first season of Étoile will have eight episodes total, but considering Prime Video ordered two seasons, we'll definitely be getting more episodes.

Are you excited to watch Étoile? Check back here for the latest news on the series, and stay updated on your favorite TV shows and movies on our Facebook!

This post has been updated.

Opening my stocking is absolutely my favorite part of Christmas morning. There’s nothing a tiny lil’ gift can’t fix! If you’re looking to bulk up your fam’s stockings this year, Target’s got you covered with tons of fun finds under $5. I scoured 300+ Target stocking stuffers and found some truly stunning (and cute) options just in time for Christmas!

Scroll on for the best Target stocking stuffers you can shop for $5 or less!

Target

Wondershop Winter Road Trip Cozy Crew Socks

You can't ever go wrong with a cozy pair of socks! These recall the holiday season in the cutest way.

Target

Favorite Day Reindeer Christmas Cocoa Mix

This readymade hot chocolate mix comes complete with marshmallows for the tastiest cup around. Plus, how adorable (erm, a-deer-able) is that packaging?

Target

Room Essentials Disco Notepad + Pen Set

This shiny notepad will come in handy for collecting New Year's goals, work notes, and, of course, miscellaneous doodles.

Target

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge + Travel Case Ornament

Whether you hang it on the Christmas tree or stuff it in their stocking, any beauty lover will appreciate a brand-new blending sponge (and the handy travel case)!

Target

Teak + Tobacco Reading Light Candle

Got a bookworm in your life? They're sure to love this cozy candle that smells like a robust blend of teak and tobacco for their reading sessions.

Target

Anihana Aromatherapy Shower Steamer

Gift 'em a dose of self-care with this calming, sinus-relieving shower steamer! The aroma is truly heaven.

Target

Burt's Bees Lip Balm Set

This lip + hand care duo comes in the cutest Christmas-y packaging to evoke so much cheer.

Target

Wondershop Christmas Tree Mug

A $5 mug will always get me. This one comes in the shape of a festive Christmas tree for hosting all sorts of hot chocolates, teas, and hot toddies.

Target

Wild Fable Essential Gloves

Gloves make the perfect practical gift for those who live somewhere cold. These even have touch screen compatibility on the fingertips so they don't have to sacrifice comfort to make a call or send a text.

Target

Chapstick 4-Piece Lip Balm Set

If your giftee is anything like me, they'll always adore a new set of lip balms (even though their collection may be overflowing).

Target

Favorite Day Hot Chocolate Drink Bomb

I fear it truly doesn't get any more festive than a chocolate and peppermint combo. This $4 find is sweet.

Target

A New Day Cozy Knit Ribbed Embroidered Cherry Crew Socks

Oh, these socks are so cute! They have little embroidered cherries on the top and even come with an attached gift tag so you don't necessarily have to wrap them.

Target

Wondershop Christmas Cat Mug

Any cat lover will want to reach for this festive feline all year long!

Target

Da Bomb Bath Fizzer Snowflake Gingerbread Bath Bomb

This delicious-smelling bath bomb will infuse their next soak with notes of freshly-baked gingerbread. Plus, once it fizzes away, a little surprise (both adult- and kid-friendly) awaits inside!

Target

SpaLife Radiance Eye Masks 3-Pack

These under eye masks wake up tired eyes with vitamin C and coffee – the perfect post-holiday refresh.

Target

Vitamasques Candy Cane Lip Butter Balm

This sweet lip butter smells like a candy cane, all while nourishing dry winter lips. I'll take 5, thanks.

Target

eos Holiday Candy Cane Lip Sugar Scrub

This $5 lip scrub is a total treat to dehydrated, flaky lips. They'll be reaching for it every day!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing gift ideas!

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