Create the Cat Palace of Your Kitty’s Dreams

Cat lovers — if you’re the type of kitty-cat mom who goes to cat yoga classes, it’s time for you to step it up and create a palace for your furry king or queen. We’re not talking about houses made of paper bags or cardboard boxes with cheap shaggy carpeting — we’re talking full-on luxury. Make a home where your cat can run through endless rooms, hear the echo of her own voice under high ceilings, luxuriate on plush fabrics and get all cray on high-end scratching posts. It is important to remember that a *true* palace isn’t complete without self portraits, so don’t forget to adorn the walls with oil paintings of your BAE. We hosted Queen Boots at B+C this afternoon and are thrilled to announce that she deems this palace “royal.”

Materials + Tools:

— storage crates or cardboard boxes

— decorative fabrics

— cardboard paper tubes

— yarn and rope

— wooden dowels

— spray paint

— hot glue

— stapler

— box cutter

— photos of your cat

Create the base of your palace out of storage crates or cardboard boxes. Cut out the sides of the boxes using a box cutter and attach them all together using staples, hot glue or super glue. Spray paint the rooms in your new palace colors fit for a queen. Remember to let the palace dry and air out completely before bringing it inside. Spray paint fumes are strong, and you wouldn’t want your cat inhaling them.

Cover cardboard tubes with decorative paper or rope to provide even more opportunities for your cat to play in her palace. These poles also offer major support for the structure, so the more the better!

Comfort is key, so add in layers of pillows so your cat can lounge all day every day.

Upgrade the lounging to a level ten with a cat hammock. Just make sure your supports are strong enough to hold the weight of your cat ;)

Add tassels to the ceilings of your palace. This will be your cat’s favorite room by far.

A palace isn’t a palace without proper portraits of the queen. Go ahead and dress the walls with oil paintings or computer printouts of your pet cat.

Direct quote from Boots: “I was shocked by all the rooms in my new palace! There were endless opportunities for exploration!”

“When I’m at home in my palace, one of my favorite things to do is re-create the pose that I modeled in my oil painting.”

“Hey! I’m watching you. I haven’t gotten my security system installed yet.”

“Alright, Cat Cribs crew — I’m kicking you out!”

The rise of pet influencers is quite possibly one of the greatest things to come out of social media, at least IMO. I mean, who doesn’t want to see cute animals everyday?

With the freedom for connection provided by apps like TikTok and Instagram, pet owners have a totally new forum to share the lives of their favorite critters. This niche has exploded, unveiling a world of influencing focused around the lives of these pets, and TBH we’re not mad about it.

Thus, in honor of National Pet Day we *had* to honor our furry friends (and virtual furry friends) by sharing some of our fave pet-fluencers across social media.

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King Clarence has a bone to pick with Taylor Swift! 😳 #dogsoftiktok #labsoftiktok #funnydog #dogtok #fyp

For black-lab lovers, we recommend watching the daily shenanigans of Clarence, or King C, as he’s better known. Follow our fave black lab-in-a-bowtie on TikTok @jimmyrams and @jimmyandclarence on Instagram.

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woofy on Instagram: "#barbie"

Woofy is a Supermutt with the charisma of George Clooney, and the looks to replace Margot Robbie in Barbie. Basically, he’s the whole package. Follow Woofy on Instagram and TikTok at @woofyandjenna.

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Sterling Newton on Instagram: "Let the games begin 🤣#chase #goldenretrievers #sneakattacks"

Sterling and Colin are your classic Golden Retrievers turned puppy school dropouts, constantly causing loads of chaos. Follow the duo @lifeofsterlingnewton on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.

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Playing in the wind for the first time 🍃 #puppy #longline #puppyplay #cockerspaniel #cute

Now this pup is probably the best trained in the bunch. Suki is a show Cocker Spaniel, and she will steal your heart and your attention. Follow Suki on Tiktok @suki_the_spaniel and on Instagram at @suki_thespaniel.

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Minnie & Millie on Instagram: "Hello 👋 we are Minnie & Millie! Long haired Dalmatian sisters! We will follow you back! Comment once you follow us 🫶🏻😍 #follow #dalmatian #lcdal #longhaireddalmatian #sisters #minnienmillie #fyp"

Minnie and Millie are Dalmatian sisters who definitely like to test their big sister Bella, a Golden Retriever, and Bengal cat Elsa. Follow the sisters @minnienmillie on Instagram and TikTok.

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She is still SUPER quiet most of the time #specialneedsdog #dogvlog #barking #dogmom #dogsoftiktok #pugslife #petcommunity #funnyanimals

Puppet is a quirky pug with a whole lot of personality. Follow Puppet on TikTok at @puppetpug.

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Titan doesnt take things lightly 😅👺 #DogsofTikTok #PerritosTikTok #Doglove #TikTokdeperros #perritos #puppylove #goldenretriever #perrito #dog #doglover #TikToksdeperritos @Titán 🐶👺

Chilaquil, the bilingual golden, is one of the cutest pups on TikTok, discussing his adventures from Toronto to Mexico with his pawrents. Follow Chilaquil on TikTok at @goldenchilaquil.

And of course we couldn't forget our favorite kitties.

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HONEY | Cat Chef | Princess on Instagram: "Yo Yo’s are a YUMMY Aussie cookie that are melt in your mouth purrfection! 😻 They are sometimes also called melting moments, and with their buttery soft texture it’s easy to see why! Here’s a throwback video from 2 years ago that not many of you have seen, but these cookies are SO worth making! The recipe that we used is from @bakeplaysmile , and it works purrfectly so we recommend to follow that one and all the tips! (Just google ‘bake play smile yo yo biscuits’) Happy Mixy Mixing! 💕 #madewithkitchenaid #instabake #chefcat #catsofinstagram #reelsinstagram #gingercat #catsofaustralia #australia #baking #melbourne #yoyos #yoyobiscuits #cookies #meltingmoments #cutecats"

Honey is an Australian cat chef and fashionista, serving up the best dishes (and looks) on the daily. Follow Princess @princesshoneybellex on TikTok, and @princesshoneybelle on Instagram.

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Probably my favorite thing he does 😍 #scottishkilt #munchkinkitten #cute #kitten #catsoftiktok #cat #fyp #kitten

IMO Gus is the cutest cat on TikTok. I mean, just look at the way he gets off the bed. Follow Gus @gusseybussey on TikTok.

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I’m so happy I get to share Nimbus with over 1 MILLION of you!!! 🤍 #catsoftiktok #siberiancat #fyp #foryou #viral #cat #zoomies #meow

Of course we couldn’t forget the king of late night zoomies, Nimbus. Follow this siberian kitty on Instagram and TikTok at @nimbus_siberian.

If traditional pets aren't your thing, there is certainly a pet-fluencer to suit your fancy.

www.tiktok.com

Where my PEEPS at? 🐰 #peeps #thisoneformypeeps #happyeaster #littlethumbelinagirl #fyp #viral

Take Thumbelina, for instance. Thumbelina was rescued by wildlife rehab specialists after her mom abandoned her, and has since enjoyed the finer things in life. Follow Thumbelina on Instagram and TikTok at @little_thumbelina_girl.

www.tiktok.com

Raccoons rate me on yelp. #raccoon #drivethru #food #raccoons

Now this account is a little different than the rest. Raccoon Drive Thru follows a woman feeding raccoons at her house. Follow Racoon Drive Thru on TikTok at @theracoondrivethru.

We are screaming from all the cuteness! BRB while we take a break to scroll through more of pet TikTok.

Who are your fave pet-fluencers? Tell us in the comments below! Plus, stay updated on all the latest trends with Brit + Co.

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Cagle/Unsplash

Finding gifts for the person you're closest to can be the absolute hardest thing to do, especially when there are so many things that would make great gifts for him. If you're shopping for the main man in your life this season – whether you call him your dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, partner, or your preferred pet names – of course you want to find a gift that shows him just how much he means to you. Just remember that the key to the perfect gift is simply that it comes from you. These stunning gift ideas will help you say "this made me think of you."

Our 49 favorite gifts for men for 2024:

Amazon

RVCA Commonwealth Snapback

This flat-brimmed baseball cap replaces those older, worn-out styles you know your man has been hoarding. The green corduroy fabric on this gift-worthy hat will grace his head perfectly for every season!

Apple Watch SE

Get him motivated to reach his fitness goals with features like fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, plus he can send a text, take a call, listen to his favorite music and podcasts. You can customize the watch faces and bands to his liking too. It's the perfect gift for the active guy!

Amazon

Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set

This gift set is filled with an ideal assortment of gifts for him. From body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash, your man will have everything he needs to feel fresh – plus, having a good-smelling guy around is the real gift for you that keeps on giving.

Nike

Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit

Be his biggest cheerleader as he reaches his 2025 fitness goals in these best-selling Nikes, made with sustainable materials. We are loving this vintage green.

Target

VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector

Bring the cinema home to your movie buff with a sleek projector setup for your own private screenings and viewing parties!

Sunswell

Sunswell The R&R Pant

Made from recycled materials for rigorous wear, the Sunswell R&R pants are bound to be a staple in your man's year-round wardrobe.

Amazon

Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker

This sturdy coffee maker will be a total hit for the caffeine-loving guy in your life. The layered stainless steel filter allows for a rich, creamy flavor in every sip, plus the decanter is holds a whole 34 ounces of brewed coffee to help him wake up!

Amazon

Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set

This durable drinking set complete with a flask and shot glasses will be his new BFF for sharing on camping, fishing, or hunting trips. Top it all off with a brand-new bottle of whiskey to complete the gift for him.

Creem

Creem Magazine Subscription

For the music-loving man in your life, a subscription to Creem (the coolest rock 'n' roll mag) will really impress. The publication's covered plenty of classic names in the industry – as well as newer bands – so he's sure to soak up plenty of new knowledge about the scene. There's a handful of annual subscription tiers for the mag starting at just $79.

Amazon

Thermajohn Thermal Shirt

Whether he's hitting the slopes or is braving the cold winter weather to run errands with you, this warm thermal base layer tee will swarm his upper half in comfort, flexibly moving with his each and every move.

Herschel

Herschel Little America Backpack Pro

For his outdoor adventures or social gatherings, outfit him with a cool backpack (literally, this one is insulated) that he can fill with his favorite snacks and beverages.

Ties

Ties The Scientist Sock Pack

Whether it's a stocking stuffer or a smaller gift, a playful set of socks is both practical and personal.

Tie Bar

Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case

This tie storage case means business, just like your man does. If he travels for work often, he'll appreciate that you're looking out for his formal-wear.

Amazon

Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap

This manly bar soap is infused with coffee beans and cocoa butter butter that help tackle even the worst bouts of sweat and body odor. It's definitely long-lasting, too, so he can smell lovely all night long.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket

This jacket will hug his bod in the most stylish way, all while keeping him comfy throughout the season's cold weather.

Williams Sonoma

Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe

For the early risers and coffee-obsessed, a programmable coffee maker means he can wake up to the smell of coffee every day (and no longer has to use wasteful pods for an instant brew).

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set

Whether he's going to work, outfitting a permanent at-home office, or heading back to school, a personalized desk set like this luxe leather one will please the most studious types of guys.

Nordstrom

Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe

If your man loves a cozy night in just as much as you do, a soft robe to lounge around in will make the ultimate gift for him.

Mejuri

Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace

Once you've reached long-term status with your guy, gift him a signature gold chain he can flex for years to come.

Pangaia

Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie

For the hoodie-obsessed, Pangaia's signature sustainable sweatshirts (and sweatsuits!) are best-in-class.

Etsy

Custom Soundwave Art Print

From a first dance song to the one you always blast together in the car, every guy has their favorite tune. Memorialize it for your music-loving man with this custom art print.

DUER

DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Denim Jeans

A good quality, fresh pair of denim is gonna set him (and his style) so right for the new year. These jeans feature a stretchy fabric that'll allow wear for practically any occasion.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set

Outfit his next game night with a poker set that's sure to impress and easy to bring on the go for weekend trips and group hangs.

New Balance

New Balance 9060 Sneaker

Secure your status as the greatest of all time by copping him that stylish pair of sneakers he's been eyeing.

Amazon

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

If your man is into photography and all things nostalgia, consider surprising him with a retro Polaroid camera set. We bet you'll be his favorite muse.

Manly Bands

Manly Bands The Forged Ring

This sleek wedding band stands up to tough, hands-on jobs with a carbon fiber construction, unlike traditional rings. The inner part is actually made from a Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, making the perfect personalized touch for gifting the guy who loves a drink.

Uncommon Goods

New York Times Custom Football Book

This isn't just any coffee table book, but one that true sports buffs will actually want to devour – with clippings from his team's history, glory days, and highlights.

Still trying to figure out the perfect gifts for him? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more gift guides!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated. Former reporting by Kaitlyn Ingram and Lauren Black.

There’s never a bad time to celebrate your best friend — your dog! We’ve pulled together some amazing customizable gifts that will make your pup (and you) feel extra special. From comfy slippers that you’ll love padding around the house in to colorful bandanas personalized with your dog’s name, here are the products that are sure to bring a smile to your face and a wag to your pup’s tail.

Gilmore Girls simply wouldn’t be the same without Lane Kim. Played by Keiko Agena, Lane is much more than just Rory’s best friend. She’s feisty, hilarious, and can totally keep up with Lorelai and Rory’s hectic conversations (something not EVERYONE in Stars Hollow can do cough Kirk cough). However, the actress recently revealed how she really feels about playing a complicated, and sometimes controversial character like Lane.

Here's what Keiko Agena had to say about playing Lane Kim on Gilmore Girls.

Even though Lane and Rory are inseparable throughout the series’ seven-season run, Keiko recently revealed she’s actually super close to two other Gilmore Girls cast members: John Cabrera (who played Brian) and Sean Gunn (who starred as our beloved Kirk)!

“There is this kind of lovely nostalgia for that time, and yet also we have years since then,” she says on a recent episode of the Dear Felicity rewatch podcast (via People). “I [have] gone to both of their weddings. Our friendship is part Gilmore Girls and appreciation for that crazy time, and then part just like a million other things.”

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

The insane nostalgia surrounding Gilmore Girls means that everyone has their own annual Gilmore Girls rewatch…and that as we get farther away from the 2000s, the more glaring some of the show’s choices are. Fans have been vocal about Lane’s story arc on the show (namely the fact she had to shelve her dreams of being a rockstar when she got pregnant), and Keiko herself has thought about it more critically in recent years.

“The best thing is to have a Korean American writer [and a] Korean American actor,” she says. “I don't think that that role, cast that way, would happen today. But at that time, in 2000, it was such a different time that I definitely know I wouldn't have said no or pulled myself out of that situation at that time...Now it's just a mix of just having gratitude for having gone through that experience and having that experience.”

But even with its flaws, no one can deny how special Stars Hollow and the Gilmores are — and how much Lane has meant for people. Brit + Co writer Aleena Malik notes how Lane's experiences "mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful."

“In a weird way, I feel like I want to honor the experience that people had from the show, and what it meant to them, especially young Asian people," Keiko Agena says. "Because I get that comment a lot, about what it was like for them to see someone like that on screen.”

“I think I'm at a transition point in my life where I have to let go of the pressure that I put on myself to be the best version of who it is that I think that you love,” she continues. “Because I love her too. I can tell, when I meet someone who knows Gilmore Girls or who loves Lane, it's like, I recognize that love. I see that you love that person.”

What do you think about Lane Kim's character arc when you rewatch Gilmore Girls? Let us know on Facebook!

I thought I'd discovered all of the best celebrity book clubs this year, but writing about the new novels debuting in 2025 proved I haven't. I saw an upcoming book — a riveting story that reads like how Succession might unfold in a Black family — was was surprised to find Mindy Kaling's stamp of approval. She's one of the brilliant minds that wrote for The Office, one of the best fan-favorite NBC shows to date. Also, she gave the world six seasons of The Mindy Project and multiple seasons of The Sex Lives of College Girls, continuously proving that she's as great of an actress as she is a screenwriter or producer.

Knowing this, I think it pans out that the 8 books on her book club list have intricate stories and equally pretty covers for reading that feels attainable.

Keep scrolling to learn about every book picked by Mindy's Book Studio

Amazon

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev

Anyone would be happy to be a million dollars richer, but not Bindu Desai. She's shocked, but she's also dreading the discovering of something that happened when she was younger. The only way she feels she can bypass this unfortunate event is by choosing to move to Florida. The problem with that is her daughter-in-law Aly still lives with her. As unexpected as this move is, Aly tries to find the bright side in it. She figures that this will give her a chance to reach a turning point in her career.

Then there's Aly's daughter, Cullie. As successful as she once was in the tech industry, Cullie's been struggling and has to face her investors. She's not completely helpless because they're in love with the idea of a dating app, but Cullie doesn't really know what it means to be immersed in the romantic world. Left with no other choice, she'll have to lean on her grandmother Bindu and her mom Aly to help her do what's felt impossible — date. You know, for research purposes.

Amazon

I'll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman

The deaths of Justin Warren's grandparents have followed him most of his life and he can't stand it. He's also over the fact he lives in a town where opportunity and excitement don't exist. Despite never meeting his grandparents, it seems nothing good has come from him being born.

Stuck with making odd choices left and right, Justin eventually meets Rose Yin. The ironic thing is that he discovers she lives in a time before he was born, meaning he's somehow landed himself back in time. And guess who's still alive at this point? His grandparents.

In order to get Justin back where he belongs, he and Rose have a short amount of time to figure out what could've cause this time jump. Also, they'll have to try to rewrite history by preventing something that triggers his grandparents' deaths.

Amazon

The Better Halfby Alli Frank & Asha Youmans

Nina Morgan Clarke has been through a lot between her divorce and making sure her daughter Xandra settles in nicely at boarding school. But now it's her time to shine as a the head of Royal-Hawkins School. She's been waiting for this moment and it's finally hers.
To celebrate, Nina and her bestie Marisol decided to go on a girls' trip. Just as she's finally trusting that everything's going according to plan, Jared Jones makes an unpleasant appearance. He's all ego with his Harvard education and knows how to get under Nina's skin. Suddenly, Xandra's making huge accusations at school while Nina's embracing something that she never thought she would.

Only one question remains: Is this truly the better half of Nina's life?

Amazon

Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea

Charlotte Wu takes her organizational skills seriously and wants to make sure prom is flawlessly executed. She's doing well until a little mishap causes her to face-plant into J.T. Renner. He's the last person she wants to run into, but she doesn't remember much besides waking up years later as a 30-year-old woman. By her side is the sexy bane of her high school existence — J.T. Renner.

They're both confused about their adult lives and how they went from hating to loving each other, so they let curiosity lead the way. What they both discover is there was also more to their high school selves than they initially knew about. As much as they yearn to be teenagers again, they'll have to figure out if they want things to change or stay the same now that they know there's love between them.

Amazon

Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar

Dunia Ahmed went from being an amazing pharmacist to having her case talked about in the world of true crime. No one knows where she is as she's disappeared without a trace. Prior to that, she lived in New York and was dealing with the fallout from her engagement as well as the grief from losing her mom. In her mind, things couldn't get any worse until she realizes someone wants her dead.

Amazon

Friends in Napa by Sheila Yasmin Marikar

Raj and Rachel Ranjani are excited to spend time with their trusted friends in Napa Valley. They have a beautiful itinerary that includes spending time at their mansion, wine tastings, and more! But, these friends haven't seen each other in a long time.
From a cold welcome to the fact the Ranjanis don't seem to be on the same team, one weird thing after another happens. There's old arguments and rekindled crushes that rips this friend group to shreds. Worse, one of them doesn't make it make home because they're discovered dead. But, who could've wanted to kill them in the first place?

Amazon

Sorry for the Inconvenienceby Farah Naz Rishi

Farah Naz Rishi's freshman year of college was amazing in her eyes. She managed to move on from her last relationship and mom's marriage expectations, making her feel like she could do anything. She even stopped looking for love until Stephen came into view.

Neither of them feel butterflies at first, plus Farah knows there's no way Stephen would gain her mom's approval. But time gives way to a burning flame that becomes a solid bond because Stephen is there for all of Farah's ups and downs. He's become the one person she trusts with her all of her feelings and intimate moments in a platonic way.

But, sometimes love is hard to ignore when it's a slow burn that gives way to something that defies familial and societal rules.

Amazon

Drop Dead Sisters by Amelia Diane Coombs

Remi Finch doesn't get along with her family at all and knows there's nothing she has in common with her sisters. She has too many anxious thoughts in her mind that makes her keep everyone at arm's length. But, a family reunion convinces her to at least try. It all sounds great until someone dies where they've been camping.
The sisters develop an elaborate scheme to dispose of the body and eliminate the chance others will discover what happened. It's an odd way to start bonding, but sometimes traumatic things have a way of making people realize what's important.

Don't forget to check out Jenna Bush Hager's December book club pick after this!

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