Personalize a Thoughtful Tote for Mom in Under 30 Minutes

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching! This year, why not mix it up and make something special to show your mom how much you appreciate her? With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to muster the motivation to create. I feel you! That’s why I’m a BIG fan of our new Brit + Co DIY Kits (available exclusively at Target). These kits are the real deal. Seriously! They’re easy, accessible, and even have super cute B+C-branded tools. So, for this Mother’s Day grab a Gold Foil Tote Kit and make a custom bag for the number one woman in your life. Read on for some tips, tricks, and easy embellishments to have this gift done in no time.

Materials + Tools:

● Brit + Co® Gold Foil Tote Kit

● double stick tape

● embroidery floss

● embroidery needle

● pencil

● scissors

● cardstock

● iron (not pictured)

Instructions:

1. Create a stencil by drawing out your design onto the cardstock paper.

2. Cut out your design and tape onto your tote.

3. Spread the fabric adhesive onto your tote, using the stencil as a guide.

4. Place the gold foil transfer paper (gold side up) on top of the adhesive glue, cover with the parchment paper and iron on a low setting.

5. Once the paper cools, slowly remove the gold foil transfer paper.

6. Use the embroidery thread to whip stitch or blanket stitch the top of your tote for some added color and you’re done.

Create your own stencil with cardstock and trace it onto your tote. I made an M-heart-M stencil. Since the tote is bigger than the paper AND mom is a palindrome, you only have to make the M and the heart, then flip it.

Tape down your stencil with the double stick tape and gold foil away. I like to put the glue directly onto the tote and then spread from there. I feel like I have more control staying within the stencil. But find what method works best for you! Once the glue is a bit tacky (we like to wait about 10 to 15 seconds) place the gold foil transfer paper down. Make sure the gold side is facing up (I have definitely made the rookie mistake of place the gold-side down). Use an iron to transfer the gold onto the tote. Give it a second to cool and then remove the transfer paper.

I added a blanket stitch to the top or you can even do a quick whipstitch to add a nice color pop. I used the embroidery floss and needle from the Embroider a Leather Cuff Kit. It’s a great way to repurpose the materials from other kits!

Boom! Done in a half hour. It’s the perfect gift to show your mom you really care. If you REALLY want to go the distance you can fill the tote with additional goodies.

It’s just what moms needs to hit up the Farmer’s Market.

It’s just the thing for running errands around town. She’s gonna love it!

What are you making for mom this Mother’s Day? Will you be picking up a Brit + Co Kit on your next Target run? Share with us on Instagram by tagging @BritandCo, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #BritxTarget.

DIY Production + Styling: Lindsay Saito
Photography: Chris Andre

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.

Christmas has come early for two reasons: Carpool Karaoke is back — and so is Lady Gaga! Wondering what they have in common? Everything!

The 2010's sensation gave us amazing celebrity appearances with James Corden as driver extraordinaire, and stars like Harry Styles, Katy Perry, and Selena Gomez. Lady Gaga joined the carpool in 2016 — with over 88 million views on Youtube — singing songs like "Million Reasons" and "Bad Romance" to her heart's content.

Finally, the pop star — and the show itself, TBH — made a return this week! And more than that? Lady Gaga even debuted her new Christmas song. I've already played it multiple times, so I know it's about to top my most-played Christmas songs. Excited? Here's everything you need to know about the surprise song drop, the return of Carpool Karaoke, and more!

See how Carpool Karaoke gave us the biggest surprise of 2024 — a new Lady Gaga Christmas song!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In an unexpected trailer for A Carpool Karaoke Christmas, Zane Lowe can be seen accepting a phone call from the one and only James Corden who has a huge favor to ask. The first passenger Lowe picks up is the "Bad Romance" songstress herself — followed by Chappelle Roan and Dua Lipa's own individual appearances.

The car's decked out in green wreaths and festive red bows which adds to the Christmas spirit as everyone sings along to famous holiday songs. Lady Gaga can also be heard singing "Christmas Tree" which has fans in the trailer's comment section besides themselves with glee!

According to Deadline, the special premiered on Apple TV+ December 15, so it's not too late to watch it if you're just as excited as we are. But that's not all!

The outlet also reported Lady Gaga and Lowe released a new version of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" on all streaming music platforms! This means you get to hear the pop star give the nostalgic song a punk rock vibe that's now stuck in our heads.

If Lady Gaga tells us not to pout or cry, we're going to listen! (And sing along while we're at it 😉)

Follow us on Facebook for more fun celeb news!

If you're playing Santa this holiday season, you'll want to pay extra attention to Targetbecause they've got so many goodies for every budget. From what we've seen, you can find a gift in just about any category, ranging from tech to beauty and wellness. Between us, some of our editorial team already has some good gets from this list in their carts — the gifts are that good. So whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, or just because, I've rounded up plenty of options for you!

Scroll down for 22 great gift ideas from Target!

The Best Gifts For Your Beauty-Obsessed Bestie

Target

SLF LED Face Mask

Soon your beauty-obsessed bestie will be able to say she has an LED face mask in her possession thanks to this version that's only $100 at Target! So far it has 8 5-star ratings which means it's going to give you the same benefits as a pricier one. What benefits, you ask?

The 7 different light therapy colors target everything from circulatory to scarring issues over time, leaving one's face refreshed each time it's used. It also makes sure your skincare goodies do their job more effectively.

P.S. It comes with a rechargeable USB and accompanying bag so it can be easily stored when not in use.

Target

Osea Bestsellers For Face & Body Kit

Beauty sets are ever popular this year because they truly make for the best gift ideas! With Osea's bestseller's kit, you can surprise the beauty lover in your life with products designed for their face and body. From the cleanser to the hydrating body oil, someone may fall in love with Osea and look for ways to incorporate more products into their daily routine!

Target

Cantu Sleigh All Day Holiday Gift Set

Give your sister or bestie the gift of slaying the holidays and new year with this cute set! It includes the following:

  • Cantu Extra Hold Stay Gel
  • Cantu Edges Styler
  • Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
  • Eylure Luxe Marquise False Eyelashes
  • Elegant Touch Press On Nails in Cocoa Crush
Their Christmas hairstyle and nails will be on point if you decide they need this before December 25.

Target

Rael Blemish Essentials Care Gift Sets

Pimples won't be able to crush anyone's holiday plans thanks to this blemish kit. It has 54 pimple patches and two amazing tea tree face masks for anyone who doesn't have time for beauty setbacks. From spot covers to overnight treatments, there's something that tackles breakouts in a cinch!

The Best Gifts For Whoever's Booked & Busy

Threshold Wood Lidded Glass Wellness Calm Candle

An at-home spa day always requires things that will help set the tone. One of the best ways you can help that booked and busy person in your life is to gift them with a candle that smells like lavender & sage. Both are known to invoke a sense of calm which is often needed for the person who's always on the go.

Target

Oura Ring 4

Forget the beloved Apple Watch and surprise your sister or bestie with the Oura Ring 4! It has Smart Sensing that'll provide insights about their health in ways they'd never expect. With 30 biometrics, sleep, activity, stress, and heart health trends will be recorded in real time. Though it looks bulky, it have a comfortable fit for daily wear and can be used with apps like Apple Health, Flo, and more.

Target

Therabody Theragun Relief

Our affiliate writer Meredith Holser gave her honest reviews about the Theragun before so we can vouch for how well it works. If you know someone who does physical labor or complains of intense neck or shoulder pain from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, you need to surprise them with this. It's an investment that'll provide them with the relief they're looking for because chronic pain can lead to more stress!

It comes with:

  • 3 massage attachments
  • Standard Ball
  • Dampener
  • Thumb
  • USB-C charging cable

Target

Sharper Image Portable Sauna

Forget booking another spa day and opt for something that'll always be in reach for the person who needs an intense sweat session. Its spacious design will allow the user to fit comfortably inside and receive the steam treatment of their dreams.

if you've ever been to a sauna then you know how amazing your body feels afterwards, plus it promotes a good night's sleep that rivals the benefits of sleepmaxxing!

Target

Green Inspired Guided Journal Softcover Sewn Today with Intention

Once that person's done pampering themselves, they'll love reaching for this intentional journal that helps them practice reflective self-care. Filled with different journal prompts that encourage practicing gratitude, it's the perfect gift for the person whose mind can't stop filtering from one task to the next.

The Best Target Gifts For The Book Lover In Your Life

Target

WITHit Quad Light LED Reading Light

This is for the book lover who won't stop straining their eyes to read at night when they're supposed to be sleeping. This LED reading light is secure enough to attach to any book and makes it easier to see the words on the page thanks to its 4-level brightness design.

Target

Threshold 2 Pack Marble and Wood Bookend Set

Has your bestie been raving nonstop about bookends to hold her books together? Look no further than this gift idea from Target.

Target

Brightroom Bamboo Bathtub Caddy

And if they insist on reading books while taking a bath, help them keep their latest read dry wit this bathtub caddy.

Target

DesignWorks Inc Book Lovers Journal

If 2025 is the year your bestie has declared she's going to track her reading habits, she needs a cute and compact book journal to help her do it. She can even write her own reviews of everything she's read — for better or worse!

Target

City Creek Prints

For the fun of it, gift your bestie with this canvas tote print and watch their eyes light up.

The Best Gifts For Anyone Obsessed With #FoodTok

Target

Gatherings

We all know that one person who can't stay away from #FoodTok and we get it. Help them start recreating meals in the comfort of the home with this casual-fancy cookbook.

Target

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard

We love Tieghan Gerard's recipes that she shares on her Half Baked Harvest site because they're flavorful and simple to make! She's got everything from cocktails to holiday-themed desserts that make our mouths water every time we see them.

Surprise the foodie in your life with her Super Simple cookbook in case they're on the hunt for quick and easy meals that'll happily fill their bellies.

Target

Hot Ones Hot Sauce Trio Pack

There's at least one person you know who's seen every episode of Hot Ones by now so we think you should surprise t hem with this hot sauce kit. They'll get to taste the mildest and hottest of flavors which may produce similar hilarious results as seen on the show!

Target

Figmint 7.5qt Enamel Dutch Oven in Blue

Target gift ideas often include a range of things - like this Dutch oven. Needless to say, it's mandatory for the cook in your life to have one.

Target

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia French Press Coffee Maker

Is there someone in your inner circle that won't stop chatting about French press coffee? It's a great idea for anyone who doesn't want to rely on a machine to brew their cup of coffee.

Target

Polder Twist Digital Kitchen Timer with Extra Large Black Display

I know it's seems lazy but a digital kitchen timer simplifies the cooking process.

Target

Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Coffee, and Cold Brew

But, you can splurge and surprise them with this Ninja Espresso machine! It has all the bells and whistles that'll make anyone feel like they've been working evening shifts at Starbucks. We can't get enough of the coffee bean grinder and attached milk frothing option that gives us the warmest or coldest foam we've ever tasted!

Target

Threshold 4pk Coupe Ribbed Glass Set

We already know your bestie needs the perfect glassware set for your upcoming Christmas gathering so why not gift her with this fancy set? You'll love looking at your peppermint cocktail recipes floating in these pretty glasses.

Which Target gift ideas are you adding to your Christmas list? Share with us below and subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday inspo!

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.

I knew beauty trends were officially headed in a different direction when latte makeup dominated social media last year. Everything about it gave the appearance of soft features, making this millennial appreciate the ‘no makeup’ look more and more. And while I'm working on staying up-to-date on all the latest makeup trends, it also reminded me there are outdated trends that unintentionally age people...and definitelyneedto go.

Wanna look younger and more on-trend, too? From super metallic eyeshadow to contour that dominates your face, here are the 8 outdate makeup trends to leave in the early ‘90s to mid-2000s.

The 8 outdated makeup trends you need to stop ASAP!

1. Full Coverage Foundation

KoolShooters

There was a time where wearing full-coverage foundation was all the rage. From drugstore to high-end brands, it seems like they were consistently shoved in consumers’ faces to help us achieve a ‘full beat’ without sitting in a makeup artist’s chair. Also, those of us with dark spots or hyperpigmentation may have relied on them when we were in the thick of our skincare woes.

But these days, wearing too much foundation isn’t as popular as natural and skincare makeup are prioritized. If anything, more people are interested in wearing light-to-medium coverage foundation, skin tints, or tinted moisturizers.

2. Too Much Concealer

George Milton

It wasn’t until I watched this video by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes that I realized some of us have been too heavy-handed with our concealers. There’s no reason we should be slapping products under the thinnest parts of our face, but we didn’t know any better!

Now that you know you can still get the desired effect with a minimal amount of concealer, don’t revert back to painting your under eyes!

3. 'Baking' Your Setting Powder

Chidi Young

Before you throw away your setting powders, step away from your makeup drawer and have a sit-down chat with me. There isn’t anything wrong with applying them to your face to help ‘set’ your foundation and concealer. However, spending over 10 minutes ‘baking’ your powder (AKA letting it sit untouched) doesn’t work for everyone.

It can lead to creased makeup which can derail your look, plus it’s a pain to correct when you’re halfway through your routine!

4. Overlining Lips

Kaboompics.com

I love a good lip liner, especially if it mirrors my favorite ‘90s makeup look. But, there’s such a thing as overdoing it. The key to lining your lips is following the natural flow of them. Going out of your way to draw above and under your lips’ lines comes off as comical and exaggerated. If anything, use a lip plumping gloss to help your lips look fuller.

5. Overtweezing Your Eyebrows

Getty Images

I don’t even have the words for this outdated makeup look besides wanting to say “no” 20 times in a row. But, I’ll bite and say why this shouldn’t be on your 2025 beauty moodboard.

Some people naturally have thinner eyebrows which is A-okay! However, purposely tweezing your eyebrows to smithereens is cringey. If you truly want to wear this look, here’s what you can do instead of tweezing:

  • Create a faux bleached look by applying a skin tone colored setting powder all over your brows.
  • Once they’ve ‘disappeared,’ take an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw a thin line over them.

I’m…wondering what the ramifications of telling you how to do this will be, but only use go for this look if it’s a part of a themed party…like Halloween.

6. Exaggerated Highlighter On Cheeks

Milad Farhani

The shimmery look is in since it’s winter, but please don’t make it look like you dipped your cheeks into a vat of glitter. You can lightly dust highlighter onto your cheeks for a more natural glow that flows with the rest of your look. Otherwise you’ll look like a walking disco ball which could be the opposite of what you were going for.

7. Heavy Contour Or Bronzer

Laura Garcia

I know the ‘sculpted’ look is popular, but too much contour or bronzer can overpower the rest of your makeup and face. While it’s not impossible to fix if you do it by mistake, using the wrong shade of contour or bronzer may still peep through no matter how much you try to buff it out.

When in doubt, be gentle with your contour or bronzer application!

8. Incredibly Matte Makeup

Nataliia Yatsiuk

Matte makeup that didn’t budge was the ‘It Girl’ look for oily and combination skin girls! We thought it was the answer to our skin’s incessant need to hydrate our faces instead of actually using skincare products that focused on combatting that issue (psst…Vitamin C serums help!).

But now’s the time to break up with this look for good for one reason: dewy skin looks healthier.

While we have you here, learn about the outdated shoe trends you shouldn't be wearing in 2025 either.

As much as I love the wholesome parts of the holidays (like decorating Christmas cookies and opening gifts in the morning), one of my absolute favorite parts about the end of the year is ringing in a new one. 2025 is on its way, baby, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already scheming up a New Year's party plan. The key to a good time is definitely having a great outfit – and these 12 Abercrombie & Fitch party dresses are actually perfect for the occasion. I’m talkin’ sequins, mesh, and even leopard print.

Get ready to stand out this season in these drop-dead gorgeous Abercrombie & Fitch party dresses!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Strapless Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

Drop waists will always get me. Plus, they're so flattering! This flowy maxi can be conveniently worn with or without straps to suit your personal style.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Long-Sleeve Sheer Hem Mini Dress

The scooped neckline on this stunning mini dress is mirrored along the back, which dips a bit lower for a sultry vibe. Pair with some basic heels, and your 'fit is complete.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Collared Zip-Up Midi Dress

The ruching along the front of this zip-up dress is super flattering, drawing eyes to your waistline. The high leg slit feels flirtatious as ever, which could be just the vibe you're needing for your New Year's plans.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Satin Slip Maxi Dress

Slip dresses are simply timeless and so easy to style. Lean more '90s with this foxy leopard print. I'd def wear it with some black boots and a black faux fur jacket for the drama (and more importantly, the warmth).

Abercrombie & Fitch

Long-Sleeve Mesh Maxi Dress

This meshy maxi comes with a mini-length slip along the inside so you won't have to constantly worry about coverage. The material still shows your skin in all the right places!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Strapless Pleated Skort Dress

This preppy piece can easily be played up for a party – if anything, I think the tailored look gives the impression that you're super polished. Slip into this strapless skort dress (yep, there's built-ini shorts!), step into some cute kitten heels, throw on a shaggy coat, and you're set!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Satin Mini Dress

I could see this one working just as well for a Christmas dinner as it would for a rather lit New Year's get-together. The off-the-shoulder look is simply so sweet!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Straight Neck Sequin Midi Dress

Sequins. Need I say more?! You'll immediately stand out among the crazy New Year's crowds in this fancy, disco ball-esque frock.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Off-The-Shoulder Rhinestone Maxi Dress

If full-on sequins aren't quite your thing, you can still put on a bit of shimmer with this dress that's dotted in tiny rhinestones. It comes in this amazing nude color or black to best suit your style!

Abercrombie & Fitch

High-Neck Satin Sculpt Midi Dress

While the front of this sleek midi is more modest, the back features an open design that lets you show some more skin. It's definitely on the elegant side, so I'd advise wearing it to a fancy cocktail hour or more low-key NYE party this year.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Emerson Off-The-Shoulder Skort Dress

Polka dots always feel super energetic to me, so if you want to be the one to get the party started, this is the dress for you! Plus, it'll make for some super cute Instagram pics. The design includes some built-in shorts, so coverage won't be an issue throughout the night.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Satin Embellished Strapless Mini Dress

Oh, this one is perfect. The tiny rhinestone embellishments will certainly have heads tuning your way.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal fashion picks!

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