Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the like are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.
Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.
Anete Lusina / PEXELS
1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.
Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!
@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒
2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.
Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.
Riley Williams
3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.
Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.
Meredith Holser
4. Make an orange garland for them.
A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.
Krissy Derrick
5. Craft a candle holder using clay.
You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.
Mariam Antadze / PEXELS
6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.
To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!
Meredith Holser
7. Create a collage out of old magazines.
Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.
Meredith Holser
8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.
Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.
Brit + Co
9. DIY your very own body care line.
Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.
Ron Lach / PEXELS
10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.
Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.
Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
11. Make a batch of jam.
If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.
Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
12. Make a batch of spice mix.
In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!Roman Odinstov / PEXELS
13. Make a batch of chili oil.
Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.
Anete Lusina / PEXELS
14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.
Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!
Damir / PEXELS
15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.
Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.
小龙 魏 / PEXELS
16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.
You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.
Brit + Co
17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.
Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.
Mati Mango / PEXELS
18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.
It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.
In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!
Brit + Co
19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.
You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.
If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!
Brit + Co
20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.
If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.
To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.
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This post has been updated.
Gisele Bündchen is a household name, no matter who her partner is — but it's no secret the supermodel made waves when she split from her football star husband, Tom Brady, in 2022. It's clear she's not holding on to the past, though. After dating Joaquim Valente for the past two years, the couple is officially expecting their first child together! Here's everything we know about Gisele's growing family!
Is Gisele Bündchen pregnant?
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gaia Herbs
Yes! According to PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that the 44-year-old supermodel is officially expecting her third child. This is her first baby with current boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The source said, "Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family."
Recently, a source told PEOPLE that Gisele's “excited to embrace this new chapter openly," and she's “received many positive messages and congratulations" since the news broke. While the source also noted that Gisele "wanted to keep the news private for as long as possible," they also explained that she "feels good" right now. According to them, she seems focused on her health by doing pilates and other exercises, meditating, and eating well! We're glad to hear Gisele's taking care of herself — and her baby — first!
Who is Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend?
Joaquim Valente is a jiu-jitsu professional at his family-owned studio, Valente Brothers. The 34-year-old continues a decades-long tradition of teaching this martial art to future generations — and his girlfriend!
These two have been linked together since 2022, but didn't start officially dating until June 2023 according to PEOPLE. In 2024, a source also told PEOPLE that this wasn't "a serious love affair," but the tides have clearly turned since then.
In March 2024, Gisele The New York Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." She then noted, “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.” She also was quick to deny that there was any overlap with her ex-husband, stressing that these types of rumors happen "to a lot of women" who "have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship."
As for the most current state of Gisele and Joaquim's relationship? A source told Page Six, “Their chemistry together has always been there and they have a lot in common. They've been in love for a while." That being said, sources also told Page Sixthat they don't think the pair will get married "anytime soon." Despite Gisele being "thrilled" to welcome another child, her friends tell the outlet that the couple will just "live together for now."
Regardless, we're also thrilled for these two, and we hope their new child brings them so much joy!
How many kids does Gisele Bündchen have?
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have two children together — Bejamin Rein (14) and Vivian Lake (11). According to Page Six, a source says that these two "really like" Joaquim Valente, as he's been living with them in Miami "for a while." We just know these two will be fabulous siblings to the new little one, given the way they show so much love to their parents!
When did Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady get divorced?
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady officially divorced in 2022. However, according to Page Six, this all started back in 2020 when Tom wouldn't retire from the NFL — and according to a source from PEOPLE, their problems date back as long as 10 years! Regardless, it's clear Gisele's moved on to a new chapter in her life. Good for her!
Has Tom Brady said anything about Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy?
While sources told TMZthat Gisele Bündchen told Tom Brady about her pregnancy before the news broke to the general public, other sources told Page Sixthat he only just found out "very recently" — and apparently, he didn't find out from Gisele. Sources explained to Page Six that the ex-spouses "talk when they have to." So I guess this situation didn't exactly qualify as having to talk...
Still, a source close to the situation explained to Page Six that Tom was "stunned" to find out about the news. “Tom knew that things were serious between Gisele and Joaquin but he never imagined they would be having a child together,” they said. "“It just wasn’t something that was on his radar. So when Gisele broke the news to him he was stunned, to say the least.”
Tom hasn't made an official statement about Gisele's pregnancy, but he did take to Instagram on October 28. The former football star posted an image of the sunset, three hearts, and The Chicks' cover of "Landslide." The Stevie Nicks original is all about the changes life brings, so Tom's seemingly alluding to the changes coming in his own life.
And that same Page Sixsource noted that Tom's “grown used to the idea and he’s happy for Gisele.” They said, “At the end of the day, Tom’s sole focus is on his children and his career. What Gisele decides to do with her own life is really none of his business.”
On November 12, 2024, Tom Brady spoke at the 2024 Fortune Global Forum — and while he didn't mention his ex-wife's current pregnancy, he did open up about what it's like to be his child, per TMZ. He said, All of the parents of the room know that being a parent is probably the hardest job all of us have, and we screw up a lot — and I've screwed up a lot as a parent." Despite that, Tom explained that he wants to be "dependable and consistent" for his kids, and let them explore the hobbies that excite them most — the same way his parents did. Still, Tom notes that it "sucks" when it comes to being his son in "so many ways," explaining that his kids "naturally are gonna be faced with their own challenges."
Whatever happens next, we hope that this modern family navigates this new chapter with grace and love!
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This post has been updated.
Amazon is without a doubt THE spot for accessories — I get all of my jewelry, hats and purses from there. Given their wide selection of quality products that won't break the bank, Amazon is my stomping ground for a durable pair of sunnies, too. I mean, in my very expert opinion, you can honestly never have too many pairs of sunglasses anyway. With that in mind, here are 10 pairs of Amazon sunglasses to wear this summer — all for under $20!
Amazon
SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses
These shades are a #1 best seller right now! You have so many different lenses to choose from to match any occasion. Besides their cute style, they have a UV 400 protection to keep your eyes safe. And seriously, you can't go wrong with these $16 shades that fit any face shape.
Amazon
GUVIVI Trendy Oval Sunglasses
I LOVE the vintage 90s look you can achieve with oval sunglasses like these. They can dress up any outfit or be worn casually for a day at the beach. You can shop them in many colors, but I personally would opt for a black or brown so you can wear them with anything. These shades are sturdy, durable and only $14.
Amazon
Mosanana Trendy Rectangle Sunglasses
Any outfit with a statement piece is right up my ally. Why not add a pair of chunky shades to your repertoire. I find the thicker the glasses the more comfortable they sit on your face, and they are good for any occasion. These $14 glasses are available in both neutrals and fun colors for a pop.
Amazon
SOJOS Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Aviator sunglasses will NEVER fail you. I promise. This shape is timeless and won't go out of style. (at least over my dead body) This pair on Amazon is only $15 and comes with polarized lenses for long term eye protection.
Amazon
WearMe Pro Reflective Lens Round Trendy Sunglasses
Though I cannot personally rock this shape, I have seen countless people around me wearing these glasses. These round sunnies are the perfect Ray Band dupe that won't harm your wallet, but the quality and comfort is still there. WearMe Pro is a small family owned business, so you know that your glasses are made with care. Get yourself a pair for only $14.
Amazon
Colrea Trendy Cat Eye Sunglasses
A cat eye glasses shape is so effortlessly chic. Plus, who doesn't love a big lens? They look amazing on literally any face shape. These Colrea glasses are made with care and quality and are perfect for an elevated look. There are many lens color options, but I would personally stick to a simple black lens for a timless look. And only for $15!
Amazon
AIEYEZO Retro Square Sunglasses
We are going back in time with these retro 70s aviator glasses. The vintage look is always trending, and these sunnies are no exception. The double bridge style is unique but manages to suit everyone. Bonus, these $13 glasses are unisex so literally anyone can rock these bad boys.
Amazon
Dollger Square Oversized Sunglasses
Kim Kardashian called, she wants her sunglasses back. I am obsessed with shades that make you look like an off duty celebrity, just like these. They provide style, but also great eye protection. This shape is lightweight and comfortable but can always dress up an outfit to make you feel like serious business for only $14.
Amazon
SOJOS Classic Square Oversized Sunglasses
Another timeless sunglass shape that gives chic energy. I find this shape flattering on anyone of any age. The nose bridge detailing is super cute and makes these shades unique. This $16 classic square sunnies are dainty yet durable.
Amazon
FEISEDY Classic Women Sunglasses
The best way to incorporate some color into a bland outfit is with some colorful sunnies. The rectangle shape with pointed edges is chic and unique. These sunnies look high end and are sustainable for any activity, You can find these in pink, blue, champagne, and more for only $16.
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Lead image via Amazon.
The holidays at Starbucks are here, people! Peppermint Mocha season returned on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Red Cup Day 2024 was just officially announced – here's everything you need to know about the annual event.
Scroll on for details on Starbucks Red Cup Day for 2024!
What is Red Cup Day?
Starbucks
Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ seasonal drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.
When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?
Starbucks
November 14, 2024 is officially Red Cup Day!
Red Cup Day typically lands on the third Thursday of November, though this year's event hits on the second Thursday. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16.
What do the red cups look like for 2024?
Starbucks
The Starbucks red cups for Red Cup Day 2024 are here! The design features a very candy cane-like illustration with a white lid. The reusable cup holds 16 ounces and is made from 95% recycled materials.
How can I get a red cup?
Starbucks
The Starbucks red cups are available however you order, including in-store, drive-thru, and through the Starbucks app and delivery via Uber Eats, Door Dash and GrubHub. Customers who order delivery through the Starbucks app can even have their reusable red cup delivered with a $0 delivery fee! Red Cup Day typically limits one cup per customer.
Starbucks
Here’s a list of all the eligible drinks (including icons from the Starbucks holiday menu)for Red Cup Day 2024:
- Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
- Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Cran-Merry Orange Refresher
- Cran-Merry Lemonade Refresher
- Cran-Merry Drink
- Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
- Hot Chocolate
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Mocha
- Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
- Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
- White Hot Chocolate
Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?
Starbucks
Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.
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This post has been updated.
Have you figured out your Thanksgiving menu yet? Whether you're serving up a turkey, vegan options, or all of the above, you probably want some super delicious sides and appetizers to complement your other Thanksgiving recipes! These bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes are so versatile, you can serve them before your meal, on the side, or even for breakfast on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. Delicious and Paleo-approved, they really have no downsides. Plus, bacon!
Get the recipe for bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes below!
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes
Sarah Anderson
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 20 slices of bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon pink salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Directions for Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes
Sarah Anderson
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.
- Cut your sweet potatoes into thick-cut wedges or fry shapes.
- Wrap each sweet potato piece with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon on itself as it goes around the sweet potato.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer onto the baking sheet, leaving an inch or two in between each one. Do this in two batches, if needed. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top before baking.
- Bake the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes for 35 minutes. The potatoes should be tender and the bacon should be crispy.
- Serve the wedges with your choice of ketchup, ranch, or aioli – or all of the above! Enjoy!
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Recipe by Sarah Anderson.
This post has been updated.