16 Holiday Gift Toppers You Can DIY

Kate Puhala
Nov 26, 2013

If you’re gunning to win best gift wrapper this Christmas, there’s one other thing to consider besides beautiful gift wrap, and that’s awesome gift toppers! Let’s just say, it’s the equivalent of a cherry on top of a scoop of ice cream—it’s a simple addition that makes the moment feel instantly extra special. These 16 gift toppers that you can DIY are sure to make any package stand out under the tree.

1. Sparkly Gift Wrap Toppers: We love to see what happens when people think outside of the box with their materials, like this glittery ribbon. On this first package, it creates a beautiful woven pattern on top of plain wrapping paper, and on the second, it’s looped to make a perfectly tied bow. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

2. Mini Wreath Toppers: How great are these mini wreaths? Made from sprigs of seeded eucalyptus and rosemary, these scented tags are undeniably charming. (via Frolic!)

3. Tinsel Bow Toppers: It’s easy to go overboard with tinsel, but these bows use just the right amount to make this white-wrapped gift stand out from the pack. Just be sure to knot the bunch of tinsel before you trim it—it’s easier to handle that way. (via Whimseybox)

4. Adorned Glitter Clothespin Toppers: These quirky gift toppers are just too cute. Be sure to tell the recipient that once their package has been opened, these glittery clothespins can be used as ornaments—just clip ‘em to a tree! (via Creature Comforts)

5. Paper Snowflakes: This definitely isn’t a kindergarten-level paper snowflake! (Do you see how amazingly intricate it is?) Once you get the folding technique down, it’s all a matter of making the right cuts. Then hang as garland or use as a gift topper! (via How About Orange)

6. Neon Tassel Gift Topper: There are an insane number of ways to use colorful rope, including as tassels for gift toppers! And you know we’d never say no to a neon gift topper. ;) (via The Apron)

7. Wool Acorn Gift Toppers: We can’t decide what we like more about these adorable gift toppers: their foraged tops or their colorful, wool-felted base. Either way, we’re just nuts about ‘em! (We had to!) (via Free People Blog)

8. Pom Pom Topper: This DIY basic has quickly become the go-to gift topper, and we’re totally okay with that! If you haven’t made a pom pom—they’re so easy! This is a must-try for this holiday season. (via Cotton & Flax)

9. Stitched Gift Tags: There’s something so special about these stitched toppers, which give these gifts an extremely personal touch. Red embroidery thread makes the crisp printed gift tags pop on the packaging. (via Shim Tokk)

10. Foil Baking Cup Toppers: We’re obsessed with the idea of using foil baking cups as decorative gift toppers. Plus, how chic is this gold and metallic pink color palette? (via Hey Look)

11. Duct Tape Gift Wrap: Once you top your gifts with duct tape (you know it comes in like, 100 colors and patterns, right?), there’s no going back to that clear office supply variety! It adds such a significant sheen to a kraft paper-wrapped gifts. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

12. Sponge Letter Gift Toppers: We can sum up these gift toppers in two words: merry and bright! A glue-soaked sponge in the shape of an initial holds colorful sprinkles in place—just be sure to tell the kiddos it’s not for eating! (You can always sub in confetti to make it look less cake-like). (via Créme de la Craft)

13. Tree Gift Toppers: We love how festive embroidery floss take these twigs to gift-worthy levels. The addition of a silver star adds a perfect hint of glam to the natural looking materials. (via Fellow Fellow)

14. Pom Pom Trim: You won’t believe how easy it is to get this colorful look! Ready for it? There’s no making involved! We highly recommend you add pom pom yarn to your gift wrapping prep list. ;) (via Small Good Things)

15. Washi Tape Bunting: Here’s another genius way to use washi tape. Just lay strips of the colorful adhesive across some kraft paper and cut into geometric trim. (via Creature Comforts)

16. Neon Animal Favors: These neon painted animal gift toppers have a total Babes in Toyland feel going on, and we just can’t get enough. Looking for a chicer approach? Try painting the toys gold! (via Hello Bee)

What’s your gift wrapping routine like? Do you go all out with beautiful paper and personalized toppers? Or do you think it’s what’s inside the package that counts? Tell us in the comments below!

3 Tricks to Up Your V-Day Gift Wrap Game

If you ask us, gift wrap is half the fun of gift-giving. Even if you don’t have the perfect present inside, putting a little something extra into your wrap job always impresses the giftee. We went all out for Christmas gift wrap hacks last year, and now it’s time to channel that energy into our favorite Feb holiday: Valentine’s Day! Scroll on for three easy ways to gussy up your already-wrapped gifts and make them even more Instagram-worthy.

Pixel Weave Gift Wrap

The pixel weave is an old classic here at Brit HQ — our co-founder, Anj, introduced it waaaay back in 2011! We thought we’d give this weave method a little V-Day spin for these gifts.

Tools + Materials:

— wrapped gift

— paper (2 colors)

— tape

— paper cutter or scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut your paper into one-centimeter-wide strips.

2. Line up your first set of paper strips in a row on top of your wrapped gift. Fold the strips where they meet the edge of the gift box, then tape each strip to the side.

3. Weave the second color through the taped strips to create a heart pattern.

4. Tape down the second side of your first set of strips once you’ve finished weaving. Then carefully tape down the other set of strips.

To begin, cut one-centimeter-wide strips of paper in two different colors. We cut nine strips in dark pink and eight strips in light pink.

Next, line up and center the first set of strips on your wrapped gift. Fold each strip where it meets the edge of the box, then carefully tape each strip to the side. You can use double-sided tape for this step if you don’t want your tape to show.

Now, for the fun part! Carefully weave each strip of your second set through the taped strips. Study these images to get the heart shape down, or go rogue and make your own pattern. It’s kinda hard to make a pixel weave look ugly, so have fun with it! When you’ve created the pattern you like, tape down the second side of the first set, then tape each side of the second set of strips.

This technique would also work using yarn, ribbon or fabric strips. There you have it! You just gave your V-Day gift a facelift in less than five minutes.

Confetti Tape Gift Wrap

We challenge you to find an easier way to dress up your gift wrap. Seriously.

Tools + Materials:

— wrapped gift

— confetti

— double-sided tape

Instructions:

1. Place a strip of double-sided tape on your wrapped gift.

2. Cover your tape in confetti. That’s. It.

First, place a long strip of double sided tape on your present. You can keep it simple with one strip, or add more to amp up the drama.

Next, place your confetti on the sticky tape. Because we used large confetti, we placed each piece on one by one, but you’re welcome to us a “dip” effect, too. The smaller the confetti pieces, the harder it is to mess this one up :)

Another pro tip — go with a very simple wrapping paper pattern if you’re using multicolored confetti. This way, the viewer’s eye will not feel overwhelmed by all of the differing shapes and colors.

Look at that gorgeous gift wrap! A little confetti goes a long way, huh?

Peek-a-Boo Heart Gift Wrap

Like with the confetti tape hack, using simple wrapping paper patterns is best with this technique.

Tools + Materials:

— wrapped gift

— wrapping paper

— pen or pencil

— X-Acto knife

— scrap paper

— tape

— cutting mat

Instructions:

1. Make heart stencils: Draw different-sized hearts on your scrap paper, then cut each out with your X-Acto knife.

2. Trace half of each heart stencil onto your wrapping paper.

3. Cut along the traced lines with your X-Acto knife, then fold over the cut piece so that it creates a heart shape.

4. Tape the wrapping paper to your wrapped gift. Voila!

First, draw different-sized hearts on your piece of scrap paper, then cut them out with your X-Acto knife. These are your stencils for the peek-a-boo hearts.

Trace HALF of each heart stencil onto your wrapping paper, and repeat as many times as you’d like. Be sure to space out each trace so that they won’t overlap when you eventually unfold each heart. When you’ve drawn all of your half-hearts, cut along the lines with the X-Acto knife. Then fold over your cut piece to create a full heart.

Once you’ve unfolded all of your hearts, tape the wrapping paper to your wrapped gift. Be careful as you fold and tape the paper, ensuring that you don’t squish the folded hearts.

Not that we’re picking favorites… but this technique is kind of our favorite ;)

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This post has been udpated.

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9 "Chic" J.Crew Spring Dresses I'm Immediately Adding To Cart

The second the weather warms up even a smidge, I'm ready to throw on a sweet little sundress and embrace spring! So naturally, I'm window shopping for some new additions to my closet, and J.Crew's latest dresses honestly made my jaw drop. They're the perfect mix of chic, flirty, and fun — and I'm adding them to my cart as we speak. So if you're looking to update your spring wardrobe this year, then you definitely wanna check out these J.Crew dresses ASAP!

Scroll to see our favorite J.Crew Spring spring dresses we love for 2025!

J.Crew

J.Crew Gathered-Waist Mixy Dress

There's something so magical about an easy dress like this. You can dress it up with a pair of heels for a night out, or you can keep it casual with some sneakers and a denim jacket. Regardless of how you wear it, the silhouette looks so put-together all on its own — accessories not required.

J.Crew

J.Crew Hyacinth Dress in Striped Cotton Poplin

A pop of green is perfect for spring! It pairs oh-so well with the budding grass and fresh blooms of the season. And when paired with these elongating stripes and this smocked waist? Yeah, you're gonna look GOOD.

J.Crew

J.Crew Squareneck Midi Dress in Blurry Rose Print

This dress is so fresh and fun for spring and summer! I can totally see myself strolling around the farmer's market with my dogs, picking out some delish veggies for my next meal!

J.Crew

J.Crew Pleated Drop-Waist Dress in Crinkle Cotton Blend

Butter yellow is still everything this season, and what better way to embrace it than with a precious drop-waist dress like this! I can totally see this for a sweet date night dinner on a restaurant patio with an aperol spritz in one hand and some fresh mozzarella on the way!

J.Crew

J.Crew Collection Structured Lace-Trim Dress

And speaking of date night...can we talk about the lace on this gorgeous dress?! This is sexy, classy, and so coming home with me.

J.Crew

J.Crew Drop-Waist Mixy Dress

A crisp white dress like this is a necessity for the warm seasons! They're so easy to throw on, whether you're headed out to brunch with the girls, touring a vineyard with your in-laws, or just trying to stay cool on a random Wednesday.

J.Crew

J.Crew Collection Eyelet Maxi Slip Dress

I absolutely love how sweet this springy dress is! The ruffled neckline pairs so well with the precious eyelet pattern, giving you a subtle floral look without having to commit to a bold pattern.

J.Crew

J.Crew Cotton Voile Empire-Waist Dress in Leopard Print

Animal print is still that girl! I love how this dress genuinely looks neutral while still giving you all the fun of a pattern. Pair it with chunky gold jewelry and some black accessories (like above), and you have an absolute look!

J.Crew

J.Crew Collection Bra Top with Floral Sequins + Pleated Skirt with Floral Sequins

Okay, so this isn't exactly a dress, but this two piece look is everything to me! I love the pleats paired with the floral pattern! It's sexy and elevated and a must-have for all your spring and summer soirees this year!

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6 Creative Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas Anyone Can DIY at Home

If you're looking for a way to put your creative chops to good use this season, try designing your own custom holiday gift wrap! Brit will show you how in this interactive, choose-your-own-adventure tutorial video we made together with Camp by Walmart. There, you can decide if your decorating style is more glam or traditional, if you'd rather work with wrapping paper or a gift box, and set your skill level to novice or advanced. See all of the festive and creative combos by tuning into the video now!

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17 “Charming” Western Decor Ideas Beyond Cliché Horses & Cowboy Hats

I was a bit surprised when Shea McGee named "Western Cowboy" as one of her top home trend predictions for 2025 — but she wasn’t wrong. With earthy decor, natural materials, and country cottage kitchens already trending, the shift toward an American Western aesthetic feels like a natural evolution (I mean, look at the Grammy's AOTY). This style resurfaces in home decor, but this time, it’s less about cowboy clichés and more about refined rustic charm — think of it as the new boho with Southern charm.

Scroll for all our favorite western decor ideas to add a little "Yeehaw!" to your space!

Etsy

Etsy Vintage Cowgirls Pink Wallpaper

I'm in love with this charming Vintage Cowgirls Pink self-adhesive wallpaper, featuring vintage western scenes, cowboys on horses, and picturesque landscapes in soft pastel colors.

Decor Tip: Use earthy tones like warm browns, terracotta, beige, and soft whites as your foundation.

Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel Dalton Brown Suede Lamp by Jake Arnold

This desk lamp, inspired by the 1940s, with muted red-finished metal dome, burnished brass accents and suede-wrapped tube warms up your Western aesthetic with a rustic yet elevated vibe.

Decor Tip: Mix vintage Western pieces with sleek, modern decor.

Urban Outfitters

UO Vicki Collage Duvet Cover

This soft cotton duvet cover features rows of Western and floral icons for a more femme country vibe. Pair it with the Vicki Collage Sham Set.

Decor Tip: Have fun with it! Add pops of color and a touch of kitsch, but balance them with refined pieces to keep the look stylish and intentional.

Ruggable

Ruggable Lark Blue & Rose Rug

A modern (and washable!) rug with Southwestern geometrics brings a rustic refresh to your Western-inspired space.

Decor Tip: Layer in woven kilim patterns, Navajo-inspired throws, and fringed accents in earthy colors like dusty blue, sage green, rust, and shades of brown.

Urban Outfitters

UO Cowboy Boot Tufted Throw Pillow

Classic Western motifs like cowboy boots are on trend and perfect to incorporate in your home decor, just keep them tasteful and minimal. This black-and-white pillow is just the right amount of playfulness.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Bronze Horse & Marble Bookends

Cast in bronze on white marble, these sculptural horse head bookends are the touch of equestrian elegance your Western bookshelf needs.

Etsy

Etsy Vintage UFO Poster

This retro sci-fi art is a unique departure from typical western art you might see, and totally fun and futuristic.

Decor Tip: Vintage black-and-white ranch photos, abstract desert landscapes, or bold Western portraits make great statement pieces.

Gold Dogs

Good Luck Horseshoe Wall Hanging

These viral 'Good Luck' brass horseshoes are perfect little accents for walls, shelves, anywhere you want to give guests a little wink and nod.

Decor Tip: Swap out kitschy Western elements for more artful, curated pieces.

Pendleton

Pendleton Cowboy Hat Hooked Pillow

This hand-hooked wool image of a cowboy hat was designed in Vermont by Laura Megroz.

Decor Tip: Use layered textiles (sheepskin throws, handwoven blankets, and plush cushions) for a cozy, inviting feel.

Etsy

Etsy Stacked Cowboy Hats Print

Cowboy hats are iconic and a great statement piece for your western decor.

East Fork Pottery

East Fork Pottery Small Mug

These handmade mugs from Asheville, North Carolina are the perfect addition to your Western earthy decor, and just the right size to keep your coffee warm while you drink it.

Decor Tip: Mix in handmade, artisanal pieces.

Farmhouse Pottery

Farmhouse Pottery Reusable Bowl Covers

These linen bowl covers are perfect for bread making or covering a salad until you're ready to eat. Each set includes 3 different sizes.

Decor Tip: Incorporate soft, worn-in fabrics like linen and distressed leather.

McGee & Co.

McGee & Co. Plaid Tasseled Throw

Classic plaid patterns are a perfect fit for this aesthetic, while the tassels bring a playful, laid-back touch.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Stallion on Canvas Board

Add a little personality with this affordable 8" x 10" stallion in an antique gold frame.

Decor Tip: Decorate with meaningful Western finds, like thrifted treasures, antique prints, or family heirlooms.

Monike Hibbs

MH Dinner Bell

This solid brass dinner bell is the cutest thing I've seen on the Internet today. Dinner's ready!

Decor Tip: Add subtle nods to Western culture.

Rugs Direct

Loloi Grand Canyon Area Rug

This cruelty-free design is perfect for adding a little rustic decor to your space. But make this your only animal hide in the space to keep it from traveling into kitsch territory.

Tejas Country Club

Tejas Country Club Howdy Print

A little Southern Charm in the kitchen or entryway adds a warm, welcoming vibe to your decor.

Decor Tip: Use mid-century modern art and lighting for a fresh take.

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This Is The Best Bottled Drinking Water In 2025

Though we're all about our reusable water bottles (and everything related to the Stanley tumbler), the love we have for fancy-shmancy bottled water is just undeniable. Despite the crisp, cold convenience associated with bottled drinking water, there's a *huge* rift in which brands actually taste good.

Some drinkers prefer Aquafina over Dasani (or even artesian water cuvée, like the cast of Vanderpump Rules), and that's okay – but sommelier Belinda Chang has an immeasurable wealth of knowledge to dictate which ones are worth sipping on based on their flavor (and yes, they differ).

Not every bottled water is created equal, and this expert-backed ranking is proof. Onward!

What type of bottled water is healthiest?

Pavel Danilyuk / PEXELS

Mineral water is considered the healthiest bottled drinking water since it contains additional minerals and vitamins.

What is the top-rated bottled water?

Towfiqu Barbhuiya / PEXELS

According to our ranking of the best and worst bottled waters, Roundy's bottled drinking water is #1.

Is bottled water safe to drink?

Mart Production / PEXELS

In terms of your health, all plastic bottled waters are the worst – they can contain hundreds of thousands of microplastics that harm the body. The safest bottled water you can drink is likely some filtered drinking water that you put into a reusable water bottle.

What are the top 5 worst bottled waters?

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Propel, Dasani, Ice Mountain, Aquafina, and Naleczowianka are the top 5 worst bottled drinking waters, according to their taste.

What is the top 5 best drinking water?

Nerea Arance / PEXELS

According to expert water sommelier rankings, the top 5 best drinking waters are: Evian, Smeraldina, SmartWater, Fiji, and Roundy's.

Meet Sommelier Brenda Chang!

BelindaChang.com

Belinda Chang hails from Chicago, and was formerly the head of the wine and spirits program at upscale steakhouse Maple & Ash, so she knows her drinks. While she usually puts her skills towards perfect pairings of wine and sumptuous meals, Belinda welcomed Thrillist into her domain to put water to the ultimate test.

Belinda compared ten different bottled water brands by evaluating their flavor, aroma, texture and finish of each, giving them a score out of a possible 100 points. Her bottled water ratings shed light on which brands you should drink!

“A good bottled water shouldn’t have any off-putting aromas or flavors – that would be an automatic negative,” Belinda explained. “In wine, we always talk about terroir, and I think for water, it’s the same. You want it to speak of the place where it comes from. And, of course, you want it to be delicious.”

The Best Bottled Drinking Water, Ranked

10. Propel: 69/100

Propel

When it came to tasting Propel bottled water, Belinda was immediately put off by the odor, saying it smells "salty, metallic.” Ew. When it came to taste, it might not have been as bad, but it certainly wasn’t an A+.

“When it gets onto your tongue, the impact is bizarre. The texture and flavor is a lot like Gatorade, but not masked with orange or blue raspberry.”

9. Dasani: 70/100

Dasani

Dasani was another bottled drinking water that was... somewhat stinky. “See, this one does not smell good — it smells like a wine that’s been dosed with sulphates.” What’s with all the smelly water?

Belinda deemed that when it comes to Dasani, “The thirst-quenching quotient is really low on this guy.”

8. Ice Mountain: 81/100

Ice Mountain

Ice Mountain bottled drinking water got it right if you’re looking for nothing but water – tasteless water.

“It’s completely neutral in almost every way, which I think is a total positive.” In this case, definitely. Though Belinda did note a slight “mineral-y” aftertaste, a “pipe-like flavor.” No thanks.

7. Aquafina: 84/100

Aquafina

Instead of tasting pipe-like, Belinda felt Aquafina tasted “a little powdery, with some dissolved minerals and a little bit of salt.” Still, she felt that this was a decent thirst-quencher.

“For an inexpensive water that you’re just drinking because you’re in the airport and you want to hydrate before you go on a flight, I think this is a good option.”

6. Naleczowianka: 89/100

Naleczowianka

Naleczowianka bottled drinking water was another water with a “distinctive” smell — this time, a stony hint. Kinda strangely, it made Belinda think of “a salt character — I want it with a pierogi.” That’s… specific.

Overall, this one failed where it seems to matter the most, with the skilled sommelier noting, “It’s not that thirst-quenching. It dries out the palate.”

5. Evian: 90/100

Evian

Evian bottled drinking water is better when it comes to the smell, Belinda claiming it’s “really clean on the nose.” But interestingly, she also noted, “I do taste the Alps — I don’t smell them, but I taste them. And I can definitely imagine myself après-ski with a bottle of Evian.” That’s a plus for Evian!

4. Smeraldina: 92/100

Smeraldina

Smeraldina bottled drinking water scored slightly higher than Evian despite the fact that “after you have a sip of it, it feels like there’s this fine silt lying on your tongue.”

Besides that, however, “this would transport you back to the south of Italy.” Whoa. First the Alps, now Italy. We’re globetrotting with every sip.

3. Smartwater: 93/100

Smartwater

Smartwater is actually something that Belinda is familiar with herself, but admitted, “I’ve always chugged this the next morning when I’m hungover.” However, when she took some time to consider it, she claims, “it’s probably 1000% the marketing, but it does taste different,” i.e. a really interesting texture in the mid-palate, which Belinda assumes is the added electrolytes.

2. Fiji: 98/100

Fiji Water

Fiji took the runner-up spot of the best bottled water to drink, partly due to the fact that it’s “totally neutral on the nose, which [Belinda thinks] is important,” but it was also the fact that it’s a heavy water that got Belinda’s stamp of approval.

“[If] you want to drink a glass of water after a spectacular dish or, like, a great bite of a burger, you want something that cleanses, and this is it. I really love this water.”

1. Roundy's Purified Drinking Water: 99/100

Roundy's

And the bottled water winner is… Roundy’s!

First, the smell won Belinda over. “This is going to sound so weird, but it’s a little sweet-smelling — which I like!” But, of course, that wasn’t all. Taste is the major factor here, and the sommelier thought this option was delicious. “It has no pretension, it’s incredibly thirst-quenching."

"It doesn’t taste like anything, which is perfect. When you’re drinking water you just want to be drinking water, and this is the most watery of all the waters. This is the Moet Imperial of bottled water — it’s simple, it’s classic and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It delivers and that’s my professional opinion.”

Do you notice differences in the taste of water from different brands and your tap? Tweet us @BritandCo!

H/T Thrillist.

This post has been updated.

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