12 Extraordinary Holiday Gift Toppers

Samantha Tagher
Dec 22, 2014

Tired of topping off your perfectly wrapped present with a simple bow and boring gift tag? Us too. This year, we’re going for a more unique look that will stand out from under the tree. We’ve hunted down the most creative gift toppers, all of which are anything but ordinary — clothes pins, cookies and paper straws, oh my! Scroll on for a peek at some of our faves.

1. Clothespin Gift Toppers: How fun are these DIY clothespin toppers? Add a little glitter and a cute miniature tree or creature, and your present will be good to go. (via Creature Comforts)

2. Paper Toppers: Sometimes all it takes is a few extra sheets of scrapbook paper to make fun and unique gift toppers. Our personal fave? The mini tree, of course. (via The House That Lars Built)

3. Gingerbread Topper: Have your gift and eat it too. Well, maybe don’t actually eat your gift, but this gingerbread topper is totally edible. (via Eyes on the Details)

4. Paper Straws, Pom Poms and Honeycombs: This is the prettiest set of gifts we’ve ever seen. DIY these toppers using paper straws, yarn and a couple candy canes. Yep, it’s that easy. (via Country Living)

5. Gift Toppers That Pop: Want to learn how to make toppers that pop? Check out this video tutorial and you’ll become the ultimate gift wrapper in no time. (via Brit + Co)

6. Berry Gift Topper: Bring a touch of nature to your box using twigs and berries. Secure with hemp for an extra-natural look. (via Rue Rococo)

7. Glitter Letters and Polka Dots: For the girly girl in your life, add a glitter initial to the top of an already adorable package. Want to know a secret? Those polka dots were DIYed with wine corks. (via La Crema)

8. Paper Snowflakes: Remember when you learned how to make paper snowflakes in elementary school? Well it’s time to refresh your skillz, because they make the perfect finishing touch to your present. (via Giochi di Carta)

9. Pom Pom Toppers: You don’t always have to use traditional holiday colors to wrap a present. Go for a pastel style using mint and light pink pom poms. (via Style Stek)

10. Clay Tags: We’re loving the chic vibe of the gold wrapping paper with contrasting greenery. DIY clay gift tags to add a personalized touch. (via Vitamini Handmade)

11. Shrinky Dink Gift Tags: LOL. How fun are these gift tags? We’re pretty sure no one will pick up the wrong present when it has their face on it. (via And We Play)

12. Bon Bons and Fresh Greenery: Use an assortment of fresh-colored ribbons and stems to wrap presents as epic as these. We obviously have a sweet spot for the bon bon one. (via Oh Happy Day)

What’s your favorite unique way to top off your perfectly wrapped present? Let us know in the comments below.

19 Cool Girl Hanukkah Decorations & Accessories That We're Adding To Cart ASAP

While holiday enthusiasts are breaking out their Christmas trees and stockings, some of us are getting into the spirit a little differently. As a member of the tribe, December is high time for latkes and dreidels. And while our celebrations are truly lit (it’s the Festival of Lights, after all!) the merch selection has never quite had the same allure as the magic of Christmas.

The eight nights of Hanukkah begin on December 25 this year, and we’re on a mission to elevate the classic blue and silver while helping you answer the most challenging question of our time: “what should I buy for my Jewish friends, anyway?” Whether you're looking to ditch the kitsch or fully lean into the uniqueness being one of the Chosen people, here are 24 items that should be on your Hanukkah decorations list.

Our favorite Hanukkah decorations for 2024:

Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler Dachsund Menorah

I just want an entire zoo of these Jonathan Adler menorahs.

Piecework Puzzles

Piecework Puzzles Hanukkah Cookie Tin

There're truly no better way to celebrate than with jelly donuts, dreidels and gelt – except maybe in puzzle form.

Adara Rituals

Adara Rituals Talia Dreidel Terrarium

Dreidel-shaped terrariums are the Hanukkah decorations extra I never know I needed. Add a plant for some greenery or dress them up with fairy lights!

Susan Alexandra

Susan Alexandra Heirloom Tomato Menorah

If Betsey Johnson were to create a capsule Hanukkah collection, this menorah would undoubtedly be a part.

Garnet Hill

Garnet Hill Personalized Hook Wool Pillow

We love a personalization moment, especially when it's as cozy as this pillow.

Adara Rituals

Adara Rituals Liora Hurrican Candle Holder

Candle holders shaped like the Star of David? Yes please!

Wayfair

Godinger Contemporary Modern Menorah

For a more modern take, we love this marble menorah (with pops of gold, of course).

Adara Rituals

Adara Rituals Nava Happy Hanukkah Beaded Sign

ICYMI, it's Hanukkah. This beaded sign is giving DIY vibes without all the effort.

Lele Sadoughi

Lele Sadoughi Indigo Crystal Dreidel Headband

Reigning queen of headbands, Lele Sadoughi, truly has something for everyone. I'll take your ugly Christmas sweater and raise you one (actually cute) dreidel headband.

abc Home

abc Home Menorah Ornament

We may not have Christmas trees, but *some of us* have leaned into the Hanukkah bush movement. 👀 No judgement here, though -- unless, of course, you don't decorate yours with on-theme ornaments like this.

Tchotchke

Tchotchke Bubble Ceramic Menorah

This ultra cool bubble menorah is a vibe. Buy it for your most grown up friend who actually has their life together.

Susan Alexandra

Susan Alexandra Bubble Cup

The cool-girl kiddush cup we never knew we needed.

Etsy

Handcrafted Wooden Menorah

Feeling rustic? Lean in and add this artisan crafted menorah to your cart.

Susan Alexandra

Susan Alexandra Painterly Dreidel

Dreidels, but make it art.

Etsy

Personalized Hanukkah Candle

We can never have enough candles, especially on Hanukkah! Write a personalized message to your bestie and enjoy the scents of the season.

Etsy

Gold Hanukkah Dreidel

It was only a matter of time until the wooden dreidels of yore got a luxe upgrade.

Piecework

Isabel Halley Striped Platter

Plate all your dishes on this trendy serving platter.

Piecework

Chefaine Yiddish Cocktail Napkins (Set of Four)

Is there anything more Jewish than busting out a random Yiddish word at the slightest inconvenience? No, there's not -- which is why these cocktail napkins are a tongue-in-cheek addition to any dinner party.

Bloomingdale's

Apeloig Collection Menorah

Yes, this is a Barbiecore menorah. And yes, my life is now complete.

For even more holiday and home decor inspo, sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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.

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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.

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30 Irresistible Holiday Cookies To Bake Right Now

When thinking about the holidays, a few things come to mind — decorating, gifts, family and indulgence. Sure, there is slow roasted poultry and ham, buckets of mac and cheese (or at least, we hope you have buckets of mac and cheese) and finally, holiday cookies. If you're guilty of under-appreciating these delicious and intricate delicacies, for that you owe the following 30 recipes an apology. Because here is the best list of holiday cookies ever. Bake them for your next holiday fete, wrap them as gifts, or just toss them in the cookie jar for yourself!

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. This vanilla-bean-speckled version sure holds its own under all that royal icing. (via Brit + Co)

Brown Sugar Maple Sugar Cookies

These chewy Brown Sugar Maple Ginger Cookies are a cross between a really great ginger cookie and a delicious chocolate chip cookie, made with dark brown sugar, rich molasses, ginger, and the real secret…chocolate chips! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Hot Chocolate Cookies

You're going to want a glass of milk with these gooey hot chocolate cookies, complete with big marshmallows and chunks of melted dark chocolate. (via Averie Cooks)

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie

These chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are loaded with flavor, and they're so easy to make. Betcha can't eat just one! (via Hello Little Home)

Cannoli Cookies

We say take the cannoli...these delicious bites are packed with Italian classic cannoli flavors with a soft, fluffy texture. Have for breakfast or dessert! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Pecan Sandies Cookies

Made with buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie dough, warm spices, and holiday-perfect pecans, these cookies make the best edible gifts! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

The secret to these dark chocolate shortbread cookies? Two words: Cacao nibs. They’re like brownies but make it shortbread! This recipe is vegetarian and easily vegan too! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chocolate Kiss Cookies

From the cookbook, Sally’s Cookie Addiction, these classic cookies are fun to make with kids and are the perfect holiday treat to leave for Santa! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pumpkin Pie Cookie

This flavorful pumpkin pie cookies recipe by Chahinez of Lifestyle of a Foodie is totally share-worthy and is sure to pump up the party with pumpkin pie goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Melting Moments Cookies

These buttery eggless treats have a soft and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, hence the name! (via Give Recipe)

Peppermint Sparkle Sugar Cookies

Make your sugar cookies sparkle with crushed peppermint and white sugar! Just one bowl needed! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Roll these lemony treats in powdered sugar before baking to get this delightful texture. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Think Santa is a Swiftie? We followed Taylor Swift’s chai cookie recipe and were starstruck by how painless they were to make! Read on as B+C editor Meredith Holser tackles the ultimate Swiftie cookie recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Hojicha Gingerbread Cookies

The hojicha (Japanese green tea) brings out a nutty flavor in these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies – the perfect canvases for holiday decorating! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Snowman Macarons With Eggnog Buttercream

How cute are these snowman macarons? Filled with eggnog buttercream and decorated with royal icing, they will be the star of your cookie party! (via Barley & Sage)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can never go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie, add a dash of cinnamon to make them extra seasonal and delicious! (via Cozy Cravings)

Linzer Cookies

Crisp, buttery almond-scented cookies with a sweet raspberry filling say holidays without saying a word. (via Culinary Hill)

Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Get all your holiday flavors in with this one cookie: peppermint, brownie and chocolate cookies. Say no more! (via Salt & Lavender)

Spritz Cookies

We might as well start with something healthy-ish and delicious (‘tis the season). With no egg and a whole wheat dough, these light and delicious lovelies just might shock you. (via Food Faith Fitness)

White Chocolate Covered Gingerbread Oreos

A great DIY hack. These tasty treats take no time at all and are great for a holiday party or to be wrapped up as little party favors. (via Pies and Plots)

Fennel and Rosemary Cookies

Every once in awhile a more savory dessert is what will hit the spot, and these will not disappoint. (via Local Milk)

Eggnog Cookies

If you don’t usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. (via Half Full)

Peppermint Macarons

Class it up with this fun twist on the French macaron, great for parties or just a lovely family dinner. (via Studio DIY)

Gingerbread Dreidles

We don’t usually associate dreidels with eating, but when we do, we do it with gingerbread batter. (via Could Be Parve)

Gluten-Free Rugelach With Cranberry Port Jam, Chocolate and Walnuts

The perfect way to keep rugelach relevant for all the holidays (via The Bojon Gourmet)

Italian Anisette Cookies

Usually these cookies have a strong licorice flavor, but this adaptations makes them a bit sweeter and lighter with vanilla and lemon. (via Cooking and Beer)

Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Otherwise known as “Rudolphs,” these chocolaty treats have it all — color, holiday flavor and chocolate. What more could you want? (via Eat in Eat Out)

Christmas Sugar Cookies

You can’t have a holiday cookie list without a sugar cookie, and these are some of the most beautiful we’ve seen. Get creative and have fun. (via Pastry Affair)

Shortbread Surprise

Talk about a surprise in the middle. These flaky cookies have an entire Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Sub in a Rolo if you want more of a caramel flavor. (via Baked in Arizona)

Cookie Christmas Trees

Take cookies and turn them into festive trees for the holidays — adorable, delicious, and super fun. (via Brit + Co)

Get more holiday recipe ideas on our Food page and be sure to sign up for our weekend scroll for more inspiration!

Lead image via Vanilla and Bean

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

kate winsletentertainmentpop culturecelebrity

Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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