'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.
1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
Brit + Co
If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.
We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.
2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift
If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.
This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.
3. Handmade Christmas Gifts
We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.
A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!
4. DIY Home Decor
Brit + Co
Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.
Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.
A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.
DIY Jewelry
Brit + Co
Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!
Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other 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.
Without a doubt, the best part of Yellowstone spinoff 1923 is its cast. I already knew Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford were serious stars, but watching them together is a masterclass in empathy and strength, while Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer have the most insane chemistry I've ever seen.
Whether you've been waiting for news on the season 2 release date since the moment season 1 ended, or you hopped on the Yellowstone train after seeing Brandon in It Ends With Us, we're getting 1923 season 2 soon! New episodes drop February 23, which means you have just enough time to watch all of season 1 again and geek out over the entire cast.
While we for the new episodes to premiere on February 23, here's everyone in the 1923 season 2 cast.
1. Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton
Lo Smith/Paramount+
Star Wars and Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford leads the cast as patriarch Jacob Dutton.
2. Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
Helen Mirren plays the strong and ever-dependable Cara Dutton, whom I LOVE.
3. Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton
Lo Smith/Paramount+
The 1923 season 2 cast includes Brandon Sklenar as the adventurous Spencer Dutton, who's currently on a mission to get back to the Yellowstone ranch. Here's a photo of him looking particularly wistful.
4. Julia Schlaepfer as Alex
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
We'll also see the return of Julia Schlaepfer as Alex (not Alexandra), who's using nothing but the return address on Cara's letters to find the Dutton family.
5. Darren Mann as Jack Dutton
Christopher Saunders/Paramount+
Darren Mann stars as Jack Dutton, Jacob & Cara's great-nephew and Spencer's nephew.
6. Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Strafford Dutton
Trae Patton/Paramount+
1923 season 2 will also star Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Strafford Dutton, Jack's wife.
7. Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater
Lo Smith/Paramount+
Aminah Nieves stars as Teonna Rainwater, who's one of the characters I'm most excited to see again.
8. Brian Geraghty as Zane Davis
Trae Patton/Paramount+
The 1923 season 2 cast includes Brian Geraghty as Zane Davis.
9. Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton
Christopher Saunders/Paramount+
Jerome Flynn will return for 1923 season 2 as the scheming and ever-angry Banner Creighton.
10. Sebastian Roché as Father Renaud
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
Sebastian Roché will return as Father Renaud, who's still hunting Teonna.
11. Isabel May as Elsa Dutton
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
Thankfully, we'll see (or rather, hear) Isabel May as Elsa Dutton, the narrator for 1923 season 2.
12. Andy Dispensa as Luca
5&2 Productions
The final 1923 season 2 cast member in our roundup is The Chosen star Andy Dispensa as a new character named Luca, who's “a young man working in the engine room of a merchant ship.”
Which 1923 season 2 cast member are you most excited to reunite with? I'm so excited to see Julia and Brandon together onscreen again. I need Alex and Spencer to reunite ASAP! Read up on The Most-Anticipated TV Shows Coming In 2025 — it's going to be another great year of TV.
It's the most wonderful time of year for presents, festive recipes, and *all* the Christmas party ideas. Now is the time to start your holiday decor pinboards, stockpile entertaining essentials, and dream up your party menu. Instead of throwing the same old gathering you've been hosting for ages, mix things up with a holiday shindig that's totally epic this year. Check out these 35 DIYs, decor ideas, and creative themes that'll have your guests RSVPing Yes!
Candy Cane Lane Backdrop
Etsy
Host a Candy Cane Lane party with this sweet and colorful backdrop. (via Etsy)
Dried Orange Garland
Shutterstock
String dried oranges with twine for garlands, attach them to gifts, or use them as natural ornaments on your tree.
Festive Charcuterie Board
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Serve up the most festive charcuterie board with gingerbread, pomegranate, chocolate, rosemary, and candy canes!
Christmas Tree Arch
DBackdrop
Create a Christmas Tree Arch for your photo backdrop with real or artificial garland.
Bow Paper Cups
My Mind's Eye
Buy or DIY these adorable cups for your holiday party. (via My Mind's Eye)
Disco Ball Wreath
Bring a little dance floor vibe to your holiday door with this disco wreath. (via Brit + Co)
Honeycomb Backdrop
If you’re looking for a colorful, swoon-worthy backdrop for your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a wall covered in honeycomb shapes. How pretty are those jewel tones with pops of gold? (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY ’90s Throwback Tree Ornaments
Instead of Santa or reindeer, turn your tree into an homage to everything awesome about the ’90s, including Koosh balls (‘member those?). (via Aww Sam)
Wreath Witherspoon
This tribute to our fave legal blonde is now our new favorite holiday decoration. Invite some friends over, and make one together! (via Brit + Co)
DIY Snow Globe Cake
DIY Edible Chocolate Trees
Foil-wrapped chocolates will make these pretty trees the main attraction. Line them up along the mantel or use them as an inexpensive table centerpiece at your holiday dinner. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Punny Tree Ornaments
DIY queens will love the idea of putting their own spin on ornaments. Stock up on plain glass balls at the dollar store and let your friends have a blast coming up with holiday puns. They can then take their handiwork home at the end of the night as a fun party favor. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Candy Cane Treat Box
Peace, love, and peppermint! These candy cane gift boxes are a breeze to put together. Fill ’em with chocolate truffles dunked in pink chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Disco Ball Tree
A disco ball tree beats vacuuming up pine needles any day. It’s bold, it’s glam, and it’s actually pretty easy to put together. (via Studio DIY)
Glass Ball Terrariums
Amazon
Fill these glass ball ornaments with pine stems, snow, gift bows, even sprinkles for your festive decor!
DIY Advent Calendar
Marble backdrop with tiny packages full of goodies? Now you’re well on your way to counting down to Santa’s arrival in style. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Hot Cocoa Bar
Don’t forget the hot chocolate! You need all the fixings, though: marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and even a little caramel drizzle. (via PMQ for two)
DIY Giant Ornament Balloons
Let these beauties bounce across the floor, bunch them together for a photo shoot, or hang them on your porch. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Blendo Ornaments
Decorate your tree with gold stars, red ribbon, and soft sage leaves for an extra pop of texture. Then follow this DIY to recreate the soft pastel ombre ornaments. So pretty. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
DIY Flamingo Snow Globe Ornaments
Channel warm holiday vibes with this crafty ornament. (via Club Crafted)
Christmas Bar Cart
It doesn’t get much more festive than a bar cart full of presents and gold barware. Layered garlands and mini bottle brush trees create punchy decor accents for any holiday get-together.(via Sugar & Cloth)
Metallic Eggnog Cups
Give that punch bowl set you found at the thrift store a new lease on life with metallic paints. (via Design Improvised)
Pink Gingerbread Car
Don’t pass up a chance to put a fresh spin on this party staple. Just add gumdrops, candy wheels, and sugar dust! (via Studio DIY)
DIY Christmas Light Balloon Garlands
String these on the tree, hang them across the mantel, or use them as a photo booth prop. These light bulb garlands can do it all. The best part is that you can totally customize the colors! (via Studio DIY)
DIY Printable Holiday Gift Wrap
Round up a group of friends for a spur-of-the-moment holiday wrap party. Make sure to get plenty of tape at the store, then warm up your printer and go crazy with this tropical-themed gift wrap. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Bubbly Balloon Backdrop
Simple, colorful, and DIY — all of our favorite things! This easy balloon backdrop will transform any blank wall — and the tree! — into a breathtaking party scene. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
Signature Drink
Deck out your bar cart for the holidays with some swag and swap out your wine glasses for something gilded to show off your signature Christmas cocktail. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Confetti Cannon
Shutterstock
It’s not a party until the confetti shows up. Pop the bubbly, then pop these DIY confetti cannons to kick off your bash in style. (via Brit + Co)
THEME IDEAS
Holiday Card Party
If you’re going with good old-fashioned snail mail this season, nothing beats a handwritten holiday card. Throw a party dedicated to hand-lettered addresses and actual stamp-licking. Check out the Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection too! (via Brit + Co)
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Skip the grand festivities in favor of a cozy night in with the people you love. Order in pizza, break out the Trader Joe's wine, and get ready to share some hilariously weird and wacky gifts. (via Brit + Co)
Cute Holiday Sweater Party, Hold The Ugly
ASTR the Label
Give everyone a reason to wear their cute holiday sweaters without needing to shop for something they'll never wear again. (via Brit + Co)
Gift Wrap Gathering
Photo by Marko Klaric
Grab your besties for a night of warm cocoa, gift wrapping, and holiday festivities at your house. Stock up on pretty wrapping paper and cool DIY gift toppers for a fun gift wrapping extravaganza.
Tree Decorating Party, BYOO
Turn your tree lighting into the main event. Invite your pals over for coffee and cocktails, then get your decorating on by DIYing a few baubles. You can even ask everyone to bring one DIY ornament with a prize for the most creative! (via Brit + Co)
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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.
The MCU isn't done with the Multiverse just yet. After Kevin Feige announced Robert Downey Jr. would star as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday at San Diego Comic Con, it appears we'll see another OG Avenger in the movie: Chris Evans! But will he star as Steve Rogers/Captain America or Johnny Storm like he did in Deadpool & Wolverine? (Or Heaven forbid, another Doctor Doom.)
Here's everything we know about Chris Evans' reported return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday, coming May 1, 2026.
We could see more than one Captain America in 'Avengers: Doomsday.'
Deadline confirmed that Chris Evans would step back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe on December 9, and their sources also say Anthony Mackie will return as Sam Wilson's version of Captain America. Maybe we'll see another Cap vs. Cap battle like we saw in 2019's Avengers: Endgame?
In addition to Chris Evans and RDJ, we'll reportedly also see the Fantastic Four (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn), and I'm hoping for confirmation we'll be reunited with Tom Holland's Peter Parker, Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop.
Avengers: Doomsday is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, so I'm sure it'll have the same magic of the old school Marvel movies we know and love!
Marvel Studios
Some fans were not happy when Endgame ended with Steve Rogers returning the Infinity Stones to their respective timelines and staying in the 1940s to begin a life with Peggy (basically opening up a brand new timeline). His entire arc since Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011 had been about his relationship with Bucky Barnes, and fighting to help a Hydra-brainwashed Bucky return to his true self. Ditching his newfound family for Peggy simply feels like a character regression. But it looks like Doomsday could be a step in fixing that.
"I need Steve and Bucky together again," one Instagram user says. Another points out that Chris' involvement could be "a flashback to get people excited, but I hope it’s Captain Hydra. Give me Bucky fighting Captain Hydra!" Bucky vs. Evil Steve and Peter Parker vs. Doctor Doom would be the craziest plot twist of the century (especially if Doom is really an evil Tony Stark variant)!
Here's what Chris Evans has said about returning to Marvel.
Chris Evans has been vocal in the past about needing a really good reason to return to the MCU, which means Avengers: Doomsday must be one heck of a script! "I would never say never, but I'm very protective of it," Chris said on an episode of the The View in 2023 (via Boston.com). "It's a very precious role to me, so it would have to be just right."
Well call me Goldilocks because the cast and crew on Doomsday (and the story, of course) must have been perfect! Stay tuned for the latest news on Chris Evans and the future of the MCU!
Would you want to see Chris Evans (and Steve Rogers) return to the MCU? In addition to Avengers: Doomsday, read up on the 5 New Marvel Movies Worth Watching!
Aging is inevitable, and with it comes all the signs of aging within our skin. A loss of elasticity can result in more fine lines and wrinkles, a longer time spent outside can result in dark-looking sun spots, and a natural decrease in oil production can result in pesky, pesky dryness. Luckily, there’s a serum for that!
These are the best serums for women in their 30s and 40s to combat signs of aging and foster glowy, youthful skin.
Amazon
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
If dark spots and uneven skin tone have crept into your skin over the years, this serum tackles it all. It's formulated with a vitamin C alternative called viniferine that's 62 times more effective than vitamin C. Plus, it delivers a lot of moisture using olive squalene.
Promising review: "I have used this product before and I love it. It's a little costly, but it works great in eliminating dark spots, if you use it every day. I'm not a person that's big on smells, but this product has a nice light scent. It works great under makeup. I'm on my third bottle and highly recommend it."
Sephora
Dieux Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum
Dieux's Deliverance serum packs a punch against discoloration using antioxidants, peptides, and 4% niacinamide. It goes on super lightweight and soaks in even faster, which is ideal for layering under other skincare goodies like moisturizer and SPF.
Promising review: "Loving this serum so much! It has a very lightweight and milky texture, that melts into the skin effortlessly. I’ve been using the serum for a few weeks and I can notice my fine lines look smoother and my skin overall looks firmer and more even toned! It also doesn’t clog the pores which I love! It has been my go to nighttime serum, the results are just so good!"
Amazon
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
This youth-boosting serum is loaded with a fast-acting retinoid, a time-release retinol, and a retinol booster to really target fine lines. Not only will your skin look (and appear!) firmer, its tone will even out and be more hydrated with consistent use.
Promising review: "I have been using Murad products for several years. Some of their products are a little pricey but they work for me! Retinol I use every other night and it does not break me out or dry my face. I am in my mid 60's! Can tell a difference much smoother and lines not nearly as noticeable!"
Fig.1
Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream Level 1
Fig.1's commitment to clinically proven skincare is evident in this retinol-boosted serum. It's perfect for treating and improving fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots, plus it's helpful for clearing up acne-prone skin. The 0.15% encapsulated retinol is designed to release slowly, so you can apply it regularly without feeling irritated.
Promising review: "I have sensitive, dry and cystic-acne prone skin. It sounds like exaggerating to say that this product was the most impactful in calming my cystic acne, but this is the only product that resulted in a 80-85% reduction in cystic acne. I started using it once per week for about a month, then every other day for a month, then 5-6 days a week with one or two rest days with only minimal dryness (i increased moisturizing barriers underneath every other day and this quickly resolved). I have also seen overall improved skin texture and fading of acne scarring. Definitely recommend!"
Amazon
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum
This nighttime serum includes 0.3% pure retinol, the "optimal concentration" for results. It calms the skin, too, using hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate. SPF is a must with any retinol product, so make sure to slather it on! This product in particular also comes with a small sample size so you can patch-test it for any irritation before applying it.
Promising review: "I have been trialing for a year now the best quality skin items for wrinkles, fine line and skin care. This is an absolute must! It helps decrease fine lines and dry skin. I have spent hundreds of dollars reviewing and buying skin care products over the year to find the right items for a daily skin care routine!"
Amazon
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerhouse in combatting dullness and dark spots, and this serum is simply loaded with it. The formula is light and thin, so you only need to use a little bit at a time to cover your entire face. It also boasts hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to simultaneously smooth and hydrate the skin!
Promising review: "I love this product! I have used other Vit C serums and this one spreads more easily and does not irritate my face. I like the applicator because not too much comes out at one time so you don't waste any of it. I put about 4 drops in my hands and spread it out on my face. The only thing to be careful about is not to get it close to your eyes because it will burn. Otherwise, it has lightened and evened out my 67 year old skin. Will buy again."
Amazon
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Hyaluronic acid should be your go-to if dryness is your main skincare concern. This formula is created with several different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin as well as leave a nice, dewy layer on top of it. Use it in conjunction with a good moisturizer, and you'll notice that your skin will be loads more hydrated!
Promising review: "Just purchased another 2 pack of the serum. I have been on a mission to find the best affordable skincare for many years, and so far this is the first hyaluronic serum I've been overjoyed with and purchased again. It does not take a whole lot to get a good coverage and my face ends up feeling soft and smooth all day after applying. Other ones I've tried would not moisturize that well for that long and I felt like I had to use a lot of product to get anywhere near the results I wanted."
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
This gentle exfoliating serum includes both AHAs and BHAs, which help improve the look of pores, blemishes, and fine lines. With aging skin, it's important to opt for chemical exfoliants like this rather than skin-damaging methods of physical exfoliation which can further perpetuate uneven tone and texture and fine lines.
Promising review: "This serum is a staple in my routine. It brightens my skin tone and smooths out any texture issues I might have. It's never irritating. It goes on a bit sticky if applied alone, but give it a minute to sink in and dry and the sticky texture goes away. Great staple acid serum."
Ulta
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Complex Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Since we produce less natural collagen as we age, it can be uber-important to supplement the skin with it in order to boost its overall hydration and retention capabilities. This 100% vegan formula also packs in hyaluronic acid, floral extracts, and Japanese camellia oil to further hydrate and soothe your complexion.
Promising review: "I've been using this serum for a while now and iI can really tell a difference when I sit using it for a bit. I try to stay on top of ordering it so I don't run out! It's so lightweight and absorbs well. I love how firm and even toned my skin looks because of it. I get compliments on my complexion and I know it's because of this serum."
Mutha
Mutha Hyaluronic Serum
This "skin barrier-loving" serum may be notably lightweight and oil-free, but it delivers intense results in terms of hydration. It includes 4 different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin is hydrated, inside and out. It also features anti-inflammatory aloe vera and botanical extracts and ferments that protect the skin's natural barrier.
Promising review: "I am in my mid-40s and want to do what I can to prevent the signs of aging, so I've been looking for a good Hyaluronic serum. This one by Mutha is exactly what I needed! It is gentle and soothing, absorbs easily with no greasiness, is unscented and not at all irritating to my skin. It works well under makeup and with the rest of my skincare routine. A little goes a long way so one bottle will last a long time. I just wish I had this sooner!"
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.