DIY Piñata Valentines That “Burst” With Love

Nothing says Valentine’s Day better than the iconic heart shaped box. Add a twist to this holiday classic with a bit of fringe! Heart shaped box meet piñata, piñata meet heart shaped box. Fill this fringy box with sweet treats and get ready to win over anyone’s heart.


– cardboard

– paper, preferably brown packaging paper

– tissue paper

– Elmer’s glue

– hot glue sticks

Tools:
– hot glue gun

– ruler

– pen

Instructions:

1. Cut out heart stencil.

2. Trace stencil on to cardboard. Cut out two hearts.

3. Cut out two long rectangles. One that is 3 inches wide and one that is 1 1/2 inches wide. The length depends on the size of your heart.

4. Fold rectangle in half and on one side cut slits up to the fold line. These slits will allow you to form the paper around the heart shape easier.

5. Using the hot glue gun, glue the paper around the perimeter of the cardboard heart. Repeat this step for both hearts.

6. Tear up tissue paper and glue to your new box with a mixture of Elmer’s Glue and water. Dip the tissue paper into the paste and apply to the sides of the box.

7. For the top of the box, cut long strips from tissue paper and fringe the bottom edge. Using Elmer’s Glue, glue the fridge to the top of the box.

8. Trim the sides of the box to reveal the heart shape.

First get your hands on a piece of scrap paper and create a stencil. This step is important because you will want to make sure that both top and bottom parts of your box are even, and can be put back together.

Stencil and cut out your heart from a piece of cardboard.

Next, cut two long rectangles from a semi sturdy piece of paper. We used brown packaging paper but you can also use card stock. The length of the rectangle will depend on the size of your heart, but cut the width to 3 inches and 1 1/2 inches. Once the rectangles are cut, fold them in half and on one side cut slits up to the fold line.

Time to put it all together!

Using the hot glue gun, glue the paper around the perimeter of the heart. The slits will allow the paper to form the heart shape along the curves.

Time to cover up that ugly brown! Rip up a bunch of tissue paper to get started. Next create a paste of water and Elmer’s Glue. Don’t add too much water or the sides of your boxes will get soggy. Cover the sides but don’t waste your time covering the top or bottom because those will get fringe! :)

Cut long rectangles from your tissue paper and fringe the edge. We folded the tissue paper and cut multiple fridge strips at once. Efficient use of time!

Glue the fringe to the top of your box using Elmer’s Glue. Create a pattern, be creative! Trim the sides of the box to reveal the heart shape.

If you feel ambitious go ahead and pimp out your box with fringe on both sides. If not, a solid piece of tissue paper will do ;)

Fiesta! Forever! #allnightlong

Don’t forget to stuff your piñata box with candy!

Día de San Valentín feliz mi amor!

Break out your wallets because I have the best sweaters you should be wearing this fall and winter! If I sound overly confident it's because I genuinely love to shop and have every knit style you can think of in my closet. From cardigans to the dreaded — but stylish! — turtleneck options, I could become a sweater connoisseur.

Since I'm not willing to give up my day job for that title just yet, here's the best no-fail trends that look good on everyone. Plus I added a few shoppable options for anyone who doesn't have time to find the best picks for each trend.

Cozy Sweater Trends For All Body Types

1. Cable Knit

Jasmine Williams

I know it's fall when I start seeing cable knit sweaters appear online and in-store. I sound like a broken record, but they're a classic staple that everyone should have in their closets because they're:

  • Unisex
  • Cozy
  • Flattering

You can always go for the oversized When Harry Met Sally look, or you can opt for a sleeker fit. The choice is always yours, but here's a little inspo if you're not sure which cable knit sweaters to get:

Amazon

Oversized Cable Knit Sweater

The burgundy trend is alive and practically running fall — hence this beautiful cable knit sweater. Aside from the color, it falls in line with the oversized option I was talking about. This makes it a versatile piece that be styled with a mini pleated skirt, a cute satin number, or even leather leggings.

MANGO

MANGO Braided Sweater

Bypass the color and opt for a cream sweater that's really going to give you that late '80s, early '90s fall style appeal. Since it's neutral, you'll be able to wear underneath a gorgeous burgundy or hunter green coat without compromising the detailed braided pattern on it.

GAP

Mixed Cable-Knit Sweater

Do we hear Mariah Carey trilling beautifully in her "All I Want For Christmas" song or is this sweater deceiving us? How about this: two things can be true at once. And, you get to look cute while putting up holiday decorations because I know you've been looking for a red sweater.

2. Cardigan

Cora Pursley

We're in our grandma eras because we love wearing cardigans, right? I'd argue and say that's not true, but some of us don't mind the foxy grandma style we've adopted.

Cardigans are always going to be top-tier because you can wear them on the days it's cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons. The thickness of their fabric will determine how much you're able to layer with it, but it's not hard to pick the perfect one based on the weather.

Don't believe me? Look at these picks!

Target

Cozy Knit Button-Down Cardigan

Sometimes all a girl really needs is a cute cardigan that she can wear as many times as her heart desires. Lucky for you, I saw this adorable one while looking for table lamps on Target...clears throat.

Amazon

Cable Knit Embroidered Cardigan

Cardigans don't have to be boring, especially when your style isn't! This one's specifically for anyone who lives a colorful life and likes for their outfits to follow suit.

BloomChic

Reindeer And Snow Cardigan

I promise I'm not rushing Christmas, but look at this cardigan! It has cute little reindeer and snowflakes all over it! How could I ignore someone's chance at having the greatest holiday sweater? Clearly I couldn't because you're probably looking at this and smiling too.

3. Striped Sweater

Cora Pursley

If you want that naturally preppy fall look, a striped sweater is your best option. It's one of the easiest pieces to style because it serves as the main focal point of an outfit. Here's a few Thanksgiving outfit ideas that you can pull off wearing this trend:

  • Lightweight trench coat, striped sweater, straight-leg jeans, Mary Jane flats
  • Leather jacket, striped sweater, satin skirt, New Balance sneakers
  • Oversized striped sweater, bootcut jeans, and ankle boots
Here are a few picks to get you started:

Amazon

Crewneck Striped Sweater

The fun thing about striped sweaters is that they come in a variety of sizes. The thicker lines create a new dimension that works great for the oversized look IMO. You can take this sweater and wear it over a unitard, or you tuck the front into a pair of skinny jeans.

Target

Crewneck Pullover Sweater

This pullover sweater has 'from the office to happy hour' vibes and I really like that. It's a great universal piece that isn't confined to one environment or event...AKA you need a striped sweater that's as adaptable as you are.

GAP

Shrunken Roll Neck Sweater

Again, this is strictly for my girls who love the color pink. At my core, I can't stay away from this color so I don't try anymore. Though it's vibrant, this sweater still feels preppy enough to be worn to your work or your company's country club gathering.

4. V-Neck

Katrin Bolovtsova

Show me a v-neck sweater that doesn't love all body types so I can have a word with it, please. I like this universal style because sometimes you want a different neckline outside of the usual 'crew' option some sweaters have.

J.Crew

Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

Look, grey isn't boring. I thought it was, but it has great potential if you're willing to work with it. Like cream or black, this sweater can be used as a neutral component of your outfit. Think black military coat and knee high boots. Bubblegum pink wool outerwear and silver shoes. Do you see where I'm going with this?

Target

V-neck Pullover Sweater

You can always err on the side of caution and go for a taupe v-neck sweater that doesn't cause a lot of commotion. I love how this almost seems like it could've been a cropped top, but instead sits right at the waist. This makes it easier to pair with bootcut jeans.

Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater

When it comes to sweaters, who doesn't want a little cashmere in their closet? Unfortunately cashmere can be prohibitively expensive, BUT Quince has great — and quality — options at a much lower price point. I love this oversized look for those chilly days when you just wanna bundle up into something comfortable, but stylish.

5. Turtleneck Sweater

Jasmine Williams

I have a love/hate relationship with turtleneck sweaters that stem from childhood. For the oddest reason, I used to think they were choking me and would give my mom the meanest side eye each time she'd make me wear one. However, I willingly wear them as an adult. Do I appreciate the snug feeling around my neck? No, but they look amazing when paired with leather pants or skirts.

Here are some of my faves right now!

ModCloth

Woodstock Wanderer Sweater

Taps microphone...The best time to wear a striped sweater really is all the time! Spongebob may have ignored his fry cook duties to sing this line, but he didn't lie. Striped sweaters are gifts that keep giving because they seem festive no matter their colorways! However, this particular sweater has Christmas stitched into every seam and we love it!

BloomChic

Bloomchic Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater

Can't stand the idea of a turtleneck sweater hugging your neck like it's obsessed with you? Here's a sweater that doesn't feel so restrictive!

H&M

Mock Turtleneck Sweater

Here's another neck-friendly sweater that's as cute as it's breathable. It's like the faux version of what we're used to because no one wants to yank at their neckline every five minutes.

Target

Turtleneck Tunic Pullover Sweater

But if you've embraced the dark side of turtlenecks, this pullover sweater won't make you gasp every time you take a breath. I'm serious, you'll love wearing it...I think.

Follow us on Pinterest to see more cozy fall and winter styles!

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

As we dive into gifting season, I’d argue that gifting something old can oftentimes be a lot better than gifting something new. Sure, that Black Friday deal is gonna help yousave some money on a brand-new gaming set for him – but you can reserve heapsmore once you step foot in a thrift store.

Any thrift store near you is going to have a very unique selection of items that can actually be flipped (or, in some cases, given as-is) to make ahh-mazing gifts. You’ll be surprised at each item’s uniqueness and the ease of each project.

Discover 10 new ways to incorporate thrifted gift ideas into your holiday haul this year!

Tips For Finding Thrifted Gift Ideas

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

I’d say keeping an open mind about your potential finds before venturing off to your local secondhand store is super important for executing these thrifted gift ideas.

If you’re shopping for a candle holder to gift with something too specific in mind, you may find yourself in an endless and unsuccessful search for the “perfect” piece. Instead, be open to combing through the knick-knack shelves and clothing racks – you never know what you may find!

Use the 10 thrifted gift ideas ahead to directly guide your gift-making journey, or let each one inspire you to find your own gift!

Roman Odintsov / PEXELS

1. Use thrifted jars to put homemade jam, spice mixes, or snacks in.

Mason jars and other kitchen-y vessels are some of the most common items at the thrift. Pick up several this season, clean them off, then use them for holding homemade food goods to gift! You could even use some to put plant cuttings in.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

2. Fill up thrifted vessels like mugs, vases, and bowls to pour candles in.

Making your own candles is actually super easy once you have the materials. Just melt some candle wax with some (or no) fragrance over a fixed wick that you've placed in a thrifted container. Everyone loves a cozy lil' candle!

Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

3. Thrift and gift a pre-loved jewelry box alongside a new or handcrafted jewelry piece.

This thrifted gift idea will really impress, especially if you're able to find a unique jewelry box, or one in your giftee's personal style. As far as jewelry goes, you could make your own beaded necklace or earring set, or check out our favorite statement earringsfor inspiration.

Bon Bons Studio / PEXELS

4. Add matches and a striker to a small vessel for a unique match holder.

A box of 300 matches goes for about $10 online, and a dozen striker stickers are about $6. Get the most out of your dollar by thrifting a ton of small vessels (like a shot glass or shallow teacup dish), adding the matches and strikers to them, then gifting out multiple to friends and coworkers.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

5. Thrift a velvet garment to cut into strips for handmade bows.

You can transform a $2 shirt into countless bows )for making hair clips and/or gift toppers) by following a simple bow-making tutorial. Sometimes you can even find unused gift bags and boxes in between the aisles to save on wrapping.

Laura James / PEXELS

6. Thrift cookie tins for all the holiday treats you’ll make (and gift) this season.

Cookie tins and food storage containers are always hiding out at the thrift store. Snag a few and wash them thoroughly before stuffing them full of sweet treats (I always go with puppy chow/muddy buddies) to share! You can also use cookie tins and plastic containers as complete gift wrapping for anything small.

Valerie Voila / PEXELS

7. Find some candlestick holders or candelabras, clean them off, then gift them with a few candlesticks.

'Tis the era of candlesticks. Candelabras are hot right now, and you're bound to find some on the thrift store shelves. Add them to cart, clean them off, then gift them with a pair of candlesticks tied with a ribbon bow for a cute touch.

Disha Sheta / PEXELS

8. Thrift a picture frame and use it to hold a collage, a painting, or a photo that’s special to the recipient.

It's not hard to find old picture frames or prints that are still intact. Framing a photo you have of a favorite memory with your gift recipient or a place they love could really hit home and win their heart over! This example with pressed leaves and flowers is adorable, too.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

9. If your giftee is a fashionista, scour the thrift store racks for some cool and unique pre-loved garments.

You could even package a few as a ‘style bundle.’ Bonus points if they’re winter-friendly! Just make sure you give everything a good wash before gifting them.

Timur Weber / PEXELS

10. Use thrifted bottles to put homemade infused liquors in.

Just add any flavor combination you’d like (lemon + vodka, jalapeño + tequila, candy cane + vodka, coffee grounds + vodka) to some clean, thrifted, and airtight glass bottles – the more elegant the better – and let it steep for up to a month for a single-batch spirit.

Sign up for our newsletter for more easy + affordable gift ideas!

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.

Austin Butler as Elvis truly changed Hollywood, because now, not only are we getting Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, but Paul Mescal is also reportedly in talks to lead one of four upcoming biopics about The Beatles. Each movie, set to come from director Sam Mendes, will focus on a different member of the band — and their unique points of view — but will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” per Variety.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Beatles movies.

Is there a new Beatles movie coming out?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Yes, director Sam Mendes is developing four movies about The Beatles — one for each member of the band. Each individual movie will tell a story from the perspective of one member (including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison).

“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Sam Mendes told Variety.

Where can I watch the new Beatles biopics?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Each of the four movies will be released in theaters, thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment. They're hoping to shoot all four in the UK starting in 2025 and release them in 2027.

“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter. “There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”

Who will be playing The Beatles?

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

According an article by The Hollywood Reporterpublished in May 2024, Paul Mescal was one of the studio's top picks for one of the Beatles, which I would totally be here for. To be honest, I need the rumored casting to be true just so I can hear him sing!

Speaking with GQ in October 2024, Mescal said: “I would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone.”

He since hasn't confirmed (or denied) the rumors are true. During an interview with ETat theLos Angeles premiere of Gladiator II, Mescal said:

"It would be an incredible story to be attached to. The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, it truly would be a dream come true."

Some other fan casts for he Beatles movies include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Asa Butterfield, Barry Keoghan, and Tom Holland.

Who do you want to see in the new Beatles biopics? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.