12 Kids’ Halloween Costumes You Can Make With JUST Your Printer

Ashley Tyler
Sep 27, 2015

Sure, Halloween is just a month away, but chances are you’ll need plenty of costume changes to get you and your kiddo through every party, school event and kids’ fiesta on your calendar. If you’re struggling to fit in time to go shopping for wigs and masks, we’ve got a mega time-saving option that looks just as cool, and all you need is your printer! Keep scrolling for 12 Halloween costumes you can make in just a few minutes.

1. (Not So) Cowardly Lion: Part of an entire Wizard of Oz collection, this lion mask will give your little one all the courage he needs to fight off any scary monster that comes his way. (via Thompson Family)

2. Luche Libre Mask: Leave your colorful mask as-is or go crazy and embellish it with paint, glitter or even feathers. Anything goes on Halloween! (via Happy Thought)

3. Royal Crown: Whether your little one is dressing up as a peaceful benevolent royal or an evil ruler, this crown will stick around long after the last pumpkin is thrown away. Let those tiny fingers do all the decorating with different-shaped Post-it notes for a no-fuss activity. (via Lily Allsorts)

4. Wild Animals: These masks make the ultimate last-minute costume while still showing off your baby’s adorable face. After the party, come home and put on a fun improv play. (via The House That Lars Built)

5. Freeky Frog ($4): This two-part mask is a great base for your costume. It would look amazing with an all-green outfit for a typical (but still awesome) frog, or paired with a suit and paper crown for a frog-prince twist.

6. Peacock Mask: Cut out all the pieces and let your kid have fun putting it together. When their creation is complete, have them slip on the mask so you can measure the right spot for the eye holes. (via Children Inspired Designs)

7. Printable Deer Mask (5 masks for $10): Here’s another look that can be changed dramatically based on the outfit you pair with it. Paint the nose a brighter red and wear all white for an unexpected Rudolph costume, or go with basic black.

8. Bunny Bandit: There’s a two-eared bandit on the loose this Halloween, so you’d better hide all the candy. Print out the template and cut a second eye piece out of black paper to take the mask to outlaw status. (via Minted)

9. Treat Bags: Don’t forget to make something for all the other little goblins at the party. All you need are two brown paper bags and a small stick for each one. Finish off with a ribbon and free printable tag, fill with candy and let the bewitching begin. (via Two Crafting Sisters)

10. Paper Crowns: Choose your favorite design, print out the pre-colored crown and decorate to your heart’s desire. This is a great excuse to clear out your leftover craft supplies. (via The House That Lars Built)

11. Nutcracker: Use it for Halloween and save it for a cool Christmas decoration. We have a hunch this nutcracker mask will be hanging around for the rest of the year. (via Llevo el Invierno)

12. Fox Mask ($3): Put on your best pair of suspenders and your favorite bow tie to complete this fantastic fox costume. (via Smallful)

Which one of these printables will make it to the party with you? If you use one, take a picture and tag #britsagram so we can see it!

This Rainbow Bread Is The Perfect Way To Celebrate Mardi Gras

Can you believe that there is actually a whole holiday dedicated to eating as many beignets, King Cakes, and loaves of rainbow bread as you want?! Mardi Gras, we love you, but our bodies are glad you’re just a one-day holiday and not a week long ;) Inspired by the beautiful rainbow bagels made by the Bagel Store, this loaf also has some purple, gold and green hues to amp up the Mardi Gras spirit. Hand letter your own printable bread wrap to give it as a gift, or slice it up and top it with cream cheese and sprinkles. This recipe will yield three loaves of bread, but you may want to make more, because once it’s adorned with sprinkles, this fairy bread will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

  • 10 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
  • 3 packets rapid rise yeast
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • purple, yellow and green food coloring (we used a mix of McCormick neon and assorted food coloring)
  • plastic wrap
  • dish towel
  • printable bread label

Instructions:

  1. Mix one cup of flour, one tablespoon of sugar, one teaspoon of salt and one packet of rapid rise yeast in a mixing bowl.
  2. In a microwaveable bowl, mix 3/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of milk, one Tablespoon of butter and about 10 drops of food coloring. Microwave on high for 45 seconds.
  3. Pour liquid mixture into the dry mixture and mix throughly. Once mixed, slowly add another 2 1/2 cups of flour.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each color of dye.
  5. Rip apart the colorful dough into small pellets and twist together to form a rainbow marbled effect.
  6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and a dish towel and let it rise for one hour.
  7. Cut the risen dough into three equal loaves, place into greased pans and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

This bread will yield three loaves of Mardi Gras goodness, so make sure you have enough of all the ingredients. Grab a mixing bowl and mix 1/3 of the dry ingredients together — one cup flour, one Tablespoon of sugar, one teaspoon of salt and one packet of yeast.

Grab a microwaveable bowl and mix 1/3 of the wet ingredients together — 3/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of milk, one Tablespoon of butter and about 10 drops of food coloring. Microwave for 45 seconds on high.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Let’s also just call attention to that awesome purple color :)

Mix the wet and dry ingredients together, and then start slowly adding in another two and a half cups of flour. Mix it all the way until it forms one huge ball of dough.

Repeat the first set of steps for each color. Each will yield one loaf but we will be mixing the colors together to form rainbow magicalness.

Last but not least — the green! Don’t be afraid to try other colors. This is a great recipe to create any holiday loaf. (Don’t be surprised if we do it for Fourth of July too!)

Once you have all three loaves, pull apart each color into little pellets. Layer the colors when you put them in the bowl to get maximum color variation.

Use your hands to give this mega loaf a good couple of twists.

Cover with plastic wrap and a dish towel and let the dough rise for at least one hour.

Divide your loaf into three sections and place into a greased pan. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can totally make a rounded loaf in a cake pan or on top of a cookie sheet. Bake for 30 mins at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wait for the bread to cool and then slice into magical rainbow bread.

If you’re nice enough to gift one of these loaves, we suggest printing out a bread wrap printable and hand-lettering a fun saying. Tie up with some baker’s twine or embroidery floss.

Sadly, there is no baby inside of this sweet dessert. But hey, we’re totally all for you continuing the King Cake tradition and adding the little trinket into your sweet loaves. Just remember to warn your guests ;)

Add sprinkles and enjoy!

Show us your rainbow bread on on Instagram and check out our email newsletter for more recipes!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
 Photography: Brittany Griffin

This post has been updated.

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5 “Outdated” Winter Coat Trends You Need To Ditch In 2025

Fashion trends come and go, but there are some that live in our hearts forever. Whether it’s pure nostalgia or reminiscing on just how bad they were, there are plenty of embarrassing and outdated fashion trends I can list off the top of my head: micro vests, chevron dresses, and *shudders* skinny jeans. (How did we let that happen?!)

Since it’s the season of cold, cold, cold, I figured I’d share several outdated winter coat trends that you simply shouldn’t shop anymore since they’re no longer en vogue, not practical at all, or all of the above. Plus, I’m offering some fresher winter coat alternatives to keep you lookin’ oh-so stylish this time of year!

From ultra-cropped coats to army jackets, here are the top 5 “outdated” winter coat trends to avoid at all costs, and what you should shop instead.

Nordstrom

Cotton On The Mother Puffer Cropped Soft Fleece Jacket

1. Swap cropped coats for long coats.

Because what good does a cropped coat do? They aren't very practical for keeping you comfy and warm, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing on the regular.

Plus, cropped coats often come in overly puffy, chunky styles, so they mess with your proportions, which is not flattering at all.

Quince

Quince Stretch Crepe Trench Coat

Instead, opt for an ever-stylish trench coat. They’re all the rage right now, plus they’ll give you that nice ‘quiet luxury’ look. Trench coats are shoppable in all sorts of fabrications, but if warmth and practicality is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend snagging a wool one.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

2. Trade faux leather for real leather.

When it comes to fashion trends, investment pieces stand the test of time – which is why you shouldn’t be shopping any faux leather winter coats. Not only do they have the possibility of looking cheap-y, they might not last you as long as a real leather coat would.

Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond Leather Jacket

Look for a real leather coat in a timeless color you know you’re going to wear again and again, like a deep brown or plain black. These neutral colors make ‘em easy to style with everything else you've got going on in your closet, plus a 100% real leather will easily stand up to any weathering as you don it throughout the years.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Jacket

3. Toss any army jackets (especially camo) for leopard print coats.

Army jackets feel so 2014 – and remember when camo was all the rage? Well, it’s not so much anymore. Army jackets and camo feel so 2014 for a reason, and that’s because much trendier (and much more flattering) coats have taken center stage.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Faux Fur Coat

This season, try switching out your outdated army jacket for a different pattern, like leopard. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leopard and not look too over-the-top. A basic leopard print coat (I love the fuzzy-looking ones) is an easy statement piece to throw over all-black outfits. We’ve matured past camo – try something new this time around!

H&M

H&M Bomber Jacket

4. Trade bomber jackets for barn jackets.

Bomber jackets are another ‘so 2014’ pick in my opinion. While they can work well in some instances, I don’t think they are very flattering. They typically come with elastic waistbands and wristbands, which can constrict your figure and movements in a way that just doesn’t feel good.

Free People

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

Loosen up a bit instead with barn jackets, AKA chore coats. They boast a roomier silhouette, plus everyone seems to be donning them right now. They add a subtle utilitarian look to any outfit, all while letting you layer up underneath with your favorite sweaters and long sleeve tees.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Yavonne Faux Fur Coat

5. Ditch dramatic furs for more stylish shearling coats.

While I do love a bit of drama, dramatic furs are just way too extra. They can distract from your look easily and drown out your figure instead of flattering it.

Nordstrom

Topshop Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket

I suggest toning down this “outdated” winter coat style by wearing some stylish shearling instead. Shearling will keep you just as warm, but it looks a pinch more polished. You can shop shearling coats in many colors or snag one that has mixed materials for added visual interest.

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

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16 Free Back-to-School Printables Even Adults Will Want

It's that time of year again, when apples are ripening, days are getting shorter and school is starting up. So if you're obsessed with all things back-to-school, then check out these awesome (and free!) printables. This year, we're saying hello to bright agenda stickers, fruit-themed designs and chic book covers. Even adults will want to try these. Scroll through and download a couple of these 17 super fun back-to-school printables.

1. Composition Book Covers: Back in the day, all our notebooks were splattered with a cartoon unicorn at best. These emoji-inspired book covers will have you hitting the download button immediately. (via Damask Love)

2. Fill-in-the-Blank Lunchbox Notes: Leave cute love notes for your kids or partner that will have them smiling each time they open up their lunchbox. Everyone loves a fun reminder of just how great they truly are. (via Five Mari Golds)

3. Paper Pencil Tube Printable: Skip the traditional pencil cup and try your hand at these fresh and unique paper pencil tubes. They’re perfect for holding markers, pens and, of course, pencils. (via Hello Wonderful)

4. Book Covers: Instantly update your textbooks with these undeniably classic, modern-inspired book covers. Aside from their stylish exterior, they might even protect your books from an accidental coffee spill. (via Better After)

5. Lunch Notes: Inspire your loved ones to do and be their best. These cute lunch notes are sure to brighten anyone’s day — even yours! (via Living Locurto)

6. Daily Checklist: If writing in a boring planner every day sounds like your worst nightmare, this is the printable set for you. You'll get tons of cute pages that are full of motivation and personality. (via The Sarah Johnson)

7. Lunchbox Jokes: If you'd rather write a funny one-liner than a sentimental note, then these lunchbox joke printables are just what you need. Google some kid-safe jokes for inspiration. (via Paging Supermom)

8. Have a Bright School Year: Present your favorite student with this year's highlighter set by binding it with a cheery and colorful printable tag. Or attach the tag to a pencil cup to remind yourself where you keep your markers. (via The TomKat Studio)

9. Colorful Monthly Prints: If you need a calendar in under 30 minutes, we've got the printables for you. Be prepared for lots of colors and fun fonts. (via Short Stop Designs)

10. First Day of School Signs: Kids are never too old for a first-day frame to mark those back-to-school pictures. It works for kindergarten, high school or even college. (via Mother's Niche)

11. First Day Signs: This is another great first-day-of-school printable to capture that morning full of possibilities. The classic design has the advantage of being black and white, so it'll save you color ink. (via Remodelaholic)

12. Food Sticker Printables: Get ready to take class head on with these adorable stickers featuring food-inspired prints. Plus, these can double as both agenda and binder decor stickers. (via Design Eat Repeat)

13. Motivating Lunchbox Stickers: There's nothing better than going to school with a positive mindset and feeling like someone truly believes in you. Make your loved ones feel special with these motivating lunchbox stickers. (via The Crafted Sparrow)

14. Summer Printables: Back-to-school printables don’t just have to be about calendars and stickers. These, for example, are the perfect touch for adorning a fun keychain or binder cover. (via Oh Happy Day)

15. Planner Stickers: Planner stickers should be fun, sassy and full of color. These printable labels are just what you need to stay organized and plan out your weekdays. (via Craftsposure)

16. Watercolor Binders: Watercolor inspired notebooks are a perfect way to start each and every morning. Check out these fun and motivational journals that you can DIY. (via Eighteen25)


Want more organization inspo? Follow us on Pinterest!

This article has been update from a previous post.

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10 Booze-Free Ways To Ring In The New Year

When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, the first thought that probably springs to mind is boozing it up with an NYE cocktail. And while there's nothing wrong with sipping some bubbly (if that's your inclination), those of us who prefer to keep thingsnon-alc may feel like there are no New Year's-appropriate activities for our preferences. We say that nothing could be further from the truth! Whether you're pregnant, abstaining, or just taking a break from the booze, here are 10 fun ideas for ringing in 2025, the sober way.

Attend A Silent Disco

A few years ago, just as the sober-curious movement was gaining steam, companies like Daybreaker brought 6 a.m. sober dance parties to the masses. In a similar vein are remote silent discos – events where you put your headphones on and dance it out to the music of world-class DJs right in the comfort of your own home (or in person, if you feel like venturing out).

A quick Google search will reveal that there are tons of options to shake it off on New Year's Eve, whether remotely or in-person in your city. Because silent discos have an alternative vibe, they're much more sober-friendly than traditional clubs and dance parties.

Make A Tea Bar

Photo by Jill Wellington / PEXELS

If you've ever been to a party where they had aProsecco bar or something similar, you know how fun themed bars can be. Why not make a NA equivalent with a tea bar? We're not just talking about hot water and tea bags... include exciting staples like bubble tea, kombucha, Southern-style sweet iced tea, and more!

Do A Goal-Setting Ritual

Brit + Co

Not in the mood to party this year? Celebrate the New Year with some introspection by doing a goal-setting ritual. You can design the ritual in whatever manner you like, but we recommend something along the lines of:

  • Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes.
  • Whip out your journal and take inventory of the last year: What were your best memories? What are you grateful for? Where do you think you could've improved?
  • In your journal (we have some killer prompts to start you off), mindfully list out your goals for 2025. They don't have to be New Year's resolutions, exactly, but include small steps you can take in the new year to help you achieve your goals!

Make A 2025 Scrapbook

Brit + Co

Before New Year's Eve, head to your local craft store and pick up some supplies for making an old-fashioned scrapbook. Print out some photos from your most treasured memories of the year (we like printing with Walgreens), and gather any magazines you purchased or journal entries you wrote.

You can also look up some news headlines that made an impact on you, and print out the article as well as photos of any notable celebs or politicians who made the news. On New Year's eve, put together a scrapbook of what made 2024, 2024.

Good, bad, or otherwise, the year was one to remember — so create a momento that will help you re-live the past year in the years to come.

Plan A Costume Party

Brit + Co

Believe it or not, masquerade balls, dressing up in costumes, and concealing one's identity have a long history in the historical celebrations of Christmastime. So we think a New Year's costume party is a fully appropriate idea for a sober New Year's Eve.

Who needs booze to have fun when you can dress up as whoever you want for a night of merriment and mystery?

Karaoke It Up

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Another fun party pastime that's fun with or without booze? Singing! Grab some friends for a sober karaoke night either at your house or a private karaoke room. The singing's bound to be better than it would be if you were imbibing... who knows, maybe you'll steal the show with your rendition of "I'm Just Ken."

Cook A Fancy Meal

Whether you're spending the evening with your S/O or your BFF, cook a fancydinner for two. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get fancy with food, so use this opportunity to ring in 2025 with only the finest cuisine. Don't forget to make a mocktail to go with!

Host A Game Night

Brit + Co

Bring all your besties over and host a board game night that's sure to be one for the books. Have everyone bring their favorite game – from Cards Against Humanity to Codenames – for a riotous evening that will remind you that you absolutely don't need booze to have a rowdy night of laughter!

Play 2024 Trivia

Photo by Askar Abayev / PEXELS

Before New Year's Eve, compile a long list of trivia questions about 2024. Alternatively, have a friend do it for you, or do a quick Google search... there are a lot of trivia quizzes out there. On the big night, gather your squad together to see how much you remember about 2024. The results may surprise you!

Host A Murder-Mystery Dinner

Image via Amazon

Murder-mystery dinners are still one of the best ways to facilitate a heart-racing and mind-boggling party. Pick up one of the many murder mystery dinner kits out there and have your besties over for a night of thinking on your toes — to be fair, it's probably best to skip the booze for this idea anyway, for the sake of your mental acuity.

Are you planning a sober New Year's Eve party this year? Tweet us @BritandCo to share your plans, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more booze-free hacks and party 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.

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This Unexpected Trader Joe’s Home Decor Find Is Sending Customers Into A Frenzy: “OMG Need.”

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

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