Gift Wrap Hacks to Make Sure Your Present Is the First One Opened

Great gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but let’s not kid ourselves. You totally judge the presents under the tree by size and gift wrap. Sometimes, you’re itching to open that BIG, GIANT box, but other times, your eager hands are drawn to some shiny paper. This holiday, make sure your gifts are the most popular boxes under the tree with these easy gift wrap hacks from Design Love Fest + Scotch® Brand.

With presents that look this good, you KNOW the gift inside has gotta be on point. Hop over to Bri’s blog for tips on using wrapping paper, ribbon, tinsel and tape to take your gifts to the next level.

Plus, these gift wrap hacks aren’t just for the holiday season! Upgrade your presents all year long. For more ideas, visit here!

Also, Enter the Scotch® Most Gifted Wrapper™ Contest for the opportunity to win $10,000! Enter at: MostGiftedWrapper.com between November 2 and December 9.

LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. and D.C. (excluding AZ, CO, NE, MD, NJ, ND, TN and VT), who are 18 (19 in AL and 21 in MS) and older. Ends 12/9/15. To enter and for Official Rules (including prize descriptions), visit mostgiftedwrapper.com. Void where prohibited.

What’s your favorite way to wrap a gift? Let us know in the comments below!

This post is in partnership with Scotch® Brand.

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

As the breeze blows in quicker and colder, I'm ready to invest in new outwear staples ASAP. And with this season's plethora of trending items, there are so many cute picks to choose from! From trench coatsto fleece jackets, there's a style for every forecast — and every wardrobe. So you aren't racked with option fatigue, I found my absolute favorite outerwear trends to shop in 2024 and beyond! Here are the top 5 trending jackets, coats, and otherwise that you'll 100% catch me wearing this fall.

Chore Jackets

American Eagle

American Eagle Twill Workwear Jacket

As I'm sure some of us know, barn and chore jackets are truly everywhere. I'm seeing them become a staple for so many people more and more — myself included — and this one from American Eagle is such a cute take on the trend. I love the cropped silhouette and lightweight, yet still sturdy fabric. It's a great way to tiptoe into this trend to test it out for yourself.

Nordstrom

1.STATE Oversized Barn Jacket

Who doesn't love some autumnal browns and burnt orange shades? This jacket comes in the perfect, oversized fit — and in this nice brown color with an orange suede collar that is iconicity known as being a "chore jacket collar." I love everything about the shape, and will definitely be adding this one to my fall staples.

Cropped Trench Coats

Zara

Zara Cropped Trench

Zara is one of my favorites stores to catch up on outerwear trends at an affordable price points. They always have sizes in stock, current trending pieces, and pretty decent quality for the price-point. This cropped trench is a perfect example of that. For just under $70, you can have a piece that is all over the NY and Paris fashion weeks at the moment.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Cropped Stretch Trench Coat

Olive green trench coats are my complete and utter obsession lately. I just bought a long one, and now I'm slightly disappointed that I'm finding this cropped option days late because it's just so chic! This jacket a clean-cut and minimalist take on the cropped trench trend — one that I think will outlive the trend, itself, and ultimately become a timeless piece you'll wear in your closet for future seasons to come.

Leopard Print

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Leopard Print Moto Jacket

This fun, jacket combine two trends into one to make for the ideal fall jacket. It's a moto jacket, which is very popular this autumn season, as well as the leopard print trend that's back and better than ever. Plus, it's 50% off right now, which is a great deal since it's made out of wool — it will be much more warm and durable if you live in a colder climate.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Boxy Jacket

This whole outfit from Anthropologie is the exact cool girl, laid back, grungy vibe I'm trying to go for this fall. I'm really trying to emulate that indie sleeze/tumblr aesthetic à la Alexa Chung when she dated Alex Turner, the lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys. It was peak fashion, and some of my favorite looks came out of that era. This jacket will give you just that vibe, if you're also trying to emulate it.

Red Jackets

Reformation

Reformation Lucas Coat

A statement coat is an absolute essential for me in the fall and winter — and not just because it keeps you warm. I love a good statement coat because it makes an otherwise simple outfit have some flair. For example, if you were to wear a basic tee, jeans, belt, and boots, the outfit would be nothing too crazy to write home about. But if you take that simple outfits and add a red, oversized coat; now that's a look! It's such an easy outfit formula that you totally need to try.

Old Navy

Old Navy Oversized Red Coat

This stunning, bright red coat from Gap is currently on sale for less than $60! It's so rare these days to find a thick coat that will keep you warm for under $100, so definitely keep your eye on this one, because I have a feeling it will become a fall and winter staple for you!

Scarf Coat

GAP

Gap Scarf Coat

Scarf coats have been everywhere this season, but they actually started popping up a few years ago in the luxury space. Now that they're starting to trickle down in department stores, it's making me view these coats as a new staple that will stick around even longer. It really is such a simple, yet chic trend that also happens to be practical. Because how many times have you left your scarf at home, only to end up freezing your butt off outside? Hopefully I'm not the only one...

Quince

Quince Wool Coat

I'm obsessed with getting quality staples from Quince. I own multiple sweaters from the brand, and I genuinely wear them on a daily basis all autumn and winter long. Now, with this insanely chic outerwear addition, I might have to click the "check out" button to test their wool coat for myself. It looks so incredibly high end and luxurious — I can't help but picture all the outfits it would look so good with.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more fall fashion picks!

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

Our new collection of greeting cards is here, and we're so excited to share it with you! We partnered with Moonpig to design an 11-card collection in B+C’s signature style. Moonpig allows you to personalize greeting cards and will mail them for you!

Joy, Love, Cake Card

We worked with our in-house team to capture life’s special moments, from big birthdays to new homes to warm holiday wishes. Send them to family and friends and spread the love and joy this season. Right now you can snag a free card with code BRITCOFREE. Here’s a sneak peek!

Gratitude Card

Moonpig lets you write your own personal message – you can even use your own handwritten copy! Just submit a sample of your handwriting and type away. You can have the cards sent to you to mail out personally, or they’ll do it for you.

Firework Photo Card

You can add personal photos on the outside or inside, as well as video and audio messages (via QR code). Your friends and family will love seeing and hearing you from afar.

Happy Birthday Card

Choose from a variety of designs, colors, and messages to find the perfect card for your friends and loved ones. Moonpig cards cost less than a regular card (sweet!), and you can add a gift card from a bunch of popular retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Uber Eats.

New House Card

Celebrate the milestones, big and small. From new homes to new jobs, there’s always a good reason to reach out to family and friends and connect in a meaningful way. Share those special moments with a thoughtful card that will absolutely make their day.

Merry Era Card

The holidays are just a couple zodiac seasons away! We have a selection of holiday greeting cards that we designed specifically for our B+C followers – and well, that we love too!

Candy Cane Card

Have a reason to celebrate with a group? You can have friends and family sign your card by creating a Group Card.

Shop the Whole Collection

Our beautiful new designs are ready to spread holiday cheer! Use promo code BRITCOFREE to get a free greeting card today.

Love And Happiness Card

Moonpig has Extra Large Cards too. Surprise your birthday loves on their special day with an extra large card that says all the things you love about them.

Check out the complete B+C x Moonpig greeting card collection. New customers can use code BRITCOFREE to spread love and joy to friends and family today!


Photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat

We can't tell whether it's because we've been wearing loungewear for the last year and a half or we swore off heels in favor of comfy mules shoes, but we're going with some comfortable Halloween costumes this year. However, that doesn't mean we can't still look cute. From leggings to literal pajamas, these are some of the easiest and comfiest costumes for October 31st. Check 'em out!

Brit + Co

Star Wars Rey Costume

Rey might be saving the Galaxy, but girl knows how to stay comfortable. With a tee, slacks, and fabric you may or may not be able to use as a blanket later, you'll stay stylish and relaxed.

Brit + Co

Alien

This costume is like the perfect intersection between Willy Wonka and a highlighter. A unitard is basically like pj's right?

Brit + Co

Golden Gate Bridge

Tee shirt dress? A must. Heels? Optional.

Brit + Co

Ghost and Mummy Costume

While these costumes call for pants and a skirt, you could totally swap for sweats and a maxi dress for top-tier comfort. They'll make you wonder why you didn't think of wearing them last year.

Brit + Co

Minions

Just when we thought we couldn't love overalls any more... They're also a great option for your next fall date!

Brit + Co

The Incredibles

We love leggings too much to pass this DIY costume up. Get the whole family in on this one!

Brit + Co

Fab Five Comfortable Halloween Costume

After this year's historic Olympics, you'll love wearing a Halloween costume with sweatpants. It's an automatic yes for us.

Brit + Co

Vampire

Considering the main part of this comfy costume is a cape, you can wear whatever you think is most comfortable underneath.

Brit + Co

Hermione Granger

A cardigan is one of our fall wardrobe staples, and you can swap out the white button down for a tee. Or you can pick from the dozens of other costumes Hermione wears throughout the films!

Brit + Co

Bananas In Pajamas

You get to wear literal pajamas for this costume. What's comfier than that?!

Brit + Co

Tinkerbell

Meet the Halloween alternative to the LBD: the LGD (little green dress). This is a great costume if your hometown won't be cold by October 31st.

Brit + Co

Daenerys Targaryen

Which blue dress you pick for Daenerys can also pull double duty as Padme's nightgown from Revenge Of The Sith. We love a good deal.

Brit + Co

Catwoman

A black tee and jeans is already one of our go-to looks, so this costume automatically gets a few extra points.

Brit + Co

Hallie and Annie from The Parent Trap

Grab a sweatsuit and some quilted fabric for the vests and you've got yourself a nostalgia-approved costume.

Brit + Co

Sushi

This costume makes us wonder why we never included pillows in our get-up before.

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more comfortable Halloween costume ideas.

This post has been updated.

We've been giving lots of love to the ladies and kiddos for this year's Halloween costume prep. But now, it's *all* about the dudes. These creative DIY costumes will up your spooky game and leave you feeling super creative. Into video games? Check. Throwbacks? We've got you covered. How about pop culture faves? Yup, those are on here too. Scroll on and take your pick from these 22 creative costumes that anyone can DIY for Halloween.

Brit + Co

Anger

Got a hot head? Let off some steam as Anger from Disney's Inside Out.

Michael/Flickr Creative Commons

Bill Nye the Science Guy

Who doesn't love this trip down memory lane? Good ol' Bill has saved one too many of us from boring science classes. Not to mention his show won 18 Emmys during its five-year run.

Brit + Co

Emoji Costume

To get this look party-ready, you'll want to attach the blue construction paper triangles to a headband.

Brit + Co

Fear

Channel fright night with Inside Out's Fear costume. Purple pants and face paint required.

Orange Juice Etc.

Francis Whitman

Francis, the eldest of the three brothers in Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited, struggles with a tendency to take control. So if you're the type who orders for your friends or dates, Francis is your best bet.

Imgur

The Fresh Prince and Carlton

No one's got moves like you, Carlton. Grab your best man to go as this iconic duo. Be sure to check your local thrift store for those sweaters.

Wii Noob

Nintendo

Gamers everywhere, rejoice! This costume throws it back to the good ol' days, and just requires a bit of cardboard and some imagination.

Imgur

Gru

Giant shoulder pads, some eyebrow work and a mini minion is all you'll need to achieve this costume.

Brit + Co

Gustave

If you've ever been called out for your charm or culture (or want to be), you'll fit right in as The Grand Budapest Hotel's very own Gustave.

Block Guys

LEGO Man

Couldn't get enough of LEGOs when you were a kid? Go as your favorite childhood toy.

Costume Works

Mad Hatter

We're all mad here… for the mad hatter, that is.

Imgur

Minecraft

If you're familiar with the video game Minecraft, you'll probably know who this guy is and why you should definitely go as him.

Imgur

Not Sure Fry Meme

You've probably seen this meme floating around on the Internet, and here it is brought to life. Fry here's not sure if that guy is in a costume or just doing his job. #NailedIt

Imgur

Pop Art

Define that jawline with a cutting-edge face paint job. Don't forget to pick up some super bright contacts too.

Nathan Rupert/Flickr Creative Commons

Robert Baratheon

Surrounded by food and wine is how Robert would have looked if he hadn't died in Game of Thrones. The dead boar is also a nice touch. (If you didn't know, he was killed by a boar.)

Chris Carrillo's Blog

The Son of Man

Here's an artsy one for you. We'll leave it up to you to interpret what René Magritte may have meant.

Orange Juice Etc.

Steve Zissou

Whether it's loyalty or stupidity, Zissou proves he's got guts in The Life Aquatic. Harness that energy this year with a blue polo and a red cap, and a whole lotta one-liners.

Reddit

Tetris

Here's a super fun and DIYable group costume for you and your buddies. Pick up some cardboard and tape to become this epic game IRL.

@DTJAAAAM

R.J. MacReady

There's no knowing who or what The Thing could be. MacReady proves it doesn't hurt to come prepared.

Imgur

Louis Tully (Vinz Clortho)

Ghostbusters fans, listen up. Remember when Louis gets inhabited by the demon Vinz (AKA the Keymaster) and goes around Central Park harassing people and talking to horses? Yup. This one's for you.

Reddit

Yukon Cornelious

This fearless prospector from the animated movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer proves he's the one you'll want to stick with when venturing through the Arctic.

Brit + Co

Zero

This bellboy's pretty much the MVP of the Grand Budapest Hotel characters. Check out how we made this easy look with our tutorial. Pair it with Agatha for an adorable couple's costume.

Which of these looks will you be rocking? Any awesome ones we missed? Tweet us at @BritandCo and let us know!

This post has been updated.