17 Rad Beach Towels to Buy or DIY This Summer

Jun 27, 2016

Summer is officially here, and you’ve probably been busy stocking up on all the essentials like a ’90s graphic bathing suit, DIY after-sun lotion, sun hats and an ambitious reading list. All that’s left to fill out your tote (and give you an Insta-worthy backdrop) is an awesome beach towel. Whether you’re kicking it by the pool or on a tropical beach, here are 17 towels that are begging to be photographed and double-tapped. Whether you’re in search of graphic prints, bold stripes, sassy graphics or retro vibes, there’s something for everyone here. Arm yourself with one of these towels for all your beach adventures and you’ll be the coolest cat on the sand this summer.

1. What on Earth Round Beach Towel ($30): As if you would go to the beach without your favorite sugary treat. You’ll get all the jealous looks (and none of the sprinkles on your swimsuit).

2. DIY Watercolor Beach Blanket: Watercolor textures are trending hard this season, and those watery colors are *just* the thing to amp up last year’s dingy beach towel. Pair this pretty DIY with a custom beach chair and a personalized cooler, and you’ll be ready to hit the sand in style. (via Brit + Co)

3. Modcloth Dry It On for Size Beach Towel ($55): Why pick just one color when you can have them all? Embrace the rainbow with a punchy beach towel in a seriously cool graphic design.

4. Sunnylife Avalon Luxe Beach Towel ($55): Kick back and hit up that summer read on this colorful striped beach towel that gives you the perfect backdrop for all those beach selfies. If you love prints and color as much as you love the sand and the sun, you’ve met your match.

5. H&M Patterned Beach Towel ($18): This beach towel is almost worthy of Queen Bey herself. Whether you’re heading out for a beach day or a picnic in the park, it’s all about that lemonade print. Now all that’s missing is a big beach umbrella and a bowl of boozy gummy bears.

6. DIY Beach Towel Bag Hack: Here’s a project that combines the beach bag and towel into one adorable item. Add a pillow to your beach towel and then use this simple hack to make the whole thing turn into an easy-to-carry tote bag. (via Brit + Co)

7. Urban Outfitters Printed Grid Perfect Beach Towel ($29): If you prefer to keep your beach look more subtle, this simple towel fits the bill perfectly. These fast-drying beach towels feature a chic design that won’t clash with the rest of your OMG-worthy beach accessories.

8. Forever 21 Flamingo Beach Towel ($11): What says summer better than flocks of pink flamingos? Transport yourself to a tropical paradise even if you’re just laying out by your pool.

9. Ruby Mint Hathaway Beach Towel ($78): Don’t want a towel that clashes with your swimsuit? Stick with a black and white print to make your day at the beach look totally glam. This tropical palm-inspired print is too chic for its own good.

10. Ruby Mint Colony Beach Towel ($78): Go ahead and add this bold geo beach towel to your vacation packing list. Not only is it stylish enough for your poolside lounging, but you can use it as a cozy blanket when the sun sets and the party really gets started.

11. Ban.do Giant Beach Towel ($38): The beach is the perfect place to bring out your inner child with funny, sassy prints and graphic quotes. Spread this rad towel out on the sand for plenty of fun and no shortage of Instagram-worthy snapshots.

12. DIY Graphic Beach Towels: What’s a gal to do when she wants a bold graphic towel, but paint isn’t an option? Pull out the bleach of course! Pick up a set of inexpensive beach towels and amp them up with some seriously fun, beachy puns. (via Studio DIY)

13. Slow Tide Rubik Towel ($40): The only puzzle you’ve got to solve here is how to keep your BFFs from stealing this awesome towel. On the sand, in a beach tote or around your waist, this towel looks good everywhere.

14. Target Marimekko Beach Towel ($25): Make a splash this summer with this navy blue and black towel that’s guaranteed to put you in a vacay state of mind. Whether you’re chilling by the pool or catching a game of beach volleyball, you’ll want to keep this pretty towel on hand.

15. Ban.do Beach, Please Giant Beach Towel ($38): Even #girlbosses need to take a vacation every now and then. The next time you play hooky from the office, throw down this cheeky towel and send out those vacation vibes loud and clear as you soak up the rays.

16. Urban Outfitters Lady Perfect Beach Towel ($29): These lightweight towels are soft and fast-drying, making them appropriate for the beach and beyond. This design is so pretty, you might be tempted to use it as a bath towel when you’re not chilling on the sand.

17. DIY Pom Pom Blanket: It’s not a beach party until the pom poms show up. A blanket with this many poms will definitely be the most checked-out blanket on the beach. Pick up any old towel and dress it up with layers of pom pom trim. (via Studio DIY)

If you’re looking for more creative summer style inspo, make sure you’re following us on Pinterest!

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

20 Thoughtful Handmade Gifts That'll Wow Your Loved Ones

Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the like are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.

Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.

Here are the best handmade gift ideas to give your loved ones this holiday season.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.

Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!

@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts #diychristmasdecor #diychristmasornaments #claycreations #tiktokdiy #christmas ♬ original sound - mia 🍒

2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.

Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.

Riley Williams

3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.

Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.

Meredith Holser

4. Make an orange garland for them.

A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.

Krissy Derrick

5. Craft a candle holder using clay.

You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.

Mariam Antadze / PEXELS

6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.

To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!

Meredith Holser

7. Create a collage out of old magazines.

Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.

Meredith Holser

8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.

Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.

Brit + Co

9. DIY your very own body care line.

Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.

Ron Lach / PEXELS

10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.

Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

11. Make a batch of jam.

If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

12. Make a batch of spice mix.

In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

13. Make a batch of chili oil.

Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.

Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!

Damir / PEXELS

15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.

Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.

小龙魏 / PEXELS

16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.

You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.

Brit + Co

17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.

Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.

Mati Mango / PEXELS

18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.

It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.

In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!

Brit + Co

19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.

You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.

If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!

Brit + Co

20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.

If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.

To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.

Sign up for our newsletter for all things gifty!

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.

40 Bougie Gifts Your Sister Will Totally Obsess Over

Your sister deserves the world — you know it, I know it, and she definitely knows it. But what do you give someone who deserves the world when there's so much to sift through? If finding the perfect gift for your sister feels like a herculean feat, join the club! I've got an older sister whose priorities have shifted after getting married and having kids, so I'm always on the hunt for the best present to get her. Fortunately, I've found all the best gifts for her that she'll actually use — and I'm ready to share them with you, too!

From the best of beauty finds to some self-care goodness, these top-notch gifts were carefully considered because this little sister knows Christmas is better when your sibling keeps you in mind!

The Best Beauty Gifts

Sephora

T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit

Your sister's wash day routine won't be the same once you introduce her to this blowout kit. Before I got boho braids, I decided to use it to dry my natural hair and it literally cut my blowdrying time in half! I have thick coils so it usually takes a while for me to gently stretch my hair without damaging it, but not anymore!

This kit includes:

Aire 360 Base
2 Curling Attachments (Left and Right)
Oval Brush Attachment
SoftAire® Drying Concentrator
Storage Tote

I personally love the drying concentrator and the oval brush attachment because they give me the softest blowout I've ever had!

Calista Tools

Calista Tools The Classic Volume Duo

If your sister already has the perfect curling iron and blow dryer, you can still gift her something that boosts her hair. Calista Tools' Classic Volume Duo includes a pro heated round brush and the embellish flex spray to create the same look she'd get with the T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kitfor a fraction of the price.

Kora Organics

Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening Trio

Give your sister the gift of powerful antioxidants in skincare form this year! Kora Organics has so many products that boosts skin's glow — trust me — so this brightening trio is a great place to start for anyone.

The set includes:

Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser: It's pH-friendly and works to clean skin without stripping it of moisture. Your sister will appreciate the Turmeric, Noni, Aloe and natural sugar complex that effortlessly works together.
Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask: Your sister can use this daily because it'll gently smooth and detoxify her skin.
Turmeric Glow Moisturizer: Your sister's skin will crave the benefits of this moisturizer because it'll add a healthy glow to her skin while making it a little tougher. External impurities don't stand a chance!

EADEM LLC

EADEM The Even Skin Set

Has your sister been complaining about her stubborn dark spots? She'll love if you surprise her with EADEM's Even Skin Set! She'll get the following:

Dew Dream: A yummy cleansing balm that removes all makeup and other icky things from skin
Cashmere Peel: A gentle exfoliant that specifically targets dark spots
Milk Marvel: A creamy serum especially created for BIPOC skin that struggles with dark spots
Cloud Cushion: A ultra hydrating moisturizer that 'cushions' skin

Fur

Fur Full Frontal Set

Has your sister been looking for the perfect bikini waxafter-care? Tell her to get intimate with Fur's Full Frontal Set! It's dedicated to providing the softest skin that doesn't suffer from inflammation and ingrown hairs which sounds like my kind of party. All products have been gynecologically tested, so they're 100% safe!

The set includes:

Fur Oil
Ingrown Concentrate
Stubble Cream

Supergoop!

Supergoop! Endless Glow SPF Set

Don't tell me it's 2024 and your sister still hasn't found a sunscreen she loves. *Sigh* Okay, lean in closer so I can hold your hand while I talk about the Supergoop! Endless Glow SPF Set. Besides being TSA-friendly, this gift will add an extra glow to your sister's visage and I know she'll love that.

She'll get:

Glow Screen Sunrise SPF 40
Glow Stick SPF 50
Soothing Oil

Sephora

Tower 28 Mini Lil Softies Tinted Lip Treatment

I've been wearing Tower 28's 'Ube Vanilla' shade in their Tinted Lip Treatment and I can't get enough. This means your sister deserves to know about this miniature set! Unlike other lip oilsand treatments, this formula isn't sticky whatsoever! It has shea butter, jojoba oil, and lysine in it to provide a super kissable pout.

P.S. I've noticed that my lips are visibly softer and haven't been peeling or cracking as much since I've been wearing this!

Sephora

Beautyblender Power Pocket Puff

Celebrity Makeup Artist Natalie Dresher has nothing but rave reviews about this cute pocket puff! She says, "My absolute favorite tool for on the go mattification (is that a word? Or did I just coin that?). A must have for those going out for special events, it’s compact and fits in the tiniest of purses."

Sephora

LYS Beauty Mini Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Set

Why commit to just one blush when you can have three? At least that's what I think you'll say to your sister when she opens this cute gift. I love that it's by a black-owned brand, but I'm even more excited that these blushes are vegan. They have kaolin clay, avocado oil, and vitamin E in them which has all the makings of a smooth, hydrating finish.

Sephora

Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow

Dresher says, "One swipe and your eyeshadow is done with these Armani Beauty eye tints. They are user friendly and even the most beginner makeup user can figure out how to apply these! I love shade 67S Sparkle because it looks great on all skin tones making it a universal shade."

Stila Cosmetics

Stila Cosmetics Meet the Icons 4-Piece Set

You think your sister's iconic, right? I sure think my sister is so I''d love to add this to the running list of gifts I'm choosing for her. Everything is, once again, TSA-friendly, so your sister can take everything with her at all times.

She'll love getting:

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black
Full-size Huge Extreme Lash Mascara (Jet Black)
Full-size Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream in Lillium (Nude Pink)
Travel-size Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in best-loved shade, Kitten (Shimmering Nude Pink)

Lilac St.

Gold In My Veins Press-On Nails

I've been wearing these press-on nails for the past two weeks because they're the best I've ever worn. I personally think you should gift your glamorous sister these cuties before Christmas because she'll want to have something nice on her nails when she goes to take holiday pictures.

Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia Mast Eau De Parfum

If your sister has been looking for a new fragrance that she and others will love, I'm sure she'll fall in love with Cult Gaia's new scent, 'Mast.' It's a mix of Italian Bergamot and tropical coconut — two blends that make me want to spray on every piece of clothing I have!.

I really love that your sister won't have to fret about parabens, sulfates, BHA, mineral oils or other formaldehydes! I mean, clean beauty is truly the way to go!

Amazon

Scent Beauty Sweet Tooth by Sabrina Carpenter Eau de Parfum

Does your sister love the sweet blend of gourmands and florals? If you answered yes, you absolutely have to gift her Sabrina Carpenter's Sweet Tooth Eau de Parfum. It smells like a decadent blend of cherries, chocolate, vanilla orchid, musk, and a few other things that'll make her smell divine.

Kohl's

Valentino Born In Roma The Gold Eau de Toilette

Not everyone loves wam or musky scents, including your sister. She may enjoy something that smells 'fresh' which is why Valentino's Born In Roma fragrance will work for her. It'll remind her a little of summer, helping to keep some of seasonal depression away.

Étoile

Étoile Duo Vanity Case

Your sister's going to need somewhere safe to store her new beauty goodies while traveling so make sure you gift her Étoile's Duo Vanity Case. It's eco-friendly, makeup-proof, and includes a portable mirror. Tell her to be careful if she decides to pack a couple of skincare products because oils can stain it.

While you're at it, throw in a satin pillowcase for good measure. It's good for reducing frizz and breakage, especially if your sister has naturally curly hair or braids!

Amazon

Lucky Bear Spa Headband And Wristlets Set

Your sister's days of getting her hair and the sleeves of her shirt wet are over because you're absolutely getting her this spa set. I would ask, but I already know this is at the top of your gift idea list for her because you can't get enough of it.

The Best Style Gifts

Oomiay

Oomiay Gold Bubble Initial Letter Necklace

Sometimes big sisters aren't a huge fan of flashy jewelry, but that doesn't mean you have to stay away from dainty pieces! Oomiay has so many cute options that will fit her style, like this bubble initial letter necklace! I'm currently wearing one and I only take it off when I have to shower! It's sturdy and fits perfectly in the middle of the chest, making it the only necklace your sister will want to wear.

The Sage Vintage

The Sage Vintage Gold Dainty Custom Charm Bracelet

Does your sister prefer charm bracelets over necklaces? Your best bet is buying her one from The Sage Vintage! You'll be able to customize the charms based on things your sister likes and surprise her with something that feels 100% personalized.

The Best Home & Kitchen Gifts

Target

KitchenAid 5qt 10-Speed Stand Mixer

If your sister is always on cooking or baking duty, save the strength of her arms by investing in a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. She'll lose her mind over the 10 attachments that come with it and the depth of the mixer itself.

P.S. It's by Hearth & Hand Magnolia which may also score you the best sibling award if she loves this brand!

Target

Tabitha Brown 8qt Digital Air Fryer

Wait, an air fryer under $100 exists and it's available at Target? Yes! Tabitha Brown's exclusive collection has so many goodies, but I just know your sister likely doesn't have time to think about making elaborate meals multiple times per week. Ease her mind with this digital fryer that'll let her roast, dehydrate, or even reheat meals!

The fourth trimester aka postpartum can be really tough for some moms. If your sister has recently given birth and is struggling, don't be afraid to let one of her gifts be these affirmation cards. She'll need reminders that she's not only doing a great job, but that she deserves to be patient with herself.

Amazon

Got You a Little Something Happy Hour Activity Cards

I so wish I would've discovered these activity cards during my sister's last pregnancy, but all that matters is that they're in my orbit now! In addition to affirmation cards, helping your sister rediscover things she likes post-birth is such a huge way of showing her that you still her as a person outside of motherhood.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more 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.

gifts for her gift ideas holidays gifts

15 Easy Lawn Games To Make For 4th of July Weekend

Once you've got your red, white and blue ice cream, Pinterest-perfect decorations and all your best buddies, the only thing your Fourth of July BBQ needs is a solid selection of lawn games. If you grew up playing horseshoes, corn-hole and bocce ball, bring back those childhood faves with a modern twist!

As you're prepping your Independence Day activities, spruce up an old board game with a psychedelic paint job, or turn an old classic into a giant-sized adventure that kids of *all ages* will love. Once you're done, it's game time (after you Instagram it, of course)! Keep reading for 15 fun DIY games that will make your Fourth of July party the hottest bash on the block!

DIY Lawn Dominoes

Iron & Twine

Dominoes aren’t just for the card table anymore. Paint a set of wooden blocks with a splash of color that *screams* summertime, and you’ve got a weekend hit. (via Iron & Twine)

Giant Jenga

A Beautiful Mess

Because everything is more fun when it's giant-sized. Paint the outer edge of the blocks with a few coats of colorful house paint to make the tower extra pretty, and get ready for a bit of fun competition among friends, fam, and kids. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Giant Scrabble

Consider The Peel

A traditional game of Scrabble has 100 tiles (eek!), so you might want to consider cutting down on that a bit – unless you live for the game. Stock up on some wood tiles at your local hardware store, then use paint and stencils to get the letters on each tile. And don’t forget the points in the lower right corner! (viaConsider The Peel)

DIY Horse Shoes

Mr. Kate

Embroidery thread isn’t just for friendship bracelets — it’s also for making the *cutest* set of horseshoes you ever did see. Start by spray painting the horseshoes and the stake, and then wrap them in a thread for a colorful, boho-chic look. (via Mr. Kate)

Flamingo Ring Toss Lawn Game

Sugar & Cloth

This game could totally double as yard decor after the holiday weekend is over. If you have a nice grassy area available and you’re short on time (or are sticking to a budget), skip the pots and just stick the flamingos straight into the ground! Otherwise, fill some mini planters with sand or soil to keep your fun-loving flamingos upright. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Lawn Checkers

Jessie Daye

Just... ignore the funny looks the hardware guys give you when you stock up on a cartful of bucket lids. Spray paint half of them black for a traditional color palette, or shock your uncle with a snazzy set of pink and orange checker pieces. (via Jessie Daye)

DIY Color Block Games

Brit + Co

Make sure there’s a game station for *all* ages and interests at your party. While the rest of the crew is battling it out at the corn hole game, set up a couple of these rad color-dipped board games to keep everyone entertained. (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Lawn Matching Game

Studio DIY

This game is perf for the backyard — it’s made with cork tiles, so it’s totally reusable and light enough for the little ones to carry around. There are printables for all these symbols so you can have a summertime themed set, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own stencils. (via Studio DIY)

Yard Yahtzee

Style Me Pretty

Supersize this old-school game, and let the good times roll with these giant dice. This DIY even includes a free printable scorecard so you can refresh your memory on a winning strategy. (viaStyle Me Pretty)

Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe

Better Homes & Garden

The traditional version might not be cool enough for the kids, but give them a giant version, and they’ll be all over it. This game actually takes a lot of skill to get the frisbees to land *exactly* right. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

DIY Cactus Ring Toss Lawn Game

Brit + Co

Ring toss just got a very trendy upgrade. If you'd rather spend your budget on tasty snacks and cocktails, you'll love that this yard game is made out of nothing more than cardboard boxes and paint. Bonus: You can use these adorable cacti as home decor later on! (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Bocce Balls

Brit + Co

When it comes time to bust out the bocce balls, make sure your color scheme is *on point* and in full patriotic form. Spruce up an old set of bocce balls with a starry makeover and a fresh coat of paint. (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Star-Spangled Yard

Better Homes & Gardens

Give your lawn the star-spangled treatment for Fourth of July weekend. And don't panic: it's not *actual* paint. Cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard, spray the grass lightly with water, and use a flour sifter to fill the shape with flour. The stars should last until your sprinklers wash them away. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

4th Of July Tic-Tac-Toe

Hey, Let's Make Stuff

Bring along this little game to your neighborhood block party, and get ready for it to be an instant hit. You can use any sized letters for this DIY, but the bigger the letters are, the more fun (and photogenic) it will be. (via Hey, Let's Make Stuff!)

Custom Cornhole Game

Brit + Co

This game is practically a requirement at all summer festivities. You can totally DIY it from scratch, or you can try this simple makeover for your very own custom set. (via Brit + Co.)

Did we get your favorite yard game? If you're looking for more fun DIY ideas for Fourth of July weekend, make sure you follow us on Pinterest!

Lead image viaBetter Homes & Gardens

This article has been updated.

backyard games party ideas lawn games diy diy projects 4th of july

Matthew McConaughey Recreated The 'How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days' Poster & Now I Need To Rewatch

Matthew McConaughey is back as Benjamin Barry! Well, kind of. There's nothing that really beats the thrill, the nostalgia, and the magic of early 2000s rom-coms. Running around New York City in the age of print media with no iPhones? Yeah, that sounds like magic to me. And one of the best rom-coms in question is, without a doubt, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.

Despite the fact Matthew's Ben is a Duke fan, the look on his face when he sees Kate Hudson's Andie in that yellow dress always makes me swoon...no matter how many times I watch. Well, if you love the movie (and that "You're So Vain" karaoke scene) as much as I do, then you HAVE to see Matthew and his wife Camila's take on the movie poster — if just for the shock value.

Keep reading to see Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves McConaughey's hilarious new interpretation of the How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days poster.

Pantalones Tequila

Matthew & Camila Alves McConaughey recreate the How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days poster.

Y2K rom-com posters usually feature the central couple in outfits that represent their characters, like The Proposal's Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds in their office 'fits and 13 Going on 30's Jennifer Garner in a youthful yet sophisticated nightgown-jacket combo. The How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days poster features Andie and Ben in their iconic company ball outfits. Kate Hudson's yellow dress has been immortalized in film history, and for their organic tequila brand's (Pantalones) latest ad, Matthew and Camila are recreating the poster — and, apparently, baring it all.

While Camila wears a yellow dress inspired by Kate's, Matthew takes a different approach by appearing in the ad pantless! They also rename the poster How to Lose Your Pants in 10 Ways, perhaps proving Pantalones is a surefire way to have a good time.

In addition to the movie poster, the brand also released some cocktail recipes inspired by the movie, like Love Fern Margarita, Benny Boo Boo, You're So Vain, and Yellow Dress. I'm going to need to add these to my Friendsgiving movie night menu STAT!

The yellow dress drink in question features lime juice, agave, and Cointreau in addition to the tequila. Plus some edible glitter! Say no more.

youtube.com

- YouTube

This isn't the first time since the movie's release Matthew McConaughey's referenced the ball. In 2023, for the film's 20th anniversary, both Matthew and Kate (who's wearing yellow! Clever, clever!) hopped on Instagram live to celebrate the film and answer questions.

Fans of the movie will remember the karaoke scene comes after Andie learns about Ben's bet to get her to fall for him, and Ben learns about Andie's article of how to annoy men enough they'll break up with you. Frustrated and a little brokenhearted, the pair fights — and sings "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon. And it turns out, art was imitating life just a little bit.

"Underneath, probably for things that were happening in character and out of character and off-set, we’d gotten under each other’s skin a little bit," Matthew says in the live. "We were legitimately kind of pissed off at each other in a really cool way. Like okay, that worked. But can we inject a little more of the charm and the love and the desire and the lust in there?”

What's your favorite scene from How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days?! Let us know on Instagram and check out The Best Rom-Coms To Watch This Weekend.

pop culture entertainment celebrity

Amazon

You'll hardly recognize your skin after incorporating this brightening face toner into your routine. Combined with PHA and azelaic acid, this 3% TXA (tranexamic acid) toner hydrates and exfoliates for smoother, more radiant skin in just a few days. One shocking 5-star review reads, "I have brown spots on my face from too much time in the sun as a teenager. Over a period of three weeks, you can hardly notice them, and when I put on my makeup, you don’t even see them. I love this product."

See it on Amazon