4 Creative Alternatives to the Usual Holiday Gift-Wrap

We’ll cut to the chase: Four million tons of holiday gift wrap ends up in landfills every year. So as we’re gifting treasures to our favorite people, we’re also creating an ugly amount of waste for our planet. It’s high time our thoughtfulness goes past what’s inside the box. Today, we’re teaming up with Allbirds and their #ScrapTheWrap campaign to bring you four charming, greener ways to wrap those gifts.

Think outside of the box, y’all. Literally.

Allbirds has long been a B+C favorite, and not just because of its cult-like following. The shoes are comfortable enough to wear sans socks (which this author does, often), and they’re machine washable too. What’s more, the shoes are made with ZQ-certified merino wool and other premium natural materials, so they’re gentle on the planet. Aside from the ever-popular Wool Runners and Wool Loungers, Allbirds now offers Smallbirds, AKA adorable, pint-sized Wool Runners for toddlers. How flippin’ cute are they?! Forgive the pun, but these are totally a shoe-in gift for anyone on your list.

Now, let’s get decorating!

DIY Snowy Maze Box

What’s more fun than opening gifts? Traveling through a snowy maze to reach the gift, first! (Hello, that’s why treasure hunts are so irresistible.) We painted a 3D maze onto an Allbirds box to maximize the FUN of opening the gift. Go the extra mile and gift a toy sheep as well to hint at the merino wool wonders inside.

Scroll on for the DIY.

Materials + Tools:

  • Allbirds shoebox
  • paint
  • paintbrushes
  • pencil

Instructions:

  1. Remove the items from your box. Trace the full maze onto the box with a pencil. To really maximize the fun, we made sure the trail would go over four sides of the box before arriving at each shoe pocket. Draw decor around the maze, such as trees, snowcaps, or forest animals.
  2. Paint your designs on the exterior of the box, then let it dry.
  3. Finish up the outside of the box by painting the trail black. Feel free to add embellishments too!
  4. Once the outside of the box is completely dry, paint the inside of the box. We hid the gift recipient’s name inside the box to make it even more special. Add other personal touches as desired, then let it dry.

Add your gift back into the box. You’re done!

After the big gift unveiling, save the box for future play adventures with your kiddos.

3 More Ways to #ScrapTheWrap

Cotton Ball Sheep: Use leftover cotton balls and paper scraps to make 3D sheep! We hot glued these onto an old gift box, then added googly eyes for extra magic. Now that is one charming baaaaah-x :)

Color-Dipped Leaves: Dip found leaves in paint, let dry, then glue them onto your box. We used leftover house paint, but any paint lying around the house will do. (Heads Up: When gluing on the leaves, make sure the giftee can still open their present!)

Parchment Paper Envelopes: Grab some scrap parchment paper leftover from cookie baking and get folding. Cut a square, then fold each corner into the center. Secure the corners with small sewn stitches or glue, then decorate the front as you see fit. We filled the envelopes with fabric scraps to hide the gifts within, then added leftover faux snow for a festive touch.

There you go — four delightful, greener ways to decorate your gifts with no paper gift wrap in sight. Happy gifting!

Are you trying any of these DIYs? We want to see your beautiful work! Post a pic on Instagram with the hashtags #britstagram and #ScrapTheWrap so we can take a look.

Production + Styling: Kayla Haykin + Maddie Bachelder

Photography: Chris Andre

It's that time of year again when the virtual aisles of Amazon are bursting with unbelievable deals and discounts. Yes, you guessed it right – Amazon is currently hosting their Big Spring Sale!

We've searched high and low to find the top fashion deals you won't want to miss. From more high-end, designer steals to basic wardrobe essentials, we've got you covered with the inside scoop to help you score some fantastic Amazon deals.

With spring and summer break just around the corner, this is the perfect time to revamp your wardrobe (without breaking the bank). Here are the best picks in shoes, accessories, and clothing!

Shoes

Dream Pairs Open-Toe Low Chunky Sandals

$28.79, was $35.99

The simple double-banded look on these springy sandals provides style and practicality, snugly holding your feet in. The low block heel means you won't be fussing about foot or toe pain like you would with high heels. They're so much easier to put on and walk in with a lightly-padded insole.

Frye Melissa Button Tall Boot

$219.98, was $$298

Knee-high boots are all the rage this season and these Frye boots are the perfect addition to any spring wardrobe. Sport 'em with a mini dress or even some causal denim shorts, and you'll be rocking the chic cowgirl look in no time. This pull-on boot design is crafted from 100% Italian leather that ensures top-notch quality with every step!

Arromic Denim Slingback Flats

$39.98, was $59.99

Denim shoes are another huge shoe trend as springtime approaches. Embrace the jean look with these playful slingback flats that feature a contrasting strap detail! The pointed toe is super chic, and the fact that you can snag this pair for 33% off with Amazon's Big Spring Sale is quite fab.

Asgard Chelsea Ankle Rain Boots

$33.99, was $47.99

Sing, dance, and splash around in the rain with these waterproof boots! They land around the ankle to keep your feet nicely secured and dry. Since April showers bring May flowers, you'll need a sturdy shoe to get you through the wetter months this spring – these cozy ones stand up to the job!

Ankis Gold Flat Sandals

$34.99, was $39.99

We rarely see such good deals on shoes as cute as this, but the Amazon Big Spring Sale has brought our sandal dreams to life with these flats! The slide-on silhouette makes perfect sense for lazy spring weekends and outdoor hangs! These sandals from Ankis also come in black, white, beige, and brown, so you can find the neutral color that speaks to you.

Dream Pairs Low Heel Pump Sandals

$28.79, was $39.99

I'm a firm believer that everyone needs a pair of shoes like these: black, basic, and beyond comfy! No-fuss pumps like these 28% off ones from Amazon are the perfect solution to making date night, dinner party, and wedding guest outfits a bit more formal and upscale. These are fixed with black suede, but also come in tens of other fun colors if you're searching for something more colorful to slide your feet into!

Hunter Women's Play Clog

$55, was $85

Take $30 off these casual clogs from Hunter! Other than the fact that they're the cutest Barbie pink color, these rugged soles are designed to withstand all the wear and tear. They're the perfect shoe for springtime gardening, or just giving your 'fits a bit of quirky style!

Accessories

The Drop Women's Preston Belt Bag

$20.93, was $34.90

We've said it once and we'll say it again: animal print is a neutral. Give your spring outfit a little extra oomph with this adorable faux-croc belt bag. It'll be great for daytime outings to keep your stuff stylishly within reach!

Knotted Gold Hoop Earrings

$10.39, was $12.99

These gold hoop earrings bring a unique element to your run-of-the-mill ear accessories with a sleek knotted design. They're a great option for any sort of spring look, from casual to more formal occasions. Save 20% on these hoops that *also* come in silver and black with the Big Spring Sale now!

Telena Small Sling Bag

$16.79, was $23.99

When you're out and about, whether it be grocery shopping or park walking, a hands-free moment is always welcome. This baby blue sling bag is your ultimate companion for storing everything from your phone to your keys and even your fave lip balm. The shoulder strap is completely adjustable for easy wear.

Gold Silver Bow Drop Earrings

$9.99, was $13.99

The bow trend may be past its prime, but I won't let it die! Anything cute and feminine that has a bow is instantly stylish. Take these lightweight gold earrings for example: they delicately dangle off your lobes for an understated look, adding a dash of playfulness, too. They'd be cute with everything from jeans to dresses!

Sojos Round Retro Sunglasses

$12.99, was $24.99

Every warm-weather outfit needs a chic pair of shades to match! These tortoiseshell sunnies boast big, round lenses that not only shade out the sun, but also make you look like the coolest person on the block. You can also buy them in playful colors like purple and leopard print!

Anweida Leather Crescent Bag

$19.80, was $34.99

This trendy crescent bag is a whopping 43% off right now! It's crafted from sturdy leather that'll hold up to years of use. Its medium size makes this purse practical for nights out with the gals and stepping out to take care of errands. Either way, you'll feel super cute and confident carrying this number around!

Bostanten Hobo Handbag with Adjustable Strap

$17.99, was $22.99

An affordable swap for those more luxe "It" girl bags, this woven purse is currently 22% off. With the adjustable strap, you're more likely to find the perfect length for toting it around! The olive green is a gorgeous color to snag for year-round wear, but you can also shop this style in black, brown, and khaki.

Clothes

Darong Long Sleeve Boat Neck Off-Shoulder Top

$25.99, was $28.89

This sultry off-the-shoulder top is the perfect going out top for spring and summer! When those nights turn a little bit chillier, you'll be wanting a long-sleeved style to keep you warm. The detailed ruching that runs along the sides of this stretchy top add some visually interesting texture to your 'fit.

The Drop Women's Dev Clean Denim Short

$31.92, was $39.90

Well, if it isn't the most perfect denim short for summer! A medium wash will always look good, especially since it's easily matchable to other colors in your wardrobe, and the fact that this quality pair is now 20% off is too good to be true. These shorts from The Drop boast a stylish cuff at the bottom hem for a more tailored vibe. Not too tight or too loose, the waistline on this style hits a little higher for a classic high-waisted fit.

Prettygarden Women's Ruched Bodycon Dress

$39.07, was $50.84

​This 23% off dress style would make a wonderful spring wedding guest dress! The one-shoulder effect lends your look to sheer elegance, while the ruching throughout the material amps up your figure. This bright orange color certainly caught my eye for the warmer season, but this midi bodycon also comes in a wide variety of other colors.

Levi's Women's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans

$55.65, was $79.50

One of the greatest gifts that Levi's has ever given us is these ribcage-rise jeans. For the girlies who refuse to surrender to the low-rise pants trend, these are *the* high-waisted jeans to have. Though structured to accomodate the high waist, these pants are still pretty stretchy with a bit of elastane!

Trendy Queen V-Neck Backless Top

$18.99, was $32.99

This viral top will steal your heart from the moment you put it on. The spandex material it's made of is meant to complement your figure in the most flattering way, also lending some femininity to your look with a flirty v-neck design and open back. Lightweight tops reign supreme in the spring and summer, which is exactly why you'll want this seamless style in your closet.

Lillusory 2-Piece Oversized Lounge Set

$49.99, was $72.99

Who doesn't love a cozy matching set that you can snuggle up on the couch in? Plus, this one looks *just* like something you'd find at Free People. Gotta love a dupe! Just because this set feels like pajamas, doesn't mean you're not getting dressed for the day. Plus, you can wear the two pieces separately for endless outfit combos.

Mangopop Square Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit

$19.98, was $24.98

This bodysuit legit feels like a second skin, melding to your figure while also shaping and snatching it with a material made from rayon and spandex. The square neckline on this piece makes it all the more trendy, too! You can easily sport this silky-smooth bodysuit with jeans, skirts, and shorts this spring. It comes in so many colors.

UEU Loose Wide Leg Yoga Pants

$23.18, was $39.99

These buttery-soft yoga pants will soon become the only thing you wear, because they're extremely comfortable! The wide, high-waisted waistband fits more snug, while the pant legs are super flowy. The lounge pants feature a very breathable material that'll keep you cool even in the spring and summer heat. Snag 'em in 18 different colors!

The Gym People Longline Sports Bra

$18.39, was $26.99

A sports bra that can also double as a crop top? Sign us up! This top is totally wire-free, but it includes a light layer of padding on the chest. If you don't jive with padded inserts (I def don't), you can easily take 'em out! The stretchy material is perfect for workouts and weekend outings alike. This style's also available in tons of other bright colors.

Colorfulkoala High-Waisted Yoga Pants 7/8 Length

$19.99, was $30

Having a dependable pair of black leggings in your arsenal for lazy days is crucial, so if your current pair needs an upgrade, now's the time to hit refresh! These 7/8-length leggings with convenient side pockets are available for 33% off with the Amazon Big Spring Sale. The lightly-compressive fabric will stretch and move with you, plus it snatches in your tummy for a super confident fit. They're great for exercising and lounging around alike!

Looking for more awesome deals? Sign up for our shopping newsletter, and be sure to check out our Amazon storefront for more editor-approved products!

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

Images via Amazon.

This post has been updated.

With sweet treat recipes that range from Yakult Leches Cake and Marbled Ube Banana Bread to Mochi-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pandan Coconut Cream Pie, recipe developer, content creator, and now-author Arlyn Osborne’s Sugarcane: Sweet Recipes from My Half-Filipino Kitchen is packed with a whole rainbow of magical Filipino desserts. The debut cookbook celebrates her Filipino heritage by fusing traditional dishes with Western methods widely used in the states, and wow, is it wonderful.

The 80 recipes in Sugarcane illustrate Arlyn’s earliest memories surrounding food, and some have even followed her since her middle school days. In fact, the book’s cover honors pandesal, the popular Philippine bread rolls that brought her closer to her family overseas than ever before (in her words: “It’s iconic. A national treasure.”).

Though you’d never guess it from the look of her colorful treats, Arlyn didn’t grow up cooking. As she describes it, going all-out for everyday meals wasn’t exactly her parents’ thing.

“Cooking was something that was mostly reserved for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, celebrations, that sort of thing,” she says. “It just wasn't worth the trouble to them. Most of our meals were just fast food or frozen Kids Cuisine dinners.”

Arlyn says her childhood was “dysfunctional,” and this detachment from food was just a small part of the picture. Despite an absence of physical affection and frequent “I love you”s at home, Arlyn let her undying love for Food Network and a strong sweet tooth sweep her away into the culinary world.

After years of working in food styling and production, writing about food, and developing recipes, Arlyn’s using her first cookbook to communicate her passion for cooking and baking, as well as carry on the legacy of Filipino food to ultimately find her place in it all.

“I think over the years, I have become sometimes a little uncomfortable to say some of the things I wish I could say out loud,” she says. “For me, food is the way for me to say those things without actually saying them.”

About The Recipes

Sugarcane: Sweet Recipes from My Half-Filipino Kitchen by Arlyn Osborne

Flipping through the recipes in Sugarcane, you may see a few ingredients that aren’t very common in Western cooking listed – like pandan, tamarind, ube, calamansi, star fruit, mochi, and rambutan – but there’s familiarity in each one of them.

Arlyn wrote Sugarcane for both people who are familiar with Filipino food, and those who are not. Either way, the recipes will guide you to greatness.

“I get that it can be a little intimidating for people to try out ingredients or desserts they've never heard of before, but I do think that people should know that if they're cooking from my cookbook, they’re going to be okay,” she says. “I think everyone’s going to feel that they're personified in each recipe a little bit.”

From The Book: Ube Coconut Cake

Arlyn’s Ube Coconut Cake recipe pulls inspiration from ube cake (the “crown jewel” when it comes to Filipino cake) and lucious coconut cakes from the American South. Ube halaya, which is essentially an ube jam, is the star of the coconut cake recipe, lending a gorgeous purple hue to the tender layers. Everything gets sandwiched in between and smothered in a sweet coconut icing *so* yummy, you’ll quickly see why Arlyn makes it every year for her birthday.

Ingredients for Ube Coconut Cake

Ube Cake

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ cup (186 g) ube halaya, at room temperature
  • 2 ¼ cups (450 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon ube paste
  • 1 ½ cups (360 g) buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups (315 g) neutral oil

Coconut Frosting

  • Two 16 oz. (454 g) containers sour cream
  • 4 cups (800g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 14 cups (700g) unsweetened shredded coconut

How to Make Ube Coconut Cake

For the Ube Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
  3. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitter with the whisk, add the ube halaya and beat until smooth. Add the sugar and beat on medium-high speed until combined but not creamed. The sugar should look moist, crumbly, and purple.
  4. Add the eggs and ube paste and beat on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Add the buttermilk and oil and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.
  5. Sift in half of the flour mixture and whisk by hand until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
  7. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Run a small offset spatula around the perimeter to loosen the edges. Invert the cakes onto the wire rack. Remove the parchment and invert again onto wire racks so they sit right side up. Let cool completely.

For the Coconut Frosting

  1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, add the sour cream, sugar, and salt. Beat on low speed until combined. Add a third of the coconut and beat on low speed until combined. Repeat two more times.

To assemble

  1. Place one cake layer (top side up) on a cake plate. Top with 2 cups (450 g) of frosting and spread evenly. Top with the second cake layer (bottom side up).
  2. Cover the top evenly with 2 ½ (560 g) cups of frosting. Use the remaining frosting for the sides. Wrapt the cake all over with plastic wrap so it touches the frosting directly and protects the cake from air. Refrigerate overnight. As it sits, both the cake layers and coconut shreds will soak up excess moisture from the frosting.
  3. Let the cake sit out at room temperature for 1 hour to take the chill off before serving. Due to the nature of the frosting, it's best to use a serrated knife to “saw” through the cake into slices.

Find more new sweet recipes like this one by signing up for our email newsletter!

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

Photography by Linda Xiao. Excerpted with permission from Sugarcane by: Arlyn Osborne published by ‎Hardie Grant Publishing, March 2024, RRP $35.00 Hardcover.

Spring is finally upon us and it's not just the sun and nice weather we're excited about. You guessed it—we're also ready for the shoes! Are you also wondering what to wear after months of heavy-duty boots and cold weather? Well, we've got you covered! From a classic pair of Mary Janes (great for styling with a cute, summer dress) to a fun pair of raffia platform sandals ideal for date night out, there's a perfect pick for everyone. We've even included one of our favorite new trends: denim kitten heels! These are popping up everywhere and we found a pair for under $60! So without further ado, here are some of our favorite Nordstrom shoes and sandals that are trending for spring.

Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Flats

This see-through shoe trend has been worn by some of our favorite celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sofia Richie. These are the season’s hottest new shoe and we have to say that we agree. They're breezy, fun, and would look perfect dressed up or dressed down! Plus, they're available at Nordstrom in a bright red, bridal white, and multiple other colors!

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Mary Jane Flat

Mary Jane flatsare the perfect everyday shoe because you can wear them to work or to dinner. They add a bit more personality and quirkiness than your typical flat. Plus, some of the colors are 40% off right now at Nordstrom!

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Sandals

Raffia is indeed here to stay for the spring and summer season. It's a classic material and we are in love with this fun, buckled Sam Edelman pair! These could be paired with your trusty summer dress or a pair of shorts and a tank for a more laid-back vibe.

Nordstrom

Open Edit Sammie Kitten Heel

The resurgence of the kitten heel is one of our favorite spring trends. Even better, you can make a subtle statement with a denim pair like these $59 Open Edit denim kitten heels. They're perfect for a night out or going to dinner with friends! We'd recommend styling them with a light denim pant and a white button down.

Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx Sandal

A strappy heel is important because you can wear them for so many different occasions! They are your trusty pair of heels that will never steer you wrong, and they go with any outfit. From wedding season to a casual date night, these Nordstrom shoes are a MUST for spring and summer!

Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Linques Flip Flop

Want to make a subtle statement with your shoes, but still wanna be comfortable? We've got the pair for you! Gold detailing on sandals is super in right now and as a fan of comfortable shoes, we love this trend!

Nordstrom

Nike Cortez Sneaker

The Nike Cortez Sneakers are making a comeback once more and they're currently on sale at Nordstrom! So grab them while you can, because we predict these will be the shoe of the summer! Plus we love the pastel color that Nordstrom has in these for spring.

Nordstrom

Birkenstock Boston Clogs

These Nordstrom shoes are beloved for a reason! They make comfortable style look cool. Throw these on with some linen stripe pants and you'll look like a Scandi cool girl in these clogs!

Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Floralee Sandal

Rose detailing on clothes has been a trend this past year, and now for spring 2024, it's making its way to shoes! We are obsessed with these floral appliqué sandals to add a little something extra to your cute spring 'fits!

Nordstrom

Steve Madden Laurel Platform

To end with a bang on our Nordstrom Spring shoe picks, we thought we'd show you these insanely fun espadrille platform heels in gold. They instantly make your outfit look elevated and fun. Plus, who doesn't love espadrilles? These are the perfect shoe for any of those spring and summer weddings you have coming up!

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

There are a few things that unite Emily Henry Girlies: we love romance, we love quirky details, and we love Taylor Swift. (And based on my Emily Henry interview, I can confirm that she does too!). The author herself describes her new book, titled Funny Story, as “the wind in my hair on the weekend,” a line from Taylor Swift's "Karma." Here's everything we know about the new Emily Henry book. Buckle up, because there's a *lot* about Funny Story we can’t wait to dive into.

Is Emily Henry making a Funny Story TV show?

Image via Emily Henry/Instagram

If you're already daydreaming about seeing Funny Story onscreen, you're not the only one — even Emily Henry herself is thinking about whether the book will turn into a TV show. She tells Variety she hopes to have details "really soon" about onscreen adaptations for her newest novel, as well as last year's Happy Place.

What is Funny Story about?

Image via Samson Katt/Pexels

In Funny Story, Daphne and her fiancé Peter are madly in love. They've moved back to his childhood hometown, where Peter constantly tells the story of how they met. All is well...until Peter realizes he's actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra. Now Daphne is stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, and even though she has no friends or family, she does have her dream job as a children’s librarian, so at least that's one point in her favor.

Now, with barely any money, there's only one potential roommate who could possibly understand what she's going through: Petra’s ex, Miles. Despite the fact that Miles happens to be Daphne's polar opposite. After they form a friendship (which may or may not involve posting misleading images of their summer together), Daphne realizes that she might have done the craziest thing of all: fallen for her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex. No biggie.

Will Funny Story connect to the other Emily Henry books?

Images via Amazon

Based on her other stories, we're not expecting Funny Story to directly tie into Happy Place, Book Lovers, People We Meet On Vacation, or Beach Read. However, she does often reference the characters from her other stories once. So don't be surprised if Daphne bumps into Nora in the grocery store or finds one of Gus' books incorrectly shelved in the library.

When is the Funny Story release date?

Image via Devyn Glista St. Blanc Studios

Funny Story will be released on April 23, 2024, almost a year after Happy Place was released!

What does the cover look like?

The covers are always one of my favorite parts of any Emily Henry book. They're always vibrant, bold, and always show just enough of the characters to both catch your eye and keep you intrigued. In the past, they've been blue, pink, orange, and yellow, with bits of other colors interspersed in the details.

After hoping for a green, deep red-orange, or lilac color (and after Emily Henry's official Instagram announcementmade me think we'd get purple), the author showed off the brand new cover for Funny Story! The vibrant deep mix between purple and blue is the perfect color against Daphne, Miles, and all of their accessories.

We already have a feel for the characters, too! Daphne's sassy head tilt, the "we're in this together" energy, the fact that Miles is wearing crocs.

Where can I preorder Funny Story?

Image via Emily Henry/Instagram

There are a number of you can preorder Funny Story! Here are a few:

Are you excited for Emily Henry's Funny Story? Let us know in the comments!

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

Lead image viaEmily Henry/Instagram

When anyone asks me for my favorite movie-viewing experiences, A Simple Favor (starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick) always makes the list. When I first watched the film, I knew next to nothing about the plot, and it made the viewing experience ten times better, especially since I had a watch party with a bunch of friends who *also* had no expectations. I know A Simple Favor 2 is going to be just as sexy, unexpected, and gripping as the original. Keep reading for everything we know about the new movie, from the A Simple Favor 2 release date to casting announcements!

Is there A Simple Favor 2 movie?

Image via Lionsgate

Yes, Deadline confirmed in May of 2022 that we're getting A Simple Favor 2! The sequel film will be produced by Lionsgate and Amazon Studios, and reportedly, Paul Feig will direct again, while Jessica Sharzer will write the screenplay. I still talk about the script for A Simple Favor, so if Jessica is returning, I will be seated!

What is A Simple Favor 2 about?

Image via Lionsgate

A Simple Favor 2 will see the "return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

While the first A Simple Favor ended with Emily in prison, I have no doubt whatsoever that we'll see her make a grand escape to coastal Italy. The only thing chicer than martinis and crime at home is martinis and crime while basking in the Italian sun.

When is the A Simple Favor 2 release date?

Image via Lionsgate

I'm expecting A Simple Favor 2 to hit our screens in 2025. Filming was originally scheduled for the fall of 2023, but after the Hollywood strikes delayed a variety of projects, production on the film was pushed to 2024. A Simple Favor 2 will reportedly begin filming in April of 2024.

Who's in the A Simple Favor 2 cast?

Image via Lionsgate

We can expect to see Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return for this sequel. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also set to star in A Simple Favor 2. As far as dream casts, I'd love to see everyone from Madelyn Cline to Jessica Chastain to Camila Mendes!

How does A Simple Favor end in the book?

Image via Amazon

The A Simple Favor book ending is *wildly* different than the movie ending! Instead of Stephanie turning on Emily and joining Sean, and then Emily getting run over by a car and put in prison for the murder of her father and sister (plus, you know, all the other illegal activity), Stephanie actually takes Emily's side.

In the book, Sean stays in a hotel while Emily gets custody of Nicky. The novel ends with the police finding Emily's ring inside the car of her main victim (a move that was probably orchestrated by Stephanie since Sean gave her the ring), and Emily deciding to pack up her life and leave.

Are you excited for A Simple Favor 2? Do you prefer the ending to the A Simple Favor movie or the book? Follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

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

Lead image via Lionsgate