Go Stir-Crazy with 35 Buy + DIY Cocktail Stirrers

Tori Lewis
Aug 30, 2013

You know that moment when James Bond asks for his drink “shaken, not stirred”? Well, no offense to Mr. Bond, but some drinks just need to be stirred and, besides, swizzle sticks are insanely fun and adorable! With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 35 cocktail stirrers that you can buy and DIY to dress up your drinks at your next event.

1. Geometric Swizzle Sticks ($30 for 10): Neon colors, glitter, and cocktails? Count us so in.

2. Chalkboard Stir Sticks: Incorporating chalkboard into your event makes entertaining easy and trendy. With these stir sticks, you can label the drinks being served or make sure that guests aren’t mixing up their glasses. (via Poppy Magazine)

3. Chevron Cocktail Stirrers: This simple paper project creates pretty stirrers that’ll add just an accent of chevron to your tablescape. (via Smitten on Paper)

4. Drink Me Swizzle Sticks ($31 for 25): We can never resist an Alice in Wonderland reference. These would be perfect at a literary-themed wedding… or just a book club meeting!

5. Tinsel Drink Stirrers: Reminiscent of fireworks, these swizzle sticks are simple yet glitzy. They’d look great against mainly black and white decor. (via Odessa May Society)

6. DIY Mismatched Stir Sticks: This quirky collection of stirrers is a fun way for guests to be able to tell which drink is theirs without name tags. (via Celebrations at Home)

7. Patriotic Flag Stirrers: We’re loving this take on patriotic decor and we’re definitely bookmarking it for next 4th of July — although they’d also be fun for a backyard barbeque before it gets too cold! (via Everything Fabulous)

8. Cocktail Cocktail Stirrers ($10 for 10): Are these meta enough for you? The acrylic heads of these stirrers are shaped like fun cocktails and we’re loving their whimsical nature.

9. Golden Heart Stirrers: These gilded hearts are simple and pretty and so easy to make that you could whip up just two for next date night! (via Julep.)

10. Cupcake Liner Swizzle Sticks: Repurpose party supplies into, well, party supplies! Use your leftover cupcake liners to create pretty fringe cocktail stirrers. (via Studio DIY)

11. All Spaced Out Swizzle Sticks ($12): Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto! These futuristic stirrers are perfect for the geek inside all of us.

12. Parasol Stirrers: What’s better than getting an umbrella in your drink? Getting an umbrella handmade in pretty patterns that doubles as a drink stirrer! (via Black Oak Vintage)

13. Instagram Stirrers: Decorate your drinks with fun memories while reminding your guests to share their photos. Include your hashtag so that you can find all the pictures later. (via Ruffled)

14. Wood Heart Drink Stirrers ($10 for 10): These remind us of carving your initials into a tree trunk and it’s adorable. We’re huge fans of using wood in weddings and we think these are a perfect candidate for the signature drink at your reception!

15. Beet Dyed Stirrers: Who knew beet juice could dye skewers these pretty shades of red? We’re digging the natural look of these ones. (via Project Wedding Blog)

16. “On Par” Golf Club Swizzle Sticks ($22 for 6): Craving a John Daly or Arnold Palmer? What better way to stir them up than with these golf club swizzle sticks?

17. Safari Swizzle Sticks: These are a must have for all you party animals out there… and they’re crazy easy to make! (via Brit + Co.)

18. Ombre Cocktail Stirrers: Ombre is always a pretty touch and we’re loving this soft pink version. (via A Fabulous Fete)

19. Pinwheel Drink Stirrers: What is it about pinwheels that makes us want to pour a tall glass of lemonade and sit on the front porch? At least these give us a way to stir up our lemonade ;) (via Domestikated Life)

20. Glitter Dot Swizzle Sticks: OMG, that glitter rainbow is to die for! We’re loving the idea of making these in all different colors to pop against a white table. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

21. Letterpress Stirrers ($10 for 8): Bottoms up! These fun stirrers are a great way to add a touch of typography and humor into your decor.

22. Rose Gold Heart Swizzle Sticks: Have you got a heart of (rose) gold? These swizzle sticks are minimalist and gorgeous! (via The Flair Exchange)

23. Washi Cocktail Stirrers: Washi tape is a great go-to when you’re trying to add a pop of color to your event. These stirrers are waving the washi flag and it’s adorable. (via Brit + Co.)

24. Glitzy Cocktail Stirrers: Take a gift bow and make these curly and glitzy stirrers. Great for New Year’s Eve or any other cocktail party where you want to up the glam factor! (via Coordinately Yours)

25. Hipstirs (currently unavailable): We’re super bummed that these are no longer for sale, but we couldn’t resist including them. A play on “hipsters,” these hip-stirs are drink stir sticks shaped like hip bones. Awesome!

26. Baby Shower Drink Stirrers: These clay drink stirrers are super cute for a baby shower but could also be easily switched up to suit whatever your event is. They’re made with cookie cutters! (via One Charming Party)

27. Photo Drink Sticks: Throwing a surprise birthday party? Put the guest of honor’s face on the swizzle sticks! We especially love this if your friend has a favorite cocktail that you’re serving at the event. (via Sugar and Charm)

28. Mustache Kraft Paper Stirrers ($.75): Have we got any hipsters out there? We’re just gonna leave these mustache stirrers right here…

29. Doily Stirrer: Delicate and feminine, these doily stirrers would be great at a brunch. Mimosas anyone? (via 100 Layer Cake)

30. Sequined Swizzle Sticks: The key to crafting with sequins is not to go overboard. This project incorporates just the right amount of glamour into a simple stirrer that’ll add some sparkle to your decor. (via Freutcake)

31. Beach Ball Drink Stirrers: Summer’s just ending but that doesn’t mean we’ll stop dreaming of those long days and warm nights! These beach balls transport us to having fun in the sand and we’re loving it. (via Studio DIY)

32. Pushpin Swizzle Sticks ($12 for 8): How cute would these be for a work happy hour? Stir up your martini and add an olive; just don’t tell Bond ;)

33. Bow Tie Stirrers: These drinks are all dressed up with nowhere to go. Guess you’ll just have to drink ‘em up! (via Popcosmo)

34. Glitter Tape Cocktail Stirrers: Another sparkly addition, we’re loving the simplicity of these flag stirrers and their use of richly colored glitter tape. (via The Flair Exchange)

35. MistyStix ($35 for 25): Ok, we saved the best for last. These swizzle sticks have a spot for you to insert dry ice… so when you add them to your drink you get an awesome smoke effect. It’s like the way cooler version of renting a smoke machine. And the dry ice cools your drink without diluting it! We’re in love.

Which of these swizzle sticks are your fave? How do you dress up your booze? Talk to us in the comments below.

Move Over "Gossip Girl" — "Friday Night Lights" Season 1 Is Peak TV

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

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15 Graduation Gifts Perfect For The Class Of 2024

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

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 with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Avoiding Your Next Haircut? Don’t Make The Same Mistakes As Me

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

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