As cute and clever as store-bought greeting cards are, there's something incredibly thoughtful that can be felt in a homemade birthday card from a friend or loved one. Not only does the act of creating DIY birthday cardsgive you the chance to slow down from the business of life and reflect on what you cherish most about the people you're celebrating, but the one-of-a-kind touch will be super memorable for your recipients as well.
Even if you're not the craftiest person, don't fret, because we've put together a straightforward guide on how to craft your own DIY birthday card for your besties and S.O.'s. Step into the world of DIY magic as we embark on a quest to create birthday cards that will leave your recipients in awe. From unexpected pop-up surprises to mind-bending interactive features, discover fresh ways to make birthday cards burst with fun and excitement. Prepare to unleash your inner artist as we dive into all the tips to help you craft unique and captivating birthday cards. And keep reading for some thoughtful text ideas to ensure that your birthday wishes are just as fun as the card design they're on.
Step 1: Gather Your DIY Birthday Card Supplies
Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
Before embarking on your DIY birthday card adventure, gathering all the necessary supplies is essential. A well-prepared crafter is a confident crafter! So, let's make sure you have everything you need to bring your imaginative card ideas to life.
- Start with colored cardstock or paper as the foundation of your cards. Choose a variety of vibrant hues to suit different themes and moods. Scissors are your trusty sidekick, enabling you to precisely cut out shapes, create borders, and trim your cardstock.
- Grab glue or adhesive tape to hold everything together securely. Opt for a glue stick for a mess-free experience or double-sided tape for a clean and seamless finish.
- Round up all the art supplies you have, from markers and colored pencils, or pens. These magical tools will be your gateway to adding personalized messages, whimsical doodles, and vibrant colors to your DIY creations.
- Stock up on a dazzling array of embellishments for an added dose of flair and personality. Let your creativity soar as you explore the boundless possibilities of stickers, sequins, ribbons, twines, buttons, beads, and more. Watch your creations come alive with vibrant colors, textures, and eye-catching details. With these delightful elements at your fingertips, there's no limit to the magic your birthday cards can be infused with.
Step 2: Choose Your Card Design
Image via George Dolgikh/Pexels
The card design will function as the first impression that sets the tone for the entire experience. A well-designed card can evoke emotions ranging from joy and excitement to nostalgia and warmth, leaving friends and family in awe of the thoughtful gesture.
Handmade Watercolor Design:
Express your artistic side by creating a handmade watercolor masterpiece for a genuinely one-of-a-kind birthday card. Start with a blank cardstock or watercolor paper as the base, and let your creativity flow. Use watercolors to paint a vibrant and personalized design, such as flowers, balloons, or a recipient's favorite hobby or color palette. Add a heartfelt birthday message inside to complete the card.
Pop-Up Surprise:
Add an element of surprise and delight to your card with a pop-up feature. Cut out a simple pop-up mechanism using cardstock or colored paper and attach it to the inside of the card. Then, unleash your creativity by designing and cutting out fun shapes, such as cakes, candles, or balloons, and attach them to the pop-up mechanism. When the card is opened, the surprise element will make the birthday celebration of your loved one even more memorable.
Quilled Creations:
Quilling is a paper art technique that involves rolling and shaping thin paper strips to create intricate designs. Use quilling techniques to create beautiful and delicate patterns, flowers, or even personalized messages on your birthday cards. Experiment with different colors and shapes to bring your design to life and make it truly unique. The recipient will appreciate the time and effort put into crafting such an elegant and artistic card.
Hand-Stitched Greeting:
Consider incorporating those skills into your DIY card if you enjoy sewing or embroidery. Use a needle and thread to create hand-stitched designs or patterns on fabric or cardstock. You can stitch the recipient's name, a birthday message, or even cute motifs like balloons or cupcakes. The texture and charm of a hand-stitched card will make it a cherished keepsake.
Interactive Slider Card:
Create an interactive slider card to take your birthday card to the next level. Use cardstock to make a slider mechanism that reveals a hidden message or image as it is pulled. Write a heartfelt message or attach a memorable photo that slides out when the recipient pulls the tab. This interactive element adds a playful touch to your card and makes it truly engaging.
Step 3: Write A Clever Message
Image via June/Pexels
Elevate your birthday card by personalizing it with a heartfelt note to enrich the receiver's experience. Share warm wishes, inside jokes, or memories that make the card even more special and meaningful. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas for what to write inside your DIY birthday card!
- "Happy birthday, queen of the hashtags! May your day be as fabulous as your Instagram feed."
- "You're the avocado to my toast, the squad to my goals. Happy birthday, superstar!"
- "It's your birthday, so let's turn up the 'Lit' level and celebrate like it's 1999... or 2023!"
- "Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake. Enjoy your special day!"
- "May your birthday be filled with good vibes and a bottomless brunch. Cheers to another fabulous year!"
- "Sending you birthday wishes with all the heart emojis. You deserve all the love and happiness today and always."
- "Happy birthday to my favorite extremely online friend. May your Wi-Fi always be strong and your battery never die."
- "Time to celebrate another trip around the sun. Let's make this year even more epic than the last!"
- "You're not getting older, you're leveling up! Happy birthday, gamer!"
- "Happy birthday, trendsetter! May your day be filled with selfie-worthy moments and viral-worthy adventures."
Step 4: Add The Perfect Finishing Touch
Brit + Co
As a bonus, consider creating a DIY envelope to complete the package. Choose decorative paper or repurpose materials like magazine pages or fabric scraps to craft a unique envelope that adds creativity and thoughtfulness to your handmade card. Personalize it by adding hand-drawn designs, stamps, or calligraphy for an extra special touch.
So, there you have it! DIY birthday cards offer endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and the chance to unleash your imagination. With just a few simple steps, you can create customized and sincere cards that will bring joy to your loved ones on their special day. Remember, the beauty of DIY is that there are no limits or rules. Let your creativity run wild, experiment with different techniques, colors, and textures, and, most importantly, have fun. Happy crafting!
For more crafty ideas, check out all of our DIY ideas on Brit + Co.
I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning â and insanely expensive â Zillow houses for sale right now.
Beach Houses
Image via Zillow
East Hampton Beach Cottage
Cost: $44,500,000
The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!
Image via Zillow
Destin Beach House Destination
Cost: $4,100,000â
Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? đâ
Image via Zillow
Marvelous Marco Island Getaway
Cost: $5,450,000
I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is â I promise it won't disappoint!
Image via Zillow
Laguna Beach Beauty
Cost: $21,500,000
Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 â a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?
Image via Zillow
California Dream House
Cost: $55,000,000
Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)
Image via Zillow
At Home In The Hamptons
Cost: $79,995,000
Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.
Image via Zillow
Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage
Cost: $9,950,000
In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.
Condos & Townhouses
Image via Zillow
Gorgeous Georgetown Condo
Cost: $5,495,000
DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...đ), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.
Image via Zillow
Upper East Side Excellence
Cost: $65,000,000
Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!
Image via Zillow
Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse
Cost: $6,950,000
Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!
Image via Zillow
Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse
Cost: $6,995,000
I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.
Mountain And Lake Houses
Image via Zillow
Charming Wyoming Ranch House
Cost: $8,199,000
It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.
Image via Zillow
Cozy North Carolina Castle
âCost: $7,500,000
Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. đâ
Image via Zillow
Sante Fe Getaway
Cost: $3,375,000
The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!
Image via Zillow
Lovely Michigan Lake House
Cost: $3,649,000
The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!
Looking for more home inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, and be sure to check out our storefront!
Header image via Zillow
We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeysseries, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.
Youâve got 48 hours in New York â you donât wanna do the typical tourist trap amusements, but you also donât wanna skip out on some absolute Big Apple classics. With some much to consider, it can feel hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, Iâve got your back. As someone whoâs lived here for years â and is very picky about how she spends her precious time, might I add â Iâve got the best tips for how to stay, eat, and experience NYC like a local.
Where To Stay
Photo: William Vale
My number one recommendation when staying in New York? The William Vale in Williamsburg. Not only are the views captivating, but this luxury experience is right in the heart of one of the coolest neighborhoods in all five boroughs.
Photo: Westlight,
You may wonder, âIf you live in the city, why should we listen to you about what hotel to stay in?â As a frequent patron of the exquisite rooftop bar â Westlight, if youâre already wondering â I got to know the hotel well over the years. My husband and I fell in love with the vibe so much that we decided to stay their for our wedding weekend with all our family and friends.
Photo: Haley Sprankle
Youâve got plenty of room options, depending on your needs. You can choose from regular rooms, suites, and a garden suite â all with the option to upgrade to a room with a view of the city, AKA a âGothamâ room. Having stayed in both a suite and a regular room (had to make a return visit for my one year anniversary đ), I can safely say that theyâre both amazing optionsâŚjust definitely opt for the city views, if possible. It really is breathtaking to wake up to the Empire State Building, whether youâre a local or just visiting.
What To Eat And Do: Day 1
Photo: Talea
Youâve just checked into your hotel at around 3:00pm, and youâre looking for a little snack and a quick drink. If youâre not already itching to check out Westlight at the hotel, make your way over to Brooklyn Brewery for a classic beer and (potentially) a tour of the facilities! The atmosphere is really chill, and itâs neat to see where (and how) the magic happens. If youâre looking to go even more local â and walk a little further â I would recommend checking out Talea as well! Itâs owned and operated by women (yay!), and the Al DentĂŠ Pilsner is a perfectly crisp afternoon drink!
Photo: Misi
Once youâve had your fill of laid-back libations and freshened up for the latter half of your first evening, Iâd go ahead and get to the main attraction: dinner. One thing about me? Iâm always craving Italian, and Williamsburg is one of the best places to get it. If youâre able to snag a reservation (they release on Resy seven days in advance), I would swing over to Misi. You may have heard of Lilia, their sister restaurant, on TV before, but Misi is often much-preferred among locals. While you canât go wrong ordering, Iâd definitely grab some whipped ricotta crostini, spinach and mascarpone filled tortelli, and the sheepâs milk ricotta-filled gnocchi.
I know itâs only day one, and there are plenty of decadent dessert options at MisiâŚbut I would opt for a gelato elsewhere. Gelateria Gentile is some of the best gelato you can find in the city, and itâs perfect for a little sweet treat to sum up your first day in New York. I love the mandorla and my husband loves the crema antica, but you canât go wrong with any flavor.
What To Eat And Do: Day 2
Photo: Black Seed
You canât come to New York without grabbing a bagel, and Black Seed has some of the best. Iâd grab a toasted sesame bagel with the lox and dill cream cheese, an iced coffee, and be on my way! While you can always take a car, hopping on the subway is honestly a breeze from Williamsburg. Make your way over to the Bedford Ave L train station, hop on a Manhattan-bound train, and youâll be there in no time! Take this train all the way to 8th Ave (just five stops).
Photo: Artists & Fleas
Once youâre off the train, make your way to Chelsea Market. If youâre wondering why a local would go to a touristy place like Chelsea Market, hear me out: Los Tacos Numero Uno. The line is long, but when I say these tacos are worth the waitâŚI really mean it. Plus, thereâs plenty of shopping at awesome spots like Artists & Fleas to occupy your time until youâre ready to actually eat those tacos for lunch.
Photo: Timothy Schenck for High Line
After snacking and snaking your way through the market, I like to take a stroll through the High Line park. The gardens are lovely in the warmer months, and itâs a nice way to get some fresh(ish) air above all the city traffic as you make your way uptown. The park ends right at Hudson Yards, so if you didnât get your shopping fill before â or youâre craving a little tapas from Mercado Little Spain food hall â you can check that out, too!
Photo: Haley Sprankle
This evening, Iâd make time to see a Broadway show, so timing is gonna be important. You could honestly see anything and have a good time â the beauty of live theatre! â but I would recommend checking out Hadestown if you can. The storytelling and music is incredibly inventive, and itâs moved me every single time Iâve seen it. On a Saturday night, that show will start at 8:00pm, so youâll wanna grab an earlier dinner at around 5:30pm beforehand.
Photo: Carmineâs
There are plenty of restaurants in the Theatre District, but not all are created equal. Donât get me wrong, Carmineâs and Tonyâs Di Napoli are yummy and reliable, but you just had Italian last night! Letâs get a little classic New York Chinese food. Head over to Dim Sum Palace and order dumplings and shumai to your heartâs content! Iâd certainly pair this with a lychee martini, but to each their own!
Photo: Glass House Tavern
Dinner and the show are done, but I just know youâll have plenty to talk about. Grab a post-show drink over at Glass House Tavern â you might even see a Broadway star or two there! I may or may not have seen Gleeâs very own Alex Newell singing at the bar with their friends a couple years agoâŚ
What To Eat And Do: Day 3
Photo: Haley Sprankle
I totally love a savory breakfast moment, but pastries are an absolute must on vacation. Get up early and take a car (or the L to the G train) to Radio Bakery. The pastries here are everything youâve ever wanted â maple and sausage croissants wrapped up so you get the perfect bit every time, earl grey morning buns that are just the right amount of sweet, and the ever-elusive vanilla custard croissant thatâs not always there, but is always delicious. Need I say more? Once youâve enjoyed your pastries and a little coffee, make your way back to the G train and ride it all the way to the Bergen St stop.
Photo: Arthur Brognoli
Yesterday was wonderfully Manhattan-filled, but Iâd opt for another Brooklyn moment in Carroll Gardens. If I could own an apartment anywhere in the city, it would be in Carroll Gardens. Itâs a quaint area with great food, great bars, and great people. Iâd grab an iced coffee at DâAmico (itâs seriously some of the best coffee in NY) and walk around the neighborhood to make stops in local antique shops like Yesterdayâs News. Then, because Iâm always thinking about what Iâm gonna eat next, Iâd go on over to Frankieâs 457. The sweet potato ravioli in parmesan broth and cavetelli with hot sausage in browned sage butter are must-haves in my house. Wrap up your meal with their delicious tiramisu, and you wonât be sorry!
Photo: Megan (Markham) Bucknall
Given that this is likely Sunday, and youâre headed out this evening, Iâd grab a car and make my way back to the hotel. If you feel like you need one last little snack for the road, snag a slice from Fini Pizza (definitely the white slice) or Joeâs Pizza (classic cheese). And voila! Youâve had a pretty perfect 48 hours in the greatest city in the world! Cheers!
Main image: Shutterstock
Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.
bagelbagel breakfastbest coffee shop nycbest dessert nycbest places to eat nycbest restaurants nycbest vacation spotsbest weekend tripsbreakfast pastriesbroadway showbrooklyn brewerycarroll gardenschelsea marketcity viewscreativityeasy travelfini pizzahidden gems nychigh line parkitalian dinneritalian restaurantjetset journeysjetset journeys seriesjoes pizzalive theatrelocal beerlocal coffeelocal experienceluxury hotelnew yorknyc shoppingradio bakeryromantic getawaysrooftop barscenic placessolo travelsubway ridesunday brunchtalea brewerytheatre districttourist attractionstravel credit cardtravel dealstravel guidetripus citiesvacation ideaswanderlustweekend travelwhat to do in nycwhere to eat in nycwhere to stay in nycwilliamsburgyelp reviewtravel
Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!
While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second â and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!
Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."
Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly â and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."
"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."
After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 â and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.
What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!
Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista
âTis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isnât a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).
Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we donât necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. Thatâs where walking sandals come in!
Sandalsneed to be comfy if weâre gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits â from casual to more dressed-up.
The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals
Comfort: 5/5
For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.
âIâve worn my Tevas to the ground,â she says. âThe inch height boost is appreciated as someone whoâs 5-feet 2-inches and theyâre incredibly sturdy and cushiony.â
Practicality: 5/5
Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.
âTheyâve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmerâs market, and grabbing coffee.â
Although theyâre super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of âconstant useâ from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.
Style: 5/5
The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but theyâre still stylish for todayâs age. The 1 Âź-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.
They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.
One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.
Chacos Z Sandals
Comfort: 4/5
The classic Chacos Z Sandals â once you actually break them in â are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.
To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (thatâs me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but itâs not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.
Practicality: 4/5
Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, theyâre durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they donât slip a single bit.
âThey work so well as water shoes,â Meredith says. âIâll wear them on long lake days and I donât ever have to take them off, even when Iâm out of the water.â
The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip⢠layer on the bottom that has a âgood amountâ of tread, according to Meredith.
The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.
âI definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,â she says. âIt can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you wonât have to worry about adjusting the straps again.â
Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, theyâre not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (sheâs had her Chacos for 6 years) that theyâre âwalkable for a day, but I wouldnât hike in them.â
Style: 4/5
The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so theyâre obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.
Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you donât have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!
Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasnât noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years sheâs worn them!
OluKai âAka Sandals
Comfort: 5/5
These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, theyâre not even quite flip flops, either. Theyâre like flip flops, but elevated, really.
The âAka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.
Practicality: 4/5
âFor a pool day, these are absolutely practical,â Meredith says.
These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesnât soak up water, but rather, repels it.
This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.
As far as the actual walking, thereâs not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but donât feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.
Style: 5/5
The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Comfort: 3/5
Ahh, Birks. Theyâre so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.
âThe cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,â according to Meredith.
On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so youâre not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.
Practicality: 3/5
These walking sandals arenât quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.
âI'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmerâs market,â she says. âMaybe I just havenât broken them in enough yet, though.â
Their flat sole doesnât have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface thatâs not an inside floor or pavement.
Style: 4/5
These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. Theyâve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.
These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.
Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals
Comfort: 3/5
Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.
Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though sheâs toyed with different levels of tightness, they just donât fit Meredithâs feet right.
The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.
Practicality: 2/5
Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith canât really endorse these walking sandalsâ practicality.
âTheyâre super cute, but I just canât have them on all day,â she says. âI wish they fit me better than they do.â
Style: 5/5
While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.
As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.
The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.
Subscribe to our shopping newsletter for more editor-approved wardrobe picks!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Images via brands.