START 7 DAY FREE TRIAL

Activities

Arts and crafts

Homemade Gift Ideas For Your Best Friends

Written By: happycamper

Are you looking for the perfect way to show your best friends just how much they mean to you this holiday season? Well, look no further! We’ve got some awesome homemade gift ideas that are sure to bring smiles and good times. Plus, we’ll throw in some summer camp-inspired crafts, like the classic friendship bracelet. Let’s get crafty!

Personalized Picture Frame

Grab a plain picture frame from your local craft store and let your imagination run wild! Decorate it with paints, stickers, or even glue on some small trinkets. Once it’s dry, add a photo of you and your bestie having a blast. Every time they look at it, they’ll remember the amazing memories you’ve shared.

tie dye shirtCustomized T-Shirt

Get some plain white T-shirts and transform them into unique masterpieces. Use fabric paint, markers, or even tie-dye to create a design that reflects your friendship. You could draw inside jokes, write each other’s names, or come up with a special symbol that represents your bond.

Scented Candles

Did you know you can make your own candles at home? Choose your friend’s favorite scent and color, then melt wax and pour it into a mold. Before it solidifies, add a wick to the center. Once it’s fully cooled, you’ll have a personalized, sweet-smelling candle to gift to your bestie. This one’s best done with adult supervision.

Customized Jewelry

Homemade jewelry is always a hit! You can make earrings, necklaces, or bracelets with beads, clay, or even recycled materials. For that extra special touch, create matching pieces so you and your friend can wear them together and always feel connected.

friendship braceletFriendship Bracelets

Ah, the classic summer camp craft! Gather colorful threads and get ready to weave some fantastic friendship bracelets. You can choose different patterns, colors, and even add beads for a stylish twist. These bracelets are not only fun to make but also serve as a constant reminder of your friendship.

Tips for Making Friendship Bracelets:

Choose vibrant colors: Pick colors that represent you and your friend or go for a rainbow assortment. Experiment with patterns: There are tons of tutorials online for different bracelet patterns. Try a few until you find the one you like best! Add Beads or harms: Personalize your bracelets by adding small beads or charms that have special meaning to you and your friend. Create a set: Make multiple bracelets that complement each other, creating a matching set for you and your bestie.

Put on your creative cap, gather your supplies, and get ready to make your best friend’s day with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Watch “Episode 26 – Campy Creation Craze!” of Kidoodle TV for more insider tips on making bestie bracelets.

And check out our 2023 Happy Camper Live Holiday Gift Guide to add some items to your holiday wish list. 

Tagged:- arts and crafts, holiday gifts, holidays, homemade gifts

RELATED ARTICLES

Activities

Outdoor adventure

New Year, New Adventures: Outdoor Skills Kids Can Practice in Winter

The New Year is the perfect time to try something new—and winter offers its own exciting outdoor classroom for kids. While summer may be camp season, winter is ideal for building confidence, creativity, and practical outdoor skills that kids can practice right in their own backyard or at a winter camp. From snow science to […]

Activities

Campers

Parents

How Camps Can Help Kids Set Goals and Build Confidence in the New Year

The start of a new year is a powerful moment for reflection, fresh starts, and growth—especially for kids. While adults often focus on resolutions, children benefit most from environments that encourage progress through experience, play, and positive reinforcement. That’s where camp shines. Camps provide a unique setting where kids can set goals, try new things, […]

Read More...

Activities

Arts and crafts

Winter-Inspired Arts and Crafts for Campers

Winter is the perfect season to slow down, get creative, and explore arts and crafts inspired by snowy landscapes, cozy traditions, and winter wildlife. Whether campers are spending time outdoors at winter camp or staying warm inside, winter-themed crafts help build creativity, fine motor skills, and a sense of seasonal wonder. Below are fun, age-appropriate […]

Read More...

Activities

Outdoor adventure

How to Stay Warm and Comfortable During Winter Campouts

Winter camping can be an unforgettable adventure—quiet trails, snowy landscapes, and crisp night skies make cold-weather campouts extra special. But staying warm and comfortable is key to actually enjoying the experience. With the right preparation, winter campouts can be just as cozy (and safe) as summer ones. In this guide, we’ll share practical winter camping […]

Read More...

Activities

Family activities

Winter Camp Activities to Keep Kids Active Indoors

When winter weather keeps campers inside, staying active can feel like a challenge—but indoor camp activities can be just as energizing, creative, and fun. With the right mix of movement, teamwork, and imagination, indoor winter camp activities help kids burn energy, build skills, and stay engaged even when it’s cold outside. Below are high-energy indoor […]

Read More...

HAPPY CAMPERS

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Music and Theater

Read More...

Fun and Unique Summer Camp Souvenirs and Playful Camping Socks

Read More...

Unwritten Rules Every Summer Camper Should Know

Read More...

Your Introduction to Happy Camper Live & Why Your Child Will Love It

Read More...

categories

Activities (278)

Arts and crafts (85)

Camp stories (12)

Camp traditions (24)

Campers (106)

Cooking (50)

Education (6)

Family activities (93)

Featured camps (12)

Gift Guides (12)

Music (9)

Outdoor adventure (44)

Parents (65)

Podcast (25)

School (17)

Science (16)

Sports (32)

STEM (13)

Water sports (1)