Looking for meaningful, budget-friendly homemade holiday gifts for campers this year? On the latest episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Janine shares five handmade gift ideas that are easy to create, fun to personalize, and perfect for your favorite camping friends. These gifts are thoughtful, practical, and infused with that Girl Camper spirit of creativity and community.

Whether you’re looking for something cozy for the campsite or a heartfelt gift that doesn’t break the bank, these projects are simple, beautiful, and totally doable.

A gorgeous (and useful!) fire starter made from a simple lunch bag, twine, and a bit of petroleum jelly. Perfect for campfires and backyard firepits.

Turn a thrift store thermos into a charming bedside lamp using a battery-operated LED puck light and a clip-on shade. Stunning on a camper nightstand!

Layer dehydrated oranges, apples, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon for a fragrant stovetop simmer that smells like the holidays.

Combine freeze-dried vegetables, quick-cook pasta, and bouillon to create an easy soup mix your friends can take on the road. Perfect for a chilly camping night.

Hand-folded origami cubes placed over a strand of LED lights—simple, soothing, and beautiful in any RV or tiny space.

All items are from the supply list used in the episode:

Extra Large Double Sided Tape

Origami Paper

Freeze-Dried Mixed Vegetables

Battery Operated Wireless LED Light Bulb

Lamp Shade Light Bulb Clip Adapter

Dried Blood Orange Slices

Whole Cloves

Star Anise

Looking for more DIY projects? Check out our article on more ideas on how to make nature inspired fire starters.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Girl Camper may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work and helping us keep the Girl Camper community thriving!