19 DIYs That Will Take Your Camping Trip to the Next Level

We are are huge summer lovers over here at Brit HQ (then again, we’d love to meet someone who does not love summer). There’s no better time of year to throw your things in a bucket bag, pack up your car and head out of town for a little Instagrammable outdoorsy time. Of course, when you DIY your whole camping experience, it only gets that much better (and picturesque). So try rolling up your sleeves, grabbing some paint and start crafting your very own beautiful camping experience using these wonderful DIYs.

1. DIY Fabric Cozies: Whether it’s a blistering hot day or a cool night, your favorite beverage will be protected from the elements with these bright + bold fabric cozies. (via Brit + Co)

2. Basket Backpack Hack: Forget lugging all your camping goodies around on your arm or in a plastic bag. This quick hack turns any standard basket into a backpack fit to carry any and all of your grub. (via Brit + Co)

3. Portable Cornhole Set: While you might not want to lug this around when you’re hiking through the forest, this cornhole set is perfect for car camping and will keep the kids (and adults!) entertained all weekend long. (via Brit + Co)

4. DIY A-Frame Tent: The core of any good camping trip is a sturdy and pretty little tent. Especially if it looks anything like this blue wonder. (via Nalles House)

5. Homemade Sunscreen: Made with coconut and almond oils, shea butter, beeswax, zinc and carrot seed oil, this DIY sunscreen is so wonderful it’s nearly impossible to leave off your skin. (via Live Simply)

6. DIY Dopp Kit: No dude could resist a camping trip when this uber-masculine leather dopp kit is involved. It’s perfect for organizing all those manly bath + body essentials. (via Brit + Co)

7. DIY Agate Bottle Stopper: Just because you are out in the wilderness doesn’t mean you can’t bring a little class to that picnic table. Agate FTW. (via Brit + Co)

8. S’mores Kit: Get your s’mores situation in tip-top shape by putting together a kit before you even leave home. If you’re feeling extra thoughtful, make a mini kit for each friend coming along on the trip. (via Creature Comforts)

9. Picnic Blanket Game Board: Keep the activities coming as quickly as your delicious grub with this dual-purpose checkerboard/picnic blanket. (via Nellie Bellie)

10. Homemade Calamine Lotion: From poison ivy to burns, this cream is your all-in-one solution to everything less than pleasant. (via Everyday Roots)

11. Turban Headband: Come day two of your camping adventure, those locks can start to look a little wild and wacky. Keep things under control with this DIY headband. (via Brit + Co)

12. Pinecone Fire Starters: Not only do these fire starters make great gifts, but they’re also a colorful way to get the fire crackin’ and the s’mores roastin’. (via Something Turquoise)

13. DIY Lanterns: No campfire would be complete without a little mood lighting. These beautifully painted, awesomely recycled aluminum cans will brighten up your night under the stars. (via Grow Creative)

14. DIY Sunburn Relief: If you got caught up in a good book and ended up a little toastier for it, never fear! Homemade relief is here in the form of this aloe-vera-juice-based topical treatment. (via Sarah Titus)

15. Homemade Nutella: No camping trip is ever complete without a few delicious indulgences. Drizzled on s’mores, spread on graham crackers or eaten right out the jar, this homemade Nutella isn’t just tasty, it’s made from scratch. This means it’s slightly better for you than the store-bought kind… right? (via Recipe Girl)

16. No-Sew Pancho: Whether you’re in the back of a boat or sitting around the campfire, this poncho can protect you (and your phone) from the elements. (via Brit + Co)

17. Homemade Bug Repellant: Keep the pests at bay with this mixture of tea tree oil, witch hazel and your favorite essential oils. (via Brit + Co)

18. DIY Soap Pouch: Make these little soaps for each one of your camping buddies to help keep everyone so fresh and so clean all weekend long. (via Whimsy Love)

19. Personalized Camping Mugs: Nothing says camping more than enamel mugs and dishes. Add a little oomph to yours with some fun personalized messages. (via Tuts Plus)

Where are you camping this summer? Tell us (pretty please!) in the comments below.

Tired of looking for new book club picks or binge watching Nobody Wants This again? Maybe it's time for you to find free online card games to play. We're not 100% convinced you want to stop revisiting Kristen Bell and Adam Brody's hot onscreen romance, but we'll believe you for now. Even if you still plan to curl up with a nice glass of wine to dissect what makes this new rom-com a must-watch with your best gal pals, theres no harm in sneaking away to play one of these 10 free online games!

Looking for more free games online? Check out our brand new gaming arena ASAP for the best ways to pass the time!

Brit + Co

Texas Hold 'Em

Not ready to test your poker skills in Vegas just yet? Play one of the most classic online games that doesn't require you to buy a plane ticket. You'll still get to play against other people, but the stakes aren't as high.

Brit + Co

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

Think you're ready for the big leagues? Test your skills with Arkadium's Texas Hold 'Em Tournament! Unlike the real deal, you won't have to put up any money upfront which should make you breathe a sigh of relief. If you're the last person sitting, you'll claim the huge win!

Brit + Co

Today's Hurdle

Don't want to play against anyone? Test how quickly you can solve this new word puzzle. You'll be given five Hurdles to solve before time runs out. The best part is they the Hurdles change daily!

Brit + Co

Bridge

While you'd usually round up three of your closest friends to play this classic game, you don't have to worry about someone canceling their plans at the last minute since this version is online. See if you can win tricks before time is up!

Brit + Co

Wander Words

If the crossword puzzle you've been playing has gotten stale, test your linguistic skills with Wander Words! You'll still get the familiar word search you're used to, but this game has a little more spunk!

Brit + Co

Black Jack

It's likely people in real life wouldn't be as forgiving if you're playing Black Jack, but this is one of those free online games where you'll learn as you go. Plus, you don't have to worry about something taking your hard-earned money if you lose.

Brit + Co

Word Hunt

Can you find all of the words in this fun, but challenging game? The more levels you pass, the harder it gets so better pull out your dictionary to brush up on your words!

Brit + Co

Pyramid Solitaire

Need to feel challenged after mastering the classic game of solitaire? Play this version that calls for you to combine two cards that equal 13. It looks simple, but solving the pyramid can be tricky!

Brit + Co

Family Feud

Ever wished you could appear on an episode of Family Feud because you think you know all the answers to Steve Harvey's questions? Now you can prep for your potentially lucky day by playing the game at home! See how fast you can come up with the correct answers before your opponent beats you!

Brit + Co

Addiction Solitaire

Can't get enough of Solitaire, but need something different? Fall in love with this version that's sure to make you addicted. Your speed and ability to match cards will be tested like never before.

Visit our exciting new Game Center for even more free games to play!

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Once you've got your red, white and blue ice cream, Pinterest-perfect decorations and all your best buddies, the only thing your Fourth of July BBQ needs is a solid selection of lawn games. If you grew up playing horseshoes, corn-hole and bocce ball, bring back those childhood faves with a modern twist!

As you're prepping your Independence Day activities, spruce up an old board game with a psychedelic paint job, or turn an old classic into a giant-sized adventure that kids of *all ages* will love. Once you're done, it's game time (after you Instagram it, of course)! Keep reading for 15 fun DIY games that will make your Fourth of July party the hottest bash on the block!

DIY Lawn Dominoes

Iron & Twine

Dominoes aren’t just for the card table anymore. Paint a set of wooden blocks with a splash of color that *screams* summertime, and you’ve got a weekend hit. (via Iron & Twine)

Giant Jenga

A Beautiful Mess

Because everything is more fun when it's giant-sized. Paint the outer edge of the blocks with a few coats of colorful house paint to make the tower extra pretty, and get ready for a bit of fun competition among friends, fam, and kids. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Giant Scrabble

Consider The Peel

A traditional game of Scrabble has 100 tiles (eek!), so you might want to consider cutting down on that a bit – unless you live for the game. Stock up on some wood tiles at your local hardware store, then use paint and stencils to get the letters on each tile. And don’t forget the points in the lower right corner! (viaConsider The Peel)

DIY Horse Shoes

Mr. Kate

Embroidery thread isn’t just for friendship bracelets — it’s also for making the *cutest* set of horseshoes you ever did see. Start by spray painting the horseshoes and the stake, and then wrap them in a thread for a colorful, boho-chic look. (via Mr. Kate)

Flamingo Ring Toss Lawn Game

Sugar & Cloth

This game could totally double as yard decor after the holiday weekend is over. If you have a nice grassy area available and you’re short on time (or are sticking to a budget), skip the pots and just stick the flamingos straight into the ground! Otherwise, fill some mini planters with sand or soil to keep your fun-loving flamingos upright. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Lawn Checkers

Jessie Daye

Just... ignore the funny looks the hardware guys give you when you stock up on a cartful of bucket lids. Spray paint half of them black for a traditional color palette, or shock your uncle with a snazzy set of pink and orange checker pieces. (via Jessie Daye)

DIY Color Block Games

Brit + Co

Make sure there’s a game station for *all* ages and interests at your party. While the rest of the crew is battling it out at the corn hole game, set up a couple of these rad color-dipped board games to keep everyone entertained. (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Lawn Matching Game

Studio DIY

This game is perf for the backyard — it’s made with cork tiles, so it’s totally reusable and light enough for the little ones to carry around. There are printables for all these symbols so you can have a summertime themed set, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own stencils. (via Studio DIY)

Yard Yahtzee

Style Me Pretty

Supersize this old-school game, and let the good times roll with these giant dice. This DIY even includes a free printable scorecard so you can refresh your memory on a winning strategy. (viaStyle Me Pretty)

Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe

Better Homes & Garden

The traditional version might not be cool enough for the kids, but give them a giant version, and they’ll be all over it. This game actually takes a lot of skill to get the frisbees to land *exactly* right. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

DIY Cactus Ring Toss Lawn Game

Brit + Co

Ring toss just got a very trendy upgrade. If you'd rather spend your budget on tasty snacks and cocktails, you'll love that this yard game is made out of nothing more than cardboard boxes and paint. Bonus: You can use these adorable cacti as home decor later on! (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Bocce Balls

Brit + Co

When it comes time to bust out the bocce balls, make sure your color scheme is *on point* and in full patriotic form. Spruce up an old set of bocce balls with a starry makeover and a fresh coat of paint. (via Brit + Co.)

DIY Star-Spangled Yard

Better Homes & Gardens

Give your lawn the star-spangled treatment for Fourth of July weekend. And don't panic: it's not *actual* paint. Cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard, spray the grass lightly with water, and use a flour sifter to fill the shape with flour. The stars should last until your sprinklers wash them away. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

4th Of July Tic-Tac-Toe

Hey, Let's Make Stuff

Bring along this little game to your neighborhood block party, and get ready for it to be an instant hit. You can use any sized letters for this DIY, but the bigger the letters are, the more fun (and photogenic) it will be. (via Hey, Let's Make Stuff!)

Custom Cornhole Game

Brit + Co

This game is practically a requirement at all summer festivities. You can totally DIY it from scratch, or you can try this simple makeover for your very own custom set. (via Brit + Co.)

Did we get your favorite yard game? If you're looking for more fun DIY ideas for Fourth of July weekend, make sure you follow us on Pinterest!

Lead image viaBetter Homes & Gardens

This article has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.