This month, we will be working on some gifts for Valentine’s Day that you can make at home! These gifts will be inexpensive, creative and can be done by anyone! Today we will run down the list of ideas and start prepping them to make the remainder of the month! Make sure to check back each week to see what projects we have completed!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care, and nothing says “love” like a handmade gift. Whether you’re crafting for a partner, friend, or family member, these easy and inexpensive DIY projects will make the day extra special. Let’s dive into creative ideas that are sure to impress without breaking the bank!
- Handmade Cards
Handmade cards are thoughtful, personal and can be made from virtually anything, along with a sheet of paper. This easy project can be done by anyone, of any age, and is super inexpensive. You can use things found around the house, or go big and hit up the craft store for high end supplies. I prefer not spending a lot of money. In my mind, it is more about the time and effort spent on the card, and not how much you spent on it. That being said I do make “crafts” for a living and have a large amount of supplies on hand, so I may not be the one to give advice on the supplies.
That being said, here are some supplies to gather to make your card:
- Card stock, construction paper or blank printer paper
- Markers, colored pencils, pens & pencils or crayons
- Glue, tape and scissors
- Optional: glitter, ribbons, stickers or stamps
- Found around the house: pasta noodles, deck of cards (hearts!), cupcake liners and more.
These are just some of the supplies and ideas of things to use when making your own card. Get creative and think outside the box to make your cards even more special! Make sure to add a heartfelt message, or short poem, to express your love for the recipient of your handmade card!
- Love Coupons
Creating love coupons is simple and thoughtful…as long as you follow through when they are cashed in. Create a booklet of coupons that offer thoughtful gestures and experiences for your loved one. Some examples may be dinner out, movie night, allow them to pick and go out for dessert, a back massage or one of the many other sentiments available to pick from.Some materials needed would be colorful paper or note cards, pens, markers or printable templates. You can get as detailed and creative as you want with these!
- Jar of Love Notes
Creating a jar of love notes is an amazing way to express your love and appreciation. To make this gift you will need a jar, some paper and a pen or marker. SO simple! Simply write reasons why you love the recipient. Try to be specific and use example. Share a memory you have that meant a lot, or an activity you shared that brought you joy. Share one of their attributes that you appreciate, or something that they do regularly that means a lot to you. Make it personal and do your best to fill up the jar.
- Photo Garland
A photo garland is a great way to showcase your favorite memories with the person you love. Try to make your display creative and use plenty of photos to fill out the garland. Supplies needed for this project would be printed photos, string or twine and clothespins or tape. Hang this garland in a special place in your home to enjoy for Valentine’s Day!
- Heart-Shaped Treats
Food is always a great way to show your love. Jorge often makes me special treats for Valentine’s Day, my birthday and our anniversary. Definitely going to be missing my crème brulee and my eggs Benedict this year for some of those holidays, but I know he would make them anytime if I just ask. Maybe I’ll prepare a sweet treat that is heart shaped to help add to the meal!
For this project there are several different ways to achieve a heart-shaped treat. You can use cookie cutters, round cake pans, simple baking supplies and ingredients. I hope to dive into this one a little deeper to help show you different methods to achiever heart-shaped goodies! Don’t forget the end result, as you will want to display your treats or package them to give away.
- DIY Love Frame
A DIY frame is a great way to share a photo with your loved one. For this DIY project, simply take an inexpensive frame and decorate it. You can use paint, modge podge, craft materials like buttons, stones, sequins, ribbon and more. Just don’t forget adding a meaningful photo, or a handwritten note inside the frame.
- String Art Heart
I love seeing these string art pieces at craft shows and always wanted to try one. Making a heart-shaped string art piece seams simple enough, but a great way to share the love on Valentine’s Day. To create a string art piece, simply start with a block of wood and hammer in nails (not all the way) in your desired shape. For this holiday a heart is a great, and simple, design to work with. Then take string and tie it to one nail and string it through and around the nails to create a spun design. You really can’t go wrong here, just don’t forget to tie off the end!
- Kid’s Art
I’ve been seeing a growing trend to use your little one’s hand and footprints to create fun holiday cards. It is such a sweet keepsake that any parent or grandparent would love to receive. Simply start with a piece of thin wood, thick paper or something similar and write or print your message. Incorporate feet or hand prints into the message and then paint your kiddos hands or feet to imprint them on the chosen canvas. So cute!!
As you can see, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. With these DIY projects, you can show your love and appreciation in creative and thoughtful ways. So gather your supplies, let your imagination flow, and enjoy the process of making something truly special for your loved ones. Happy crafting!
As always, thank you for reading and joining us on this journey. Simply, Beth