Valentine’s Day puts a lot of pressure on getting a gift that doesn’t put a dent in your wallet, but also is special enough that makes a statement on how much you care about the person you’re buying for. The best kind of gifts are homemade because not only is it ten times less expensive, but the effort shows how much you care! Here are 5 gift ideas that take no time at all and will have your valentine swooning over your artistic talents and your loving gesture.
- I’m Stuck on You Valentine’s Box
For those who want to dress up a love note, cute photo, and some delicious treats- this will be the perfect decor to make your $5 seem luxurious.
What you need:
- Ruler
- Knife
- Several pieces of card board
- Hot-glue gun
- Patterned paper
- Heart border lining
- Gemstones/stickers
- Light Pink ribbon
- Card stock
First: To make the box, you will cut out two hearts of the same size out of the cardboard (use your ruler to ensure that your heart will fit whatever you are planning on putting inside); then with card stock, cut out two 1 1/8 inch strips for the base and two 1 inch strips for the lid. Take the heart cut out for the base and with the hot glue gun, paste the 1 1/8 inch strips along the lining of the heart (do the same to one lid heart cut out with the 1 inch strip). Ensure that the ends of the strip match up perfectly or else the lid and base won’t fit together smoothly.
Second: To decorate the box, cut long strips of whatever paper you want for the foundation of the lining and it has to be a little wider than the side strips so that the base of the cardboard is completely covered up. Hot glue the heart lining to the thin strips around the heart box. Repeat for both sides.
Third: Then you’re going to put the lid and the base together and decorate the top of the box. Put whatever you want on it, be creative! Lastly add a bow and fill the box with confetti and chocolate! This will be a great way to dress up some sweet candy and a sweet note.
2. “Scent”-imental
What you need:
- Patterned Red Heart “Cut Outs”
- Wire
- Scissors
- Super Glue
- One Candle
First: Dap a couple of dots around the candle and press the wire to the dots. Then, hot glue the cut out hearts around the candle and onto the wire (as if the hearts are held up by the wire). Lastly, place the small heart stickers randomly around the candle. That’s it! You’ll light up your Valentine with this crafty and thoughtful gift!
3. “Make My Heart Shutter” Picture Frame
What you need:
- Picture frame
- Super Glue
- Candy Hearts
Go to the store and buy any type of picture frame (I got mine from Target for $5). Simply glue the candy hearts around the sides of the picture frame and add a picture of you and your Valentine. This is the perfect keepsake gift that will constantly bring back memories!
4. Love Dove Soap
What you need:
- Nonstick 9-inch square pan
- Heart-shape cookie cutter
- Glass measuring cup
- Glycerin soap
- Soap colorant or food coloring
- Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
- Cutting board
- 1/8-inch metal letter stamps
First: Cut the soap into small pieces and then fill a measuring cup. Then place in microwave at medium until every piece is completely melted.
Second: Once completely melted, add coloring and then stir. Pour the liquid into the pan and spray with rubbing alcohol to remove the bubbles.
Third: Let harden at room temperature for 2 hours and then put in the freezer for 10 min. Lastly, turn the soap upside down on a cutting board and push the cutter into the soap. Imprint your special message on the soap and ta-da! Your valentine will super excited to use your love note soap!
5. You’re So Sweet Bouquet
What you need:
- Heart Shaped Chocolate
- One Flower (preferably a rose)
- A small vase
- Metallic String
- Green Pipe cleaners
- Hot Glue gun
First: Pick out a vase and put a single flower in it with a chocolate heart hot glued to the top center.
Then intertwine the green pipe cleaner with the metallic string. Lastly, work with the pipe cleaner so that it molds nicely in comparison to the flower and glue other chocolate hearts to it.
Finally add a bow to the vase and your yummy bouquet is ready to be given to your Valentine.
These Valentine’s gifts are quick, cheap, and show your Valentine just how much you care in a unique your and romantic way.
For other Holiday Crafts, check out:
http://www.marthastewart.com/276967/valentines-day
http://familycrafts.about.com/
http://www.bhg.com/holidays
