We’re quickly approaching the widely celebrated day of love — Valentine’s Day. A day to spend with your significant other or friends, to eat chocolate and heart shaped lollipops, to wear red and pink and to listen to your favorite love songs.
We’re all familiar with the typical Valentine’s Day gifts: teddy bears, flowers, cards, fancy dinners. But what else can you do to show your partner or friends your appreciation?
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy surprising your loved one’s with unique gift ideas that will leave them gushing. Make this Saint Valentine’s Day special using this list of mostly hand-made gifts.
Hand-written letter in a hand-made card
Ditch the usual store-bought card and create your very own specialized card. All you need for this is some construction or printer paper, a writing utensil and something to say. If you want to make it more decorative, I would recommend using colorful pens or markers, purchasing love-themed stickers, glitter or washi tape. These elements will add fun details and show that you put effort into creating the card. Once you’re done decorating the card, write down some words of appreciation for the person receiving the card.
I created several cards using paper and markers I already had at home. I purchased my stickers and washi tape at Starlandia Art Supply for less than 10 dollars. You can also find these materials on Amazon, Walmart or any art supply store.
Gift Basket
Another way to make your Valentine’s Day gift special is to create your very own gift basket full of items you know your loved one will enjoy. Sure, there are the pre-made gift baskets available at stores, but why not go above and beyond to make a customized basket (likely for less money, too)?
You can purchase a basket at an affordable cost at Walmart or any dollar store. Next, think of the sweet treats, flowers, snacks or beverages your loved one most enjoys. Once you’ve gathered those together, assort them in your basket and you’re all set!
Framed Photo Collage
A photo is worth a thousand words, including “I love you”. Begin this idea with a photo frame and at least one image of you and your loved one. Next, gather some paper memories you’ve shared with this person: concert tickets, receipts, parking passes, cards, etc. Then grab some old magazines, newspapers or scrapbooking paper packs to use as your background.
Place the image(s) of you and your loved one in the middle of the frame on top of your background. Then arrange the paper memories around the image. If you do not have any paper memories, worry not! You can substitute those with stickers, washi tape and other ephemera that can be found at craft stores.