Because Store-Bought Ain’t It—Here Are the Best DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Struggling to find the ideal Valentine’s Day gift is a near-universal experience every February. Many might claim there’s nothing to fret about, but Valentine’s Day is more than a Hallmark-propelled holiday. For people around the globe, February 14 is an opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms, show your loved ones how much they mean to you, or simply spend a good time with those who matter the most.
And yes, presents are always appreciated. However, perhaps nothing is as unique and intimate as crafting and customizing your gifts with your hands. Do you want to elevate your gifting game? Here’s a list of Valentine’s Day’s DIY ideas to try this February 14.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries
Perhaps because of their color or their association with romance, strawberries are a Valentine’s Day staple. Whether you’re hands-on in the kitchen or just want to test your luck, this idea is straightforward and pretty easy to recreate. You only need two ingredients: fresh strawberries and your favorite chocolate — although using baking chocolate is preferred. Melt the chocolate, dip your strawberries, and refrigerate for a couple of hours, and they’re ready to go!
You can tweak this recipe to fit your heart’s content by using toppings, shaping the strawberries into hearts, using skewers to make a strawberry bouquet, or wrapping them into boxes. Just let your imagination run wild!
DIY Bracelets
If you’re a ‘90s kid or updated with pop culture, you’ve probably crafted do-it-yourself bracelets at some point. Those accessories have been a must-have item for various generations but also make for a great Valentine’s Day craft project. For a simple and effortless approach, opt for beaded bracelets with elastic strings. However, you can go as elaborate as your skills allow with waxed string, metallic accents, or leather wrap.
You can also add customization by adding the recipients’ initials with letter beads or using their favorite colors and charms. Get as creative as you want.
Personalized keychains
On the same note, gift your special ones custom-made keychains. Find inspiration in their hobbies, favorite foods, music, or random references to design your gift. Are they artsy people? Paint a scrap wood keychain with your own artwork. Are they into the latest trends? Make a large tassel or use charms to create a statement keyring.
The most original can add pictures, repurpose items, or even include miniatures of the recipient’s must-have items. A popular idea on social media, for example, is attaching beauty and hygiene products like lip gloss, sunscreen, or creams to the keychain so your loved ones never run out of their go-to products.
Letters and cards
Nothing says “I love you” as much as actually expressing your feelings. Write a letter or make a card sharing your deepest thoughts or funniest puns — just don’t go overboard with the latest. You can go as big or imaginative as you want. The most skilled can use watercolor, oil paint, and oil colors to paint. Others can rely on printing templates and adorning them with stickers, markers, and glitter.
The key to putting together the best cards and letters is not to leave them until the last minute. Take your time, plan accordingly, and be sincere! You’ll earn bonus points if you accompany the gift with other items on this list.
Similar to cards, but more elevated: painted tote bag, T-shirt or shoes
Painting or personalizing tote bags, plain T-shirts, or canvas shoes is another bulletproof DIY project. Use what you know about the recipient as your starting point. Are they flower lovers or sports enthusiasts, or perhaps they love animals? Then, pick your design correspondingly and get started. Use acrylic painting, fabric markers, charms, beads, or embroidery thread. The idea is to let how much you know the other person shine with designs that tap into their interests and preferences.
Date jar
If your loved ones appreciate spending time with you and sharing good moments, a date jar might be the right gift for them! Find a crystal jar or another recipient of your choice and fill it with date prompts and ideas. This gift will evolve over time, so think carefully about what you include in your cards and how you present them.
Remember to include things both of you enjoy, some that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, and, of course, some you’ve never tried before. You can even add wild cards for memorable gifts or experiences to make the jar as fun as you want it to be!
Bake your way to the heart
Whoever said, “the way to the heart is through the stomach,” might have been onto something. Cooking and baking are indeed love languages, and Valentine’s Day is perhaps the perfect holiday to display your love through your favorite recipes. And the sweeter, the better.
The ideas are as varied as it gets: heart-shaped cookies, cupcakes, cakes, brownies, pies, you name it. You can never go wrong with your star recipe or your loved one’s go-to dessert. Make it extra special with toppings such as heart sprinkles, chocolate chips, or handmade decorations.
Candles
Another relatively easy project is candle-making or candle decoration. You can use recycled candles, start from scratch, or simply decorate new candles. The idea is to express your creativity and personalize your gift.
Candles can be any shape, size, or color, so find something that resonates with your loved ones and go from there. There are options for nearly everyone, from heart-shaped candles in crystal or ceramic jars to standard taper candles painted with hearts.
Any personalized experience
They say sharing is caring, and that can’t be any truer during Valentine’s Day. Sometimes, the gift doesn’t need to be a tangible object. You can go with anything that reflects how deeply you know the other person’s needs and preferences.
Is your loved one stressed? Prepare a spa or massage experience in the comfort of your home. Do they like chilling out and resting after a day at work? Set up a movie night with their favorite films and snacks. Maybe they prefer movie-like romance? Opt for a stargazing date in your backyard or put together a romantic dinner at home. What matters the most is spending time together and making the most out of it.
Make a playlist
Whoever is willing to share their favorite music with you or knows you well enough to tell what your favorite songs are is a keeper. So yes, no matter how much the times change, making a playlist is still a memorable gift.
Start by rounding up your loved one’s favorite songs. Then, spice the list up with recommendations of your own. Then, whether the playlist is for a romantic partner, a situationship, or a friend, add iconic songs that suit your relationship status. Finally, personalize the playlist’s cover image. You can go for a personal design, a collage, or even a photo of the both of you. Some apps, like Spotify, even allow you to include Valentine’s Day animations and stickers.
