Make-Your-Own Valentine's Day Gifts

I love Valentine's Day. I love to craft for it, I love the unabashed use of red and hearts, the opportunity to be a little silly. And in my world, everyone's a potential Valentine, not just my husband and son. So it's one of my favorite gift giving times as well - a holiday that calls for small, thoughtful gestures in nice packages. 

That's the focus of my Valentine feature in the February issue of Better Homes and Gardens - making small, handmade gifts or upgrading traditional packaging (like giving a store bought box of chocolates a new look with customized wrapping). It's easy - and a lot more fun than being a Valentine cynic!

You can find all the projects shown here (and more!) in the February issue or online at BHG.com. (The link to BHG.com has a number of other DIY gifts in it as well - from various contributors.)

 

 Customizable, downloadable scratch-off card. 
 

 

Upgrade a standard drink carrier and fill it with a special selection of sodas or beer (look for shops that sell sodas or beers by the bottle so you can have an eclectic assortment).
 

 

Stamped muslin bags are a breeze to make and can hold all kinds of treats, not just candy. I like the idea of packaging them with vintage printers blocks, like XOXO and Love (I find wooden letters on Etsy and Ebay, as well as antique stores.)
 

 

I like to create inspiration kits for my girlfriends. I fill them according to their personalities and style, favorite colors, etc.

Decorative papers, ribbon, and cupcake liner flowers dress up traditional candy boxes.

 
 

I made these scrapbook paper candy bar wrappers for BHG a few years back, but I still love them. They're easy to make (especially if you have a paper trimmer) and the design possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a wrapper that truly reflects your recipient. 

 

Comments

[funny valentine]

The last hidden treasure should include a Valentine card expressing how much you have been enjoying their friendship.

[Shannon @ A Mom's Year]

These are all beautiful. I really have to try the scratch-off cards. I had no idea you could make these yourself!

[Amy @ Living Locurto]

Adorable ideas! It was great meeting you last weekend!!

[Abbey Metcalf]

where can i download the scratch off valentines? i love these ideas! thanks!

[Car Insurance Seattle]

Those muslin bags are lovely! Love it!

[Suzonne]

Yes, Sarah. You can use any stamp you like. I used regular pigment ink pads for the bags (allow for a little more drying time than paper). One note - pick a stronger colored ink because it will end up more muted on the muslin. If you use something light, like pastels, they won't have much impact.

[Sarahmillman.wordpress.com]

I agree, those muslin bags are lovely, and would work for any occasion with a different stamp. Do you make them yourself?

[Noas'Libellule]

I LOVE your muslin bags!