Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in America with more than 62% of Americans celebrating it. Many people come up with the usual type of gifts, such as flowers or candies.  Chocolates especially are a very common gift people constantly see. How about switchings things up a these year by making the special someone in your life a gift. I’m not saying that flowers and candies aren’t pretty and sweet, but they have become repetitive and cliche. Making something meaningful shows that you care for a person by doing something different. Little gestures can make a huge statement on this romantic day. Any act of kindness can display a bigger message of love: a letter on your locker, an extra long hug, the person’s favorite food, etc. So, with the “little gifts” concept in mind, I bring you all these DIY (do it yourself) Valentine’s gifts for your loved ones. Let’s not forget that these new ideas could also save you some money by making the gifts more affordable.

The first DIY idea would be a scrapbook of pictures of you and your significant other that is decorated with all the stuff the person likes. You could also add little notes that reminds your significant other of special memories. For the most part, the materials for this idea would be at your house already, but if happen to need craft supplies, you can find them at any store, such as Walmart and Target. If a scrapbook is too much work for the last minute, then go for something more simple.

For this next DIY gift, you would need a jar, a personal picture, fairy light (battery operated), jute mesh, scissors, and some glue. First, find a mason jar and begin with a piece of jute or ribbon. Then, place your picture inside the jar along with the lights. You’ll obtain a personalized glow in the dark of a favorite memory.

The next idea is more for the people that are interested in art. Even if you aren’t, you can still do it. The materials needed for this DIY would be a small canvas, paint, paint brushes, and a pencil. Firstly, paint the background of the canvas whichever color you prefer. Then, add a little message or quote from some author you or your partner likes. Last, let it sit out to dry before you give it to your sweetie.

The following DIY is a personalized mug. Yeah, it’s weird, but you cannot go wrong with these one because who doesn’t drink from a mug, right? And what better way to drink your choice of beverage than to do it in a mug with a personalized message from your loved one? Be creative and have fun. The materials are pretty simple, just buy the mug (preferably white) in order to be able to write a clear message with Sharpie. You can be as corny/sarcastic or as sentimental/sweet as possible. Next, set the oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180ºC.). Place the engraved mug in the oven while it’s preheating. Allow it to bake for 30 minutes. Set it to cool and pop it out so the writing becomes permanent. This mug will make your significant other think of you everytime they take a drink!

Valentine’s Day is not just for people in a relationship––it can be for single people too. It is purely meant to celebrate “love” in general, so don’t fret and go and spend it with the people you love and care about. These type of ideas are not used often even though they save lot of money and can be done with things that you probably already have at home. Whether you make for a significant other, a friend, or even yourself, I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.