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Though Valentine's Day is highly commercialized and sometimes over-done, it's definitely possible to have a genuine, "I Love You" moment on February 14. These DIY (i.e. Home made) Valentine's Day gifts for him are sure to put a smile on your loved one's face. After all, a gift from the heart goes straight to the heart. Give these DIY gifts a go and save yourself a few bucks, too!
Valentine-themed Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Have you ever heard the famous saying that food is the way to a man's heart? Well it's true, and those of us who have been around men long enough can testify to that fact. That's why these DIY valentine's day chocolate covered strawberries will put him in a cheerful mood. And they're super simple, to boot!
First, buy about 5-15 healthy-looking strawberries. When you get home, make sure there aren't any bad spots (if there are simply cut them away). Choose the prettiest ones and keep the green leaves on top - they look more beautiful that way.
While you're at the grocery store, pick up some dip-able white chocolate. You can usually find this in the crafts section or near the produce. Also pick up some red food dye.
Melt your chocolate in the microwave in bursts of 15-20 seconds. It doesn't take long to melt the chocolate so be sure to keep an eye on it.
Set aside some of the white chocolate and then add 2-3 drops of the red food dye to the remaining white chocolate. Dip your washed strawberries into the pink chocolate and place on wax paper. Next, dip the bottom part of a spoon/fork into the white chocolate and drizzle on top of your pink strawberry to add a decorative effect. Place in the refrigerator until they are cooled.
You can mix up the chocolate colors (ie. White dipped, pink drizzle; dark dipped, white drizzle) and place the strawberries in a box. Add a ribbon and a card!
Secret Message with Sunglasses
Your loved one will appreciate all the effot you went to and this will be a keepsake for years to come! Here's what you need:
"I Love You," or "Be Mine," template from the Martha Stewart Website, Heart sunglasses template from the Martha Stewart Website, Scissors, Bone folder, Red cellophane, Glue stick, Double-sided tape, Card stock inValentine's Day colors, Library pocket or other small open-ended envelope, Business-size envelope
First, print out the template of your choice. Cut appropriately. Next, with your bone folder to "score and fold a 9 3/4-inch-by-7 1/2-inch piece of card stock down the middle lengthwise (this will give you a 9 1/4-by-3 3/4-inch card, which is perfect for business-size envelopes)," per the Martha Stewart website.
With your double sided tape, tape the secret message to the outside of the card and the poem to the inside.
Next, print the sunglasses template out and cut 2 front pieces (for the eyes) and 2 side pieces (for the arms) of the sunglasses. Obviously you need to cut out the hearts for the eyes. The third template piece is for the red cellophane. Cut that out appropriately and glue them to the open slots in the eyes.
Next, use your glue stick to attach the arms to the eye-part of your homemade sunglasses. Attach the library pocket or envelope to the inside of the card and slide the sunglasses inside. Deliver this DIY Valentine's day gift with a coy smile!
Message in a Bottle
This is a fun gift and easy to make, as well. All you need is the following: recycled glass bottle (or plastic if you so choose), confetti, stationary, ribbon.
First, gather the necessary items. Wine bottles are perfect because you can cork them when you're finished, and most wine bottles are sleek and beautiful looking to begin with.
Next, write out a hand-written message on stationary of your choice. If you want to give it a rustic feel, crinkle it up and fray the edges with a match/lighter. Roll the letter as you would a scroll (narrow enough to fit through the opening of the bottle) and tie a ribbon around it. Place it in the bottle.
Put a generous amount of Valentine's Day-themed confetti in the bottle. Place your cork and tie a ribbon around the top of the bottle. You can decorate the outside of the bottle with Valentine's Day-themed stickers, paint, messages, etc.
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