With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, a lot of people in relationships are scrambling to find the perfect gift, but as students, we can’t always afford the gift that we know our partner deserves. Although Valentine’s Day isn’t about who can afford the best gift, it can feel as though you are letting your partner down. Here are five DIY ideas that are both cheap AND easy to show your loved one that you appreciate them.
DIY Chocolate Truffles
Photo from http://www.berries.com/
Chocolates are a classic around this time of year, but the ones you buy from the store are either tasteless or overpriced. These truffles are so easy to make and taste fantastic. They are so easily customizable that you can personalize them for your partner with their favourite flavours.
Ingredients: 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, well chopped, ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or favourite liqueur or extract), Cocoa powder/chopped nuts
1. In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer making sure to stir occasionally to avoid scalding the milk.
2. Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate.
-Add the vanilla or any other liqueur or flavour. This is where you get to customize a bit and make it perfect for your Valentine.
-Allow to stand for a few minutes then whisk until smooth.
3. Allow to cool to room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
4. Scoop and roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.
Original Recipe From: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chocolate_truffles/#ixzz4XgSLmfeY
Mason Jar Candies
If you don’t have time to make chocolates, there are always Mason jar candies. It is just as easy (if not easier) and not very expensive.
Materials: Mason Jar, Coloured paper, Paint/spray paint, Ribbon, Glitter (optional), Small candies (Reeses Pieces, Sour patches, gummy worms etc)
1. Wash the Mason jar thoroughly and dry completely.
2. Paint the lid and snaps with spray paint or acrylic paint. I wouldn’t recommend any other paints because they would flake off. If wanted, paint the outside of the jar or cover in glitter. Get creative with colours and designs. Allow to dry completely
3. Fill jar with candy and close lid firmly. Use the paper to create a tag for your gift. You can use this to just say Happy Valentine’s day or to have some cute saying on there if you feel like being more expressive. Tie your tag to the jar using the ribbon.
Original Idea From: http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2014/05/love-you-to-pieces-printable-gift-tag.html
DIY Valentine’s Card Cards are the simplest accompaniment to any gift, and when someone receives a homemade card, they know how much you care. It can be a simple as using some paper and some coloured markers to breaking out some stickers to going full out with glitter and your entire artistic ability. Here is a link to some adorable cards that you could make for your valentine: http://mylistoflists.com/7-adorable-diy-valentine-cards-for-him/10/
Balloon Collage
This gift is more of the grand gesture type. It works for birthdays, Valentine’s day, after a fight, etc. In order to do this it requires a lot of pictures that you’ve taken, or even hit up a relative for some. After you give this gift to your Valentine, it gets even better when you go through all the pictures and explain the story behind it, or even why you liked it. It’s a great way to remember some great memories with your partner.
Materials: Balloons, Ribbon, Pictures
1. Fill balloons with helium. You can do as many as wanted, but make sure that you don’t make it look too sparse.
2. Pick your favourite pictures and attach them to the balloons with the ribbon. Allow them to float around the room or arrange them however you like. It is as easy as two steps and doesn’t cost much and it is an adorable way to show your Valentine your best moments together.
Original Idea from: http://www.balloontime.com/party-ideas/occasions/diy-graduation-balloon-…
52 Things I love About You
This one is more for couples that are very serious or have been together for a very long time. It requires a little more work but it will definitely be worth it when you see the look on your Valentine’s face. You really need to think about everything you love about your partner, from the fact that they make you laugh to your common interests or even the fact that they empty the dishwasher!
Here is the tutorial on how to make the 52 things I love about you deck: https://theprepcrew.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/d-i-y-valentines-day-gifts/
These DIY gifts are sure to impress and will make your partner feel so loved. It is so easy to shell out the money for an overpriced gift that is marketed around this time, but honestly, mostly people like to see you make an effort. So whether you’ve been together for several years or if this is your first Valentine’s day together, there is no reason to break the bank to show how much you care.