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DIY Valentines Day Gifts for the Broke Collegiette

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter.

Valentine’s Day 2014 is rapidly approaching. And as far as calendar holidays emphasized in college go, this is a big one!

But being a ‘strapped for cash’ college student can definitely put a cramp in your love life. Don’t let being broke leave you broken-hearted. Here are some DIY VDay gifts you can make your sweetie without breaking the bank.

Love “Message in a Bottle”

This gift is so simple yet so heartfelt.  Just sit down, pour your heart out on paper to your Valentine, then stick it in a cork glass bottle with some candy hearts and leave it somewhere they will find it. You can use an old, small wine bottle or purchase a bottle from Michael’s Craft Stores.

Valentines Snow Globe

While usually associated with a different holiday, you can custom DIY snow globes filled with candy, glitter or a picture of your loved one. Just follow these directions.

Old-school Picture Collage

In the digital age, a physical photo may sound like a fossil, but I guarantee your sweetie will love an old-school collage made in their honor. Use up those extra printer credits to print out your best memories from FB and Instragram, along with pics of anything else that is symbolic of your relationship; quotes, locations, favorite foods etc.

Customized Phone Case

Let your creative juices really fly by buying a blank white or clear phone case and some watercolor or acrylic paint. Head to YouTube for IPhone mural and pattern inspiration or just write your Valentine’s name. They’ll think of you every time they pick up their cell. 

A Boston girl living in New York, Sidney is a senior at Hofstra University double majoring in journalism and sociology. She's grown to love interviewing and feature writing after interning at  non-profits, Cosmopolitan Magazine, MTV News and the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. She is the Campus Correspondent of HC Hofstra as well as an active member in the Hofstra Association of Black Journalists, Ed2010 Hofstra and the Society of Collegiate Journalists. She loves dancing with her on-campus team, Imani Dance Ensemble, and has an incurable addiction to shoes, Boston sports teams and Japanese barbeque. Follow Sidney on Twitter, @Sid_Madden!