Save money and show love with these DIY Valentine’s gifts
It feels like everything costs more these days. The weekly shop is up, bills are higher, and my bank account looks a bit sad by the end of the month. When Valentine’s Day rolls around, the pressure to spend big can feel overwhelming. I often see adverts for expensive jewellery or fancy dinners that just do not fit my budget.
But I have learned a secret over the years. The best gifts are not always the ones that cost the most money. In fact, making something yourself often means more. It shows you have spent time and thought on your partner, rather than just tapping a card.
I have put together a list of budget-friendly gifts you can make at home. These ideas are simple, affordable and personal. I have also included some important safety tips and advice on where to get help if you buy supplies online.
Why making a gift is better than buying one
According to relationship experts like Relate, good communication is key to a happy partnership. You can read their tips on communication hacks to see how small gestures make a difference. A handmade gift communicates that you know your partner well. It says that you cherish them enough to spend your evening glueing, baking or writing instead of watching the telly. Making a gift can be fun and so personal.
Making a gift from your kitchen
They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. I find this is usually true. Cooking or baking for someone is a classic way to show affection. You do not need to be a master chef to make something delicious.
Homemade chocolate truffles
You can buy a box of chocolates, but making your own is cheaper and fun. All you usually need is good-quality chocolate and double cream. You can roll them in cocoa powder, crushed nuts or even desiccated coconut.
If you plan to give food as a gift, you need to be careful about allergies. Even if you know your partner well, cross-contamination can happen in a home kitchen. The Food Standards Agency has strict guidance for businesses, but it is also good advice for us home cooks. You should check their allergen guidance to understand what ingredients might cause a reaction. Always double-check ingredient labels, like chocolate or sprinkles.
A date night jar
This is one of my favourites. Get an empty jam jar and wash it out. Then, write down different date ideas on small slips of paper. You can fold them up and put them in the jar.
You could use pink paper for free dates, like a walk in the park or a movie night at home. Use blue paper for dates that cost a little bit, like grabbing a coffee or going to the cinema. When you cannot decide what to do, you just pick a slip from the jar. It takes the stress out of planning and keeps things exciting.
Sentimental ideas for making a gift
Paper is cheap, but words are priceless. If you have a pen and some paper, you have everything you need to make a gift that your partner will keep forever.
Open when letters
This is a very sweet idea if you or your partner travels for work, or if you just want to remind them you care. You write a series of letters for specific moments. On the front of the envelope, you write “Open when…” and finish the sentence.
Here are some examples to use when making a gift:
- Open when you have had a bad day at work.
- Open when you need a laugh.
- Open when you miss me.
- Open when you cannot sleep.
Inside, you write a message that fits the mood. It is like giving them a hug when you cannot be there in person.
A custom coupon book
This is a classic budget gift. You make a little book of vouchers that your partner can “spend” whenever they want. You can make them funny, romantic or practical.
Think about what your partner really hates doing. Do they hate washing the dishes? Give them a coupon that says “I will wash the dishes tonight”. Do they love a back rub? Make a coupon for a “15-minute massage”.
It costs nothing but your time, yet it makes their life easier. That is a real gift.
The story of us
You do not need to be an artist to make a scrapbook. You can print out photos from your phone and stick them in a cheap notebook. Next to the photos, write down where you were and what you were doing. Also, stick in ticket stubs from films you saw or receipts from memorable dinners.
It serves as a physical backup of your memories. In a world where everything is digital, having a book to look through feels special.
Making a gift for relaxation
Everyone gets stressed. Helping your partner relax is a lovely gift. You can make spa-quality products at home for a fraction of the price you would pay in a shop.
DIY sugar scrub
This is so easy to make. You just mix sugar with an oil, like coconut oil or olive oil. You can add a drop of essential oil for a nice smell, or some vanilla extract. Put it in a nice jar and tie a ribbon around it. It leaves skin feeling soft and it costs pennies to make.
Bath salts
If your partner likes a bath, you can make your own bath salts. Making a gift of bath salts is easier than you think. Epsom salts are quite cheap to buy in bulk. You can mix them with coarse sea salt and dried flower petals if you want to be fancy.
A quick safety note about candles. I love candles, but making them at home involves hot wax and can be dangerous if you are not careful. If you decide to include a candle in your spa kit, it might be safer to buy a simple one rather than trying to make it yourself unless you have the right equipment.
Staying safe when buying supplies
Even for DIY gifts, you might need to buy some materials online. You might need special paper, ingredients or a nice box. It is important to stay safe when shopping on the web.
I always try to use a credit card for online purchases over £100 if I can. This gives me extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If the company goes bust or the item never arrives, the card company can help get my money back.
If you use a debit card or spend less than £100, you do not have the same protection. However, you might be able to use a process called chargeback. Citizens Advice has a great guide on how to get your money back if something goes wrong with a purchase. It explains the difference between Section 75 and chargeback clearly.
Also, watch out for scams. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. The National Cyber Security Centre has advice on shopping online securely. They suggest checking reviews and making sure your accounts are secure with strong passwords.
Posting your gift
If you are in a long-distance relationship, you will need to post your gift. There is nothing worse than a Valentine’s gift arriving three days late.
Pack your box well. If you are making a gift of homemade biscuits, put them in a tin so they do not arrive as crumbs. If you are sending a jar, wrap it in plenty of bubble wrap or newspaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to give a handmade gift for Valentine’s Day?
Absolutely. Most people appreciate the time and effort that goes into a making a gift more than something generic from a shop. It shows you specifically care about them.
What if I am not creative or artistic?
You do not need to be an artist. Baking a cake, filling a jar with date ideas or writing a heartfelt letter requires no drawing skills. It is the thought that counts, not the perfection of the crafting.
How much should I spend on a Valentine’s gift?
There is no set rule. You should only spend what you can afford. Your partner would not want you to be in debt just to buy them a present. A thoughtful gift that costs £10 is better than a stress-inducing gift that costs £100.
Can I make a last-minute gift?
Yes. The “date night jar” or a handwritten love letter can be done in less than an hour. Baking cookies also takes very little time. Making a gift can be a last-minute task, too.
What if my homemade food gift goes off?
If you are posting food, choose things that last a while, like biscuits or fudge. Avoid anything with fresh cream or raw ingredients if it will be in the post for days. Always check allergen advice if you are unsure before making a gift, including food.
Give it a go
I hope these ideas have inspired you to try making a gift of something this year. It saves money, but more importantly, it brings you closer to your partner.
You do not have to do everything on this list. Just pick one idea that you think your partner will love. Put some music on, make a cup of tea and enjoy the process of making it. When they open it and smile, you will know it was worth the effort.
