By Olivia Stubbs and Joshua Sarfert
Design Editor and Media Editor
In the United States alone, $25.8 billion is spent on Valentine’s Day yearly. This number reflects overconsumption culture, and 2025 is the year to break the cycle. Instead of feeding into wasteful habits, show your love for your valentine through a sentimental handmade gift. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best DIY Valentine’s Day gifts. Whether you’re making something for a significant other, a sibling, a friend, or just for yourself, these eight gift ideas will surely be a hit.
Collage
Hate the new update to the Photos app? Take a break from trying to figure it out and create a tangible version of your digital memories. First, select 15 to 20 of your favorite photos and print them out. Then grab some glue and a piece of cardstock, and get to work! After some cutting and pasting, your masterpiece will be complete. This gift is perfect for any long-time friends, family, or others in your life.
Matching Bracelets
Are you not sure if your situationship warrants a Valentine’s Day gift? Keep it simple and make matching bracelets! With beads or embroidery string, you can easily make sentimental handmade jewelry for you and your special someone. If you want a more complicated project, look online for advanced bracelet designs and patterns.
Decorated Picture Frame
Photos are a staple in all friendships and relationships. Give your valentine the gift of a memory by crafting a decorated picture frame. Simply take a blank picture frame and decorate it to your heart’s desire. Stickers, glitter, and paint are perfect for framing your ideal moment.
DIY Photo Fridge Magnet
Do you need something to lift the mood after your mom puts your disappointing report card up for the whole family to see? Consider making a DIY photo fridge magnet. Glue pictures to magnetic paper, add some personalization—stickers, buttons, and washi tape work well—and ta-da, you have redeemed yourself for the whole family.
Polymer Clay Heart-Shaped Trinket Dish
Is your special someone an avid jewelry wearer? Do they often complain about losing their most prized bracelets and rings? Be the hero this Valentine’s Day and make them their custom polymer clay heart-shaped trinket dish.
Cali Girl in a Southern World blog has a great tutorial. With detailed instructions and a clear list of the materials needed, we highly recommend it.
Custom-Painted Tote Bag
In this day and age, sustainability is more important than ever. Known for their versatility and utility in everyday life, a custom-painted tote bag is the perfect gift for your valentine. The steps are simple. Grab a blank tote bag and some acrylic paint from any craft store, and let your creativity flow.
Next time your valentine is grocery shopping, at the beach, or hanging out around town, they will always think of you when using their custom-made tote bag.
By making any of these gifts, you can show your commitment to both your loved one and sustainability at the same time. These heartfelt, handmade gifts will make your Valentine fall in love with you all over again.