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Great Homemade Valentine’s Gifts 2013
It can be difficult to find the perfect gift for someone on Valentine’s Day. At times, it may seem like your only choices are chocolate and flowers, but there are actually a number of different options to choose from, especially if you decide to make your own gifts. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Heart Shaped Soaps
Making your own soap is easier than you think, and it’s a thoughtful gift almost anyone on your list would love. To get started, just head to your local craft store so you can pick up a soap making kit. While you can start from scratch, this process can be a fairly dangerous one, and while it’s also fairly easy, if you want to stay on the safer side, go with the soap making kit.
You’ll also need some heart molds for your soap. Follow the directions carefully, then package them neatly in a basket or some cute Valentine’s wrap, and you’ll have a gift you can be proud of.
Homemade Candles
Who doesn’t love a good candle at this time of year, and they’re very easy to make. They’re equally as easy to decorate to help reflect the holiday, too. All you need to start this project is some candle molds, wax, any coloring or fragrance you want, and the wicks. You will also need a melting pot. Figure out how much wax you need to get started (votive sizes require about 3 ounces of wax), then go ahead and put your wicks in the candle molds.
Put your melting pot on the stove, and begin melting your wax. It should look like water when it reaches the right consistency. Keep a close eye on it, because it can catch fire if it gets too hot. Add any coloring or fragrance you like, coat your molds with mold release or cooking spray, then pour your wax into them. Wait for it to dry, and you’ll have gorgeous candles to give on February 14th.
Gift Baskets
If you know there are certain things people on your list love, create a Valentine’s Day gift basket around that theme. For example, say your mother would love a day at the spa. Go ahead and pick up a gift certificate to the spa, but take things one step further and build her a spa gift basket. Throw in some bath salt, a bit of nail polish, a scrub or two, and some scented candles so she can really enjoy the experience.
Hand Warmers
In many places around the country, Valentine’s Day is still a frigid time of year. Why not create a hand warmer for that special someone on your list. Grab a fabric you like, some rice, and your sewing machine. Simply create part of a pillow from the fabric you like, fill it with rice, then finish stitching it up. When you’re done, your special someone can simply place it in the microwave for a minute, and instantly they’ll have a tiny packet of warmth that will make them think of you every time.
Roses
Wondering exactly how you’re going to make roses at this time of year? It’s going to take some serious crafting skills, but that special someone on your list is going to love it. You actually have a big choice to make here. Choose between duct tape and paper as your medium. If you’re going with paper, you need to do a bit of origami. You need to do the same with duct tape, but it’s a little more forgiving. For your origami roses, you need scissors, a ruler, some glue, and a pen. A4 paper will work. For your duct tape roses, you’ll need duct tape and a utility knife. You can find downloadable patterns throughout the blogosphere to help make this process easier.
Pinkchic18 is a writer who enjoys topics like holidays, gift giving and event planning. She also regularly contributes to the Holiday Gifts & Baskets Blog (found at www.holiday-gifts-gift-baskets.com) where you can find more Valentine gift ideas.
