The gift of love.
Giving and receiving gifts, whether big or small, is a beautiful way to show love beyond words. A gift is more than just an object—it’s a personal message that says, “You are special.” It can be something practical or something that simply adds beauty to someone’s life.
The joy of receiving a gift is unmatched. Opening a package is like unwrapping a heartfelt message from someone dear. It could be a handwritten card that reminds you someone cares, a bag of sweets to brighten your day, or a book filled with new possibilities.
Do you have a special friend, partner, or loved one? Perhaps there’s an item that always makes you think of them, or maybe you’ve come across a project or craft that would be perfect to create just for them.
I love making gifts—it’s one of my favorite ways to express love and appreciation. Over the years, I’ve sewn clothes, designed cards, crafted signs, and even baked delicious treats. There’s something truly special about sharing your talents to create something meaningful for someone else. And what better way to show love than through a handmade gift?
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, here are some simple and thoughtful homemade gift ideas you can make today!
Gift one: Candy gift bag
Small gift bags helps to deliver your gift to a teacher, volunteer, or friend. They can be big or small. These gift bags I created are small gift bags that are perfect for a volunteer or teacher. They are easy to make and you can put any small thank you inside. They are perfect for anytime of the year, but ideal for Valentine’s Day.
Items needed:
small gift bag- red and white
old book pages, music pages, or accent color page
round thank you note
glue
scissor
candy
tape
Instructions:
first fold one long side of the bag in half.- do not use the already folded side. You want to use the “front” of the bag. You want to fold it from the top to the bottom.
Draw half of a heart. Once you have drawn half of the heart you want to cut the heart out. Then lay the bag out carefully.
Take your accent paper, I used old hymnal pages, and cut a small rectangular that is slightly bigger than your heart. You will glue the accent paper on the inside of the bag.
Then print a copy of the round thank you notes. Cut out the round thank you note.
Fill the bag with your treat. I used Lindor round chocolate pieces to fill my bags. Then fold the bag shut.
You will tape the top shut and glue the round thank you not over the top of the tape.
You now have an adorable thank you gift for your volunteer.
The thank you round I used is here for you to use.
Gift two: Cards
Making a homemade card is one of the most precious things to do. The best part all it takes is a printer, piece of paper, and a little bit of imagination. Anyone, any age is able to create a heartfelt card to give to a friend. The other added detail is to send it in the mail.
I remember as a child I really enjoyed receiving mail in MY name. It was exciting. It made me feel special. Today we do not always send a card in the mail. We shoot someone a text or call them to say “hi” or you are a great friend. Taking the time to make a card and send it in the mail let’s someone know they are a really special someone.
Items needed:
Paper or cardstock- I use cardstock from Amazon
colored paper
variety of paper
colored pens
scissors
glue
envelope
stamp
Instructions:
Take your paper or cardstock and fold it in half. You can fold it long ways or short ways. It does not matter. What matters is that when you fold your paper you either get a short fat card or a tall skinny card. Your choice.
Take your colored paper and decide how you want to decorate your card. Personally, I have a variety of printed out decorative paper that I use when I am making ,my cards. Then I use the color paper to accent the design. Once you have cut out your paper to what you want you will glue it on the front and inside of the card. (see the example below.)
Once you have decorated the outside of the card you can decide how you want the inside decorated. You can use more paper or you can just add a quote, saying, or verse.. Once you have finished decorating the card you are going to sign the card with a personal message.
Address your envelope with the persons address in the middle of the envelope. You will put your address in the top left corner. Then place a stamp in the top right corner.
Viola! You are done. Make sure to drop that card in the mail tonight.
Gift three: Heart shaped sachet
I love things that smell sweet. Something that you can place in your drawer, or hang from a door. This type of gift is called a sachet. My grandmother had a few of them. They were either in a drawer or laying on top of her dresser drawers in her room. As a child I loved to go in her room, and smell them. The sachets always smelled sweet. In a way they now remind me of my grandmother and the times I spent at her house.
This is a gift I love to give to friends. In a way I am giving a piece of my grandmother, and the joy I found in her home. Here is the instructions for you, so you can have a piece of her in your home.
Items needed:
paper bag
outline of a heart
floral napkins
scissors
packing paper or stuffing
essential oils- floral scent like Lavender or Bergamot
glue
Instructions:
Take your paper bag and draw or trace two large hearts.
With the floral napkins rip them apart so you only have the thin top layer. Rip the napkin into sections. Glue the sections on to the two large hearts.
Glue the plain sides together leave one side unglued. This is important because this is where you will “stuff” your heart.
Stuff your heart with either stuffing or packing paper or newspaper.
Drop 12 drops of essential oils into the inside of your heart.
Glue the last side together.
If you want to make this a hanging sachet, punch a whole at the top of the heart. Then tie a thin ribbon or string through the whole.
Now you are done. Share this with a friend or loved one. When they smell the pleasing scent they will think of you and your friendship.
