Choosing the perfect gift for your Valentine may seem stressful. These simple and charming D.I.Y treats can help to eliminate the stress that comes with Valentine’s day and show your Valentine that you care.

D.I.Y #1: An Acrostic Poem

Acrostic poems show someone your appreciation for them. Use single words or short sentences to describe what you find most loveable about your valentine.  

Materials:

1. Paper (construction paper, copy paper, cardstock)
2. Writing instrument(s) (pen, pencil, marker)
3. Optional: Decorative add-ons (Sharpie markers, glue, glitter, sequins, stickers, buttons, ribbon, twine)

Instructions:

1. Write the name of the recipient (or a short phrase; ex: ‘I Love You’ or ‘Our Friendship’) at the top of the paper
2. In a uniform case (capital or lowercase) write the name or phrase chosen in Step 1 vertically, with the first letter closest to the top of the page and the rest following below  
3. Write single words or short phrases next to each letter that describe the recipient or your relationship with them (ex: LIAM, ‘Lovely’ or ‘L for your lovely smile’)
4. Decorate as desired.

Michayla Cherichel

D.I.Y #2: Handmade Valentine

Homemade valentines can bring out the inner kindergartener in anyone. Customize this craft to match the unique style of your Valentine.

Materials:

1. Paper
2. Scissors
3. Optional: Decorative add-ons (Sharpie markers, glue, glitter, sequins, stickers, buttons, ribbon, twine)

Instructions:

1. Draw a heart on the paper using a pencil.
2. Cut this heart out using scissors.
3. Decorate as desired.

D.I.Y #3: Letter

Revive the dwindling art of writing letters as a gift to your valentine. Written expression of love holds great meaning, and the recipient will likely cherish your letter for years to come.

Materials:

1. Paper
2. Pen (of any kind or color)
3. Optional: Decorative add-ons (Sharpie markers, glue, glitter, sequins, stickers, buttons, ribbon, twine)
4. Optional: Envelope

Instructions:

1. Decide the recipient.
2. Write down everything that you love about or want to say to this person.
3. Decorate as desired.
4. (Optional) Place in envelope.
5. Send to Valentine by mail or hand.

Michayla Cherichel

D.I.Y #4: Pretzel Buttons

Please your Valentine’s taste buds with a treat that offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty.  

Materials:

1. M&M’s Valentine’s Milk Chocolates
2. “Snaps” Pretzels
3. Hershey’s Hugs
4. Oven
5. Tupperware container with lid (size depends on size of batch)
6. Baking pan or cookie sheet/sheet pan
7. Refrigerator

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 245 degrees.
2. Place pretzels in rows on baking pan.
3. Place one Hershey’s Hug on each pretzel.
4. Put pan in oven and let warm for 3-5 minutes or until the Hugs begin to glaze over.
5. Remove pan from oven.
6. Place one M&M on each of the Hugs and gently press.
7. Place buttons in tupperware container and place container in refrigerator
   

Michayla Cherichel

Homemade valentines never fail to make someone feel special and truly appreciated. They may require more time than store bought valentines, but they also leave a deeper, longer lasting impression.  

“I like homemade gifts better because they are more special and personal. When you buy something from the store, it seems rushed and not as important as if someone made it for you,” sophomore Maddie Sullivan said.