Love is in the air and there is not any time like the present to for-see where Cupid’s Arrow might land. Of course the beloved holiday, Valentine’s Day is going to be here before we know it. Already in Craft Stores I have seen Valentine gifts and decor out for retail. Valentine’s Day has to be my absolute favorite holiday of all time, there is not any other holiday quite like the meaning of “I love you.” I have always wanted to make unique Valentine’s gifts. As a part time OOAK artist I am often trying to think of different projects to keep my mind busy in my spare time. After doing a little research I have found some wonderful vintage Valentine gift ideas. I think that these gifts are so much more heart felt and thoughtful than just a box of candy.
First off as a personal experience I have had a special locket I gave to my grandmother years ago. This locket was a picture of her and my grandfather who grew up during the Great Depression. I included pictures of both of them in the locket to signify their everlasting love and commitment to their marriage over all of the years. I felt this was a very heart felt gift. Lockets can be bought at local craft stores, antique stores or jewelers. Depending on how much you want to spend will determine your cost. After you have bought your locket, simply find some small pictures you can cut out and put into the locket. This keepsake can always be remembered and handed down to the next generation to remember our beloved.
If you are looking to make something nifty and Eco-friendly then a great idea is to make fabric hearts out of scrap pieces of material. They do not take long at all and will cost you next to nothing. I think you could make sachets, stitch them to a pillow case or even frame them for your recipient. The hearts are very sweet and are handmade so they are not just a card that will collect dust in the shelf.
Finally for younger Valentine makers there is an amazing idea of making a mailbox into a Valentine’s mailbox. You can find small mailboxes at local craft stores and embellish them to your satisifaction. Let the kids make up their own mailboxes, there are plenty of decorations they can add. From beads, to glitter, ribbon roses, lacy material and those small conversation hearts, the finished product will be eye catching and very unique. They great thing about the mailboxes is that the children can use them over and over again during elementary school for the day of Valentine Card exchange at school. Just for under 10 dollars a Valentine mailbox could be made.
Do not let yourself step into the drug store this year and come home with a box of chocolates. Its time to get creative and think of how much that person means to you and how you want to make a meaningful gift that can last a lifetime!