Valentine’s Day is about showing you care, not the amount you spend. If your budget is low or you haven’t found the perfect Valentine’s gift in the shops this year, try making a Valentine’s gift instead.
A homemade gift is often perceived as the best kind of Valentine’s gift because it shows that you’ve taken time out of your day to create it and you’ve put more thought into the Valentine’s present than just a quick transaction.
Here are our top suggestions for homemade Valentine’s gifts…. they’re really not difficult.
And don’t worry - if you feel you’re just not ‘the creative type’, don’t be put off! Some of our best Valentine’s gift ideas are straightforward and just as thoughtful.
- Bake a cake this Valentine’s Day
So much of Valentine’s Day revolves around food with romantic dinners and delicious desserts. So why not bake a cake?!
Most people agree there’s nothing quite like a home-baked cake.
You could decorate it in your own way, personalise it and add hearts if you so wish! If you’re a bit more adventurous the whole cake could be heart-shaped.
- Enjoy homemade cocktails for two!
Kick off the Valentine’s evening with this delightful lovingly-made and thoughtful Valentine’s cocktail.
150ml cranberry juice
1 tsp grenadine
50ml vodka
handful of ice
1 lime wedge
4 raspberries
chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine, to top up
Mix the cranberry juice, grenadine and vodka together in a jug with a handful of ice. Or, do this in a cocktail shaker. Squeeze over the lime wedge and stir with a mixing spoon, or shake briefly if using a cocktail shaker.
Strain the cocktail into two champagne glasses. Drop two raspberries into each glass, then top up with prosecco or sparkling wine to serve.
Enjoy!
- Make a keep-sake box
Fill a box with the special photos and mementos you have shared.
Boxes can be bought but you can use any box and decorate your own way. This is a a very personal and moving gift.
If you run out of time, use our Make Your Own Hamper function. Fill a keepsake box or wicker hamper full of your loved one’s favourite treats and add your gift message.
- Make a photo collage
A fun yet thoughtful gift. Collages never grow dull and provide endless entertainment!
There are plenty of online companies offering this service or you could print your own photos off at home and have fun creating!
- Create a jar of feelings
Now this is an incredibly thoughtful gift.
On small pieces of paper, write out your feelings, thoughts and memories about your loved one. Fold them up neatly and pop into a jar. Decorate jar if you wish.
- Make an Indoor picnic
February’s weather isn’t conducive to the delights of eating outside so why not create a delicious picnic indoors?!
Be imaginative and spread it out the way you’d do in the summer. Add wine or Pimm’s even.
It would certainly be memorable!
If you’ve run out of time, order one of our Afternoon Tea Hampers or Picnic Hampers. They’re just as delicious enjoyed inside as they are outside.
- Run a bath with bubbles
It might not sound or feel like a gift but it’s certainly a considerate thing to do.
Imagine the pleasure after a hard day’s work, coming back to a bathroom transformed by candles, bubbles, wine?
If that’s not enough you can, of course, follow it with a romantic home-cooked dinner…
- Make your own chocolate truffles
Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with chocolate-giving. And chocolate truffles are easier to make than you might think.
Try this simple recipe, courtesy of BBC Goodfood:
Ingredients
· 300g good-quality dark chocolate 70% cocoa solids
· 300ml double cream
· 50g unsalted butter
Method
· STEP 1
Chop the chocolate and tip into a large bowl. Put the cream and butter into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter melts and the cream reaches simmering point. Remove from heat, then pour over the chocolate. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth mixture. Add any flavourings to the truffle mix at this stage (divide the mixture between bowls and mix in liqueurs or other flavourings, a tsp at a time, to taste. Try bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut rum or the zest and juice of an orange), or leave plain. Cool and chill for at least 4 hrs.
· STEP 2
To shape the truffles, dip a melon baller in hot water and scoop up balls of the mixture, then drop the truffles onto greaseproof paper. Or lightly coat your hands in flavourless oil (such as sunflower) and roll the truffles between your palms. You could also use a piping bag to pipe rounds onto baking parchment.
· STEP 3
Coat your truffles immediately after shaping. Tip toppings into a bowl and gently roll the truffles until evenly coated, then chill on baking parchment. Try: crushed, shelled pistachio nuts; lightly toasted desiccated coconut; or roll a truffle flavoured with orange zest and juice in cocoa powder. To coat in chocolate, line a baking tray with baking parchment. Melt 100g milk, dark or white chocolate for 10 truffles. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. With a fork, pick up one truffle at a time and hold over the bowl of melted chocolate. Spoon the chocolate over the truffle until well-coated. Place on the baking tray, then chill.
· STEP 4
To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you’re ready to give them. Will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days, or frozen for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
- And if you’ve run out of time this Valentine's Day... make your own hamper online!
If you’re short of time how about a luxury hamper full of delicious treats chosen by you just for your loved one? It's a highly personalised, thoughful Valentine's gift idea.
Apart from our range of Valentine’s hampers we also have a ‘Make Your Own’ hamper range. You choose your own (keepsake) gift box and the choose from a range of interesting artisan foods, both sweet and savoury.
After all, you know what your loved one (s) like best.
You can add your personal message too.
So there we are, our best ideas for homemade Valentine’s gifts. Suitable for partners, friends and families.
We think you’ll agree they’re not difficult but they’re guaranteed to make your recipient feel loved and valued - which is what Valentine's Day is all about.
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