Create DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts in Your Apartment

Valentine’s Day can get rather pricey, as marked-up red roses, designer chocolates and jewelry are the typically expected gifts on this day of love. But you don’t have to break the bank this year to give your true love a gift he or she will cherish and remember. With a little creativity and some DIY know-how, you can create budget-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts in your apartment that will stand out from the usual offerings. Here are some ideas that make our hearts flutter.

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Everlasting Love
Don’t spend a fortune on a dozen roses that will just end up wilting or a box of expensive chocolates that might not get eaten. Instead, get crafty and give your sweetheart a bouquet of long-lasting origami roses. Hit up your local craft store for origami paper, and take a look around your apartment for the basics like scissors, glue and a pen. Or, create your own origami chocolate box. Then, fill the box with these easy homemade Oreo truffles for a simple, creative gift she’ll eat right up.

More about Valentine’s Day:
Shake Up Your Valentine’s Day Routine
How to Do Valentine’s Day For Less Than $50
Ways to Celebrate Singles Awareness Day

Customized Coupons
Instead of relying on store-bought cards, why not create a customized coupon booklet that entitles your sweetie to a number of goodies around your apartment? Many websites offer free templates that you can download and use to create your own coupons. The only thing that’s required is some glue and a little creativity. If you’re having a hard time coming up with coupon ideas, stick to the basics; just about anyone can appreciate the gift of a day of cleaning around the apartment or a week of hearty, home-cooked meals.

Food for Thought
Speaking of meals, the most budget-friendly Valentine’s Day meal you can have is one you prepare yourself – and your sweetheart will swoon over how much thought and effort you put into it to make the evening that much more special. So skip the subpar prix fixe menus and packed restaurants and pour your heart into a homemade dinner. Start off with something to set the romantic mood, like this salad with fresh raspberries and marinated artichoke hearts. For the main course, try something simple yet healthy like Baked Chicken alla Milanese. End this special meal with a rich, decadent dessert like Mocha Pots de Crème.

Say it With Technology
If your significant other is a music lover, there’s no better gift than the gift of music. Hijack his or her iPod or MP3 player and create a playlist full of love ballads or special songs that have played an important part in your relationship. Or, take one of those old USB flash drives you have lying around your apartment and add photos of moments you’ve shared. You can even get a little crafty and attach a personalized Valentine’s themed keychain.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/dhavatar