Home » Gift » 30 Last Minute DIY Gifts for Your Valentine

30 Last Minute DIY Gifts for Your Valentine

We’ve all been there.  You’re reading your favorite book in bed, cool as a cucumber, when suddenly you remember something that catapults you out of Pemberley and into vivid reality. It has dawned on you that tomorrow is not just tomorrow.  Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day!  (Dun dun dun….)  And you have nothing to show for it.

Well, panic no more my fellow procrastinators!  I’ve scoured the interwebs high and low for the best of the best, and I have for you a round-up of 30 Last Minute DIY Gifts for Your Valentine!  (But most of these apply to all celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, you name it!  So, save this one for future reference.)

I’ve divided the list up into three categories:

  1. Printables
  2. Get Crafty!
  3. Yummy in my Tummy

And I venture to guess most of these can be completed in 20 minutes or less.  Thinking Closet regulars may even spy a few familiar ones in this mix, too!

Let the inspiration commence!

30 Last Minute DIY Gifts for Your Valentine! Such a creative bunch of ideas! via thinkingcloset.com
{Pin me! And please pin the other images from their original sources. Thanks!}

Printables

First up and perrrrrfect for procrastinators is my free printable for 12 Months of Pre-Planned Date Nights!  In a pinch, you can even use a ribbon in lieu of a binder ring to tie it all together!

12 Months of Pre-Planned Date Nights: Creative Gift Idea with FREE Printable from thinkingcloset.com
12 Months of Pre-Planned Date Nights by The Thinking Closet

I even created a follow-up post for this project with 101 Creative Date Nights on a Dime to help you out as you create your mini book!  You’ll have your 12 date nights brainstormed in no time flat.

101 Creative Date Nights on a Dime! via thinkingcloset.com
101 Creative Date Nights on a Dime! by The Thinking Closet

Next up is the Valentine’s Day gift I gave Mark one year: 6 different love notes with specific traits I admire about him written on heart notes scattered throughout the house.  He loved it!  (And the printable is made by one of my friends from college…also named Lauren!  Good times, good times.)

Idiot's Guide to Valentine's Day - - A Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea!
Surprise Love Notes by The Handmaden

Here’s a similar concept, but instead of notes around the house, pop this “I Love You Because” printable into a frame and fill in the blank with a dry erase marker all year round.  Guaranteed to give your man the warm fuzzies!

How fun is this one?!  I’m a sucker for root beer floats, so this would a gift for myself, as well!

Root Beer Float Kit & Printable: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Root Beer Float Kit & Printable by 30 Handmade Days

This Printable Love Coupon Book pretty much does all the work for you and is full of fun and creative gifts to give your sweetheart!

Printable Love Coupon Book by I Heart Naptime
Printable Love Coupon Book by I Heart Naptime

Here’s another one from The Thinking Closet collection: the gift of a cup of comfort through “This Drink is On Me” coupon. This is great for a loved one who lives afar and whom you can’t treat in person. Or you could make the date part of the gift! And write them a loving note on the back of the printable card.

5 Meaningful Ways to Give the Gift of a Yummy Drink | Sometimes the best gifts to give are the simple ones--the unexpected ones--the ones that don't fit inside a box. Prime example: yummy drinks! Coffee--tea--homemade smoothies: they all possess the power to turn someone's day around! Here are 5 simple yet meaningful ways to warm someone's soul with a cup of comfort!
“This Drink is On Me” Coupon by The Thinking Closet

How ’bout this sweet jar of goodies labeled, “We love you to pieces!”  Kara is sending ’em to her hubby who is deployed.

We Love You To Pieces: A Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
We Love You To Pieces by Happy Go Lucky

Or if Swedish Fish are more his thang, then here’s a fantastic printable by Lil Luna:

Here’s an uber creative use of a Monday through Sunday pill box: give him Seven Days of Love with some sweet treats and love notes from this Dating Divas printable!

Seven Days of Love: One of 30 Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him!
Seven Days of Love by The Dating Divas

This one just involves minimal photo editing, your home printer, and voila: you’ve got a gift-worthy picture strip, photo booth style!

DIY Photo Booth Picture Strip: A Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
DIY Photo Booth Picture Strip by Do Small Things With Love

Get Crafty!

Carving initials in a tree is so 2013.  Carving your initials in a wax candle is where it’s at, folks!  (And if you don’t have a linoleum carver, I betcha a small flathead or cuticle remover tool would work just fine n’ dandy!)

Carved Initial Candle: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Carved Initial Candle by Hello Glow

Wordsmiths in the group will be keen on this one!  The question is, do you raid your own game or go thrifting for a new one?

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas via thinkingcloset.com. Procrastinators need not panic! These gift ideas should take only 20 minutes tops to whip together...and your sweetheart is almost guaranteed to swoon!
Scrabble Art by Hot Polka Dot

I love the look of these crochet wrap bracelets with a button…and you could easily turn this into a gift for your man with some hemp.

Crochet Wrap Bracelet: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea!
Crochet Wrap Bracelet by One Dog Woof

Here’s a fun way to deliver a love note.  In a heart pocket on a pillow!  And while Melanie says this only took her 30 minutes or so to create the entire thing, pillow cover and all, you could always hijack one of those random throw pillows you have lying around, and give it a facelift with the heart pocket!

Secret Love Notes Pillow: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Secret Love Notes Pillow by It Happens in a Blink

You may have seen this idea floating around on Pinterest, but this is the only one I think could be pulled off last minute.  The key?  She prints out her 52 things on Avery address labels.  Genius!

52 Reasons I Love You: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
52 Reasons I Love You by Everything Sunny Always

In anticipation of movie nights and nights at the theatre to come, create a Ticket Stub memory box for you and your sweetie!

Ticket Stub Memory Box Tutorial by The Thinking Closet
Ticket Stub Memory Box by The Thinking Closet

I’m really diggin’ the look of this rustic photo block.  Perfect for your rugged guy!

DIY Photo Block: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
DIY Photo Block Gift by View From the Fridge

I absolutely heart the idea of creating your own pocket-sized flip-book of you blowing him a kiss!

A Kiss In Your Pocket Flip Book by Katie Sokoler | Video on Vimeo

Along the same theme, slap on some of your favorite lipstick and smack away to create some personalized lipstick art!

Lipstick Art by A Beautiful Mess
Lipstick Art by A Beautiful Mess

And as long as you have thumbs and a mug, you can knock this project out of the park.  The more thumbs, the merrier, so get the kids in on this action, too!

Thumbprint Valentine Mug by One Artsy Mama
Thumbprint Valentine Mug by One Artsy Mama

In the same vein, if you have some glass etching cream on hand, you can personalize some glassware with your initials in a heart!  {KariAnne’s tutorial shows how to do it without a Silhouette machine.  Here’s my etching tutorial if you do have a Silhouette.}

Etched Valentine's Glass: Last Minute Gift Idea
Etched Valentine’s Glass by Thistlewood Farms

Sticks and stones won’t break your bones…they’ll warm the heart of your outdoorsy man with this punny gift!

Sticks & Stones: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Sticks & Stones by Rad Megan

Pull out the acrylic paint and create some chalkboard-style DIY art!

Love Birds Chalkboard Art: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Love Birds Chalkboard Art by Two Purple Couches

For those of you with a Silhouette or Cricut, you can add a meaningful phrase in vinyl to a framed photograph of the two of you, like I did for my parents’ anniversary gift.

Embellished Shadow Box: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Embellished Shadow Box by The Thinking Closet

This mason jar matchbox has stolen my heart!  DIYer Grace even has the perfect pun to go on your gift tag…click through to see it!

Mason Jar Matchbox: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
Mason Jar Matchbox by Sense & Simplicity

Yummy in my Tummy

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; well, I dare say the same may be true for my heart with this yummy recipe for 2 minute French Toast!

2 Minute French Toast: Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea
2 Minute French Toast by Pretty Prudent

Or for something a little more savory, how ’bout this heart-tastic play on the “egg in the basket” breakfast treat?

Egg In The Heart Breakfast by Reclaiming Provincial
Egg In The Heart Breakfast by Reclaiming Provincial

Nothing quite beats dinner and a movie!  Start the night off with this delicious recipe for Teriyaki Steak Salad (because most men appreciate some red meat on their salads)…

…followed by some cozy couch cuddling with one of the 10 Ten Most Romantic Movies {Of All Time}.  And these picks were made by Thinking Closet readers so you know they’re on point!

Top Ten Romantic Movies of All Time by The Thinking Closet
Top Ten Romantic Movies of All Time by The Thinking Closet

For the pun-lovers out there, this is a really creative play on the classic “chocolate” for Valentine’s Day gift!

Candy Bar Card: A Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea!
Candy Bar Card by Repeat Crafter Me

And I hope Mark is not reading this now because I am SO doing this one day.  50 Reasons Why I Love You (all written out on Reese’s PB cups!).  He’ll feel loved every time he reaches for a treat.

50 Reasons Why I Love You: A Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea!
50 Reasons Why I Love You by Repeat Crafter Me

Or if you want to gift him with a scrumptious hot drink that is on theme, how about some Cupid Cocoa?

Cupid Cocoa | One of 30 Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas!
Cupid Cocoa by Shaken Together

Or if you prefer a cold beverage, you make them extra special for your Valentine with some Berrylicious Heart-Shaped Ice Cubes like I did!

Berrylicious Heart-Shaped Ice Cubes! Such a fun way to jazz up your drinks for Valentine's Day! (or any day for that matter.)
Berrylicious Heart-Shaped Ice Cubes by The Thinking Closet

And there you have it!  More DIY gift ideas than you know what to do with now.

30 Last Minute DIY Gifts for Your Valentine! Such a creative bunch of ideas! via thinkingcloset.com

Extra, extra!  I’ve got 2 exciting UPDATES for ya!

Want to Check out 30 More?

This round-up has become so popular, I decided to go on a quest to find 30 MORE ideas for you.  You can check out the new edition HERE for blogland’s latest and greatest on the DIY gift front!  They’re all great for last-minute gifting.

Hungry for More Meaningful Gift Ideas?

Thinking Outside the Gift Box by Lauren Lanker | 75 Simple & Meaningful Gift Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

If you have an insatiable appetite for the kind of gifts that aren’t complicated, time-consuming, or expensive, be sure to check out my book, Thinking Outside the Gift Box.  I wrote it to help my comrades come up with meaningful and one-of-a-kind gift ideas quickly, some in as short as 5 minutes.

The book includes:

  • 178 pages of storytelling and inspiration
  • 21 story-filled chapters
  • 75 actionable gift ideas
  • BONUS: 11 printables to help bring the gift ideas to life

Oh, and most of the gift ideas will cost you $10 or less.  Truth.  So, what are you waiting for, friend?  Click HERE so you can read the sample chapters before nabbing your copy of Thinking Outside the Gift Box.

Join the revolution as we rediscover the joy of giving.

This is Lauren, signing off.
| | |

38 Comments

    1. I’m sorry you feel that way, Stephanie! I did select these gifts with the idea that they would work for real men…and many I have and would give to the men in my life. They may not fit the mold of a typical guy gift (ties, socks, shaver kit), but to be honest, I’m an out of the box kinda gal. And so are the men in my life. I find it’s the simple, heart-made gifts that can make the biggest impact. In fact, I even wrote a book about it! 😉 Best of luck in your gift-giving journey, Stephanie.

  1. A special meal is a great last minute idea! It never fails to amaze me how many people stick with the same old boring presents when there are so many personal and creative alternatives.

  2. Valentine’s gifts are not just for a honey or hubby but, as you said, to spread the love and give to neighbors and friends!! Carol S. always leaves a homemade heart cookie in a baggie by our back door with a sweet note and another friend sends a vintage card each year.

    Your dad and I try to bring back maple syrup from Vt. to give our neighbors around V. Day.
    I need to be more intentional about making some of these ideas you shared! Pinned many as it was a great round-up!!

  3. Thank you, thank you for these fabulous ideas. I’d been mulling over a few things, but when I saw your idea (and pre-printables) for 12 Date Nights, I knew that was “the one!” I used your template and created a series of dates that I know my husband will love. Thank you priming the pump. I’m grateful.

    Wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

  4. Wooooooooooooooooe! So much goodness right here!!! You need to spread this even further… we should create a QR code for this post and print it out then hand it to every single person out there. In the world. Like, everyone. Because these ideas are great and who doesn’t want to spread LOVE? Also, the “you float my boat” is like totally amazing. But that’s my biased i-love-ice-cream-more-than-anything opinion…

  5. These look totally do-able! Our oldest boy has a birthday on Valentine’s Day, so we go low-key for couple celebrations. Some of these would be perfect!

  6. Great round-up!! I’ve been wanting to do that “I love you because…” frame project for a while now but have never made the time for it. I think I’ll include it in my Valentines Day gift. Thanks for the reminder!

    1. You’re welcome, Katherine! Glad they were inspiring for you! (Though I’m sure you have no shortage of gift ideas in that creative mind of yours.)

  7. cool as a cucumber? yep, adding that to my vernacular! haha! but, seriously.
    loving this round-up! i particularly liked seeing DIY gifts that you have done in the past and thinking to myself, “I remember when she posted this!”
    And! I really like the candle one. Wedding decorations maybe? I think yes.

    1. Ha ha. Glad to know you’ll be incorporating some of my quirky diddies into your vernacular! Lol. And I was so touched by your shout-out to this post earlier today. You rock! (Oh and yes, the candle idea would be perrrrfect for wedding decor. Either up at the altar or as table centerpieces. Simply divine!)

  8. Oh man, some of these ideas are really sweet! You must have spent quite some time collecting these Lauren, wow! Personally, this post just reminds me that I really have no one to give any of them to *sad face*, but hey, some day! For now, I’m sending my family each a card (because really, who doesn’t love DIY-ing cards?!), and then giving myself a present.. it’s a surprise, so you’ll have to check back on the weekend after Valentine’s 😉
    Hope you and Mark have a wonderful, loved-up day! <3

    1. Yeah, I’m always amazed at how long round-ups take me. You’d think they be easy-breezy because there’s no tutorial, but they always take me just as long! Lol. And I’m sad that this post provoked a *sad face* for you; I hope you realize what a catch you are. When the right guy comes along, I’ll be sure to send this post his way so he has plenty of ideas for making EVERY day like Valentine’s Day. You deserve nothing less! (Also, I love that you’re DIYing some cards for your fam…AND giving yourself a present. You go, girl! Can’t wait to read up on that. I’m very intrigued….) Sending a hug your way, friend.

Your comments make my day!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *