In years past, Feb. 14 meant cards of SpongeBob, Scooby-Doo and the Backstreet Boys with heart stickers and fun sized candy bars. Nowadays it’s not so simple. Running to your local Wal-Mart and Target for a package of V-Day cards just won’t do the trick because people want inventive, personal and creative gifts.
Valentine's Day is coming up in a hurry, and chances are in the flurry of midterms you have forgotten to do your shopping — I know I have.
So, in desperate attempts to come up with an innovative Valentine's Day present that isn’t the standard heart-shaped box of Reese’s candy or conversation hearts, I turned to my personal social media addiction, Pinterest. Allowing users to connect through online pin boards, Pinterest offers the latest trends in categories like fashion, fitness and crafts.
If you’re in the need for a last minute gift that is affordable and inventive, check out some of the unique Valentine's Day inspired crafts through Pinterest. Whether you are sharing your V-Day with your best friend, crush or significant other, Pinterest offers crafty ideas suitable for everyone.
Here are a few quick and easy crafts I discovered that are sure to put a smile on your Valentines face:
This is a perfect gift for a best friend, roommate, crush or someone celebrating SAD (Singles Awareness Day). If you’re looking for something that is cheap, quick and doesn’t require too much artistic talent, this is the project for you. All you need is a box of cereal, a plastic spoon, a piece of paper, and ribbon or tape. Personally, I like to put the cereal in a mason jar and attach the spoon and note on construction paper to that, complete with a cute pink ribbon. Without being too serious or personal, this corny gift lets someone know you are thinking about them (and their stomach).
If you can cut a heart out of a piece of paper you're set for this project. The curtain of hearts requires sheets of paper, scissors, tape and string or ribbon. With that elementary school supply list, how hard can it be? Cut the hearts out, fasten them to a piece of ribbon about six feet long using tape and hang the strands on the doorframe. Strings of hearts can also be fastened to the ceiling to make a curtain of hearts above your Valentine's bed. If you want to make it personal, add sentimental or flirtatious messages to the hearts. Let’s face it: Who wouldn’t want to be greeted by a door decorated with a curtain of hearts when they come home on Valentine's Day after hours of classes?
For some, a box of chocolates isn’t too appealing. Whether they are on a diet, unable to eat sugary treats for health reasons, gave up candy for New Year's or are just health nuts, this idea is healthy with a V-Day twist. For supplies, gather a few pieces of varied fruits, a couple sheets of paper for witty notes and ribbon for fastening. This craft will let the apple of your eye know they are ‘pear’fect for you.
Boys, roses and teddy bears are not the only way to make a girl grin from ear to ear on Valentine's Day. Most girls are happy when they are surprised with something thoughtful and sincere. While she is away at class or at work, sneak in and leave a candy written note on her bed. If her bed is unmade, make it! And if you plan to unwrap the candy, put a sheet over her nice Justin Bieber comforter, so she won’t freak out when there are chocolate stains smeared everywhere. All you need is candy, room access and a thoughtful message (keep your mind out of the gutter).
If you and your significant other have breached the obstacle involving those three words, then try out this idea. Coming up with 52 reasons may be challenging in itself, but this craft also requires a longer list of materials and a hint of artistic ability. You will need a deck of cards (vintage ones look perfect), binder rings, printer paper, scrapbook paper and a hole-puncher at minimum. Once completed, your Valentine will have a keepsake reminder of why you love them.