Handmade Gift Ideas

For Valentine's Day, Martha is putting a fun spin on the classic gift. To follow her sweet recipe, start with the chicest of handmade boxes (behold that beautiful paper bow!), fill each one with personalized presents you know the recipient will adore, and send the love.

Patchwork heart-shaped kitchen helpers have homespun appeal. The pot holders are pieced together from quilting fabric and trimmed with bias tape; pockets keep the hands protected from hot pots and pans.

Finding a gift for your sister, daughter, mother, or friend—especially when the recipient already seems to have it all—can be a daunting task. In our minds, the perfect gift is one that simultaneously shows her just how much you care while also speaking to one of her unique interests. If checking both of those boxes is important to you, a handmade gift is the way to go. Not only is it infinitely more fun to give someone something you've made yourself, but handmade gifts can be made in big batches and are simple to personalize—so your recipient will know she was truly being thought of. From DIY jewelry to homemade spa treatments, there are plenty of handmade gifts perfect for any lady in your life on our list.

For Valentine's Days past, you once dutifully crafted hundreds of handmade cards as a student in school. And while you may not have classmates to impress anymore, it's still a cherished tradition. When it comes time to show how much you love and appreciate your significant other, friend, or family member, a card says it beautifully, especially when it's personalized to the recipient. We're making it even easier for you by providing the templates, clip-art, and heart-shaped inspiration you need for a Valentine's Day card. No matter what kind of love note you want to create (we're partial to this pleated iteration, with a love note penned on the back), the list of supplies doesn't vary much. You'll need card stock, scrapbook paper, and envelopes, as well as pens and pencils, scissors, a ruler, craft knife, cutting mat, tape, hole punch, and bone folder. With these items on hand, you'll be well on your way to making a Valentine's Day card that will truly melt your beloved's heart. 

Encourage kids to show sweet sentiments with tokens of affection that go beyond the store-bought card. Most of the projects require only a bit of cutting and a little gluing; all can be decorated to their heart's desire.

Thinking of gifting a bibliophile a coveted new book? Make the gesture even more special by pairing it with one of these personalized crafts, including bookmarks, covers, and a tote to carry it all in.