Finding Valentine’s Day gifts for your friends, family or significant other can be difficult at times. It’s hard to know exactly what people want or need, and it’s particularly challenging if you are trying to work on a budget. Not to mention, this year will be extra hard to get gifts with as an increase in online shopping can result in longer shipping wait time. However, here are three homemade gift ideas to alleviate the stress of finding the perfect gift.

Fleece Tie Blankets

Blankets are the perfect gift for this time of year. Fleece tie blankets are super fun and simple to make. There are many patterns to choose from, so you really have creative freedom while making it. The best part is they require no knitting skills at all.

Supplies

• Two similar sized pieces of fleece fabric
• Scissors

Steps

1. Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other so they line up
2. Make sure all sides of the top piece are inline with the sides on the bottom – you may need to trim one of the pieces
3. Make little cuts into the sides of the two fabric pieces – the cuts should be perpendicular to the edge
4. Make sure the cuts aren’t too deep into the blanket as it will make the blanket smaller
5. Tie the top strips with the aligned bottom strips
6. Double knot it
7. Go all around the blanket until it is complete

Gallery • 3 Photos

Ryann Liddell

Create a unique and cozy tie blanket using fleece fabric.

Coconut Citrus Bath Melts

This year, it’s been harder to relax than ever— life has been especially stressful with online school and the coronavirus. Bath melts are the perfect thing to give to your friends as they are super simple and can melt their worries away.

Supplies

• A saucepan
• Ice cube tray
• Two cups coconut oil
• Two tablespoons citrus zest (Can be lemon, lime, orange, etc)

Steps

1. Melt coconut oil in a saucepan
2. After removing from heat, add citrus zest to melted oil and mix
3. Pour mixture into ice cube trays
4. Put in the fridge for 20 minutes
5. Pop cubes out and place into a container to give to a friend

Gallery • 5 Photos

Ryann Liddell

Make easy and soothing bath melts using coconut oil and citrus zest.

Dot Sharpie Mugs

Mugs are a great gift to give to friends and family, especially if they are customized. These allow you to really get creative as you can choose any design and use as many colors as you want. People will love the thought and time you put into this gift.

Supplies

• White oven-safe mug
• Sharpie paint marker (multiple colors if you would like to make a more complex design)
• Paper
• Scissors

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cut a shape or letter out of paper
3. Hold the paper against the mug
4. Use the sharpies to make clusters of dots around the shape
5. Let the paint dry
6. Place the mug in the oven for 30 minutes

*If you make a mistake, nail polish remover can be used to erase errors*

Gallery • 5 Photos

Ryann Liddell

Customize mugs using an oil based paint sharpie.

Finding good Valentine’s Day gifts for the people you love can be a challenging task, but homemade gifts are a great option because not only do they allow you to customize the gift, they also provide a personal touch. The people you love will really appreciate these simple yet spectacular homemade gifts.