warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

5 DIY Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

Michelle Man |
February 7, 2014 | 3:02 a.m. PST

Staff Writer

There are less than 10 days before Valentine's Day. Still haven't figured out what to give that special guy in your life? Don't want to buy something on Amazon at the last minute? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some simple but sweet DIY gift ideas for him. (And some gift ideas for the ladies, too.)

DIY Sharpie Mug (inksmearedhands/tumblr)
DIY Sharpie Mug (inksmearedhands/tumblr)
1. DIY Sharpie Mug - For the always-working-late, coffee-obsessed guy

Want him to stay sharp in the morning? Make your own coffee mug by drawing or writing some personal messages on it with a Sharpie marker. It's an easy, tailored gift that he can actually use. You can buy your own mug and Sharpie or get a DIY mug gift package at Starbucks. Here's a YouTube tutorial:

Suit up! (dailymeanwhile/tumblr)
Suit up! (dailymeanwhile/tumblr)
2. DIY Skinny Tie - For the business-first, suit-up-like-Barney-Stinson guy

Ties are one of the top picks in terms of gifts for men, but instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a nice tie, why not make one for him? You can use any kind of fabric you want, just be creative. A guy can never have too many ties--just as girls can never have too many shoes. 

DIY MEN'S SKINNY TIE

3. DIY Meal - For the food-loving, on-a-budget guy

The first thing everyone thinks of when it comes to Valentine's Day is having a good meal at a nice restaurant, which is usually expensive. Instead, why not buy a couple of candles and placemats and cook him a meal instead? Dinner can be just as nice at home, especially if you cook his favorite dishes. Here's a link to some Valentine's Day recipes, but there are thousands of other ideas out there for making a special V-Day feast.

20 LOVEY DOVEY DINNERS

One for you and one for him. (etsyfindoftheday/tumblr)
One for you and one for him. (etsyfindoftheday/tumblr)

4. DIY Laptop/iPad Case - For the tech-savy, slightly hipster guy

Many people have Macbooks and iPads these days, but you can make his stand out with a personalized laptop or iPad sleeve. Be creative by adding things that only you two would understand. From leather to tweed cases, here are 20 simple tutorials on making a laptop or iPad sleeve just for you and yours. 

20 DIY LAPTOP/IPAD SLEEV PROJECTS

Time to go old-school this time (rain--in-july/tumblr)
Time to go old-school this time (rain--in-july/tumblr)
5. DIY Kiss Flip book - For the romantic, photo-loving guy 

Whether he's a hopeless romantic or a down-to-earth practical kind of guy, he will definitely appreciate this cute little idea. Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine, you can easily find photos and videos of your other half, but this old-school method of stop-motion will create a more touching action sequence than any app could. Here's an easy tutorial on making a Kiss Flip book, which you can customize to your liking. 

DIY KISS FLIP BOOK

Reach Staff Writer Michelle Man here



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.