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Many girls, teens and other ladies enjoy making Valentine cards and gifts by hand for boyfriends or other guys. In a tough economy, making one's own presents and greeting is not only special, but can be less expensive or nearly free. Whether in the form of crafts, food gifts, or other Valentine ideas for boys or men, a present given extra thought and love is sure to be appreciated.

With a bit of imagination,the Valentines ideas following can be made to be fun for a guy who is a pal, sweet for a new boyfriend or crush, or super romantic for a true love.

Homemade or Handcrafted Valentine Gifts for Guys

• A home sewn pair of lounge or pajama pants made with appropriate Valentine fabric is a thoughtful gift. Fast and easy, Kwik Sew pattern #3345 helps make elastic-waist pants designed for medium weight woven fabrics. This cool sewing pattern works for both guys and girls, making it perfect for cute matching outfits for a couple. Patterns such as this are available online or at most fabric stores.
• A custom pillowcase is simple to stitch in Valentine themed fabric. An alternative to sewing is buying a plain pillowcase and decorating it with fabric markers. Go mushy, funny, cool, or hot, depending on the relationship.
• Buying a plain t-shirt (or two) to decorate is unique. Almost matching shirts could say "He's my Valentine" and "She's my Valentine." The possibilities are endless and lots of inspiration can be found online.
• For an outdoorsman, a coupon to join him for a day of rock climbing, skateboarding, or whatever he loves, is super thoughtful. If his thrill is not appealing (not all girls enjoy hiking, for instance), perhaps offering to take photos while he surfs or is fishing would be cool. Adding a picnic lunch with heart shaped sandwiches makes a nice addition.

Valentine Food Gifts for a Boyfriend

• Baking anything heart-shaped and slathering on scads of thick frosting will make any boyfriend with a sweet tooth drool. Some presents to consider include an adorable cake, a giant heart cookie, some yummy brownies, or another of his favorite treats. Add a note saying something like, "Sweets for my Sweet."
• Those who do not sew or bake might enjoy filling a heart-shaped cake pan, a red bowl, or a decorated box or bag with chocolate kisses.
• If chocolate is not his thing, a container can be filled with Red Hots candies, gummy bears, Valentine conversation hearts, or any candy. How about a tall clear vase layered with various colors of candy?
• Any container can be dressed up buy wrapping it with clear or heart print cellophane and wrapped up with bright red ribbon or a bow.
• Filling a container with lots of his favorite candy bars makes a big impact. Dollar stores and craft stores have bright plastic baskets in holiday colors.

Adding a cute saying in a Valentine card to tie in with the candy is fun. Ideas?

• For Almond Joy bars - "You are the joy in my life."
• For Now & Later candy - I want to kiss you "Now & Later," Valentine
• For Milky Way - "I couldn’t find a more wonderful boyfriend if I searched the Milky Way."
• For Snickers - "You make me snicker, my funny Valentine."
• For Hershey's Kisses - "Kiss me!" or "Our love is sealed with a kiss."

More Great Valentine Ideas

When in doubt, brainstorming using his favorite video games, hobbies, music, etc. may bring up ideas. Many related items and ideas may be printed off the Internet for free. Free online clipart can be a helpful in making cards and gifts.

Words to add to homemade cards and gifts are at Sweet Love Words & I Love You Valentine Quotes.

Homemade gifts gained in popularity for the second year in a row during the recent holiday season, but it is the heart, not the economy driving the trend in 2010, according to Michaels Stores, North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer.

In a recent Michaels customer survey, 87 percent of respondents said they think handmade gifts are more tiffany and co than store-bought presents. To help people make personalized cards and gifts that will be treasured for years to come, all U.S. and Canada Michaels stores will host Valentine’s Day events while Michaels.com will offer creative gift ideas and a new how-to webisode.

“Our customers have told us that making gifts for loved ones goes beyond saving money – they want to give something personal and handmade,” said Michaels Executive Vice President of Category Management Philo Pappas. “Our in-store events, webisode and online projects feature easy, affordable ideas for making personalized Valentine’s Day cards and gifts.”

Michaels Valentine’s Day events include:

- Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: A free Valentine’s Day card-making event where customers can also decorate a tin mini-mailbox, available for about $5, with free supplies. A free Wilton cookie demonstration follows from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

- Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Michaels provides the supplies for customers to decorate a Valentine’s Day treat bag when they purchase the bag for around a dollar.

- Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Customers can create a unique gift by personalizing a heart-shaped picture frame with free supplies with the purchase of a wooden frame for approximately $1.

www.michaels.com/valentinesday offers additional ideas and inspiration for Valentine’s Day projects including heart-shaped candy and baked items, memory boxes, jewelry, gift baskets and decorative candles. A Valentine’s Day how-to webisode featuring creative expert Jo Pearson debuts on Michaels.com on January 31.

The site also features creative Valentine’s packaging ideas to add a personal touch to popular gift cards. money clips gift cards are available in stores or online, and gift cards for fashion, entertainment, sports, dining and more are available in stores at Gift Card Mall kiosks.

About Michaels

Irving, Texas-based Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. The company currently owns and operates more than 1,020 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and over 150 Aaron Brothers pendants. For more information visit www.Michaels.com.

Media Contact: Kristen Kauffman or Alexandra Elliott