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    Handmade Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

    Madeline Hoopes
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    Handmade Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

    Handmade Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

    Father’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the hard work and devotion of fathers everywhere. Whether here in the States, or halfway across the continent, the men in our lives deserve some recognition. Running to the store last minute and spending $400 on a tool belt might sound tempting. Here at Lars, we offer a handmade approach without breaking the bank. Here are some handmade gift ideas to get those creative wheels turning!

    Handmade Card

    There’s something special about receiving a handmade card from your children. It’s knowing they did it all themselves that makes you so proud! It’s also a great way for them to express their creativity. Simultaneously, expressing gratitude for the hardworking dad in their lives. We created some printable cards to make the process a bit easier.

    Bow Tie or Tie

    Father's day tie and bowtie pattern DIY

    Ties and bow ties are a classic gift. A classic gift made all the more meaningful when made by you! The best part is that they aren’t too tricky to make. Find your favorite fabric and get making! Here’s how to make a bow tie and a regular tie.

    Sports Donuts

    Father's Day Sports Donuts

    If I know anything, there are two things dads undeniably love – eating food and watching a good game of sports. Why not combine the two with a delicious Father’s Day treat? Sports-themed donuts are sure to capture his heart and his taste-buds! Here’s how to make some sports donuts.

    Lollipop Ribbon

    LolliPOP Father's Day prize ribbons

    Turn a lollipop into a winner by creating a ribbon! Such a fun and easy way to provide some sugar in an award winning form!

    Customizable Portrait

    We’ve made some impressive crafts over the years. This one takes the cake! It’s perfect to do with your kids.  All you need is to cut, arrange and glue to make a customizable portrait of your father/grandfather/uncle. You can get the templates and tutorial here.

    Origami Gift Boxes

    These Origami Shirt Gift Bags are a creative way to box up some goodies. Just fold the shirt, put some small treats in, and you’re ready to go! Here’s how to make the origami shirt bags.

    DIY Picnic Tote

    DIY picnic blanket

    This is for all the nature-loving dads out there! Try your hand at a DIY Picnic Tote. It doubles as a picnic blanket and a blanket perfect for late-night stargazing! I personalized mine by putting my dad’s face on it–hahahaha! Find out how I made it here.

    Handmade gifts are a perfect way to show your dad you love and appreciate him on Father’s Day. Go ahead and send this post to someone who could use it;) Ha!

    Do you have a go-to handmade gift idea for dad? I’d love to hear about it! Leave me a comment!

    Try other Father’s Day projects

    If you like this article, you might also like:

    A Lars Girl’s Back to School Guide

    Brittany
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    A Lars Girl’s Back to School Guide

    Colorblocked lunch sacks and beeswax snack wraps surrounded by play fruit and blackberries.

    Lars-Approved School Supplies

    If you look at them the right way, school supplies are the educational version of craft supplies. At least I get excited about them as if they were. Here are some of my favorite ones:

    Lars Back to School Shop

    Since I love school supplies so much, we had to include a few in our shop, of course! For example, see these these back to school stickers, designed by my friend Michele Brummer Everett. They’d be the perfect addition to your water bottle, notebook, or laptop. For more back to school supplies on our shop, click here.

    back to school stickers on notebooks

    On the Blog

    It turns out we also have quite a few back to school crafts for you to peruse on the blog! You can start with this versatile and oh so adorable pencil case, featuring our very own Spoonflower fabric. Don’t stop there! Another great addition to your back to school supply list is this DIY beeswax wrap and this reusable lunch sack. Oh, and I also put together a list of my current favorite laptop covers and stickers, which you can see here.

    Favorites from Around the Web

    Here are a whole host of school supplies we love from around the web. This includes notebooks, things to write with, water bottles, desk supplies, and more! We’ve split them up into categories for your convenience:

    Planners, Calendars and Notebooks

    Desk Organization and Supplies

    Things to Write With

    Stay Hydrated

    Dorm Room Design

    In the college town where I live, the end of August means lots of new students being dropped off at dorms for their first-ever foray into living outside their parents’ house. That means that there are LOTS of fresh-faced students moving into drab, depressing dorm rooms and shabby apartments. Check out this post full of rental-friendly interior design hacks to level up your space.

    You also won’t want to miss the custom dorm room transformations we took on! See them here, here, and here. Basically, we applied the advice in the post above to make these formerly dull spaces full of color and life (see my thoughts on the importance of color here). It’s so important to fill your life with things that make you happy, and that starts with your living space! It’s amazing how such simple fixes can transform your mood and overall well-being.

    Here are my favorite additions to any student housing situation:

    Rugs

    It’s amazing how the addition of an amazing rug can transform a room! Here are some options:

    Pillows and Throws

    Again, those pops of color really do the trick to make a room feel more homey and less bland.

    Curtains

    Another great way to add some color, curtains can also be a great statement piece for a room.

    Lighting

    As mentioned in this post, lighting can change everything.

    Kitchen Essentials

    We can’t post about dorm room decor without some kitchen essentials! You do have to live there, after all.

    Bedding and Towels

    Functional and practical are a must when it comes to bedding and towels, but who says they can’t be cute, too?

    Other Misc. Dorm Room Essentials

    Here are just a few more things to help add some personality to your dorm room:

    Any time you buy something from our affiliate links, we get a small commission at no cost to you! Hooray!

    Best Things to Buy on Amazon Prime Day

    Brittany
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    Best Things to Buy on Amazon Prime Day

    Cricut Products

    First up: Cricut products. Ever take a look at the price of a Cricut Maker and feel your heart skip a beat? They can be pretty pricey. That’s why they should be at the top of your list this Amazon Prime Day! Based on past years, there are notoriously awesome price cuts on these amazingly useful craft machines. And I can say from experience that the price tag is worth it, and it doesn’t get more worth it than the price on Amazon Prime Day. If you want the lowdown on why to use a Cricut and which option to choose, see this post.

    Here’s a list of Cricut products you’ll want to consider putting on your Amazon Prime Day shopping list:

    What to make with them:

    And here’s just a small taste of what you can make with your new-found Cricut products:

    Fiskars Products

    Another thing you might want to add to your Amazon Prime Day shopping list are Fiskars products. I can’t gush enough about my love for Fiskars products, especially when it comes to sewing. I would be lost without them and can personally vouch for how incredibly useful they are. We’ve been doing a ton of sewing projects here lately and the first things I always grab are a pair of scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, and clear, gridded ruler. Here’s the list of Fiskars products we love:

    materials

    What to make with them:

    Here’s what to make with your Fiskars products:

    Other Crafting Supplies

    Among the crafting supplies you’ll want to add to your cart on Amazon Prime Day, here are my picks:

    On Our Shop: My Book, Craft the Rainbow!

    No more words needed. My favorite book of all time (okay, I’m fully aware of my biases here), this is the book of all books to get you started on crafting! It’s the perfect thing to pair with crafting supplies you’re about to buy. You’ll be equipped to make so many things! See the previous section for a list of other crafting supplies you’ll thank yourself for buying.

    Craft the Rainbow book on a table with a brass hand-shaped lamp against a striped wall.

    We want to know: what are you most interested in buying this Amazon Prime Day?

    Father’s Day Gift Guide

    Brittany
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    Father’s Day Gift Guide

    Father’s Day Gift Tips:

    Our first Father’s Day gift tip is to think about memories you have with the gift recipient. Do you have any traditions that he loves? A certain dad I know took the kids (and half the neighborhood) to the candy store on Saturday mornings. Another dad I know cheered on his kids at every game they played. Something inspired by a memory or tradition you have together will put a smile on Dad’s face! Trust me.

    Another Father’s Day gift tip is to figure out what your dad likes – is he a camper? A worker-outer? A cook? A crafter? Dads are all unique, but there seems to be a consistent set of interests held by men ages 30-90. I’ll list some Dad-egories below to help you out! (see what I did there?). Of course, you’ll never find a one-size-fits-all type, but recognizing your father’s interests is a great way to find a Father’s Day gift. 

    Find Your Dad-Type

    You’ve got the…

    Grill Dad

    Oh ho ho. One year, my family members all chipped in a little and bought our dad a smoker that he’d been wanting. This gift is a selfish one – you’ll undoubtedly reap the benefits in the form of delicious food. Thinking smaller? Get him a grill apron, brush, or a fancy spice blend. Enjoy!

    Game Dad

    Did this guy spend hours trying to teach you chess? Mine did, and I actually like it even though I lose every time we play. This father loves games of all kinds, ranging from Clue to complicated card games (I just learned Pinochle). Find something that you can play together, or set him up online with a virtual game you can play even when you are apart. Quiplash, online pictionary, boardgamearena, Psych, and tons of others are great fun. (and it’s much harder to cheat in a game online…) My dad has been known to stay up past 2am playing all sorts of card games with my uncles. Take it from a pro – some games your dad may love are Coup, and Kubb.

    Travel Dad

    If he’s feeling cooped up, a reminder of fun times with loved ones is surely welcome. Souvenir shop online! If you have a ton of photos from an old family trip, arrange a photo album (this is easy to do online too) and send it to Dad. 

    Outdoorsy Dad

    He probably has a ton of gear already and might have strong opinions about what he likes… if this is the case, get him a print of his favorite view! If you’re feeling bold, check out smaller items that he can use anytime, anywhere. Think along the lines of a portable thermos/water bottle, camping silverware, or a pair of hiking sandals he can wear all summer long.

    Sports Dad

    Is likely thrilled at the warmer weather! It’s the perfect opportunity to give him some gear and/or things to inspire him to play (or just watch) the sports he loves.Try a poster of the 1995 Chicago Bulls team or vintage Yankees gear. Bobbleheads and baseball cards are too fun, or get him a jersey he can wear of his favorite player.

    Tech Dad

    Depending on your budget, this guy is hard to shop for! My thought is to go small rather than try and outfit him with a new #WFH computer. Floating chargers are fun and not super expensive, as are gadgets like tabletop phone holders. Send him some cheap and stylish blue-light lenses; odds are he needs all the fashion help he can get! 

    Handyman Dad

    My grandfather had his father’s hammer framed, and it’s become a symbol of perseverance and hope for our family. Find something of meaning (and of little use to him), and consider framing it! Antique tools have this amazing je nais se quoi. This will make for a Father’s Day gift he’ll remember.

    Stylish Dad

    Is your dad trend conscious, or could he use a makeover? If your dad is anything like mine, chances are he rarely (if ever) buys new clothes for himself. Surprise him with a new wardrobe item, and he’ll be surprised how good he feels wearing it around!

    Remember that time together, in person or virtually, is the best Father’s Day gift you could give any guy this year. That’s how a Lars girl can help out Dad. 

    Other Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    Books about Dad

    For another Father’s Day gift the kid’s can give to their dad, check out our printable activity pack they can color in!

    Give Dad the gift of self care

    Complete your father’s day gift with a printable card from our print shop – choose the card you love best here and here!

    Things To Do For Mom

    Brittany
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    Things To Do For Mom

    Give her breakfast in bed

    Breakfast in bed is the classic Mother’s Day gift! But this year you can make it even more unique by cutting out fruit in the shape of flowers. It’s a simple way even the little kids can feel like they’re contributing to help make mom feel special. To get you started, give her a hot cup of tea in this speckled loopy mug from our shop, or add a twisted candle in a flower candle holder.

    Here are some more supplies to help prep for the perfect breakfast in bed:

    Make dinner

    Growing up, my dad would make dinner for my mom every Mother’s Day. Most of the time, he did a pretty spectacular job (though I still remember the time he forgot the cheese in the lasagna). Don’t worry, if you’re not feeling confident enough in your cooking to take on a whole meal yourself (I understand, I really do–I’m the queen of not knowing how to cook), enlist the help of siblings and friends and make a day of it! There’s also no shame in a few store-prepared elements to your meal (Harmon’s and Trader Joe’s are my favorites).

    If your mom loves to cook, some great gifts we mentioned in our Mother’s Day gift guide this year are our recipe cards and this adorable new checkerboard apron!

    Here are some other great kitchen supplies to make the dinner extra special and beautiful:

    Give her a beautiful card

    A Mother’s Day card can never go wrong. It’s simple, but something every mother loves. Luckily for you, we have a whole host of Mother’s Day cards and stationary like this Scandinavian one to get you started!

    Something handmade

    What mom doesn’t love a handmade gift from their child? Head straight to our blog for tons of great DIY projects that double as great Mother’s Day gifts! For example, try these photo transfer dolls, or this beautiful clay necklace. This lovely embroidered brooch is another great option your mom can wear. For the kids, check out this post with tons of great Mother’s Day ideas kids can help with!

    Two embroidered plush dolls on a blue background surrounded by colorful toys

    Closeup of the embroidered floral brooch on Brittany's chambray quilted coat.

    Flowers

    Of course we couldn’t forget flowers. You know we love flowers, here at The House that Lars Built. Why not make some paper flowers for your mom this year? Some of my favorites are peonies, foxgloves, and hollyhocks. It’s a bouquet that stays looking fresh long after Mother’s Day!

    Paper peony bouquet held by a person in a striped dress

    Magenta and purple hollyhocks made of crepe paper against a dark grey background

    No time to make a bouquet? Here are some lovely flower-centric options to try:

    Go on a mom date

    Take her out to her favorite restaurant, go get manis/pedis, get massages or do a full spa day, get a yummy treat, go on a walk amidst the blossoms, the options are endless. The one thing we know is that she’ll love getting to spend some quality time with you.

    Here are some spa items you could incorporate into an at-home spa day:

    Clean for her

    Every mom appreciates a little help with the cleaning. Growing up, I remember asking my mom what she wanted for birthdays and she’d always mention cleaning. We can all relate! No matter how on top of the chores you are, it’s nice to take a break and let someone else take care of it for a change. The best part about this is that all ages of children can do a little something to help. Your mother deserves it!

    Oh, and to top off your cleaning, why not light a deliciously scented candle? Mmmm, I love a good candle, and I bet your mom does, too.

    More Gift Ideas

    Still stumped? Check out our 2022 Mother’s Day gift guide!

    Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2022

    Brittany
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    Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2022

    Mother’s Day Gifts from Our Shop

    To kick off our Mother’s Day gift guide, we had to include our Mother’s Day shop items. There are so many that your mother is sure to love. (Hint: who’s getting me some of these for Mother’s Day?) Here are some of our favorites:

    Aprons

    First, this Mother’s Day apron pattern! We released the tutorial for this beauty just yesterday where you can read all about the reasons why a handmade apron is the perfect Mother’s Day gift. And this one is just lovely. We also have some ready-made aprons in blue and pink for those of you who aren’t feeling in the mood for sewing.

    Earrings

    Earrings are a classic gift! What mother doesn’t like an excuse to dress up once in a while? And we have multitudes of earrings your mother is sure to adore! Some of my personal favorites are: these, these and these, but you can find the whole collection we have to offer here.

    fun abstract and floral shaped earrings

    Other Shop Items We Love

    We also highly recommend this DIY Floral brooch–it’s SO lovely, classy and timeless, you can’t go wrong. Looking for something kids can do for their moms? Try this Mother’s Day activity pack! Does your mom love to cook? Give her some of these adorable recipe cards to keep her kitchen organized! If your mom would love something to wear, try these paper flower boutonnieres–I love the little feminine touch they add to any outfit. Going along with the floral theme, we also have a beautiful flowers coloring book which your mom is sure to love. We also have plenty of Mother’s Day cards to choose from, and even gift cards if you can’t decide on anything specific! We especially love this Scandinavian floral one.

    Closeup of the embroidered floral brooch on Brittany's chambray quilted coat.

    Mother’s Day Florals

    Next up on our Mother’s Day gift guide are some Mother’s Day florals! I know my mom doesn’t treat herself to new things as often as she deserves, so what better time than Mother’s Day for a spring wardrobe refresh filled with florals? Here are some options:

    And here are some other florals, as well as things to get a garden blooming with her own fresh flowers!

    Spa Day

    Another gift that your mom isn’t likely to give herself is a much-needed spa day. So give her a reason for one!

    For Her Home

    Think throws, pillows, rugs, etc. Help her redecorate and add some fresh items to her home decor! Oh, and don’t forget those home scents.

     

     

    Mother’s Day Apron

    Brittany
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    Mother’s Day Apron

    Mother’s Day Apron

    Growing up, I can remember multiple school sewing projects involving apron making. I can even remember one that was supposed to be a Mother’s Day gift. Maybe it’s been done more than a few times, but hear us out. A Mother’s Day apron is one of the most perfect gifts! It’s handmade (raise your hand if your mother doesn’t love handmade gifts). It’s functional–since we are human and we need to eat, isn’t an apron like the most basic kitchen necessity? Oh, and the most important reason to make this apron: it’s just so adorable.

    Our Mother’s Day Apron

    This Mother’s Day apron is unique in part because we had the pleasure of using our very own custom Spoonflower fabric! Get ready for a lot more sewing projects–we’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg with this. We love how the pink and red checkerboard turned out with the apron. It was the perfect choice!

    We also have an apron pattern that we’re especially thrilled about–due to the easily adjustable neck strap, it can fit pretty much any body size and shape. Because you don’t want to be dealing with a saggy or too-tight apron when you’re in the kitchen. It should fit perfectly!

    How to Make a Checkerboard Mother’s Day Apron

    Here’s how to make a checkerboard apron for the mothers in your life:

    Prepping the Fabric

    1. First, you’ll want to prewash your fabric and dry it.
    2. Next, iron or steam the fabric so it’s nice and smooth.
    3. Now, lay out your pattern pieces and cut them out (see our PDF for specific details on printing and assembling the pattern).

    Making the Strap

    1. With your strap pieces cut out, place two of the short ends with right sides together and sew along the edge with 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim and iron out flat.
    2. Now repeat the first step to attach the third piece, then fold over both ends by about 1/2″ and iron.
    3. Next, with right sides together, sew all along the raw edge of the fabric to make an inside-out tube.
    4. Turn the tube right side out (use a safety pin to pull it through), iron flat, then top stitch around the entire thing.
    5. Done! Set it aside until you’re ready to add it to the apron.

    Sewing the Apron

    Now you can start on the apron itself!

    1. First, hem the two sides and bottom. To do this, fold and iron the raw edge to the wrong side by 1/4″, then fold it over by another 1/4″ to hide the raw edge and iron. Sew all the way around the three bottom sides.
    2. For mitered corners, see our tutorial here!
    3. Now you’re ready for the top hem. For this, fold and iron the raw edge over by 1/4″, then again by 1″. Sew along the edge to tack it down and that hem is done.
    4. Next are the casings. For these, iron the outside curve under by 1/4″. Then line one casing up with the curve of the apron, right sides together, using notches as a guide. Sew along the edge.
    5. Now clip around the curve a bit.
    6. Next, hem each edge of the casing so it’s lined up with the edge of the apron. Tack each end down with a line of stitching.
    7. Turn the casing over to the other side and press flat.
    8. Finally, sew along the edge of the casing to tack it down and you’re done!

    Assembling the Apron

    The last step is to fully assemble your Mother’s Day apron.

    1. To do this, simply pin a safety pin to one end of the strap and feed it through both casings to make the neck loop. Adjust as desired for the perfect fit and you’re all done!

    Happy Mother’s Day! Will you make her an apron this year? Let us know in the comments!

    More Inspiration

    Loved this tutorial on how to make a Mother’s Day apron and want a little more? Try these sweet spring outfits for the whole family! You also might be interested in this quilted shower curtain or mask, this DIY headboard, or this DIY beeswax wrap.

    Easter Basket Choose Your Own Adventure

    Brittany
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    Easter Basket Choose Your Own Adventure

    Easter Basket Choose Your Own Adventure

    When I’m stumped and can’t decide what direction to go with Easter baskets, one thing that helps me is picking a theme. Last year, we dedicated this Activity Filled Easter Baskets post to helping you pick some different themes for your Easter basket. Have a budding chef in your home? What about a gardener or artist? With your theme in mind, here are the steps to this Easter basket choose your own adventure:

    Step 1: Pick an Easter Basket!

    The first step in our Easter basket choose your own adventure is picking the perfect basket. This can be tricky! There are so many options to sift through. Well, we’ve already done the sifting. Here are our picks:

    DIY Easter Baskets

    1. Rope Easter Basket. This one is a brand new Easter basket released just yesterday! We’d love to see what you do with it!
    2. Woven Paper Easter Basket. Another great option, this one is so quick, easy, and equally pretty.
    3. Dip-Dyed Easter Basket. This is a general tutorial on dip-dying, so we’d recommend consulting our list below for options to purchase. Then dip dye to your heart’s content!

    Easter Baskets to Purchase

    Here are some more options if you’re not interested in making your own Easter basket this year:

    Oh, and don’t forget about the Easter grass and other accessories. Here are some amazing options we love:

    Step 2: Something To Wear

    Who doesn’t want to gift their child with an adorable Easter outfit? You can cater it to their interests, as well as the theme of your Easter basket. Little chef? Think apron. Budding gardener? Maybe something flower-themed would do the trick.

    Here are some adorable items from our shop your kiddos will love:

    Bunny Rabbit Enamel Pin, Bunny Shaped Hair Clip, Bunny Hair Clip Kit, Wavy Headband, Colorful Hair Ties, Flower Bead Hair Ties, Easter Bunny Baby Bonnet, Sunglasses, Children’s Crown, Daisy Earring, Daisy Earrings 2, and Flower and Pearl Earrings.

    And here are some other ideas!

    Step 3: Books and Activities

    Next step on our Easter basket choose your own adventure are books and activities. Books are a great way to avoid giving your child a sugar rush and also giving them hours of entertainment. Cater the book to your Easter basket theme and you’re all set!

    Here are some options from our shop we think will be instant hits:

    Springtime Activity Kit, Springtime Printable Activity Pack and Honeycomb Easter Eggs.

    And here are a few other options:

    Step 4: Toy

    We couldn’t leave toys off our Easter basket choose your own adventure! What child doesn’t love toys? What about Easter themed toys? Even better. If you’re on a mission to craft the perfect themed Easter basket, we have tons of suggestions for you.

    From our shop we have some great options: the Floppy Bunny Plush Doll, Easter Bunny Stuffed Animal, Garden Game, Color Pencils, and Building Blocks.

    Here are more options if you’re interested:

    Step 5: Treat

    Last but not least on our Easter basket choose your own adventure are treats. Of course, just because you’re trying to vary the options in this Easter basket choose your own adventure doesn’t mean you can’t include some classic Easter treats in your basket. The Paper Carrot Treat Box from our shop is the perfect thing to stuff with goodies and include in your easter basket.

    Here are some adorable and tasty treats we love!

    More Inspiration

    Looking for more Easter inspiration? Check out our Easter shop for many more ideas to get you in the mood! Also see our past blog posts featuring Easter content here.

     

    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Men

    Brittany
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    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Men

    Fancy Meets Functional

    First on our Valentine’s Day gift guide for men is that perfect blend of fancy and functional essentials. If you ask me, these are things every man wants but rarely thinks he needs. Everyone needs a wallet, but who says it can’t be beautiful and leather? Does your S.O. travel? Gift him a shiny new duffel that doesn’t have old drink stains on it or crumbs in the pockets. A new pair of nice shoes also adds a nice touch. Since men are shorter on accessories than women, why not treat him to a new essential that has a fancy flair, like this watch? And speaking of fancy, who says men can’t wear jewelry?

    An Outfit Refresher

    Am I the only one who feels like if I don’t shop for my husband he won’t buy anything for himself? He would wear the same five shirts every day for 10 years if I didn’t have anything to say about it. He’ll be as happy about his new wardrobe as you’ll be, which is why this could almost be considered an essential item on our Valentine’s Day gift guide for men.

    Pamper Him

    Though the beauty industry heavily targets women, who says men don’t need a little pampering? So instead of him dipping into your designated creams and lotions, why not get him his very own? If he has a beard, a little beard oil or a beard grooming kit won’t go awry. And if he’s clean shaven, a new electric razor will be a godsend. A little cologne will be an unexpected surprise, too, especially if he generally doesn’t spend much money on himself. Make him feel special and taken care of!

    Get Cozy

    Speaking of pampering, what S.O. doesn’t need to put their feet up and relax after a long day? There’s no better way to really relax and unwind than to ditch your daytime attire and kick back with a whole host of cozy accessories. Let him slip his feet into some fluffy slippers, don a pair of brand new pjs, and snuggle up with a blanket while you both watch your favorite show.

    For His Hobbies

    Last on our Valentine’s Day gift guide for men is a little something for his hobbies. Give your S.O. a reason to enjoy his hobbies this year! Does he love the outdoors? Maybe his tent could do without the holes. If he’s a whiz in the kitchen, cooking or grilling supplies would be a perfect gift. Use your imagination and get him something that brings out his inner child! Chess sets, portable camping games, the list goes on.

    More Inspiration

    Well, ladies, if you’ve loved these ideas for hubby gifts, you may be interested in what we have to say about you. Head over to our “hint hint, hubby” gift guide to help your S.O. decide what to get you this Valentine’s Day. Love is a mutual thing, so gifts should be, too.

     

    Hand and Heart Love Tokens

    Brittany
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    Hand and Heart Love Tokens

    A Plug for Handmade Valentines

    We swooned when we saw the designs our designer, Garet, made for our hand and heart love tokens. They’re the perfect blend of classic and timeless with a modern twist. I mean the colors?! And those delicate details?! We were instantly captivated, not to mention thrilled.

    One of the best things about them is the handmade quality the woven elements give them. I think we can all agree that there’s something extra meaningful about giving and receiving handmade gifts, especially ones that took some time. Ever met someone who almost instantly throws away cards for all occasions? My dad is one of them. He reads the cards, says how nice they are, then throws them straight into the trash. He’s not trying to be insensitive, he’s just practical, and they do start building up. But I would be willing to bet that if he received a valentine as lovely as one of these heart and hand love tokens, he wouldn’t be so quick to discard it. Maybe he’d even frame it.

    side view

    How to Make a Hand and Heart Love Token

    We’re obsessed with these oh so romantic hand and heart love tokens. We think you will be too, once you make a few for yourself. For how lovely they look, they’re almost too simple to believe it. Here’s how to do it!

    four hand and heart love tokens

    Prepping the Paper

    1. First of all, you’ll need your best friend, the handy Cricut Maker. I can’t tell you how much of a difference having one of these babies makes when attempting to cut so many meticulous lines with precision.
    2. Using your Cricut Maker, cut out the hand and heart templates, found in our shop. See our templates for the colors of paper we used.
    3. Once the pieces are cut out, you may need to use your craft knife to pop the paper pieces out and touch up the cutting job, if your paper is a bit thicker.

    As a note, the green and yellow hearts are meant to be mixed and matched. The pink and red hands both have wrist inserts that can also be switched.

    step photos

    Weaving the Hearts

    Now you’re ready to weave your heart and hand love tokens together! Make sure to reference our step photos, as visualizing can help with the weaving.

    1. First, we’ll explain how to weave the heart into the hand. To do this, position the heart  so the point is towards the bottom of the hand and the cuts are going opposite directions.
    2. Now, starting from the bottom, poke the points that face down (the heart) in behind the points that face up (the hand). Gently ease them down as far as you can without ripping the paper.
    3. Once they’re in place, you’re ready to weave the points down the opposite direction.
    4. To do this, gently tuck the hand’s points in behind the heart’s points, so you get a neat little diamond with each tuck.
    5. It’s secure, now, and should stay in place. You’re done weaving the heart!

    Weaving the Wrists

    1. To weave the checkerboard wrist pattern, take the first narrow strip of paper and weave over and under the strips on the hand’s wrist.
    2. With the next strip, alternate, starting over if you started under with the first, and vice versa.
    3. When starting each new strip, alternate the weaving so you get a nice checkerboard pattern.
    4. For the woven heart wrist, simply use the same technique as for the checkerboard, but just do it once.

    Your hand and heart love tokens are complete!

    hand and heart love tokens

    More Inspiration

    If you loved this tutorial on how to make your own hand and heart love tokens, we’re guessing you’re in the mood for more Valentine’s Day content. Here’s a lovely little painted valentine box you can make to put your own valentines in. If you want more valentine ideas to give, we have a whole host of lovely valentines designed by some of our favorite Lars print shop artists. Want some valentines you can make yourself for love day? Try these easy DIY valentines. Or are you here looking for Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your significant other? Then head to our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Women, and stay tuned for our Valentine’s Day gift guide for men.

    Hint Hint Hubby: Valentine’s Day Gifts 2022

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    Hint Hint Hubby: Valentine’s Day Gifts 2022

    Something Fancy

    A classic Valentine’s day gift and one that will hardly ever disappoint, jewelry is at the top of our list. I’m guessing I’m not the only one who loves to look at pretty jewelry but passes when I see the price tag. Usually it’s not worth it unless it’s a special occasion. Well, we’re giving you permission–Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to get your S.O. something that sparkles and is fancy enough to make her blush. If she won’t spend the money on herself, why don’t you?

    Pamper Her

    Everyone deserves to feel a little pampered now and then, and we think Valentine’s Day is one of the best occasions there is to make your loved one feel special. Give her a bath pillow and some bath soak, light some candles, and let her relax and read after a long day at work. An eye mask and some luxurious face creams wouldn’t go awry, either.

    For Her Hobbies

    Women love it when you tap into their interests, so Valentine’s Day gifts that are geared towards her favorite past-times will be an instant hit. Does she have a green thumb? Bingo. Anything plant related will surely surprise as well as delight. Lover of food and gatherings (who isn’t)? Try this lovely charcuterie board or these cheese knives.

    To Decorate

    Another surprising and spot on Valentine’s Day gift your S.O. will love are some home decor items. Gift her with a pop of color to add to her at-home office or work space, or a beautiful accent chair for your living space. And a dazzling throw pillow or lampshade can do no wrong.

    More Inspiration

    The gift ideas don’t end here. Honestly, I could go on all day with Valentine’s Day gift ideas. If you loved these ideas and are looking for more, check out our shop! There are endless options for every price point, and all are lovely options for such a special day. Oh, and stay tuned–we’ve got a gift guide for men’s gifts coming up soon!

    Our Favorite Printable Valentines

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    Our Favorite Printable Valentines

    printables

    Lars Shop Artists

    For those of you who may be unaware, we have many amazing artists whose work we feature in our shop. They’ve collaborated with us to make all kinds of things, from home decor items to puzzles. One of the highlights of the year is seeing all the beautiful valentines these talented artists come up with! The best perk about the valentines made by our artist friends is that most all of them are printables. That means you can still fulfill your need for fresh and fun valentines without a big time commitment. Print them off and have your kids assemble them for their school valentines! But don’t worry, adults love them too. In fact, they’re perfect for all ages, really. Give them to anyone who needs a little love. Take a look, we have a feeling you’ll find something that’s just right for you!

    Our Favorite Printable Valentines

    Printable Valentines Hearts For a Face Mask

    face mask hearts

    Perfect for a Valentine’s Day in the middle of a pandemic, we love Jessie Kanelos Weiner’s printable valentines hearts for a face mask. Just print and cut, and you’ll be donning this festive face mask all day.

    You’re the Top Valentines

    you're the top

    Also by Jessica Kanelos Weiner, these little valentines are classic, playful, and just the thing for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

    Printable Vase Valentines

    printable valentine

    We LOVE these printable vase valentines, designed by the talented Angie Stalker. Playful and whimsical, just print them off and attach a flower to them and you’re ready to give them to your loved ones. One thing that has us totally sold, is that once you’re done with them as valentines, keep them up on your wall for a fun pop of color and texture all year round (bonus: make a few paper flowers to go with them, perhaps)? If you’re interested, here’s another foldable variation.

    Valentines Heart Card

    heart

    Also by Angie Stalker, meet the valentines heart card. If you’re feeling like celebrating Valentine’s Day with a very literal pun, this clever little card is for you.

    IOU Cards and Envelopes

    IOU valentines

    Angie Stalker does it again! We love her IOU cards, complete with matching envelopes. This is such a fun twist on valentines, and is such a perfect opportunity to give a service-oriented gift to your loved ones this year. We all love chocolate, but how about some luxurious foot rubs? a surprise dinner? Just scratch off the sticker to reveal the IOU assignment.

    Valentine Postcard by Emily Isabella

    Next on the list of our favorite printable valentines is this valentine postcard by Emily Isabella. Nothing says Valentine’s Day in Paris like these ornate little beauties. They’re delicate, classy, and absolute eye-candy to look at. I’m definitely getting some Madeline vibes, here. I have to say, I’d be ecstatic to get one of these sweet little valentine postcards in the mail.

    Love Potion Valentines

    love potion

    By artist Danielle Kroll, these love potion valentines are a creative twist on a traditional valentine card. We’re not saying you should give your S.O. a love potion, but we think this card just might do the trick.

    Strawberry Dress/I Love You More Than Paris Valentines

    strawberry dress

    Another of our favorite printable valentines are these strawberry dress valentines. Sweet, simple and adorable, we can’t get enough of them or their sisters, “I love you more than Paris” valentines! They say “I love you” in an absolutely whimsical and dreamy way. Michelle Christensen of My Little Bellville really outdid herself with these charmers.

    Tear Apart Valentines

    Eclectic, original and so appropriate for the season, these tear apart valentines are a sweet idea. They’re the perfect valentine for a best friend or significant other. Give one half away, keep the other. Just like a friendship bracelet, but with valentines!

    Zoo Valentines

    animal printables

    Okay, we have to say, we’re completely obsessed with these adorable zoo valentines. Perfect for a Valentine’s Day party for kids or for your kiddos to take to school, these valentines are one of our favorite printable valentines of all time. They’re just so versatile. Fun for kids, fun for adults, these sweet little guys check all the boxes! Jessica Whittaker is a true master.

    Historical Figure Valentines

    Also by Jessica Whittaker, these historical figure valentines are a creative way to celebrate love day. If you’re a fan of clever puns, these are for you. You won’t be able to hold in the giggles.

    Valentines Stamp Cards and Envelopes

    printable valentine

    These sweet, supersized stamp cards are perfect for your long distance love needs. Are you surprised they made the list of our favorite printable valentines? This adorable twist on postage stamps is just the thing to brighten your loved one’s Valentine’s Day. I mean, can you imagine opening the mailbox to find this?! Day made. Thank you, Josefina Schargorodsky!

    Kiss Me Swallow Valentine

    If you love birds, look no further. We are drooling at how cute this little swallow valentine is! Classy and playful, it relies on beautiful simplicity to create a love note your significant other will treasure forever. Hilary Onyon did a spectacular job, we have to say.

    Hey You Carnation Valentine

    carnation

    Also by Hilary Onyon, we love this bold, two tone valentine with a little floral accent. It’s simple, clean, and distinct, and adds a fun pop of color to your valentine card collection. It definitely makes the list of our favorite printable valentines.

    Cupid Valentine

    We love the refreshing pop of blue on this cupid valentine by Hilary Onyon.

    Heart Tile Valentine

    house tile valentine

    This heart tile valentine is such a clever idea. Nestled among the shingles is a heart with a hidden message on it! Folk-art inspired tiled roof, we love this modern twist. And the colors? Perfection. We love Julie Marabelle’s work!

    Valentine Chocolate Wrap

    A clever twist on Valentine’s Day cards, we love the idea of a printable chocolate bar wrapper! The retro designs by Normandie Luscher are fun and bold, and it feels like stepping in to a Willy Wonka Chocolate shop. Here’s a candle wrap alternative, if you’re not feeling like gifting chocolate this year.

    Valentine cards by Rosie Harbottle

    printable valentine

    Reminiscent of a dreamy Valentine’s Day in Europe, we love the painterly illustrations on these lovely cards. Rosie Harbottle’s brushwork is fantastic and the colors bold and subtle at the same time, for a dreamy effect. If our travel is limited due to COVID, let’s bring all those travel vibes back home with these cards.

    You’re Eggstra Special Valentine

    egg and frog valentines

    Last but not least on the list for today of our favorite printable valentines is our eggstra special valentine. If you’re a fan of food puns, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at these adorable and funny little valentines by Michéle Brummer Everett. They’re a great option for kids, especially those little ones who aren’t feeling very lovey and are scared of cooties. Another fun variation on the egg valentines are these frog valentines, or these beet valentines, all designed by Michéle.

    More Inspiration

    This list of our favorite printable valentines is definitely not comprehensive, and we have many more printable valentine options available in our shop! Check out our full Valentine’s Day collection here, complete with printables, stickers, hair ties, and more.

     

     

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