• Valentine crafts make heartfelt gifts.VALENTINE HEART image by brelsbil from Fotolia.com
  
  You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to show loved ones how much you care on Valentine's Day. Make simple craft gifts using markers, ribbon and other basic items. Valentine's crafts also make interesting children's party activities. Set up a table with items to be decorated and a variety of craft supplies so that kids can make their own Valentine's Day gifts.
  
  

Paper Heart Wreath

• Construct an easy paper heart wreath for festive home decor. Cut red, white, pink and red construction paper into heart shapes; vary the sizes for an interesting look. Remove the center of a paper plate, leaving the rim intact. Glue the hearts all around the rim to form a wreath. Tie a piece of yarn or ribbon at the top of the wreath so that you can hang it on the wall.
  
  

Valentine Barrettes

• Make a Valentine-inspired barrette for a special girl in your life. Children will enjoy making these during Valentine's parties. Wrap a pink, red or heart-patterned ribbon around a plain metal or plastic barrette. Use craft glue or a hot-glue gun to secure the ends of the ribbons to the barrette. Make a tiny lace bow and glue it to the barrette, or attach little heart charms to the top of it.
  
  

Lollipop Flowers

• Lollipop flowers make sweet Valentine's Day gifts. Gather several round, individually wrapped lollipops in a variety of colors such as red, yellow and orange. Cut heart shapes out of red construction paper or card stock; make sure that the hearts are slightly larger than the lollipop candy. Glue the hearts to the back of the candy wrappers. Make leaf shapes out of green construction paper and glue them to the back of the lollipop sticks. You can make several flowers and present them as a bouquet.
  
  

Cookie-Cutter Heart

• Use red heart-shaped cookie cutters to make a simple craft gift. Write a Valentine's Day message such as "Be Mine" on a piece of heart-shaped pink construction paper. You can also decorate the paper with glitter glue and stickers. Slip the piece of paper into the cookie cutter so that it is "framed." Write or type your favorite sugar cookie recipe on a small piece of paper and punch a hole in one end. Tie the recipe to the cutter with a piece of festive yarn or ribbon.