9 ideas for Valentine's Day

Looking for an inexpensive way to celebrate Valentine's Day? Here are some ideas from Better Homes and Gardens magazine's February edition.

IDEAS FROM THE HEART

Letter Perfect: Put down that messy piping bag! Here's an easier way to spell out your love: Glaze alphabet crackers with thin icing then sprinkle with colored sugar. Perch atop frosted cupcakes.

We used Trader Joe's Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies but you may find similar cookies at other grocery stores. Trader Joe's Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies, $3 per 16-oz. tub; traderjoes.com for stores

Now Showing: Make a Valentine's Day movie date with your sweetie. Package up some popcorn, a couple DVDs, and a list of more movies you want to watch together.

Spoonful of style: Fun to give and fun to get, heart-shape measuring spoons in hefty hand-cast pewter will become an instant kitchen heirloom. $42; beehivekitchenware.com

On a Pedestal: Skirt a footed cake plate with a sash of colorful paper and a ribbon belt. Just cut a 3-inch strip of card stock and attach it to the rim of the plate with double-stick tape. (A cake plate with a flat, wide rim works best.)

Ears to You: A sweet way to give jewelry is to pin it to a wool felt heart tucked into a truffle box lined with paper. Find boxes and mini paper cups in the cake decorating aisle of your crafts store. Wool felt hearts, $4 for 3; leesartshop.com

Card Carrying: Present a gift card in a colorful business card holder tied with ribbon. Cut a card-size greeting out of paper and tuck it in, too. We used the leather magic wallet from J. Crew but other card holders would also work. Leather magic wallet, $28; jcrew.com

Rose Bowl: Present traditional Valentine's Day blooms in a new way. Cut rose stems to 6 inches and remove leaves. Pack them tightly in a straight-sided glass hurricane or bowl accented with ribbon. (Bonus: So much easier to transport than a wobbly vase.)

Tip: Cut flowers last longer if their water is kept pristine, says New York floral designer Lynn Jawitz (florisanllc.com). Change it daily and don't allow leaves below the water line. Also avoid heat vents, direct sun, and fresh fruit (the ethylene it releases speeds decay).

CRAFTY GIFT

Who doesn't love getting pictures? An easy-to-make photo booklet is a card and a frame in one. Fold it flat for mailing; unfurl it for display. Plus, it's made with inexpensive supplies you probably already have at home.

Supplies:

• Patterned card stock; folds easily and is available by the sheet at crafts stores.

• Photos printed from your computer or at a store kiosk. Trim photos into 3-inch by 3-inch squares.

• Photo corners. No messy gluing. Just moisten, stick down, and insert pictures.

• Ribbon. To wrap up the booklet with a flourish. If you like, tie on a scrapbooking charm.

To make a photo book:

Cut an 8 ½ inch by 11 inch sheet of card stock in half lengthwise. Tape together to make one long strip. Accordion fold every 4 inches. Center a photo in each square and attach with photo corners. (You'll need five photos.) Punch a hole in the back for ribbon.

"Coupons" to give

Download and print our exclusive Valentine "coupons." They're a fun and unique way to give family and friends something special. BHG.com/valentinecoupons