Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays we love to celebrate. We want it to feel special, thoughtful, and fun, but we also don’t want it to turn into another expensive holiday that sneaks up on our budget. Between classroom Valentines, little surprises at home, and something meaningful for my husband, costs can add up quickly.
That’s why we’re always on the lookout for simple, affordable Valentine’s Day gifts, decor, and DIY ideas that feel heartfelt without feeling overdone. This year, we discovered the sweetest DIY heart envelopes, and they quickly became a family favorite. They’re easy enough for kids to help with, charming enough to feel special, and inexpensive to make.
We ended up creating more than we needed (which tends to happen with a good craft hahaha), so we turned them into a small act of kindness…a Valentine’s snack cart for the mailmen, mailwomen, and delivery drivers who deliver packages to our home all year long. A little reminder that Valentine’s Day (and every day) is also about spreading love beyond our own walls.
What You’ll Find in This Post
- Why DIY heart envelopes are perfect for Valentine’s Day
- Supplies you’ll need (all budget-friendly)
- Step-by-step instructions to make heart envelopes
- Creative ways to use them for kids, partners, and neighbors
- How to style them as affordable Valentine’s decor
Why DIY Heart Envelopes Are a Valentine’s Day Favorite
These heart envelopes check all the boxes when it comes to affordable Valentine’s Day decor:
- Budget-friendly and made with simple supplies
- Easy enough for kids to help with
- Handmade and meaningful
- Versatile for gifts, notes, and decor
Whether you’re tucking in love notes, candy, gift cards, or handwritten messages, these envelopes feel personal in a way store-bought Valentines often don’t.
Supplies You’ll Need
You likely already have most of these on hand, which makes this DIY even better.
- Heart doilies (I used 10-inch ones)
- Clear tape
- Heart stickers
- Fillings (i.e. candy, gift card, handwritten message)
Tip: Soft pinks, reds, and neutral tones keep this project feeling timeless and elevated, perfect for Valentine’s Day decor.
How to Make DIY Heart Envelopes
Step 1: Flip your paper heart doilie upside down. Fold the sides in until they slightly overlap. One tip I have, make sure your vertical folds are straight. If they are angled the sides of your envelope will turn out angled, too.
Step 2: Rotate your heart so it’s upside down, then fold up the bottom.
Step 3: With clear tape, secure the right and left edges of your envelope.
Step 4: Stuff your envelope with goodies (i.e. candy, gift card, handwritten message) and seal it with a sticker.
Creative Ways to Use Heart Envelopes
One of the reasons we love this DIY is how versatile it is:
- For kids: Classroom Valentines, lunch box notes, or even a Valentine’s Day countdown (think Advent Calendar, but for Valentine’s Day)
- For your partner: Love notes, favorite quotes, or date-night ideas
- For friends and neighbors: Small Valentine’s Day treats or homemade crafts
- For delivery drivers: Add them to a snack cart to spread a little love
- For your home: Style them in a basket, on a tray, or clipped to a garland for an easy seasonal touch.
A Simple Reminder: Valentine’s Day Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
This DIY heart envelope project is a great example of how affordable decor and handmade touches can make Valentine’s Day feel meaningful. It’s not about how much you spend, it’s about the intention behind it.
If you’re looking for more ideas that blend style, heart, and budget-friendly inspiration, be sure to visit the Decor Steals Journal. And don’t forget to explore our Valentine’s Collection, filled with fresh finds that make it easy to refresh your home without overspending.
Here’s to celebrating love at home, as a family, and out in the world one handmade heart at a time.