Not many holidays exude handmade appreciation like Valentine’s Day. I theorize that it stems from the paper bag “Valentine mail-boxes” so many of us crafted in elementary school, but the truth is, a glued-together, glittered Valentine is perfect at any age. This year, we’ve scoured the web to find some crafty creations you can whip up for your loved one – using stuff that you’ve probably already got on hand. So, consider creative recycling this year, and see if you can’t surprise someone with a gift that’s as sweet as it is green.

• Heart Paper Pockets (Craftzine) – Make ‘em by cutting up old greeting cards
• Bottle Cap Photo Magnets (Martha Stewart) – Recycle the bottles; keep the twist-off caps
• Valentine Lightbulb (Design*Sponge) – Burnt bulb? No problem
• Silver Ring for Him (Instructables) – All you need is a pre-1964 quarter
• Valentine’s Day Cookies (Food Network) – Just-the-basics kind of recipe