After the winter holidays, it seems like only the blink of an eye before the Valentine’s Day decorations and products start hitting the shelves. Consumers spent approximately $13.2 billion on Valentine’s Day. Billion. That said, it’s a great idea to make gifts that are really going to stand out. At the Rhinestone Shop, we sell authentic European crystal rhinestones so you can make beautiful, sparkling, customized gifts that will really pop. In addition, you can check out our helpful size and birthstone guide. Check out our ideas for five things to make for Valentine’s Day.

1. Jewelry

Jewelry is one of the most traditional gifts for Valentine’s Day. Make sparkling statement pieces with European flat-backed rhinestones. Making jewelry requires some additional hardware, but it will be worth the effort. With brilliant rhinestones in a huge variety of colors (check out our color chart here), shapes, and sizes, you can make gorgeous combinations for any taste.

• Earrings – Earrings are an excellent and easy first step into making luminescent rhinestone jewelry. Earrings don’t take a terribly long time to make, but it does require a small investment of hardware and supplies. You’ll need E-6000 rhinestone glue, settings, earring posts and backings, and felt or plastic to provide a base. Start by laying out your design, then glue to the felt or plastic backing. For an extra pop of color, consider choosing an offset felt color. Carefully trim away the backing and glue the earring post in place. Take care to make sure the posts are in an identical position.
• Necklaces – Although a little more labor intensive, a rhinestone necklace is worth the effort. With our huge selection of colors and shapes, you can put together an amazing piece. You’ll need jump rings, glue, and clasps, and you can make pendants or full necklaces. Plastic canvas makes a great backing that wont’s show through your rhinestones.
• Hair Clips – Like earrings, hair clips are a breeze to make and take only a short amount of time. The right hair clips can add a touch of sparkle to that hairdo for a special date. All you need are rhinestone glue, hair clips, and rhinestone settings. Lay out your design and glue your rhinestones in place; it can be helpful to clip the hair clips to something stable like cardboard. These hair clips are sure to shine.

2. Customized cards

Approximately 180 million Valentine’s cards were exchanged last year alone, making cards a huge market for gift giving. Handmade cards embellished with our authentic European crystal rhinestones will show your loved one that you put effort into what would ordinarily be a generic, dull gift.

Making a great Valentine’s Day card starts with choosing high-quality paper. If you want to be non-traditional, choose different colors beyond reds and pinks. Select coordinating colors and accent the corners; at the Rhinestone Shop we even sell heart-shaped, flat-backed crystal rhinestones perfect for adorning cards. Giving the gift of a custom-made card turns a regular Valentine’s Day card into a special gift that you keep forever.

3. Rhinestone ribbons for floral bouquets

The flower industry booms on Valentine’s Day. In 2016, consumers spent approximately $1 billion on flowers alone, especially on roses. One great way to make that beautiful bouquet stand out is with an embellished ribbon that will both offer a custom gift and make those flowers really pop. Choose your bouquet of flowers. Instead of the traditional roses, try choosing favorite flowers or a favorite color scheme.

Many florists also sell ribbons, so if you’re not great at coordinating colors, your florist might be able to make some recommendations. With such a colorful backdrop, try clear rhinestones with sliver backings (don’t forget we sell heart-shaped rhinestones!). If you want to match rhinestone colors to the flowers, choose a ribbon with a neutral color, like whites, blacks, and browns. From there, all you need is glue, and possibly a straight edge to keep those rhinestones in line. Your ribbon can be a simple band, or you can even bejewel the vase or flower pot for a long-term vessel.

4. Bling chocolates

Chocolates are practically synonymous with Valentine’s Day, and it’s one of the most common gifts. Consumers spent about $1.4 billion on Valentine’s chocolates in 2016. Make a box of homemade or purchased chocolates stand out by turning that generic box into a keepsake gift that the recipient will cherish year-round. That traditional heart-shaped box can become a fabulous gift that lasts long past the chocolate.

If you’re making a rhinestone-adorned box, you’ll need flat-backed rhinestones and glue. Your design can be a simple embellishment, or you can cover the whole box to make a huge statement. Consider re-boxing your chocolates into a new box that can be used as a jewelry box later. These beautiful boxes of European crystals will really show your appreciation and attention to detail.

5. Cell phone cases

It may not sound like the most romantic gift idea, but cell phones have become a must-have item for most people. We all carry our phones, and many of us have a tendency to accidentally drop those phones, leaving you with the ubiquitous cracked screen. There are cell phone cases and case/wallet combos that make a perfect small gift that is easily customizable. If you have someone in your life who loves a touch of sparkle, a new case or wallet will bring a smile to their faces.

If you’re looking for a unique little item to surprise a loved one, and new sparkling cell phone case is a customizable option. Simply find a solid color case or wallet, and look online for design and pattern inspirations. With all of our color and shape choices available, you can create a creative, interesting piece that packs a punch.

Valentine’s Day is financially one of the most lucrative holidays, but is also a time to exchange gifts with loved ones. Making customized gifts are a great way to show an extra level of thought beyond a generic gift of chocolate or roses. You’re really only limited by your imagination, so get started!