5 easy-to-make gifts your partner will love

Even if you’re not super handy or crafty, you can still make one of these homemade gifts for your guy or gal that is sure to dazzle and delight.

If your significant other enjoys nothing more than spending hours in the kitchen, why not put together a special seasoning blend? Package your blend in a small jar or other glass container and personalize it with a tag or label.

Here are a couple great blends to try:

Pumpkin Pie Spice

• ¼ c. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 tsp. nutmeg
• 2 tsp. Allspice powder
• ½ tsp. clove powder (optional)

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

• Zest from 4-6 lemons
• 6 tbsp. ground black pepper
• 5 tbsp. sea salt

If your boyfriend or girlfriend is always jotting down ideas or drawing pictures, why not make them a one-of-a-kind journal or sketchbook? Buy washi tape, which is available in all kinds of cool colours and patterns at craft stores, and use it to decorate a plain paper notebook.

For the boyfriend or girlfriend who enjoys nothing more than a mystery or a challenge, create a personalized game.

• Assemble a puzzle, write a message on top, disassemble the puzzle and have your significant other assemble the puzzle to discover the secret message—perhaps a clue to a special location for a date?
• Take a page from when you were kids and create a scavenger hunt of clues all around your house, a park or even the city where you live. You could even invent a secret code that has to be cracked in order to solve each clue.

Go on a mini-adventure to your favourite local thrift shop and look for a piece of art in a size and colour palette that’s right for your significant other’s place. Once you've found it:

• Stop by the craft store for some adhesive letters and craft paint—white is a good choice—and head home.
• Use the sticker letters to write a message on the art you chose—maybe a song lyric, line from a book or a quote from your favourite show or movie—and then paint over the whole thing with the craft paint.
• After the paint has completely dried, peel the letters up and reveal your message.

When all else fails, say how you feel! Grab a pen, some paper and take some time to express exactly what your relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend means to you.

Slip the note in his or her bag or purse, and you’ll brighten their day with your heartfelt words.

A beautiful, thoughtful gift for your partner does not have to cost you a lot. Going out of your way to create something just for them will show how much you care.