These DIY Cards Are the Most Heartwarming Ways to Say "I Love You"

Don't get us wrong: Of course we love a good Valentine's Day gift (especially if it comes in the form of something sweet, like chocolate-covered strawberries), but, in our opinion, the card is equally—if not, more—important. And while there's nothing wrong with a store-bought option, a one-of-a-kind, homemade card always feels extra special—which is exactly why we've compiled the very best DIY Valentine's Day card ideas for girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives, teachers and classmates, and, of course, galentines.

While we know that anything DIY can seem like a labor of love, we're here to fill you in on a little secret: Making a Valentine's Day card can actually be easy—and these ideas (and step-by-step tutorials) are proof of that, whether you're looking for a valentine that's silly and school-appropriate (do not miss the toy animals), a card that's sweet and simple (looking at you, origami hearts), or something that's sure to surprise and delight (in this case, you can't go wrong with a homemade pop-up card).

The one downside? Most handmade cards are blank inside, which means you'll have to figure out what to write, which, yes, is easier said than done. So here's our advice: You can keep it simple with a heartfelt quote, or to get a bit more personal with your love note, take some time to think about all the reasons why you adore your significant other and write them down.