We all know there are some things money can’t buy.

Like time. Mostly time.

Ok, and effort.

And since you cannot control time and if effort is something your partner values, then perhaps these five handmade gifts will be what you need this Valentine's Day. Because buying stuff off the shelf is too mainstream.

I’ve gathered five tried and tested methods (so you don’t waste your time) that are relatively easy to do this Feb. 14.

You are welcome.

1. DIY Heart Shape Tea Bags

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For all whose partners love a cup of morning tea, this is a good pick-me-up. Grab those $2 teabags from Daiso, some loose tea from any supermarket (personally, I bought green tea packets, cut open and gathered them together) and some red, pink and white threads and you are ready to go.

Imagine your partner thinking of you every morning as they drink their cup of tea made with love. Oh, the sweet life.

Difficulty level: 3/5

Full instructions here:

2. Love you because…

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For all those who want to appreciate your partner this Valentines Day, this is as direct as it gets.

If you visit your partner’s place often, this makes an awesome gift. You can remind him/her of the wonderful things they have done for you each week and show that you’re grateful for them. Classy frames can be grabbed from IKEA for < $10.

If you had always wanted to say cheesy but genuine words but often feel awkward, let this DIY present do the job for you. Don’t let the lack of affectionate words in your relationship be your regret!

Difficulty level: 1/5

Full instructions here:

3. 10 Highlights Scrapbook

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For all those who appreciate recycling materials and reminiscing the good old times, this is it.

All you need are duct tape, some Starbucks takeaway paper bags and brown recyclable shopping bags to get started. Not to forget 10 photos of you two doing crazy to romantic to…*you know what*. Stuff that you enjoy doing together. This is so simple and easy to do yet crazily beautiful.

I mean, who knows recycling can actually really be fun?!

Doing this will bring you down memory lane and cherish the shared memories a lot more.

Difficulty level: 3/5

Full instructions here

4. A year of dates

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For all those that feel you two don’t go for enough dates, make this.

All you need are 12 envelopes to represent each month and to think of 12 dates in advance, WALA! Free from headache for the next year. Some personal favourites would be, getting some couple SPA and massage vouchers from Groupon, prepaid movie cards, swimming date at SAFRA, or do some research on the upcoming musicals in Resorts World Sentosa or Marina Bay Sands.

Sounds heavy on the wallet but it’s a one-time investment ;)

Now you will never have to worry about having a sudden mental block when your partner asks for a date anymore.

Difficulty level: 3.5/5

Full instructions here.

5. Exploding Box

For all those that are sentimental beings and love photos, this is the bomb (pun intended). Besides, you can even pop a special surprise inside this box. Ahem* like a ring *coughs.

Okay, first things first, this box doesn't explode. So don't call the explosive ordnance disposal team.

Personally received this (above) and dared not imagine the amount of effort it took to make it. Highly recommended for those who want to shock (in a good way, of course) their partners with their hidden handicraft talent. Materials such as stickers, washi tape, cardboard, construction paper, markers etc can be bought from Artfriend and Popular.

Wished I cried tears of joy when I got this so I could show how much I loved it, but being the act tough person I am, I didn’t. Don’t get too disappointed when your partner didn't seem as happy as you would have hoped. Trust me, the happiness is real…and deep. So much feels.

Difficulty level: 5/5

Full instructions here.

Top photo from here.

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