21 Dollar Store Valentine’s Decor Ideas Worth Grabbing

If you love the look of the season but not the price tag that usually comes with it, this list of dollar store valentines decor is made for you. I have tried every idea here at home on a tight budget, using dollar store finds, scraps from the craft box, and things I already owned, and each one looks far more expensive than it cost. (see also: budget-valentines-decor-ideas)(see also: diy-valentines-wreath)(see also: cheap-spring-decor-ideas) You do not need fancy tools or a whole afternoon free, just a clear table and an hour or two. Save this list before you scroll on, so you can pick your favourites and gather supplies without rushing through the shops.

What this costs at a glance: Almost everything here is $5 or less, and a $15 dollar store run will cover at least five different ideas on this list.

Under $5 Favourites

1. Red Heart Garland Made From Felt Sheets

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The red heart garland made from felt sheets brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 35 minutes

2. Mason Jar Candle Holders With Pink Tissue Paper

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The mason jar candle holders with pink tissue paper brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 12 minutes

3. Paper Heart Wreath for the Front Door

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The paper heart wreath for the front door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 28 minutes

4. Valentine’s Pillow Covers From Dollar Store Fabric

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The valentine’s pillow covers from dollar store fabric brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 50 minutes

5. Heart-Shaped Photo Clips for the Mantel

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The heart-shaped photo clips for the mantel brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 8 minutes

6. Pink and Red Pom-Pom Garland for the Shelves

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The pink and red pom-pom garland for the shelves brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 20 minutes

7. Conversation Heart Place Cards for Dinner

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The conversation heart place cards for dinner brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 35 minutes

Sweet Table Touches

8. Dollar Store Vase With Faux Roses and Ribbon

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The dollar store vase with faux roses and ribbon brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 12 minutes

9. Heart String Lights Wrapped Around the Banister

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The heart string lights wrapped around the banister brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 28 minutes

10. Valentine’s Table Runner From Wrapping Paper

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The valentine’s table runner from wrapping paper brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$0 | Time: 50 minutes

11. Love Note Clothesline Across the Living Room

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The love note clothesline across the living room brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 8 minutes

12. Heart-Shaped Wreath Made From Pool Noodles

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The heart-shaped wreath made from pool noodles brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 20 minutes

13. Red Candle Centerpiece With a Cake Stand

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The red candle centerpiece with a cake stand brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 35 minutes

14. Paper Doily Bunting for a Sweet Breakfast Nook

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The paper doily bunting for a sweet breakfast nook brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 12 minutes

Little Extras That Finish the Room

15. Valentine’s Door Hanger With Felt Hearts

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The valentine’s door hanger with felt hearts brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$20 | Time: 28 minutes

16. Pink Taper Candles in Painted Jars

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The pink taper candles in painted jars brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 50 minutes

17. Heart Garland for the Kids’ Bedroom Door

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The heart garland for the kids’ bedroom door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 8 minutes

18. Valentine’s Tiered Tray With Mini Signs

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The valentine’s tiered tray with mini signs brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 20 minutes

19. Rose Petal Scatter for the Coffee Table

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The rose petal scatter for the coffee table brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 35 minutes

20. DIY Love Coupons in a Decorated Jar

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The diy love coupons in a decorated jar brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 12 minutes

21. Heart Balloon Bouquet Anchored in a Painted Pot

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The heart balloon bouquet anchored in a painted pot brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 28 minutes