Homemade Valentine’s Treat Dish

 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of HERSHEY® for SheSpeaks. All opinions are 100% mine.

Valentine’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation, and what better way to do so than with a thoughtful, handmade gift? Skip the generic presents this year and create something truly special. This super simple DIY Valentine’s Day candy dish is the perfect project, offering a personal touch that speaks volumes. Imagine presenting a beautifully crafted dish, brimming with your loved one’s favorite candies, a symbol of your affection and effort. This delightful DIY gift is perfect for everyone on your list – from cherished family members and dear friends to the dedicated teachers who make such a difference in our children’s lives.

Handcrafted Valentine's Day Candy Dish overflowing with HERSHEY'S Lava Cake Kisses chocolates, ready for gifting.

Crafting Love: Your DIY Valentine’s Day Candy Dish

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, DIY gifts hold a unique charm. They transcend the ordinary, offering a thoughtful and personal sentiment that store-bought items often lack. The beauty of handmade presents lies in the time, effort, and creativity poured into them, making each gift a genuine expression of love and care. This year, I’m particularly excited about crafting an easy-to-make DIY candy dish for my son Robert’s teacher. It’s more than just a gift; it’s a small token of gratitude that she can proudly display on her desk, serving as a constant reminder of how much we value and appreciate her unwavering dedication and hard work with the kids.

This project isn’t just about making a cute dish; it’s about celebrating connections and showing heartfelt appreciation. Whether it’s for a parent, a best friend, a coworker, or a teacher, a personalized gift like this candy dish demonstrates that you took the time to create something meaningful. It’s an opportunity to get creative, explore your crafty side, and infuse a piece of your personality into a tangible expression of affection. Plus, DIY projects can be incredibly fun and relaxing, offering a wonderful way to unwind while preparing for the most romantic day of the year.

Close-up of a DIY Valentine's Day candy dish, showcasing the decorative elements and thoughtful design.

To elevate this heartfelt gift and add an irresistible layer of sweetness, I’ll be filling the candy dish with the NEW HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES chocolates. These exquisite treats are crafted with real HERSHEY® rich, creamy chocolate, offering a decadent flavor experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day. The moment you unwrap one, you’re greeted with the luxurious taste of a warm, gooey lava cake, all packed into the iconic, bite-sized KISSES shape. It’s a delightful surprise that will make anyone feel cherished and indulged.

A generous handful of new HERSHEY'S Lava Cake Kisses chocolates, ready to fill a festive Valentine's Day candy dish.

You can easily find these delightful HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES chocolates at Walmart, making your Valentine’s Day shopping a breeze. Their very presence in the dish instantly speaks volumes, serving as a universal symbol of caring and affection. These delicious chocolates come in their distinctive, charming foil wrappers, instantly recognizable and synonymous with joy and thoughtfulness. The iconic packaging itself is a testament to the love and care you’re sharing, making it effortless to convey your feelings to friends and family. Walmart truly is the ultimate one-stop shop for all your Valentine’s Day needs, from craft supplies for your DIY projects to these delectable chocolates that complete any gift. The convenience of finding everything in one place ensures a stress-free and enjoyable preparation process for the holiday.

The finished DIY Valentine's Day candy dish, elegantly adorned and ready to be filled with sweet treats.

This versatile DIY candy dish is not only easy to craft but also serves multiple purposes. While perfect for holding a generous supply of HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES, it can also function as a charming centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day celebrations or a decorative accent on a desk or shelf. The beautiful presentation of the NEW HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES chocolates, with their distinctive foils, truly shines when arranged within this simple yet elegant candy dish. The careful attention to detail in both the craft and the chocolates creates a visually appealing and utterly delightful gift that will surely be appreciated and remembered.

Supplies You’ll Need for Your Sweet Creation:

Gathering your materials is the first step towards creating your personalized Valentine’s Day candy dish. Most of these items can be found at your local craft store or even Walmart, simplifying your shopping experience. Choose colors and patterns that resonate with the recipient or the holiday’s theme.

  • Glue and Glue Sticks: Essential for securing your decorative elements. A hot glue gun can speed up the process, but strong craft glue works just as well.
  • 1 Medium Glass Vase: The foundation of your candy dish. Opt for a simple, clear vase that allows your decorations to stand out.
  • Scissors: For precise cutting of fabric, doily paper, and any other materials.
  • Doily Paper: Adds a delicate, romantic touch. Choose a size that can comfortably wrap around the rim of your vase.
  • Decorative Shredded Paper: Perfect for adding volume, color, and a festive base for your chocolates. Red, pink, or white shredded paper works beautifully.
  • Red Fabric (or tulle): To wrap around the foam, adding a soft, textured element. Tulle can also create an ethereal, airy look.
  • 3 Hearts on a Stick: These whimsical accents provide vertical interest and reinforce the Valentine’s theme. Look for small, decorative heart picks.
  • Puffy Heart Stickers: For additional embellishment and a playful touch on the vase or interior.
  • Small Circular Foam: To anchor the hearts on sticks securely within the vase. Floral foam or styrofoam can work.
  • HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES chocolates: The star of your candy dish! (Conveniently found at Walmart).

Crafting Your Sweet Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bring your thoughtful DIY Valentine’s Day candy dish to life. This project is designed to be straightforward, allowing even novice crafters to achieve beautiful results.

  1. Prepare Your Doily Paper:

    Take your doily paper and carefully measure it against the rim of your glass vase. You want it to wrap around smoothly without too much overlap or excess. Once measured, gently fold the doily and cut it to the appropriate size. This ensures a neat and tidy edge for your vase’s decorative trim. If your doily is too wide, you might trim its outer edge; if too long, cut along a natural pattern line to blend the seam.

    Measuring and cutting doily paper to fit the rim of a glass vase for a DIY Valentine's Day candy dish.

  2. Secure the Doily Decoration:

    Apply a thin, even layer of glue along the rim of your vase where the doily will be placed. Carefully position the cut doily onto the glued area, ensuring it’s centered and even. Gently press down to secure it, smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Allow the glue ample time to dry completely. This step is crucial for ensuring the doily remains firmly in place and maintains its delicate appearance. A strong craft glue or hot glue (applied sparingly) works best here.

    Gluing the carefully cut doily paper onto the rim of the glass vase, ensuring a smooth and even application.

  3. Prepare the Foam Base:

    Take your small circular foam and wrap it completely in your chosen red fabric or tulle. This step conceals the foam and adds a soft, festive touch to the interior of the vase. Secure the fabric or tulle tightly around the foam using a rubber band or a dab of glue. Ensure the fabric is smooth and covers the foam entirely. This wrapped foam will serve as the anchor for your decorative heart sticks.

    Wrapping a circular foam piece with red fabric to create a soft base for decorative elements in the candy dish.

  4. Assemble the Internal Decorations:

    Carefully insert the hearts on sticks into the wrapped foam, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. You can vary their heights slightly for added visual interest. Once the hearts are secure in the foam, gently place this entire assembly into the bottom of your vase. Now, begin filling the vase with the decorative shredded paper, carefully layering it around the foam and heart sticks. This not only covers the foam but also creates a soft, colorful bed for your chocolates. Ensure the shredded paper is evenly distributed and creates a full, inviting look.

    Arranging decorative heart sticks into the fabric-wrapped foam base and filling the vase with festive shredded paper.

  5. The Grand Finale: Fill and Enjoy!

    Now for the most delightful step: carefully fill your beautifully crafted DIY candy dish with the delicious HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES chocolates. Arrange them artfully on top of the shredded paper, allowing their festive wrappers to sparkle and entice. Once filled, your personalized Valentine’s Day gift is complete and ready to bring joy to its recipient. Enjoy the satisfaction of giving a handmade present filled with love and delectable treats!

    The completed DIY Valentine's Day candy dish, brimming with delicious HERSHEY'S Lava Cake Kisses chocolates, ready for gifting.

Your finished DIY Valentine’s Day candy dish is a true testament to thoughtful gifting. It’s a simple project that yields impressive results, perfect for expressing your feelings to those who matter most. The combination of your personal touch and the irresistible taste of HERSHEY® Lava Cake KISSES chocolates creates a memorable and cherished present.

Close-up of the finished DIY Valentine's Day candy dish filled with HERSHEY'S Lava Cake Kisses, showcasing the intricate details.

Consider adding a handwritten tag or card to your candy dish for an extra layer of personalization. You can write a sweet message, a favorite quote, or simply “Happy Valentine’s Day.” This small detail can make the gift even more impactful and personal. This candy dish isn’t just for candy; once the chocolates are enjoyed, the recipient can use it to hold small trinkets, office supplies, or even as a mini floral arrangement. Its versatility ensures that your thoughtful gift continues to bring joy long after Valentine’s Day has passed.

A vibrant display of the DIY Valentine's Day candy dish, filled with HERSHEY'S Lava Cake Kisses, captured in natural light.

We hope this guide inspires you to create your own heartfelt gifts this Valentine’s Day. There’s immense joy in crafting something with your own hands, especially when it’s meant to bring a smile to someone you care about. So head to Walmart, grab your supplies, and start spreading some love, one DIY candy dish at a time!

Pin for later inspiration!

Pinterest-friendly image featuring the DIY Valentine's Day candy dish, filled with HERSHEY'S Lava Cake Kisses and surrounded by crafting elements.