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A Valentine’s Day DIY Gift from the Heart

— Inspiration —

I found inspiration in a 13 year old kindness maven named Charley, who’s intrinsically kind-hearted soul reaches for the joy and light in others. Charley glows. Her joy is overflowing and her spirit contagious. She is thoughtful and intentional with her words, and her actions speak volumes and cause ripples of kindness to flow from her heart to others. 

I had the privilege of meeting Charley recently via a video call. She inspired me to create the most profound gift I’ve ever made for my parents, and I had all the materials at home and in my heart. 



⸻  Charley’s Happy Notes  ⸻

Charley describes herself as a young person with a keen interest in marketing and celebrating more joy. I’m here to buy what she’s selling. She practices kindness at school by leaving “happy notes'' on her friends’ lockers. She also runs her own business of creating and baking small dog treats and innovative dog donuts, which she sells at her aunt’s veterinary practice. She intends to include her signature happy notes in each package this year.

For her dad’s birthday, she crafted a box filled with more than a month’s worth of tiny scrolled notes: quotes, compliments, memories, inside jokes, and “picker-uppers.” She drew inspiration from a little book of quotes that included ruminations from Socrates, Buddah, the story of Pooh, Ellen, and more. She then added personal notes and memories. Her dad was so moved by the tenderhearted gift that he couldn't help but share her notes daily with his family and friends on social media. 

Each day it felt like a hug from the universe. The joy she created was clearly felt by everyone who read them. Charley says that makes her feel amazing.

— The Gift —

Witnessing this effervescent joy and love inspired me to create a similar gift with my two teenagers for my parents, whom we haven’t been able to visit as much as we’d like. We called ours a “Jar of Joy.” 

Our gift from the heart was equally received with overflowing love 

and wonderment by each of my parents. 

To my surprise, the gift was a miraculous treasure shared by everyone involved. It inspired my teen boys to begin sharing more memories and conversation with their grandparents on a regular basis. Best of all, I believe this DIY can involve all ages--littles can have parents scribe their sentiments or draw tiny pictures. What gift could be more meaningful than that?



⸺  Materials Needed  ⸺

If you’re moved to make Happy Notes or Jars of Joy,

here are the simple items you'll need: 

• A small box or mason jar
• A sheet of paper and your favorite ink pen
• A bevy of quotes, memories, and short, personalized thoughts 
• Time for rolling up the notes into tiny scrolls (optional, but magical)
• Gift tag



— DIY —

• Simply set aside time and start writing notes, leaving space between them
• Cut the notes apart into strips
• Roll each note into a tiny scroll by starting at one end and rolling it tightly
• Stuff the notes in a box or jar that just fits. We found it was extra fun for the notes to pop out when first opened.
• Add a gift tag or poem explaining to take a note each day. We created a poem. Feel free to use our poem, or create your own:

I Carry Your Heart

I carry your heart with me each day.

My heart has lots to say.

Take a heartfelt scroll today.

And no matter, come what may,

with love, 

I hope you say, “Hooray!”



⸺  Advice from the Kindness Maven  ⸺

Asked what advice she has for writing the notes, Charley says it’s best to write a mixture of feel-good types of notes: Write specific notes to the person, but also general ideas such as inspiring quotes. She says everyone can benefit from reminders to believe in yourself and to trust your gut. Write things that will make them happy. 



— The Gift That Keeps on Giving —

She encourages you to keep being inspired by those you admire and refill the notes often. To her, this gift is especially meaningful because it’s written, and words are important. Charley says, “Writing it down proves you actually thought about it.” I couldn’t agree more. To be held in one’s heart and mind is the truest gift of love and admiration we can give.



— Make it Extra Special —

This genuine gift from the heart can be made even more personal and memorable by including a heart in the box or any other symbol that's meaningful. I hand stitched a tiny felt heart to discover in ours. Include a gift tag or poem explaining to open a scroll each day to savor.

If you are local and are catching the spirit of love, ripple out the kindness to your special someone and another heart in need. For every arrangement ordered, Hydrangea Lane will craft another gorgeous bouquet for a person in need of cheer and a little love, such as those in assisted living and senior living facilities. This Valentine’s day, let’s fill as many hearts with love as we can.