DIY Valentine’s Day Gumball Machine Gifts

Add a playful and heartfelt twist to your Valentine's Day gifts this year with adorable DIY gumball machines!

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to get creative and spread a little extra love! Whether you're crafting for friends, classmates, or coworkers, a handmade gift is always a sweet surprise. This year, try making adorable mini gumball machines that are both unique and thoughtful. Here's how to create these charming gifts step-by-step.

DIY Valentine’s Day Gumball Machine Gifts

Materials Needed for DIY Valentine's Day Gumball Machine

Red Solo cup shot glasses (or similar small cups)
Clear plastic ornaments (fillable, with removable tops)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
M&M’s (or another small candy)
Red and white twine
Gift tags
Paint pen (optional)

How to Create a Small Gumball Machine

1. Prepare Your Cups
Turn the red Solo cup shot glasses upside down so that the wide end is on the bottom. This will serve as the base of your gumball machine.

2. Attach the Ornament
Take a fillable clear plastic ornament and remove the top. Using a hot glue gun, secure the ornament to the bottom (now the top) of the inverted cup. Ensure the glue is evenly applied for a firm hold.

3. Fill with Candy
Once the ornament is securely attached, fill it with M&M’s or your candy of choice. Bright, colorful candies work best to give it that classic gumball machine look.

4. Replace the Top
After filling the ornament, reattach the top securely. This will keep the candy contained while still allowing easy access later.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

Gift Tags: Use red and white twine to tie a small tag around the neck of the ornament. Write or print the message “I chews you, Happy Valentine’s Day” on the tag for a fun and festive touch.
Decorate the Base: Use a paint pen to draw a small arch near the bottom of the cup. This detail mimics the coin slot of a real gumball machine and completes the look.

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Creative Variations

Switching up the Candy

To make these DIY Valentine’s Day gumball machine gifts even more unique, consider switching up the candies to suit different tastes or different seasons.

Skittles
jelly beans
mini chocolates like Reese’s Pieces or chocolate-covered
Ice Breaker mints for a sugar free option

The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor each gumball machine to its lucky recipient!

Printable Tags and Sayings

Adding variety to the sayings on the tags is an easy way to personalize your gumball machine gifts.

“You’re a real treat!”
“You’re sweet like candy!”
“Have a ball this Valentine’s Day!”

If you’re feeling artistic, design your own tags with fun patterns, hearts, or even small drawings that match the theme. These simple changes allow you to tailor the gifts for different recipients while keeping the project quick and fun.

Add a Sweet Personal Touch

Make your Valentine's Day gifts even more special by adding a personal touch. You could customize the gift tags with handwritten notes or include the recipient's name to make each gift feel truly unique.

For an extra thoughtful gesture, add a short, heartfelt message like, "Thanks for being such a great friend!" or "You make my day sweeter!" You can also include small decorative elements like stickers, ribbons, or tiny charms that reflect the recipient's personality or interests. These little details will show how much care and effort you've put into creating a gift just for them.

Why This Gift is Perfect

This DIY gift is quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly charming! It’s also easy to customize by using different candies, colors, or messages on the tags. These mini gumball machines are sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives one and make Valentine’s Day extra special.

So grab your materials and start crafting—your friends and classmates will absolutely love these unique Valentine’s Day surprises!

More Valentine’s Day Inspiration

Does your child have a fun and creative box to collect Valentine's Day cards this year? If not, check out our adorable Cupcake Valentine's Day Box—a sweet and colorful way to make their Valentine's Day extra special! This delightful box is easy to create, customizable, and adds a playful charm to the festivities.

And while you're in the spirit, don’t forget to decorate your home for the holiday! Transform your space into a cozy, love-filled retreat with heart garlands, centerpieces, and pops of pink and red. Let these ideas inspire a memorable celebration for everyone!