Unique but inexpensive home-made gift ideas for the less crafty for that special someone?

My boyfriend is leaving this afternoon for 2-3 weeks on a fishing trip (fishing is his livelihood) and I'd really like to do something special for him when he comes home. This is the first we will be apart for that long and even though he hasn't left yet I want him to know how much I missed him ('cause I will, I miss him already) and how thankful I am for everything he has done for me. He's not a materialistic kind of man so I think he would really appreciate something I put the time, thought and energy into myself rather than spend the money I don't have to buy him something. Having a small project will also keep me occupied while he's gone. I do enjoy writing, mainly poetry. Any ideas of how I can turn a poem into a unique gift or any other suggestions for someone who is not that crafty? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Sure. Use your talent to put together "love" coupons. You can give him a coupon for a back rub, dinner, his favorite things you do. He can redeem the coupons any time he feels like it. Write a poem on each coupon describing what it is, what you will do when he redeems it, etc....
2. You can do a small scrap book and write poems with the pictures. You could also make him a coupon book with little poems and coupons that offer him sweet things that you will do for him. Also, guys always love food. When he comes home, cook a nice, fancy dinner and pamper him. Hope this helps!
3. You can laminate the poem onto wood. Write the poem and print it on a nice stationary. Ask your local picture frame store if they can laminate on wood. It will end up looking like a plaque. It's quite messy to do (I used to laminate) and the fumes are intoxicating and should only be done outdoors, otherwise you'll be high as a kite. So I won't recommend it if you've never done it or have asthma. Or you can make a photo collage with your poem and then frame it. My two cents.
4. Use your computer and get creative. There are tons of free fonts out there and a bit of time with word and you can have a beautiful printed work. If you are so inclined, buy a cheap acrylic frame (the kind that is a sheet of plastic folded over) and get creative with drawings, glue, glitter, paints, whatever you can attach. When my husband and I were engaged in college, we were at schools that were several hours apart. I started a journal of letters to him when we couldn't be together. Each evening I would write a page (or 10) about my day, my love for him, anything that seemed right. After graduation, I gave him a book filled with my words. This has become a treasured piece for him. You can use a simple school notebook, or a fancy blank book, or make something yourself. Whatever feels good to write on. Draw pictures, glue tidbits of whatever, write with all sorts of different mediums. Make it a monument to your time together and apart. Don't forget: Just because you are part of a couple doesn't mean that you can't have other friends. Make some plans with the girls while he's gone. It will make the time pass easier.
5. I make a lot of cosmetics for my own use and gifts. The easiest by far is the body butter. You need a mixer, pot, container and few ingredients from the grocery. In fact you may have many of these things in your pantry. 16oz of palm and/or coconut oil 8oz of olive oil 8oz of soybean oil 4oz of beeswax 1-3 cups of water or milk A few drops of your favorite essential oil. Cut up the beeswax and put all the oils and wax into a pot on low heat until wax is completely melted. Take off heat and blend until it is one uniform mixture. Pour into containers, preferably a wide mouth container and stick in fridge. Store in fridge. You can adjust how oily it is based on how much water or milk is added. Start with the smaller amount of water/ milk, let cool and if it is too oily just heat and add more water. Now if you are feeling a might more adventurous you could use the above mixture minus the essential oils to make a really nice soap. All you need is a scale and thermometer make sure you measure if you are making soap. 5.4oz 100% lye 12oz liquid in mixture http://www.teachsoap.com/smallcp.html I like to add the following essential oils but what you want is totally your call. If making the soap don't add these oils until just before molding. They make a very good bug repellent and antibacterial cream. Add a little micronized zinc oxide and you have sun screen. Lavender oil Eucalyptus oil Tea Tree oil Neem oil Good luck It makes a great massage oil.