DIY Valentine’s Day Scratch Cards (Easy & Cute Gift Idea)
Valentine’s Day is adorable, but let’s be real: store-bought cards can feel a little meh. The same glittery message, the same generic line, the same “I love you” that somehow costs just a little bit too much.
So this year, let’s do something sweeter!
If you want a fun, personalized Valentine’s Day idea that feels thoughtful and playful, DIY scratch cards are the perfect little love game. They’re easy to make, super customizable, and honestly? Watching someone scratch off their surprise prize is half the fun.
Whether you’re making these for a partner, a best friend, your kids, or even as a self-love treat, these scratch cards are guaranteed to bring smiles.
What You’ll Need
Cardstock or thick paper (white works best)
Clear tape
Acrylic paint (any color)
Dish soap
A paintbrush
Scissors
Stickers/washi tape (optional, for decorating)
Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Valentine’s Scratch Cards
Step 1: Create Your “Prizes”
Digital Option: I honestly love digital designs to help boost my creativity! I used Canva for easy templates and easy repeated designs.
Handmade: Crafting by hand is always special. You can draw hearts, circles, or any shape you want and write the prize inside. Then, write down the little rewards you want the person to scratch off.
Some ideas:
Breakfast in bed
Movie night of your choice
Free hug
Date night
“One free chore pass”
“Pick the playlist”
“Surprise dessert”
Step 2: Cover the Prizes With Clear Tape
This is the secret step that makes it work.
Place a piece of clear tape directly over each prize. This protects the writing underneath so it doesn’t smear or get ruined.
Make sure the tape fully covers the words and is pressed down smoothly.
Step 3: Mix Your Scratch Paint
In a small dish, mix acrylic paint and a little dish soap. A good ratio is about 2 parts paint to 1 part soap, but you don’t need to be exact.
The soap is what makes the paint scratchable later. Without it, the paint can dry to the tape and make it harder to scratch off.
Step 4: Paint Over the Hearts
Using your paintbrush, paint directly over the taped hearts (or shapes).
You’ll probably need 2–3 coats to fully cover the words underneath. Let each layer dry before adding the next.
Tip: If you can still see the words faintly through the paint, just add one more layer.
Step 5: Let It Dry Completely
Once everything is dry, your scratch cards are ready to use! All you need is a coin or key to scratch off the paint.
Make It Work for Any Occasion
Even though these are perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can totally use this idea for:
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Bridal showers
Baby announcements
Friendship gifts
Basically: if someone deserves a little extra love, scratch cards are a fun way to brighten anyone’s day.
A Little Love Goes a Long Way
There’s something so special about a handmade gift. Especially one that’s playful, personal, and made with intention.
These DIY Valentine’s scratch cards aren’t just cute, they’re a tiny experience! A little moment. A fun surprise. A reminder that love doesn’t have to be complicated to feel meaningful.
So skip the store-bought card this year and make something that feels like you.