"Nothing says love like something you made"

“Nothing says love/lovin’ like something you made/make yourself” is a popular sentiment on Valentine’s Day. Something that someone does especially for another person is often regarded as more valuable than a present that can be bought off the shelf of a store. For example, an original and personalized greeting card might be more valuable than a store-bought card. A home-cooked meal might be regarded as more valuable than a restaurant meal.

“Nothing says lovin’ like something you make” was cited in print in 1997 and “nothin’ says lovin’ like something you made yourself” was cited in 2008.

Google News Archive
9 June 1997, The Ledger (Lakeland, FL), “At Home” by Mary Engelbrelt, pg. D1, col. 2:
Nothing Says Lovin’ Like Something You Make

The Home Office Organizer
September 1, 2008
Simple Pleasures: Homemade Goodies
(...)
Nothin’ says lovin’ like something you made yourself.

Twitter
Dole Nutrition
‏@DoleNutrition
Nothing says “love” like something you make. Treat your loved ones to a Valentine treat topped w/delicious pin… (cont) http://deck.ly/~EkdWa
5:35 PM - 11 Feb 2011

Stylish Perfection
Holiday gift ideas- Caramel/chocolate apples
December 15, 2011 by Jessica
By: Jessica Robinson
Nothing says made with love like something you made yourself.

Twitter
Nicolle Noyes
‏@ChocolateSells
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and nothing says LOVE like something you make from your heart 😊 http://fb.me/1xBF3JTKb
8:46 PM - 21 Jan 2012

Amazon.com
Dimensions Needlecrafts Stamped Cross Stitch, Pair of Birds Pillow Cases
by Dimensions Needlecrafts
(...)
A great gift
By ellen on August 13, 2013
I made this for a 50th wedding anniversary present- and the couple loved it! Nothing says love like something you make just for them!

Twitter
Tastings
‏@TastingsBTI
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/396176098442335063/ … Nothing says lovin’ like something you made yourself. Voli Pear Vanilla Fusion #Vodka, 91 pts http://goo.gl/HqWsFq
4:37 PM - 10 Feb 2014

Twitter
PostConsumers
‏@postconsumers
The old adage “Nothing says love like something you made” holds true even when you’re talking… http://tmblr.co/Z6bqXs17CbbEO
1:30 PM - 12 Feb 2014