Although we should let those in our lives know how much we love and appreciate them every day, sometimes it doesn’t always happen. Valentine’s Day (February 14) gives us permission to take a moment to say I Love You. We found some Fabulous ways to get all mushy with your Valentine.
| Homemade Valentines |
Why settle for a simple opening card when your kids will have fun decorating all the pages on this easy Accordian-fold Crazy Card from Family Education. Add a personal touch to your Valentine by making these Thumbprint Heart Cards from Kaboose or these Hand Valentines from Martha Stewart. Both are easy enough to do and will make a great memento as your kids grow bigger.
| Free Printable Valentines |
If you have a Dora or Blues Clues fan, visit Nick.Jr. to print valentines with your child’s favourite characters on them. Homeschooling.About.com has 13 pages of cute printable Valentine cards. Or perhaps you forgo the traditional Valentine’s Day Card and try this printable Ten Things love letter template from Missy Balance, perfect for the kids from mom and dad or maybe to your child’s best friend.
| Valentines with Play |
If you’re looking for fun, creative Valentine’s Day cards, you know you can’t go wrong on Etsy.com. These Finger Puppet Valentine cards from Scenerie offer extended fun when the recipient cuts out the finger puppet on the front of the card ($4.00 USD). If you have girls on your school valentine list, checkout these printable Cootie Catcher Valentines from The Crafty Clip ($3.95 US).
| Candy Topper Valentines |
If you’re planning on giving goodies out this Valentine’s Day, why not add a decorative candy topper. This adds a nice touch to your little bags and makes it easy to personalize. Jolee’s shows you how to make your own out of scrapbook material. For lollipops instead of candy bags try these printable and customizable sucker toppers from Card Vark Designs, great for school valentine sweets. Inspired by Quiet Fish, my daughter and I made a bouquet of lollipop Valentine‘s for her class last year.
| Valentine Encouragement All Year Long |
If you love ’em, then bug’em this Valentine’s Day. At least that’s what Hallmark‘s saying with their new Love ’em, Bug ’em product line. The Fun Notes for Kids in the line is a cute pad of double-sided notes with the Bug ’em ladybug imprinted on them with an encouraging note of love and support. Stick one under your child’s pillow, in their lunchbox, on the mirror in the room. These are great Valentine’s for your kids all year round. $6.99 Cdn (available at Hallmark stores). I also love these Naturally Sweet DIY Valentine stickers from Twig and Thistle. Print the file on sticker paper and surprise your loved one with messages adheared to their fruit at lunch or snack time.
| Valentine Holders |
Whether your child needs a cardholder for their school valentines or one at home for secret sweet treats, we found a few fun holders you and the kids can make together. Have an empty food container sitting in recycling? Try this Valentine Candy Holder craft from All Kids Network or maybe a Valentine Mailbox with moveable flag from Artists Helping Children. This Paper Plate Valentine Holder from Free Kids Crafts is also fun. Hallmark‘s Love ’em, Bug ’em product line also has a cute Valentine holder. The plush ladybug has a zipper opening to hold treats and surprises and the flexible arms can hold a card or note up front. The nice thing is it can be used for any special occasion, beyond Valentine’s Day.
There are a lot of great ideas out there. Our own readers have shared some of their favourite Valentine craft and card ideas too. Have fun and remember a Valentine doesn’t have to be just for Valentine’s Day.