Encourage kids to show sweet sentiments with tokens of affection that go beyond the store-bought card. Most of the projects require only a bit of cutting and a little gluing; all can be decorated to their heart's desire.
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Your fondest memories of Valentine's Day may actually be from a time when you weren't even in a relationship. After all, handing out handmade Valentine's greetings loaded with sweets to classmates and teachers is one of the school year's best moments. There are so many ways that kids can incorporate classic emblems of Valentine's Day spirit—from roses to chocolate and heartfelt gifts—without having to think about true romance. The following ideas and how-tos can be crafted with the whole family on a fun February afternoon, and they make perfect presents for preschool teachers, classmates, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors, too.
Glue and paper crafting supplies are fodder for Valentine's Day fun, and many of our best handmade cards are actually a joy to make. Skip store-bought Valentine's Day card sets and opt to create your own versions of our cheeky cards that'll make any Valentine smile; some cards are themed more classically, like our pipe-cleaner smooches idea, while others are a bit unexpected. Our "love bug" Valentine's cards, for one, incorporate fun toy tchotchkes for those who aren't big on chocolate or sweets. There's even a few ideas that make use of common household items that can be upcycled into a Valentine's Day surprise.
But if your little preschooler has something sweet in mind, we have a few ideas for incorporating handmade sweets that move way beyond convenience store candy. Try adorning greeting cards with candy dots, for example, or creating little goodie bags made with glassine sleeves full of your favorite candy in bulk. To start your family off with a bit of heartfelt inspiration, here are some of the sweetest ways kids can get in on the Valentine's Day excitement this year.
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Chalk-Art Valentines
Inspire their creativity with mini washable easels! Perfect as classroom valentines, especially when packaged with chalk and a clip-art tag, this small gift says it all: "You color my world."
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Twisted Friendship Bracelets
Nothing says "BFFs 4ever" like a friendship bracelet, and this technique is so speedy, she can weave one for every kid in her class.
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Love Bug Valentines
If you're looking for a non-candy alternative for your kids to hand out this year, these toys are sure to be a hit. Wind one up and watch it scoot across the floor!
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Slime Valentines
Three special words: "Be my Valen-slime!" Whip up a batch of this fluffy, soft goo as a fun and easy science activity to do with kids. Try adding red glitter, confetti hearts, or pretty-in-pink colors. Then, simply package in a jar and top it off with one of our printable punny labels.
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Wooden Hearts
Making these wooden hearts is as easy as applying one coat of paint. On Valentine's Day, have the kids play secret admirer by tucking a few of them into unsuspecting lunch boxes, desktop containers, or coat pockets.
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Folding Heart Valentines
Friends will be aflutter over envelopes that turn into valentines. Cut a heart from paper that has a white side and a patterned side—wrapping paper works well.
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Valentine's Day Treat Packages
To make these custom treat packages, cut out a picture of your child, scan it, and print onto heavyweight matte paper. Cut tags using pinking shears for the bottom edges, draw hearts, and stamp or write a message on each one. Fold the tags and tape them to cellophane bags filled with sweets.
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Crayon Hearts
If the sun seems to peer right into your window, give it something pretty to look at—and through. These translucent hanging hearts are easy to make from waxed paper and crayons. In return, sunbeams will color your room with cheer.
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Cupcake Goodies
Fill flattened cupcake liners with candy for a treat you won't have to bake. The liners' pleats nicely frame scrap-art pictures or paper hearts (we used scalloping scissors to trim some). Use a craft punch or paper flowers to make cute borders.
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Patterned Paper Wrap
Store-bought treats are more special when covered in pretty patterned paper. Pen a note on the underside or on a tag attached with waxed twine. Tuck gum into a card stock "matchbook" stamped with a message; sticks of gum sold in large packs often have plain white wrappers that are perfect for decorating with stickers. A lollipop adorned with a sticker and taped to a card stock heart will also be welcome, as would button candy slipped into a small paper bag embellished with die-cut scrap art (available at crafts stores).
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Heart Bookmark
This practical valentine marks the sweetest spot in a book.
How to Make the Heart Bookmark
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
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Handmade Valentine's Greetings
The article mentions the joy of handing out handmade Valentine's greetings loaded with sweets to classmates and teachers. Creating personalized cards and gifts is a wonderful way for kids to show their affection on Valentine's Day. These projects often require cutting, gluing, and decorating. By engaging in these activities, children can express their creativity and make heartfelt presents for their loved ones.
Incorporating Classic Emblems of Valentine's Day
The article suggests that kids can incorporate classic emblems of Valentine's Day spirit, such as roses, chocolate, and heartfelt gifts, without having to think about true romance. This allows children to enjoy the holiday and participate in the festivities without the pressure of romantic relationships. It's a great opportunity for them to express their love and appreciation for family, friends, and teachers .
Homemade Cards
Instead of buying store-bought Valentine's Day card sets, the article encourages making homemade cards. This allows children to personalize their greetings and add a special touch. The article provides various ideas for handmade cards, including cheeky cards, pipe-cleaner smooches, and "love bug" Valentine's cards. These projects can be crafted with the whole family and are a fun way to spend a February afternoon.
Handmade Sweets
For those who prefer to incorporate sweets into their Valentine's Day gifts, the article suggests ideas like adorning greeting cards with candy dots or creating little goodie bags filled with favorite candy in bulk. These handmade sweets go beyond convenience store candy and add a personal touch to the gifts. It's a sweet way for kids to show their love and creativity.
Other Craft Ideas
The article also provides several other craft ideas for kids to get involved in the Valentine's Day excitement. Some of these ideas include chalk-art valentines, twisted friendship bracelets, slime valentines, wooden hearts, folding heart valentines, crayon hearts, cupcake goodies, patterned paper wrap, and heart bookmarks. These crafts can be made with readily available materials and are perfect for gifting to classmates, friends, and family members.
By engaging in these creative activities, children can have fun, express their love, and create lasting memories on Valentine's Day. It's a great opportunity for them to showcase their creativity and thoughtfulness.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.