We have absolutely nothing against store-bought Valentine’s Day cards here. They certainly make life easier for over-stretched parents. At the same time, some of us have found that all this time at home is just a little more bearable when our kids have a good arts and crafts project to work on. And whether they’re attending school in person and handing out classroom Valentines, or just have some friends and family to send cards to this year, making some sweet DIY Valentine’s Day cards can both occupy those hands and spread the love this year.
This does not have to require bending space and time, fortunately. Even if you’re getting a last-minute start, there are a lot of easy, fast card projects for kids to make and give for Valentine’s Day. We searched through some of our favorite mom blogs and craft suppliers to gather some of the best ideas out there for our fellow procrastinators. And for those of you who really do plan ahead for every holiday, bookmark this for next year. (Also, would you mind coming over and organizing my life, please?)
Get out those safety scissors and washable markers, everyone. It’s time to make your kids subvert the Hallmark patriarchy — ahem, encourage their artistic expression!
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A version of this story was published in February 2020.
Footprint Card
Obvs, we’re not suggesting anyone make these for their class, but if you’ve got a little tot at home and family members who adore them, let this be their first foray into homemade card-making. Follow the instructions on TheBestIdeasforKids.com.
Handprint Card
While not quite as adorable as the footprint, this is slightly more acceptable for kids to make and send to their friends. At the same time, it’s an easy way to make the standard construction-paper card feel personal, too. TheBestIdeasforKids.com has all your instructions.
Custom Photo Card
Even when they’re too young to hold those scissors or sign their name, they can at least pose for a photo. Upload your cutie to Minted and order customized V-day cards for everyone.
Secret Message Water Color & Crayon Cards
Since watercolor paint washes right over wax crayon, layering the two is an easy technique for turning scribbles or perfect handwriting into romantic art. For older kids, Crayola suggests turning this into a two-part project in which your kids draw their “secret” messages with white crayon and have their recipients paint the cards to reveal what they wrote.
Inkblot Heart Cards
You can use the printables from Doodles and Jots, or just hand-write messages to create this clever collaboration. Fold the paper in half, and then have your kid paint one half of a heart (or another shape, if they like) with tempera paint. Fold the card again and voilà, you’ve got a complete heart.
Heart Springs
We also love these printables from MomUnleashed, which have a space onto which you can place a heart-shaped Slinky. Have your kids do the Slinky-taping to get them involved in this one.
A-MAZE-ing Toy Cards
Life With Fingerprints has printables to fit other fun dollar-store toys (plus ones for candy or pencils, should those suit the kids more). Little ones can play with tape or fill bags. You could also have older kids draw their own versions, by hand or on the computer.
Create-Your-Own Card Kit
If your kid is a coloring machine, put them to work bringing these cards to life. The kit comes with markers, stickers, googly eyes, and 36 envelopes and cards.
Heart-Punch Set
There are several disadvantages to large class sizes — an under-discussed one being that it is hard to cut out more than 25 construction paper hearts! Pick up a set of these, get out the glue stick, and you and your kids can go to town.
Felt Hearts
You could also buy your materials pre-cut, like these felt hearts, which come in a variety of colors. Use glue or a needle and thread to attach paper notes from your kids.
Heart Pop-Up Cards
Whether you use those heart punches, velvet hearts or old-fashioned scissors, these easy pop-up cards from EasyPeasyandFun.com add an extra wow factor to your DIY project.
Lego Heart Valentines
You can buy these cards with removable Lego hearts ready-made from Etsy, or your little master builders can create their own.
Ladybug & Bee Cards
Who can resist a good googly-eye project? Nontoygifts.com offers templates, so you can precisely cut out these lovable construction-paper bugs.
You’re the Balm Cards
Tweens and teens who still love to give cards but are kind of over the cutesy stuff can use these printables from All Things Thrifty and tape on EOS lip balm, or the balm of their choice. This is in no way meant to encourage kissing, BTW.
Paper Roses
With these Crayola instructions, layers of construction paper, a bit of fake origami, ribbons and glitter, kids can create 3-D cards that might even be too nice to give to their friends. Save one for yourself, at least.
Tutu Lollipops
Older kids who are comfortable with a needle and thread can help hand-stitch these crepe paper ruffles, or run them through the sewing machine with you, if you guys are advanced crafters. Younger kids can have fun pulling the thread to cinch the ruffles, too. TazandBelly.com explains it all.
Crochet Chain Valentine’s Necklaces
When you’re just learning how to crochet, it’s very tempting to make a never-ending chain. Encourage that impulse in your kneedle-crafting kid — just get them to stop every once in a while to let you tie off a mini-chain and turn it into a charming Valentine’s card-necklace. Doodles and Jots has printables and instructions for you.
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