Oh, Valentine’s Day… as a child, you were one of my most favorite days of the year. We would hang up our paper folders on the side of our desk and wait for a valentine to be placed inside. And sometimes, if we were really lucky, we would receive a safety pop or a sticker. And as I got older, temporary tattoos were all the rage. Personally, I’m still a MAJOR fan of the pre-printed paper Valentine’s cards, their perforated edges and the way they fit snuggly into the world’s most thin envelope.
I have more of a love/hate relationship now with Valentine’s Day though. Not because I have any unfavorable memories associated with the day, but rather because it has turned into a one-upping crafting extravaganza. Each year parents (sometimes with the help of their kiddo) come up with the most elaborate Valentines to exchange in the classroom. As a new elementary school Mama, I am actually quite eager to see all the ridiculousness that’s about to explode upon our Kinder class.
For those of us looking forward to the chuckles, but still not wanting our child to feel inferior, fret not.
Here are some great school Valentine ideas that are fun, easy and will still manage to excite your kiddo’s classmates.
- Have lots of broken, homeless crayons? Re-melt inside mini silicone molds. Using glue dots attach them to a piece of paper and add a witty saying.
- You’re My Main Squeeze: Purchase some squeeze pouches and attach a heart tag with some ribbon.
- You’re #1 In My Book: Find some blank bookmarks (or easily make some), and have your kiddo write the name of their friend and add some marker design/glitter/ribbon/paint.
- You Knock My Socks Off, Valentine: Who doesn’t love fresh, funky socks? Stuff them into mini cellophane bags for a cute presentation. Dollar store always has quite the selection.
- You’re The Apple Of My Eye: Want to go the healthy route? Purchase some small apples, put them in a brown paper bag and add your cute saying on the tag.
- I Think You’re Quite A Cutie: Put a little cutie into a small bag and staple it shut along with a strip of paper on which to write your message.
- I Like You Beary Much: A fun-filled bag of Teddy Grahams to snack on. Yum!
- I’m Stuck On You: Using fancy tape, tape a glue stick to a piece of paper.
- You May My Heart Bounce: Who doesn’t love a brand new bouncy ball?
- I’m Bananas For You, Valentine!: Banana Chips are always a favorite. Make some extra for yourself! Optional saying: Let’s Never Split, Valentine!
- Valentine, Never Change: Attach a unique coin to a paper heart. Add a fun fact about the country/area from which it came.
- I Think You Are ExSTRAW Special: Because spiral/heart straws all just what we need in our lives.
May the crafting be forever in your favor. Happy Valentine’s Day!
