A Sweet Spin on Valentine’s Day Cards

The stores are filled with bright pink and red decorations. Every sign is telling you what to buy for those you care about, as though that’s what loving someone truly means. Valentine’s Day can be a little intense at times—and expensive.

But what really counts? In 10 years, what gift will bring that warm, fuzzy feeling out yet again? The answer is simpler than you might think: handmade gifts!

When you’re planning what to give your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, why not opt for the handmade varieties? They are filled with memories and are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, especially if that Valentine’s Day card is made by your children.

The Magic of Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards

There’s something extra special about handmade gifts. Each one represents the thought, care, and love that was put into it. When you and your kids make something by hand, the recipient knows without a shadow of a doubt that you thought about them when making it. 

A last-minute card from the store just doesn’t have the same effect. You can personalize your handmade cards in whatever way you want! Have your kids add little notes, or give the toddler a crayon and let them sign it themselves. Every card will be different, made with love!

Materials and Inspiration

Preparing to make your own handmade cards doesn’t require too much. You might even have much of what’s needed on hand. Make use of leftover glue sticks, hot glue (just watch out for little fingers!), and tape. This is the perfect time to break out your child’s marker and sticker collections, too. Whether the decorations are animal-themed stickers, sparkles galore, or chaotic drawings from a toddler, everyone will love the final product.

If you would prefer a more organized card-decorating process, consider drawing hearts, smiley faces, or other shapes onto the paper and then instructing your little ones to color them in. Feeling stuck? The internet is a never-ending source of inspiration. Check out some Pinterest boards or simply google “handmade Valentine’s Day cards by kids” and start scrolling.

Extra-Crafty Tips and Tricks

Doing crafts with little ones can seem overwhelming. It’s hard to let go and let their childhood creativity shine. So if you’re worried about the potential mess, opting to make something simple is the best option. If you have some paper plates lying around, why not try to create these adorable “dinomite” dinosaurs?

Or if you’d rather do something a little different than the typical card, why not make some Valentine’s Day fortune cookies? These are perfect for 6- to 8-year olds. But if your kids are still toddlers, you can simplify the process by having them decorate the paper and then fold it up yourself.

Want to preserve your tiny toddler’s thumbprint? If that’s the case, create these little thumbprint bugs. Or if you want to go for something more delicate, try these pressed flower valentines. But if you don’t have any flowers on hand, don’t worry. You can make them with flower stickers instead for a similar look. 

In the end, don’t be afraid if the cards don’t turn out exactly how you pictured. If your kids went crazy with the crayons or markers, that’s OK! Each extra line and squiggle adds just a little more love to the design.

Share the love.

Don’t hesitate to share these crafts with your family and friends. Whether it’s a grandparent or best friend, they are sure to adore their gift. These are the memories that loved ones cherish—and you never know, they may even pop up at your child’s 21st birthday as a sweet memento. 

Don’t underestimate the impact.

Never underestimate the power of a handmade gift. No matter the holiday, they are sure to bring a smile to even the grumpiest family member’s face. Embrace the process of creating these crafts with your little ones. Sure, they might not be perfect, but those very imperfections are what make them invaluable.

While you’re at it, feel free to drop one by our office at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry! We love getting to see your children’s bright, healthy smiles, and their handmade gift is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.