fun valentines ideas

It’s that time of year. I know. It seems too soon. Probably because it is. We start out every post this way because trust us… we’re the last people that want to make anyone feel rushed. But we also want to get our ideas out there so that you have plenty of time. And we must confess… while some people loathe Valentines day, we’re kind of suckers for the children’s version of it. For the brightly colored commercialism in shiny paper and cheesy little cards, it’s kind of likened to new school supplies. Nothing makes us happier than the glitter and fun. With chocolate. Sorry not sorry. ;}

Realistically, you’re rejoicing when you head into the big Tarjay and find just what you need on an aisle and call it a day. Woot Woot! Chest bumps all around. Seriously. My kids are to that age where they think I’m a loser if they don’t get their character of choice. Giant eye rolls with the handmade stuff already. First world probs and stuff. But if you’re feeling a little crafty this year, craving a little hands on with your kiddos… some of these are pretty perfect for the snow days at hand. And every now and then the handmade options are just so much fun.

Because you’re definitely winning when they’re free.

It’s Officially official. We’re super dorks.

So without further ado, here’s a few of our favorite ideas for valentines day with the kiddos…

Stained glass cookies + free printables 

Or the lollipop version… 

{yes they’re for Easter… but paired with the printables above are oh so cute}

The Write Stuff: 

{A little NKOTB anyone? – ear worm.}

For this one, I busted out a few of our washi tape pencils. But it’s a simple little solution for any of you looking for something beyond the candy boundary this year… {write stuff printable, here.}

Or you could pair them with our branch crayons and a journal for someone ya really love.

{Teacher’s gift from the teacher’s pet anyone?} Some fun little ideas if you’re feeling creative.

We topped it off with another printable {you color me rad} here.

You totally rock: 

For this one, we took a printable, folded it over, and thew in a little retro action when it comes to awesome candy.

You could always just do pet rocks from your yard for a no-candy option, but we figured this was a little more thoughtful.

Even if our kids had no idea what kind of candy this is.

We found the little baggies at our local craft store, or you can get some here.

{You totally rock printable, here.} Fun for adults, too.

Color me Rad: 

For this one, we decided we wanted to melt some crayons.

We found this pan a few years ago at Ikea (but found a similar one for you guys, here if you don’t live near an Ikea.)

Broken crayons + oven at 250 for about ten to twenty minutes (depending on your oven)… You can do this with any shape! I found in this process, that I’m a total Crayola snob. The other crayons didn’t want to surrender their paper as easily, so just a head’s up if you plan on peeling that obnoxious paper… we’ll have crayons under our fingernails for a month.

I think I overcooked ours because I was busy hiding like a ninja when someone came to our door, but this is our new favorite hobby.

The crayons. Not hiding like a ninja. But that, too.

Seriously the kids had a blast. Kids love melting things.

Swirls of colorful goodness. We topped it off with another printable {you color me rad} here.

You have My Heart: 

For these… basically anything you have around you home to make some cute little arrows. It’s a great hands on project with the kids!

Almost anything from around your home will do. Straws, sticks, tape, glitter, felt, twine, feathers, construction paper… you name it. The world is your arrow oyster.

A cute little something to make with your kiddos. {You Have My Heart printable here}.

Because nothing beats crafting in your pajamas with a little chocolate.

Banner Day: 

And for a fun project for anyone, whether it’s a happy at their desk or something to adorn your children’s spaces: with a little printable to go with it, here.

{Every day is a banner day with you.}

And we revamped a few oldie-but-goodies.

Attach them to anything of your choice, or simply hand them out. It’s up to you!

From left to right: big fan, little cupcake, you’re a star, hoot, happy valentines, make my heart race, to the moon, captured my heart, spin me right round

Pssst – You can still get the older versions, here. Mix and match them all!

And because everyone loves an award.

It’s a major award. 

Mix + match pieces you can create with your kiddos.

If you’re feeling super crafty, our kids adored these heart puzzles.

Check out this super fun v-day party for kids, in a guest post {via Natalie Bradley}

Go for the simple with our Lunch Box Love Letters

And just so they’re dressed for the part – these are the cutest ever, if we do say so ourselves…

We hope you enjoy + you can use these {somewhat cheesy but super fun} Valentine’s extravaganza ideas. We say why not?

You know… just in case you wanted to take a break from the Avengers, and/or lose your everlovingmind. It’s just a few fun projects to make with the kids.

As always let us know if you use them! Have an inspired day!

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