When the triplets were six months old, I used their footprints with washable red ink to form 3 hearts on the front of cards I sent to the grandparents and Auntie Em.
Since Kindergarten, we have crafted our own Valentines for school classmates. It not only helps us save money, but the boys enjoy the creative mess making. One year I even let them use glitter. (Notice I said one year.)
Yesterday, I realized that we are out of construction paper, and took the boys to the store after school. I evaluated the pre-made cards trying to rationalize the cost of buying them for 4 classes since PB is in preschool now.
I couldn’t do it.
I live in a small town, two hours from civilization big box stores. It was $6.97 for a small package of construction paper that probably wouldn’t have made enough hearts for 4 classes. I needed a cheap & easy DIY Valentine.
Eyeing bags of candy, I thought about all the classmates who don’t eat dairy, or gluten or sugar. There are a lot of them. (My kids still have Halloween candy left. That’s mostly because I quit sneaking pieces after Thanksgiving when I started running again.) The packages of superhero pencil Valentines were $4.99 each… and only included 16 each. I don’t have $20 to spend on something that will probably end up in the trash. I needed now, because I didn’t want another trip to the store with four boys in tow.
Then, I remembered the roll of pennies I had left from the smashed penny fund. I bought some index cards lined on one side. I used the clear Avery 8660 labels we had from years ago when we used to send out Christmas cards. The Avery website even had a heart theme template I changed from an address to a phrase.
I’m lucky you’re my Valentine!
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- DIY Repurposed Valentine labels
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- DIY Repurposed Valentines
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- Cheap and Easy DIY Repurposed Valentine
I hot glued a penny on the front after the boys addressed the cards. As a bonus, the lines on the back of the index cards made it easy for the boys to print To and From.
Over 70 Valentines for under $2, including the index cards. I repurposed items we already had, didn’t have to buy more Scotch tape for $4.89. Plus, no one had to cut out hearts.
Genealogy Jen’s Challenge of the week- Celebrate I Love You Day. Valentine’s doesn’t have to be about romance and expensive roses. Take a moment to write a note to someone you love, and tell them why.
Bonus Points- Bust out the art supplies and add some personality to your card… it’s less expensive than buying a card, plus it’s fun.
“I Love You Day” – I immediately like that better than Valentine’s Day!
Me too, Paul. It’s much better than, “No One Bought Me Overpriced Roses and Chocolates Day”. I’m thankful that I am married to someone who lets me know everyday by his actions and words that he loves me. He was the boy in high school who pitched in with a few friends and bought bunches of roses to pass out at school on Valentine’s Day. He wanted to make sure that every girl without a boyfriend was acknowledged with a single rose, and told she was beautiful. I’m hoping that is something my boys will do too when they are older. (Isn’t that so disgustingly sweet it makes your teeth hurt?)
That is so sweet! I got three cavities reading it! Kids take after their parents; I have no doubt they’ll follow the great example you and your husband lead!
These are too cute!!
Thanks!