Easy and Inexpensive DIY Valentines for Kids {with printables}

Valentine's Day is one of my favorites. I love doing little things to let my husband and kids know that they are loved. We don't spend a lot of money on extravagant gifts, but you can make the people in your life feel special spending little to no money.

One of the ways I like to make Valentine's Day special is to make our own valentines to pass out at class parties. Now DIY valentines will almost definitely cost more than buying a $2 box of cards from the store. But you can make your own without breaking the bank.

I made my 3 school aged children's valentines today and spent roughly $10 on all 3 sets. I'll show you how.

 This first one is what I made for both boys. (It's somewhat difficult finding Valentines for boys.) You could fill the bags with goldfish, like I did, or swedish fish, or even gummy worms. I already had the bags at home, but I think you can get a package of 50 for $2.50 if my memory serves me correctly. I bought a big box of goldfish from Sam's Club for $10.68. I used 1/3 of the box making the cost around $3.50. If your bags are bigger than mine, you will naturally use more causing the cost to be a little higher.

 To assemble, print off the tags found here, fill the bags with goldfish (or your treat of choice), then fold the top of the bag over and staple on the tags.

The next Valentine that I made is for my girl. I had to pick up something from Dollar Tree today, and I saw these packages of Valentine bubbles- 8 in a pack. I remembered seeing a bubble Valentine on Pinterest, so I bought 3 packages of the bubbles.

When I got home, I found the printable I wanted to use. You can find the printable here. I also picked up some washi tape to hold the bubbles in place on the card. The washi tape was $2.88, but you could use an inexpensive ribbon by punching holes on either side of where the bubbles will go. So simple.

Are you a DIY Valentine momma (or daddy) or do you prefer store bought cards? What are some homemade Valentines you have made in the past?

14 days of Love (Easy and Inexpensive Gift Ideas with Free Printable)

14 Gifts for the Next 14 days:

Looking for a way to make your special someone feel extra special without breaking the bank?

This idea (that I got from The Dating Divas ) will be a sure bet! Just head to your local dollar store and attach the free printable for each day. Super cute and creative. Such a simple way to say "I love you" over the next 2 weeks.

Day 1:

I'm NUTS about you!- attach to package of favorite nuts

Day 2:

I wouldn't CHEWS anyone but you!- attach to chewing gum (or any other chewy candy)

Day 3:

"HONEY, COMB" your hair because we've got a date tonight!- attach to Honey Comb cereal (or actual comb) I haven't figure out how I'm gonna work this one in since my hubby is hairless. :-)

Day 4:

You make my heart BUBBLE over!- attach to your favorite sparkling beverage.

Day 5:

You are the APPLE of my eye!- attach to apples ( or apple juice, or apple flavored candy)

Day 6:

We make a great COMBO!- attach to a package of Combos (usually found in the checkout aisle)

Day 7:

I would be so MIXed up without you!- attach to bag of Chex mix ( or other trail mix)

Day 8:

I'm BANANAS for you!- attach to bananas (or other banana flavored candy)

Day 9: 

I think you are SODA amazing!- attach to favorite soda

Day 10:

You have oFISHally stolen my heart!- attach to swedish fish (or goldfish crackers)

Day 11:

You are one HOT TAMALE!- attach to hot tamale candy

Day 12:

Thanks for STICKing by my side! attach to chapstick ( you could also use super glue or Chic-o-Stic candy)

Day 13:

We were MINT to be together!- attach to favorite mints

Day 14:

Life we be unBEARable without you!- attach to gummy bears (or Klondike Bars-with the bear on front, or actual teddy bear)


I know this post looks rather boring because there are no pictures. But this really is a cute idea, and I made you a pretty cute free printable.

You can do these in any order you wish, and feel free to combine days if your significant other will be away. Make it your own! Have fun and have a happy valentine's day!!


For the free printable click here.

DIY Valentine's for Kids

DIY Valentine Round-Up (The Best of Pinterest)

How many of you moms like to send homemade valentines to school rather than the generic ones from the store? That's me. It's one of my favorite things of the entire school year. I scoured Pinterest looking for the cutest, most creative ones I can find...also the inexpensive...this is important too.

Well, if you are like me, and just LOVE sending your child with the best  a thoughtful, homemade valentine, then you have come to the right place.

I have rounded up for you, what I think is the best of Pinterest. So let's dive right in, shall we.

1.    http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2014/01/go-go-squeez-applesauce-valentines.html

This is my favorite! Go Go Squeez Applesauce with free printable that says "Thanks for being Awesomesauce!"  Love.

2. http://onecreativemommy.com/frozen-olaf-valentines/ If you have seen the movie Frozen, you will love this one! Put together a snowman resembling, Olaf, from the movie, and attach the free printable saying "You're worth melting for!"  Adorable!

3. http://www.thebensonstreet.com/2014/01/16/easy-printable-minion-valentine/ Who doesn't love the minions from Despicable Me? Well, some of you may not...but if you do....this one is for you! You will have to do some cutting and pasting, but not too complicating. Click the link for the free heart printable.

4. I could not find a link for this one. But making this one should simple. You can make a heart template in Word and type in the words, "You make my heart glow." Voila!

5.  http://www.yellowpearphotography.com/2012/01/valentine-roundup.html  This is a word find made up of all your child's classmates names. Clever! Attach a pencil and you are good to go.

6.  http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/02/guest-project-love-juice-valentines-day.html    "Love Juice" Attach printable to bottle of water then attach a flavored drink mix. Very cute!

7.  http://twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.com/2012/02/school-valentines-treats.html  I love this one for its simplicity. Buy a bag of starbursts, place in bag, attach printable, done.

8. http://apples4bookworms.blogspot.com/2013/02/happy-valentines-day.html This is one for the teachers. The printable says, "My love for learning has grown EXPO-nentially, having you as my teacher."  Attach to Expo brand dry erase markers.



9. http://mydigitalcreations.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentine-tag-freebie-i-was-soapin.html And another one for the teacher. Attach printable that says, "I was soapin' you'd be my valentine" to a bottle of soap. Teachers will love it!



And there you have it! The best of the best...in my opinion. Hope you are able to benefit from my hours spent on Pinterest. :-)

Let me know which ones are your favorite...or share your favorite with me that isn't on the list!