Valentine's Day in my toddler's daycare class caught me off guard last year.
I found myself among the handful of parents who didn’t send cards. In my defence, I didn’t think the classroom card tradition would start so early! With a determination to redeem myself this year, I dove into Pinterest for inspiration on cards I could make at home.
I must admit, I may have gone a tad overboard. However, the results were worth it. After experimenting with a few ideas, I've landed on three adorable and budget-friendly DIY Valentine's Day cards that are not only easy to make but will surely bring smiles to your child's classmates. Each one has a little surprise for the receiver, like a lollipop, Play-Doh, or mini pop-it toy.
Without further ado, here are the ideas I came up with!
Card #1 - The Play-Doh Card
Play-Doh is a great non-candy gift for toddlers and takes center stage in this card.
Supplies Needed:
Scissors
Cutting mat
Cutting knife
Tape
Steps
Design your Card or use my Pre-Made Template. To fit 4 cards nicely on a US Letter or A4 paper, create each card at 3.75" x 4.75". The circle for the PlayDoh insert measures 1.9” and fits the 1 and 2 oz containers.
Trim your cards using a paper trimmer or with a trimming knife and ruler. Next, trim out the circle for the Playdoh inserts.
Insert the PlayDoh and secure it by taping the back. This step ensures your thoughtful creations stay intact during transport!
Card #2 - Lollipop Butterfly
An adorable butterfly card with a lollipop insert.
Supplies Needed:
Scissors
Cutting mat
Cutting knife
Tape
Lollipops (any)
Steps
Create your butterfly! Canva is a great tool to find a premade butterfly and add your own text text. You can also use my ready-made designs as shown in this tutorial.
To fit 6 butterflies nicely on a US Letter or A4 paper, make them approximately 3.5" x 3".
Trim your butterflies with scissors. If you are fancy, you can also do so with your Cricut.
Make two 0.5” cuts at the top and bottom of the butterfly. This is where the lollipop gets inserted.
Tip! You can make double-layered butterflies by stacking two on top of each other. Secure the lollipop the same way, but use the back layer so the top butterfly sandwiches it in!
You can also use a ruler to fluff the wings up and create some depth between the layers.
Card #3 - You Make My Heart Pop Cards
Adorable cards that fit a 2” heart-shaped pop-it toy.
Supplies Needed:
Scissors or Trimming Knife + Ruler
Glue Dot (Or Glue Gun)
Steps
Create your card or use my ready-made designs as shown in this tutorial.
To fit 4 cards nicely on a US Letter or A4 paper, create each card at 3.75" x 4.75"
Trim your cards using a paper trimmer or with a trimming knife and ruler.
Affix the Pop-It toy with a glue dot or using a glue gun.
As you embark on the adventure of spreading love and sweetness, remember this: Happy Valentine's Day, and may you not be the parent who forgot the cards this year.
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