Over the years schools have found a fun way for kids to give and receive Valentine Day cards that is inclusive and fun.  Below I have some great creative ideas and tips for making cards for the classroom.

In our school the kids bring a valentine card for everyone in the class and the teacher has the kids create an bag or some type of holder decorated for the special day.

Each card is given out an the kids come home with a set of cards from their class. No one is left out.  Each family can decide if the cards are home made, store bought or include a small candy (or not.)

I really like this tradition for a few reasons:

• you can be as creative as you’d like
• it teaches the kids to be inclusive
• the more diversity in the card the more fun
• it encourages reading since the kids want to read the cards from their peers
• kids practice writing with you (and you can observe how they’re progressing)
• some kids save them year after year as keepsakes

Some years we have more time and create custom Valentine’s Day cards and other years we seek out the funny or cute pre-made cards featuring that year’s favorite characters.  Last year it was fairies and princesses for one daughter and Scooby-Doo for the other.  Tip: We usually buy one set for girls and one for boys or a unisex character.

Homemade Cards

If you decide to try making home made Valentine’s cards simple is the key so the kids don’t get overwhelmed making 30 cards.  Keep in mind the audience too, if you are designing for six or seven year olds keep that in mind. Last year my daughter received the super simple card on the left which required cutting, determining a square and gluing which met the requirements and was appreciated by class of first graders.

I found some great inspiration for home made cards with simple ideas ideal for kids and posted them on my Valentine’s Day Pinterest board. The featured idea using paint color chips is brilliant and easy to do with kids. You can even expand this idea for birthday cards and special occasion cards.

Tip: It’s a good investment to buy a set of scrapbook paper in different colors and patterns so you can use it to make cards easily.

Purchased Cards

Ideas for purchased cards can range from custom made cards to store bought.  Many book stores and pharmacies offering seasonal items will have a selection of cards.

For a custom option from my affiliate program Tiny Prints you’ll find a nice selection of custom cards including sets for classrooms starting at .54 per card .Enjoy 15% off any order or 20% off $99+ | code: 20jansw | ends 1/29.