I like to do something for my son for many of the holidays. Something simple, inexpensive and if it’s easy, that’s a win too. When he was in First Grade, I started doing a Valentine’s Day I do a ‘14 Things I Love About You‘ countdown. It’s good for kids to hear about all the ways that we think they’re special.
You can also add daily treats or a small surprise. Some years, I’ve decided to stick with a just note each day. I’m been trying to limit daily sweets and reduce the clutter of ‘small gifts’. I think this helps to focus on how special a simple note can be to someone you care about.
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Valentine’s Day Countdown for your Kids
materials needed:
- Mini mailbox or box
- stickers or ribbon
- red or pink cardstock
- Valentine’s Day candy*
- Cricut Explore Air 2 (or any Cricut machine), optional
Hershey’s Kisses or miniature candy bars work great. If you go with something like Conversation Hearts or M&Ms, wrap a few candies in mini cellophane bags (you’ll need 14 bags).
Step 1: Purchase a small metal mailbox (one for each child) – these can often be found in the dollar bins at craft stores or Target. Or you can just use a small box and decorate it.
Step 2: Decorate with stickers or ribbon and personalize with your child’s name. Go fancy if you want and use letter stickers and cut vinyl on your Cricut machine or go simple and simply handwrite their name on a heart.
Step 3: Cut out 14 hearts from cardstock – you can freehand or use a Cricut machine to cut out the hearts.
Step 4: Write 14 “I love you because…”, “I love that you…”, “I love your…” notes, one on each heart
Step 5: Each day place one of the paper hearts in the mailbox along with a piece of candy. Raise the mailbox’s flag so they know there’s something waiting for them. On the 14th, you may decide to leave an extra special treat or gift.
Are you doing this for your kids this year? We’d love to hear all about it. Post a photo to social and tag @sweetshoppemom. We might even share it.
Don’t miss our other Valentine’s Day posts
- Give your kids a (paper) Heart Attack
- 8 Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special for Tweens and Teens
- 14 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Teen Boys
- Valentine’s Home Decor Home Tour
- Valentine’s Day school bento lunches