Valentine’s day will be here before you know it, and if you have kids, that usually means a couple dozen Valentine’s Day cards or treats to hand out to their classmates. But those store bought boxes of perforated tear-and-sign cards can be pretty impersonal, and honestly kind of boring. To make Valentine’s day more fun for you and your kids, I’ve rounded up some great DIY Valentine’s day cards that even little ones can make!

DIY Valentine’s Day Cards: Bring on the sweets!

Candy is usually at the heart (pun intended) of Valentine’s day cards. Add some pizzazz to ordinary sweets with these fun creations:

Superhero Lollipop

Photo from Zakka Life

Lollipops are a pretty standard Valentine’s day candy, second to conversation hearts. Why not dress them up? Tell your friend how “super” they are with this superhero lollipop! All you need is some card stock, a hole punch and some markers. Up, up and away!

3D Photo Lollipop

Photo from Design Mom

This is a really unique twist on a Valentine’s day card. I love how it looks 3D, without actually having to do anything complicated! For this, a picture of your kid with their hand outstretched printed on heavy paper, lollipops, and a hole punch will do the trick.

Bear Hugs Treat Bag

Photo from Spoonful

This is a little different because it isn’t exactly a card, but it’s cute nonetheless. A few gummy bears and Teddy Grahams in a plastic bag with a note and ribbon is easy enough for anyone to do!

DIY Valentine’s Day Cards: Dare to go candy free

Don’t get me wrong, candy is great and all, but sometimes you just want to avoid causing a sugar high. Give these projects a try and your kids will give a gift that will last past lunchtime:

Friendship Bracelets

Photo from Dandee

These Valentine’s Day cards are slightly labor intensive, but a simple braid is easy enough for an older child to make. Print out the quote on cardstock and you’re ready to go!

Heart-shaped Crayon

Photo from The Long Thread

This is one of my favorite candy-free ideas. Break up some crayons, put them in a heart shaped muffin tin (which you can find at the dollar store), melt, and cool. Voila! Attach them to printed card stock (or let your child draw the design themselves) and you have a card that will let those little Picassos shine! (Pro Tip: Put the tin in the freezer for a few minutes to shrink the wax if you’re having trouble getting them out.)

Paint Chip Bookmarks

Photo from Inhabitots

These might be more difficult if you have to make a large number of them, but paint chips are an easy and very inexpensive way to make a Valentine’s Day gift. Hole punches and ribbon complete this cute functional treat.

Of course, there are always circumstances where you may just want a simple printed card. You’re in luck! Instead of going out and buying mass-produced boxes of themed cards, Jeri from Pink and Posh has a set of free printable cards you can use if you’re pressed for time, or just not feeling that crafty.

Do you DIY Valentine’s day cards? What other ideas do you have? Share them in the comments!