January 5, 2020
Whether you’re single or coupled up, Valentine’s Day is a sweet day to show how much you care. And it doesn’t have to be some dramatic romantic gesture like red roses and chocolates, or a teddy bear the size of King Kong for your kiddo. We’re taking a cue from the people who know how to do Valentine’s right, like kids. And Leslie Knope. Our main goal for class valentines, gifts for our kids, a little something for significant others? Simple, thoughtful, and surprising.
Know that the night before Valentine’s Day, parents all over are also finishing up their kids’ valentines for their class parties the next morning just like you. That’s just how it goes. The trick is ordering your Tiny Cards early enough so that you’ve got super simple work to do the night before the big day.
If you want your Valentine’s order by February 14, order by February 4 for standard shipping, February 7th for UPS 2 day, and February 10th for UPS Overnight. You can see our Canadian and all other International shipping deadlines here. Note: these dates are shipping deadlines for delivery ON Valentine’s Day. So if you want your goodies by the 12th or 13th so you have a couple days for class valentines prep, make sure to order earlier.
Our miniature cards are so cute already, you really only need to have your kid sign them, slip them in the kraft envelope with a few heart candies, and call it good. To see some adorable examples of Tiny Cards parading as the world’s cutest class valentines, see Cara’s Tiny Cards Valentine’s DIY from last Valentine’s Day.
If you want to make their valentines a bit more special this year for their classmates, have a family valentines craft party and make class valentines, sibling valentines, and snail mail valentines all in one fell swoop.
Make a little family party of it and break out some yummy snacks (try these banana bites or quinoa blueberry muffins), all your arts and crafts supplies including your old rickrack scissors, leftover ribbon, and vintage buttons, turn on some classic love songs, and let the valentines-making party begin! Kids love a party and they know when an adult is chill. So put that phone away, relax, and make some stuff alongside those kiddos. (And don’t forget to buy the valentine’s candy and/or favors before the party!)
If you’re going the traditional treat route, grab a sucker, Ring Pop, Pop Rocks, or vintage candy, and tape or glue it to a Mini Print or Tiny Card and make silly interactive valentines your kids will be pumped to hand out on the day of love. The best part is they only need help cutting a slit in the photo print or taping a string to the print. They can do 99% of the work themselves. (Parent win!)
Once the table is covered in supplies and valentines candy, get creative with how and what the class valentines can say. You can also use non-edibles like small glow in the dark bugs, googly eyes, bubbles, gem rings, balloons, or stickers as a favor on each valentine.
If you’re sending Valentine packages to grandparents or far-away cousins, our kid-sized photo books are perfect. We call them Mini Books. They’re “pack pack” sized, durable enough to hold up to toddler play, and super high print quality. They’re the cutest way for pen pals to share pictures of themselves back and forth. Two books, with 50 photos each, are just $18. Photo Strips, Magnets, Mini Prints, 5x5 prints, and Tiny Books are also super cute photo gifties to throw in a Valentine’s package alongside their favorite candies, chocolates, and love notes.
Postcards are a super easy way to send Valentine’s Day greetings. Just flip it over, write a note, have the kids sign their name, address and stamp it, and you’re good to go. The print is so nice the recipient will even be able to display it or frame it.
If you’re looking for more unique valentines inspiration, check out our Valentine’s Pinterest board and ideas for crafting with kids.
Tip: Don’t forget to buy Valentines-themed postage stamps if you’re sending some cards snail mail. Our cards are really thick and nice (Grandma and Grandpa could display-it-on-a-shelf-for-the-next-5-years-nice) and they come with free kraft envelopes!
In the words of the ever-so-wise Leslie Knope, “Hoes before broes. Uteruses before duderes. Ovaries before brovaries.”
Text your favorite gal pals and get together for pots de creme, The Bachelor, cult classic romantic comedies (there’s this take or this take), or VR. Getting together with your girlfriends around V-day is not a novel idea but Galentine’s Day has become something of a cultural phenomenon.
Make it extra special with thoughtful gifts for your BFFs: a 5x7 of your favorite friend selfie, a photo book of your friendship, matching friend magnets, or magnetic miniature photo books to cozy-up her cubicle.
Valentine’s is for lovers. There a million ways you can tell them you love them but these are some of our favorite:
• One big hug
• A Tiny Book meant for their eyes only (wink, wink)
• 3 Photo Strips meant for their eyes only (wink, wink, again)
• A Valentine’s card telling them how much they mean to you
• A photo book of your adventures together
• Finally print your wedding pictures
• Giant Photo Strip of the two of you
• A list of the 10 things you love most about them
• A picture of the two of you
The easiest way to order thoughtful photo gifts this Valentine’s Day is to download our 5-star reviewed app, Print Studio. It’s available for iOS and Android. And make sure you order by February 4 at noon PST if you want to get you goodies on or by February 14.
