I think kid-made valentines are one of the best parts of Valentine’s Day. We usually start early, and the kids make valentine cards for grandparents, and me and Chris, and each other (it’s beautiful and sweet and highly unusual when they’re this nice to each other. Makes me nervous, actually.)

My preschooler loves lacing right now. She made everyone bookmarks for Christmas that she decorated and laced up the sides, so when we tried lacing valentines, she was very excited.

She’s now been lacing everything in sight.

You can also decorate these valentines — we painted them a little with watercolors before we cut them into heart-shaped cards.

And they don’t require much — you’ll probably have most of this stuff at home already (if you don’t have a giant nest of yarn threatening to take over your basement, you can pick up a ball at a craft store or WalMart for less than $3.)

Supplies:

cardstock or scrapbooking paper for cards

yarn

hole punch

scissors

pencil

watercolors, markers, stickers, or anything else you want to use to decorate

Instructions:

Fold your card in half. If you’re doing watercolors, now’s the time to paint your card. When the paint has dried, lightly draw a large heart shape on your card with the pencil, making sure to connect it to the fold on the left.

Cut out your heart shape. Now lightly draw another, smaller heart on the same card (this is going to be where you make your lacing holes). Using a hole punch, punch along the heart you drew and erase any remaining pencil lines. Lace your string or yarn around the card, starting and ending at the top. Tie the ends into a bow at the top when you’ve finished (adults might have to help with this part).

Finish decorating your Valentine’s Day card with markers, stickers, photos, or anything else you have on-hand. Don’t forget to write a message inside!

If you’re looking for more Valentines Day activities to try with your kids, check these out:

…and if you’re looking for a fun dinner idea, try Valentine’s Day fondue!

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