Already, there's no shortage of Valentine's Day cards and treats for sale at stores! Some of them feature the most of-the-moment characters, from things like Star Wars, Lego Batman, Frozen, and Trolls. But for parents and little ones who aren't finding exactly what they love in the Target aisles, there's nothing quite like grabbing the craft supplies and creating homemade Valentine's Day cards for family and friends. And there's nothing quite as sweet as a handmade card with a sugary treat attached.
Some people opt to skip all the sugar and food items on Love Day. But for those kids who most definitely want some candy and treats to be a part of their Valentine's Day swag, the sweet (literally!) cards and greetings on this list are the perfect fix. These DIY cards include candy, cookies, gum, and even Teddy Grahams as a sugary surprise. And the little tags, labels, and slogans they come with are just as nice.
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The best part of homemade cards is the opportunity to get a little more personal, whether that means adding unique creative touches or just letting kids choose and add their favorite desserts. Here, we've gathered some of the most unique and easily customizable valentines that give kids a chance to showcase the candy they love. Gather up the glue gun and glitter, then read through the slideshow for some clever and creative valentines that will help make Valentine's Day unforgettable.
Gorgeous Flowery Treats
Masking tape, baking cup liners … who knew a few things most people already have around the house could be combined to make super-fun valentines? (Besides, of course, Cindy, who blogs at Skip to My Lou.)
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Mighty Adorable Mice
What kid could resist making — or being gifted — these squee-worthy mice out of Hershey Kisses? Click through to Practically Functional for the how-to.
A Hoot of a Valentine
A few easy cuts and folds of paper, a well-placed Pixy Stick, a clever owl pun, and whooo's got the most endearing owl valentine? Even young kids will be able to master this cutie from Kids Activities Blog.
Write On, Valentine!
Break out the card stock! Kids will go crazy for these candy pencils from Simply J Studio. Not only do they have a Hershey Kiss tip, but they're filled with one of the best caramel candies of all time … Hershey's Kisses!
DIY Candy Holders
These DIY candy holders are made from … *drumroll please* … toilet paper rolls! All kids have to do is decorate the cardboard tubes with stickers, tissue paper, and tape, then fold down the sides, fill with their favorite candy, and tape it shut. So easy, and so cute!
Cherry Much Love
Dum-Dums or Tootsie Pops get a cute makeover with this simple cherry valentine. The idea uses crepe paper streamers and card stock (so easy!) to make a sweet surprise that's fun to look at, too. Parents can find a tutorial for the craft on The House That Lars Built. If they handed out awards for cutest valentine, these would win.
A Bag of Bears
Not a fan of gunky candy? Try some sweet bear-shaped graham crackers instead. Skip to My Lou shows parents how to sweetly package the sloth. (Because FYI, that's what you call a group of bears.)
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Chew-ly a Great Idea
Dole out colored gumballs in a cute bag that's topped off with a fun V-Day message. (Because really, is there any other kind?) Cupcake Cutiees Designs has instructions on how to make and where to buy the printable.
Superheroes on a Stick
Does all candy become this hilariously cute when we add an eye mask and a cape? A super-sweet touch: How easy these are to make?! Perfect for the not-so-crafty-but-want-to-look-like-we-are moms. Download the template and see the directions at Zakka Life.
Simply Sweet
No need for kids to make mushy valentines, and no reason, either, for us moms to sweat over glue guns and sequins. (Unless, of course, moms want to.) We appreciate a good craft that keeps it simple and looks fabulous — like these bagged candied oranges from Crafting in the Rain.
The Right Number
Blogger Danyelle at Dandee-Designs found the perfect Valentine design for her tech-minded 10-year-old son. Who knew candy buttons could be put to such good use?
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Lollipop Surprise
The mom behind the Smashed Peas and Carrots blog shared this quick and clever idea for personalizing cards. All it requires is a strategic photo of a kid and a well-placed treat. Genius!
Bear Hugs
This easy valentine packs a sweet treat inside a cuddly hug. Kids can draw a bear, a puppy, a kitten — anything they want. Then just wrap the critter's arms around a tasty treat. It's sweet in more ways than one.
Candy Robot
For the kids who want all the candy, all the time, these little treat robots are a must-have. All moms need is some Conversation Hearts, a couple packs of Sweet Tarts, Starbursts, and edible eyes to make these, and they're sure to be a hit.
Ninja Turtle Oreo Packs
For kids who are fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it doesn't get any easier than these DIY "sewer caps." Turns out Oreo cookies look a lot like those caps, and if parents add a cute label, like these original printables from Modern Chic Tots, they're an easy themed treat that only takes a few minutes to put together.
Ready for Lift Off
Even on short notice, you'll be able to make a classroom's worth of these high-flyin' candy airplanes. They're just that easy. Check out the instructions and download the printable banner from Giver's Log.
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A Little Smore Love
Does it get any better than diy smores kits? These snack-sized treats are a fan favorite and so easy to make. Kids can design their own tags or use a printable, like the one pictured from Little Peanut. The best part? There's almost no cleanup, and kids can do these all by themselves.
Tic Tac Toe
These cute cards require a little bit of crafting, but the end result is more than worth it. They're made using a free printable designed by Sally J. Shim. She made them for her own kids and writes on her blog that they were a total hit!
