As a mom I am constantly trying to find the best ways to show my kids I love them. I like to surprise my daughter with messages in her lunch and take my son on special mommy-son dates. Every year on Valentine’s Day I try and make everyone in my life aware, especially my children, how much I love them both. One of the best ways I have found to do this is by making special Valentine’s for them to pass out to their friends. First, you get to spend time together planning and preparing the valentines, which make the kids feel loved and valued as individuals. Then they are able to show them off at school and once again feel special because they have one-of-kind valentines. I don’t go crazy or spend incredible amounts of time – but the effort is so worth it. Here are some ideas for making your own personal valentine’s for your little ones.
Fun Valentine Ideas:
-Many “kiosk” photo printers like the ones you find in Wal-Mart and Target have premade valentine templates for kids. All you do is add in their picture. This is the only time I would probably ever recommend using one of those places to print pictures because of the quality, but I like this idea a lot because it is a super easy (and cheap) way to make personalized valentines.
-If you are crafty or a scrap booker then have some small prints (wallets) made of the kids, glue them to valentine themed card stock and embellish however you see fit. This could be a stamp, stickers, glitter glue – have fun! Of course including the picture is optional, but I save mine from every year so it is fun to watch them grow.
-If you get professional photos taken, the photographer most likely will have valentine’s templates and cool ways of printing them. I know I do and the kids always have a blast helping me design them! If your photographer doesn’t offer this or you don’t currently use one (if this is the case, call me ASAP – we need to talk 😉 ); you can Google templates and have tons available that fit wallet sized prints . Again these can be printed at most kiosk printers or from your home printer (because let’s face it, they don’t have to be perfect).
-Last, I like to have fun incorporating treats or favors with the valentines. Last year I designed wallet-sized valentines with each kid’s picture and favorite Disney character, punch a hole in the top and attached a treat bag filled with goodies. The kids loved them. Look for matching party favors, the tubes of wedding bubbles are perfect, or even candy… The options are endless.
Remember the most important thing isn’t that these are perfect or you spend a ton of time on them, or even that they are the most creative; it is the fact that your kiddo will feel loved and special on Valentine’s Day
Jessica is a proud mother of three – a 3 year old boy/tasmanian devil, a 7 year old daughter, and a thirties something husband (just joking Danny). I’m a homemaker, a life-long student and a business owner. I’m a native to Colorado and love to be out in all of the beautiful scenes that Colorado has to offer – whether by myself, with my family and/or with my camera. Check out my website – www.jessicanewmanphotography.com. |