Maybe it's because February 14th is my birthday (yep), but I have always loved the tradition of giving out classroom valentines. In elementary school, I remember carefully making doily-dotted, red-and-pink construction-papered shoeboxes, and then waiting with anticipation to see who would drop a little Snoopy or Strawberry Shortcake or Star Wars card inside. (And then of course, I recall totally reading into the text on whatever card the boy you had a crush on gave you: "Oh my gosh! Do you think he meant 'Bee Mine' as in, like, 'Be my fifth grade girlfriend??!")
These days, Valentine's Day is much more low-key in my daughter's school. But we still wanted to do something fun for her classmates. The drugstore valentines I found were mostly cheap and cheesy, so I was less than inspired. And let's face it: I'm too lazy to DIY. Then, I heard that Minted (that's where we ordered our 2014 holiday cards) was offering classroom valentines, so I rushed to check them out.
You guys! They are SO cute. Once I saw them, it was a no brainer to place an order. The hardest part was choosing a design--there are so many good ones! I finally settled on this cute PB&J design (aren't the gingham backs cute?). But I came really close to getting these donuts, this cookie, or this gold-foil maze. (Minted, can you offer a variety pack next year for indecisive folks like me, pretty pretty please?)
All the designs have optional coordinating stickers, or you can can mix and match, as I did by getting these pretty hearts that technically go with a different card. And the best part: I love that both the cards and stickers are personalized. You can even put your child's photo on them, which might be fun for us to try next year.
This past weekend, my daughter and I sat down and addressed about half of her cards. (We'll do the rest later this week. When you're just learning to write, the process is sloooooow and I really wanted her to do them herself, so we are only tackling a few at a time so that she doesn't get too frustrated.) I just love the way they turned out and am so excited to deliver them to her friends next week.
And now, here's some superfun news: I'm giving away a $100 credit to Minted! Use it for some cute valentines of your own, invitations for your next party, some of their pretty wall art--anything! (Please enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!)
Are your kids giving out valentines this year? If so, do tell: Did you do the drugstore thing, go the DIY route, or...? I'd love to know!
UPDATE: Congrats to Amy T., winner of the $100 credit to Minted. Thanks to everyone who entered!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: Minted provided me with a small credit to purchase the valentines, but there was no further compensation, I was under no obligation to feature the products if I didn't love them (which I do!), and all opinions are my own.
These are from minted?! Adorable!! I am going to get some!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your daughter is so cute!
Love the classroom valentine's! SO CUTE. And I'm a big minted fan. I got our family valentine's there this year. xox
ReplyDeleteThose valentines are really cute! I love that Valentine's Day teaches children to give out cards and do other gestures that make others feel good.
ReplyDeleteI love these cute Valentines. They've come a long way since I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteI honestly just love all the valentines day treats!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! I think Valentine's Day is most special because it reminds us to love with our whole hearts--something we should do 365 days a year. xo Ash
ReplyDeleteThe Yellow Petunia
I love Minted. We used them for our Christmas cards this past year. They did a great job. When I taught, we just ended up having the children make their own Valentine's in school since we wanted to avoid hurt feelings. I did always like passing them out in school though.
ReplyDeleteI saw some cute Vday cards at Hobby Lobby so I'll probably go that route. I have 2 boys so they don't get super excited about the whole thing!
ReplyDeleteAll the decorations in all of the stores and restaurants, I love it! Kind of like a romantic Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteThe only day of the year when you cannot have too much PINK of anything :)
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day is my favorite holiday because it's when I met my future husband!
ReplyDeletevalentine's day is honestly my favorite holiday! ( i get a lot of weird looks from people when i tell them that). but aside from how much i love all the colors and hearts associated with it (and the chocolate -- let's be real)....I think having a day set apart where you can tell all the special people in your life how much they mean to you is awesome. i love that it doesn't have to be limited to just romance, even though most people tend to see it that way!
ReplyDelete-valerie sobus
burritoprincess@gmail.com
I would have to say the candy, flowers and the one that is giving it to me - shaunie
ReplyDeleteI loved making my own valentines. Making Valentine treats!
ReplyDeleteLove decorating the house with roses and other fun stuff.
ReplyDeleteI love Valentines DAy because it puts everyone in a good mood (:
ReplyDeleteKids exchanging Valentine's cards are my favorite thing about Valentine's Day! It is so cute how excited they all are!
ReplyDeleteall the little tiny cards
ReplyDeleteI enjoy spending it with my loved one!
ReplyDeletelove spending it with people closest to me!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about valentines day is making sweets for my friends and family!
ReplyDeleteMaking the day feel special for those around you!
ReplyDeleteChocolate on sale the next day and having an excuse to decorate the house in the dead of winter!
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone is taking the time to stop and say I love you.
ReplyDeleteSuper Cute!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love celebrating love with my family. :)
ReplyDeleteI love all of the cute cards and decorations.
ReplyDeleteI love all the hearts everywhere!! :)
ReplyDelete@whitneymarlee