The Cutest New Valentines For Kids (+ A $100 Minted Giveaway!) {CLOSED}

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.