How to Make an "I Love You" Jar
An “I Love You” jar is an easy and thoughtful gift anyone can make for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, an anniversary, or any day someone needs to know they're special. Kids can make an “I Love You” jar for a parent or grandparent, while adults can enjoy giving an “I Love You” jar to their sweetheart or spouse. All you need is an empty jar, some basic craft supplies and a lot of sweet things to say. It’s sure to make the lucky recipient feel loved and appreciated.
Things You'll Need
- Empty jar large enough to reach into
- Red paper
- Plain or light colored paper
- Pen or marker
- Scissors
- Tape
- Sweet things to say
- Piece of ribbon
- Candy (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Jar
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1
Wash the jar and dry it, to make sure the jar is free of leftover contents or dust.
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2
Cut a square of red paper about the same size as the front of the jar. Fold the square of red paper in half and draw a half-heart on the fold. Cut out the heart and unfold the paper.
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3
Write “I Love You” and the name of the recipient on the heart. Tape the heart to the front of the jar.
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4
Wrap a piece of ribbon around the mouth of the jar and tie it in a bow.
Make the Contents
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5
Cut small slips of plain or light colored paper. The slips can be rectangular or, for an extra loving touch, heart-shaped. Write a short love note on each slip of paper.
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6
Fold the notes in half if needed to fit through the mouth of the jar. Fill the jar with the love notes.
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7
Add some favorite candy to the jar along with the notes for an extra sweet touch.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep each note short, sweet and specific. Try listing things you love about that person, things that he or she has done for you, or special times you’ve shared together. For example, a kid’s jar could have notes that say, “Thank you, Mommy, for reading me bedtime stories” or “Thank you, Daddy, for taking care of me when I’m sick.” A romantic “I Love You” jar could include notes such as “Thank you for being the love of my life, my one, my only, my wonderful wife.”
If you’re having trouble coming up with sweet things to say, you can also include favorite quotes or poems. Or cut out some family photos and glue them to heart-shaped slips of paper.
