Ideas for Kid's Valentine Boxes

Some children exchange handmade Valentines, while others opt for purchased ones.

For children, Valentine's Day is a fun day to show friends and classmates that they care about them -- usually by exchanging small Valentine's cards. Children can make this day even more fun with custom boxes to collect their cards.

Shoe Box

A shoe box is a great starting point for a Valentine's Day mailbox. For the mail slot, cut a long, narrow rectangle in the top of the box. Then, wrap the shoe box in plain, white wrapping paper or butcher paper -- be sure to wrap the lid and base of the box separately to make it easy to retrieve cards. The child can use markers or stickers to add her name and decorate the box with hearts, cupids and other Valentine's Day designs.

Coffee Can

Start with an empty coffee can and cut a long, narrow rectangle in the plastic lid. Paint the can white, and let the child use poster paints, glitter and other craft supplies to decorate. As an alternative, wrap and glue colorful ribbon or strips of construction paper around the can every 2 inches or so to create a striped look. If you prefer not to paint the can, simply wrap it with construction paper before decorating. Have the child add his name to the box to minimize confusion.

Start with a Kit

Purchase a Valentine's Day mailbox craft kit online or at a craft store. These kits give children everything they need to put together a simple, cardboard mailbox. The small mailbox looks just like a regular mailbox. Some mailbox kits may come with heart stickers and cut outs to glue onto the box. As an alternative, personalize the box with paint, glitter, markers or other craft supplies.

Paper Plate Pouch

Start with two dinner-size paper plates. Cut one of the plates in half. Line up the bottom rims of the full plate and half plate so the front-side of each plate is facing in. Staple the plates together along the rim, creating a pocket. Have the children decorate the pocket with markers, glitter, foam or construction paper hearts and other craft supplies. Attach ribbon or yarn to hang the pocket from a hook, or use tape to attach the pocket to a desk or wall.

References

• Craft Jr: Valentine Mailbox Ideas

Resources

• Oriental Trading: Cardboard Valentine Mailbox Craft Kit