This is what we’ve been working on for 8-year-old Olive’s valentines this year. I think they’re turning out cute, no? My favorite is the hippo shouting “Hippo Valentine’s Day!” But I need your opinion: do we prefer the wild animals featured in the little cellophane bags? Or do we like them attached directly to the card with craft thread? I can’t decide.
Also. I’m coming up short on a little valentine message for these animals: rhino, tiger, zebra, giraffe. So I’m going with a neutral “I’m wild about you Valentine” for those four. If you think of anything brilliant, I’d love to hear it. UPDATE: Loved your ideas! Thanks for all the help.
SECOND UPDATE: Your wish is my command. Click here to download a 4-page pdf featuring both versions. (Nothing fancy. Not even crop marks. But hey, they’re free.)
{ 18 trackbacks }
{ 104 comments… read them below or add one }
Next Comments →
bags, but only from the perspective of receiving it and having to untie the animal from the card. both are darling though…and i'm sure your little one will be putting sparkles in her valentines eyes
those are adorable! i love that you used a sewing machine on it! wish i was a fellow 8 yr old about to receive that. :)
Adorable. I like the bags better, I think. You always have such great ideas.
i like them attached directly to the card. what a fun idea!
I like the card, otherwise it looks like you just bought them at some store. If I put the work into something like that, I kind of want the credit. They are too cute.
I like the card, otherwise it looks like you just bought them at some store. If I put the work into something like that, I kind of want the credit. They are too cute.
I like the card, otherwise it looks like you just bought them at some store. If I put the work into something like that, I kind of want the credit. They are too cute.
Oooh I like both but as a PP pointed out, the string one will be harder to open, especially for (impatient) kids!
Idea for the giraffe: I'd stick my neck out for you anytime! (may be lost on an 8 year old though)
Okay this is by far the cutest thing I have ever seen for V_DAY! I love them both but I do think the bags are a little bit more original than on the card especially with the stitching!
Rhino you're the one.
I really love these! I think they look best attached directly to the cards.
For Rhino – Rhino who I want to be my Valentine! You!
For Giraffe – You're heads above the rest Valentine!
Multi-Tasking Mama February 11, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I really love these! I think they look best attached directly to the cards.
For Rhino – Rhino who I want to be my Valentine! You!
For Giraffe – You're heads above the rest Valentine!
For the giraffe: I'd reach the tallest tree for you Valentine!
Rhino: Rhino I'd never forget you–Happy Valentine's Day.
Card! So cute and original. And less plastic is always a good thing. What an adorable idea!
Have to agree with PP about the bag looking like something that came from the store, even though the stitching is adorable. I prefer the cards, patience in opening them will be good practice. :)
I like the bags – they look WAY easier to assemble. Whichever is easiest for mom, that's my vote.
So cute! And what a clever idea!
I love them! Particularly the stitching on the bags—these are going in my bookmarks for next year:)
Oh! I love these so much I must steal them for next year. I personally like the cards better.
Ok I am soo making that cake right now… I've been reading that blog for a few months now and when I saw her post the cake tutorial earlier this week I just knew I had to try it out!
Really really cute.
giraffe – I'd stick my neck out for you valentine.
OK…you guys are brilliant!!!! i love this idea.
i vote for the bags, but both are cute.
where did you get the plastic animals??
xoxox
love the animal valentines! how clever!
Thanks for all the great comments! I love your ideas for what the other animals could say. You're all geniuses. I hope you don't mind — I'm totally going to use your words.
Joslyn, I found the little animals at a store called Constructive Playthings. It's basically the Oriental Trading catalog — except it's in person. I'll bet you could find something similar (or even exactly the same) at Party City.
To any of my Dear Readers, if you decide to pick up some animals and make these, let me know and I can send your pdfs of the cards.
I love this idea! Did you use safari card stock or does it print like this? Can you send me the PDF please? Love your site
Either idea is adorable…as for animal lines…how about "I'd stick my neck out for you, Valentine" for the giraffe.
(oops, just scrolled through comments and saw that one already). Too bad you don't have a lion. "I''m not lion, I'd do anything to be your valentine", may be you could work that one for the tiger somehow.A "tony the Tiger line like " I think you're GGGrreat, Valentine" could work, too. This idea is so awesome though.
Really? these are the cutest EVER!!!
gabby, i love these!
also, they always have animals like that at dollar stores. i bought a huge pack of animals there last time!
amyks ideas for lines are good!
Loving this idea. I'll bookmark it for next year. I prefer the cards- no bags. There'll be no extra plastic waste and all the charm of a homemade valentine.
I prefer the ones tied to the card. So cute either way though!
hmmm-overachiever much?:)Adorable, as always. I want to be you when I grow up. I felt fancy because I bought a pdf on etsy and attached a coordintating pencil.Lucky, luck Olive.
How about for the tiger:
You're tiger-rific, Valentine!
Kids love opening things, so I think the bag is a great idea.
Imagine having a talented Mama like you. Bliss!
I think the little sewn bags came out really cute but I like how the animals look tied on the card better. I like the backdrops.
ok – for once I was organized this year and already have my kids Valentines done (http://paulacharchenko.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-valentine-dayvictoria-childrens.html) but I am gonna save this for next year. SO CUTE!
Rhino know who loves you? ME!
i love the cards! i also asked my 7 yr old which he liked and he said the cards as well. "Mom it is so funny that the animals are talking! Those are my favorite!" great ideas. so fun!!
Tied to the card!
I love you from A to Zebra.
You are the cutest thing from A to Z
You have me seeing stipes (tiger)
haha, I am lame…no wonder you went with the neutral!
how about " I LONG for you!" from the giraffe…cheesy
how about " I LONG for you!" from the giraffe…cheesy
how about " I LONG for you!" from the giraffe…cheesy
Oh my- cutest valentine for a kid i've seen yet. i'd even love one of these! both are adorable, but i think i prefer the card a bit more. i'd love a pdf of the cards if you get a sec… i'll send you my email. how do you think of these things?!?!
for the zebra… my stripes were made for you, valentine!
I vote for the cards as well. Too cute that the animals are talking, and less store-bought looking than the bags. Adorable! As for sayings, it looks like my ideas are already taken: I like you from A to Zebra, You're necks above the rest, You have me seeing stripes (for either zebra or tiger). Good luck! these are great
I vote for the cards!
I LOVE this idea. I'm so stealing…um, borrowing this idea next year. I vote bags so they can get to their animals on their own.
The talk bubbles on the cards sold me. Just beyond adorable!
What a great idea! I like the bags the best
i love how the string looks wrapped around the animals. too stinkin' cute!
i like the pp's giraffe greeting:
you're heads above the rest!
i keep thinking something about the eye of the tiger – you're the eye of my tiger?
that's not quite right, and maybe dated, carry on.
I like the bags. They are cuter. But ask your Olive; she'll know what an 8 year-old likes better than I do!
zebra: My love for you is black and white!
(although, I like A to Zebra better.) :)
Very cute idea; you know nothing but cute!
Goodness, I think both versions are spectacular! LOVE!
And thanks for linking up the rosebud valentines! xo
great valentines! I like the string!
bags.
this is awesome. the kids will be stoked.
string for sure.
What a darling idea – can you share the pdfs of the labels when you're finished? I'd love to do this.
these are beautiful … i love the bags. great idea!
the cellophane bags! totally looks like something from a store!
great job! and so fun!!!
:)
You are so Clever!!
These are so amazing. I love the ones on the cards the best!
I love how you stitched the bags (very cute!) but from the perspective of a tree-hugger, I'm going to vote for the cards.
Rhino – "Let's get to the point, be my Valentine."
These are too cute!
Rhino-cha be my Valentine?
THESE ARE FANTASTIC!!
Would PLEASE link the PDF's My little one has class tomorrow and he's crazy for anmials, these would be perfect!! Thanks!
Nie.
my vote is for card. such a nice take on valentines, it makes me a little sad we don't celebrate here in Australia.
my vote is for card. such a nice take on valentines, it makes me a little sad we don't celebrate here in Australia.
ooh, would so love the PDF for these! they're lovely!
Tiger:
Valentine, your GRRRRReat.
Tiger:
Valentine, your GRRRRRReat!
So cute! I love the cards with the talk bubbles. Totally stealing this idea next year. This is so fun. How about these?
Tiger — You're a cool grrrl!
Giraffe — You're head and shoulders above the rest.
Zebra — You make my hoof beat.
Thanks again for all the great comments! For those of you wanting access to the pdfs, I just added a link where you can download them near the top of the post.
Happy Valentines Day!
This is definitely the cutest, most fun and original idea ever!!! I'm with the card vote contingent, and with the group that is absolutely stealing this for my animal-lover daughter next year!
You truly are amazing!
Thanks so much for featuring my little cake… your blog is great!
Blessings-
Amanda
Hi Gabby!
I like the cards but I'm also all about simplicity. The little bags are darling too so whatever is the easiest would be my vote.
I wish the cards I made for my grandchildren were as cute as these!!
What a wonderful idea! My 3 year old will flip out over these. Thank you so much for sharing the PDF. <3
I like the one without plastic, plastic makes me crazy!
I like both, but the bags look simpler than tieing each one on/untying them. These are really fantastic. I am so ripping off this one and the lolly-in-fist photo valentines next year.
Another slogan idea: "Wild thing, I think I love you."
I agree with the previous comment, plastic makes me crazy too. I like the string, also, it it is hard to get off, it is more likely to get home with the kid and no tears at school.
I want to do with with my to be Kindergarten son next year! Yay! Love it. Teresa
So fun!! We stole your idea using Mad Libs from another year and one of the boys in my son's 3rd grade class totally snubbed my son today. Took it out of the box and gave it back to him! Thankfully the other kids LOVED the idea!!
superrrrrrr :) I posted a link to you're wonderful idea on my blog, hope you don't mind (or maybe even like it :)) Happy Valentine's Day!
Thanks for the idea! We stole it for our daughter's preschool class. I found a nice elastic string that held the animals on the paper nicely. Then we put it in a see-through bag sealed with a sticker, just for extra assurance that it would all make it home. Thanks again!!
Genius! Two things I love about this: 1. no sugar, and 2. perfect for boys giving to boys. Brilliant.
Oh my! these are just way tooo cute and awesome! thank you for sharing!
Ridiculously cute, thanks for the file!!!
pdf link is coming up with an “oh no, it’s a 404 page” message so I can’t get the file, can you fix the link or send it one to me, please? I want to make these this weekend with my 5 year old. Great ideas! I like the card ones best.
gah – i get the same 404 page error as thayer, and would also love to do this this w/e with my 5yr old son. such a great idea and can’t wait to see the house photos on monday :)
These are fabulous. I made the cards and used cotton kitchen twine and it really was easy. My 7 year old son said they were the awesomest Valentines in class.
I just made these with my daughter. We used your pdf and some bags we had from when we made chocolates and we used staples instead of sewing. I know they will be a hit, the hardest part is going to be for her to decide who gets which animal! Thanks for the wonderful idea :)
Awesome, i am so going to look for some animals for my Kindergarten class! Thank you!!!
Hi all I was wondering if anyone could help me come up with a pun for other animals since i have only farm plastic animals.
here are the animals if you could think of any
cow, bull, pig, sheep, horse, ram, antelope
thank you!
Wonderful idea! I love the animals attached to the cards best. I am going to make some for my children to give to their friends. Thankyou x
On the tiger you could say “Valentine I think your Grrrrrreat!!” just a thought :o) Love them all and THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US!!!!!!!!! Love your Blog!!!
This is such a brilliant idea! May I feature your idea on my blog? I’m having a Valentine Link Party going on now. I’d love to have you link up all your creative valentine ideas if you’re interested. Thanks, Michelle http://michellepaige.blogspot.com/2012/01/rockin-valentine-valentine-link-party.html
love this! my vote is the bags for sure :) thanks again for the great idea and pdf to print, i can’t wait to make these with my kiddos
This is such a great idea! Just shared on our Fun Finds Friday… http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/01/fun-finds-friday_20.html
Just finished printing/assembling the wild animal valentine’s! Thank you so much for sharing!! My son (in preschool) is SO excited to share these with his class! I bought a the Zoo Babies Toob from JoAnn Fabrics and it worked PERFECTLY!
Just stopping by to let you know that I’ve featured your craft on Family Fun Crafts! You can see it here:
http://funfamilycrafts.com/wild-for-you-valentine/
If you have other kid friendly crafts, I’d love it if you would submit them. :) If you would like to display a
featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above.
These are so gosh darn cute. I just adore your blog and love the things you do!! ;)
This afternoon I made these as a solitary project with my little son, 4-1/2. He was very excited about them and cannot wait to give them to his classmates. Thanks for this wonderful idea. I’ve had them “pinned” for months — so glad to finally do them!
You always have some of the bestideas i have ever saw. Your Great!!!Thanks so much.
Hi – thanks for the great ideas! I linked to your post today on my blog! I’d love for you to check it out! Melissa
http://www.polka-dot-productions.com/2012/02/valentines-day-inspiration.html
I love them both, but for my storytime kids I think the bag would be easier for them to get into right away! but I love the look of the tied on one, might do that one for the people at work! love your ideas new follower, and I found you on pinterest, hope you follow me back! also love the show house hunters international will look for your episode!
I came across these on pinterest…I just want to say they are so awesome and thank you so much for providing the pintables. I am headed out to get the animals to make them for my son’s valentines. Thank you again these really are fantastic!!
Thank you for the great idea! I made these for my son this year and they were a big hit. But I think there is a typo on the pdf printable – it should be “You’re my blah blah blah, (comma) Valentine.” The commas are missing. I didn’t realize it until Feb 15th! But for the future moms and dads who see this maybe you can redo the pdf – if it’s not too much of a hassle.
Thank and keep up the great, imaginative ideas! You are an inspiration. : )
I love these! So nice! I featured them on my blog today http://www.missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2013/01/12-sweet-handmade-valentines.html Come on over and check them out and grab a button if you like!
I love these! Such a great alternative to candy because they get so much in one day. I am definitely going to look for these at the Dollar store. My daughter would love to pass these out to her preschool classmates. Thanks for the idea!
Next Comments →