Valentine’s Day Paper Heart Tradition

With Ideas for What to Write

Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to show your kids just how much you adore them. Instead of spending money on elaborate gifts or decorations, consider starting a simple, meaningful tradition that’s both frugal and heartwarming: a Valentine’s Day paper heart tradition!

Each day in February leading up to Valentine’s Day, place a paper heart on your child’s door with something you love about them. By Valentine’s Day, their door will be covered in love notes. I love how simple and easy this tradition is. My kids look forward to it every year and it only needs a bit of paper and time!

How the Valentine’s Day Paper Heart Tradition Works

Materials Needed:

• Colored paper (red, pink, white, or any color you like)
• Scissors
• Markers or pens
• Optional: Extra decoration things like stickers
• Masking or Washi Tape to hang

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Cut Out Paper Hearts: Cut several hearts from your colored paper. You can make them uniform or vary the sizes for a whimsical look. I find it best to print out a template, trace, and then cut. (You can also buy precut hearts for a higher cost.)

2. Write Messages: On each heart, write one thing you love or admire about your child. Here are a few examples and categories of messages to consider:

• These can be qualities they have:
  • You are a voracious reader
  • You are so enthusiastic about soccer
  • You are always willing to try new things
  • You are so brave around new friends
  • You are so generous with your toys
• Moments you’ve shared:
  • You’re so full of joy when you swing
  • I love going swimming with you
  • I love when we snuggle and read books
  • I love sharing hot coco with you
  • I love watching you play basketball
• Even something small that brings you joy:
  • I love how you always help your little brother
  • You make the best jokes
  • Your giggle makes me smile
  • I love when we hold hands
  • Your dedication to art makes me proud

3. Get Creative: Consider decorating the hearts with doodles or stickers to make them even more special.

4. Place on Their Door: Starting February 1st, stick one heart on your child’s bedroom door each day. By February 14th, they’ll have a door full of loving notes!

Why This Tradition is Special

• Builds Self-Esteem: Children thrive on positive affirmations. Seeing daily reminders of their unique qualities fosters confidence and happiness.
• Strengthens Bonds: This activity encourages parents to reflect on what makes each child special, creating a deeper emotional connection, and makes children feel seen and loved.
• Encourages Gratitude: It’s a wonderful way to model gratitude and appreciation within the family.
• Creates Lasting Memories: Kids will remember this tradition long after Valentine’s Day has passed. You can even save the hearts as keepsakes!

Tips for Success

• Involve the Whole Family: Encourage siblings to add their own hearts to each other’s doors. It’s a great way to foster sibling love and kindness.
• Start Small: If committing to every day feels overwhelming, try doing it weekly or a few times leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Variations of the Tradition

• Heart Hunt: Instead of placing the hearts on their door, hide them around the house for your kids to find each day.
• DIY Heart Garland: String the hearts together to create a love-filled decoration for your home.
• Classroom Version: Adapt this idea for a classroom by having each child write something kind about their classmates and collecting them on a poster or in envelopes.

Hope you Enjoy the Valentine’s Day Paper Heart Tradition as Much as I Do!

This paper heart tradition is a resourceful, frugal, and eco-friendly way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts—it’s about showing your children just how loved they are in a way they’ll treasure.

By the time February 14th arrives, their hearts (and doors) will be full of love and joy. My kids look forward to it every year!