• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok

teach mama logo

teach mama

helps families connect & build bridges between home & school, by amy mascott

  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

easy, super-cute homemade valentines (with tattoos!)

home / Activities / holidays / easy, super-cute homemade valentines (with tattoos!)
353 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

One of my favorite holidays is right around the corner–Valentine’s Day!

I’m totally not into it for the lovey-dovey stuff; that should happen every day if you ask me, and the drugstore boxes of candy, cards, and roses I can do without.

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.com

I love Valentine’s Day because the big, nerdy teacher in me knows that it’s a great excuse to get little hands moving, names writing, and creative minds going.

Really–if there are 17 kids and 2 teachers in my kiddo’s preschool class, that means that he’s writing his name (or letter–if he’s little) an extra 19 times!! Woo-hoo! And he’s doing it without complaint because he wants to make a nice card for his buddies.  I love it.

This year because we had so many temporary tattoos left over from our Relay For Life, I came up with a pretty cool way of using a tattoo in a card. They ended up being easy, super-cute, and totally awesome homemade Valentines.

Easy, Super-Cute Homemade Valentines:

I asked around. I scoured the internet. But I found nothing. So I created a really simple template that involved a spot for the tattoo and two folded sides, and we were golden.

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.comvalentines cards | teachmama.com

The Easy, Super-Cute Homemade Valentines are here to download if you’d like. If you have temporary tattoos or fun kid stickers to put inside, great; if not, a note or a smiley face would do the trick, too.

(If you do choose to share these cards, which we’d be thrilled about, please share this post rather than the attachment page! Thank you!)

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.com

I printed our Valentines on white, pink, red, and ivory-colored cardstock.  

With four cards on a page, and eight messages total, with several printings of the document, we had more than enough.

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.comCora practices her name! Woo-hoo!

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.com

Before we got started, I explained what we were doing:  Because we have sooo many tattoos left over from our Relay for Life, we’re going to stick a tattoo in each of your buddies’ Valentines this year.  How cool is that? These will be so awesome!

These are the cards we have, and you can pick which messages you want to use. (I pointed as I read.)

They say,

  • Say you’ll be mine!
  • You’re my #1 Valentine
  • I’m stuck on you!
  • Let’s stick together, Valentine !
  • I’ll stick with you, Valentine!
  • Hugs and kisses, Valentine!
  • You’re one cool Valentine!
  • Stick with me, Valentine!

Maddy, Owen, and Cora each chose which messages they wanted and counted out the number they needed for their classmates and teachers.  

And then they signed their names under ‘Love’.  I emphasized how important it was to take their times with their names because their names are so important–no stress, but I didn’t want them to rush, as Valentines are little gifts they give to their friends and teachers.

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.comOwen tapes his tattoo onto his Valentine.

Cora wanted to have her name in front of her, which I wrote and which she traced several times as practice.  She tried her best on a few cards, and then lost steam.

I wrote her name in pencil so she could trace it, which–in my opinion–is no big deal!

In fact, tracing a name is great practice for doing the ‘real deal’ on her own down the road. She was excited to try her best, but she’s young and is just learning.  I’d have been ecstatic with her just writing a ‘C’–which I think Maddy and Owen did when they were 3 years old, but she insisted on writing her whole name.

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.comMaddy’s working hard on her Valentines, taping tattoos and sealing them with a heart!

Next, I showed everyone how to add the tattoo to the card.

We taped the open side of the tattoo packet to the top of the card (so the tattoo wouldn’t fall out), folded  each side of the card in, and sealed the card with a heart foam sticker, some glittery, sparkly hearts, and some jewels. Owen’s cards were understandably a tad less sparkly than the girls’.

The kids completed about half of their cards–which was my goal on Day #1 of Valentines making. 

But they really came out adorable–and Maddy, Owen, and Cora were really proud of their work. Most days after school this week, while Maddy finished up her homework, Owen and Cora signed names, added tattoos, and sealed cards; it was a great way to use homework time for the week.

easy homemade candy free valentines | teachmama.com

We talked about what to say if their classmates got a tattoo that  they weren’t happy with, because Maddy and Owen were concerned with that. 

It’s easier for delivery if the cards aren’t addressed to students, and I totally understand why teachers suggest this method.

Our solution was to say, I’m sorry you don’t like your tattoo, but you can find someone to trade with if you want. Hopefully they’ll remember what to say and won’t feel stress on Valentine’s party day. . .

I know it’s hard; I know for some families, it’s almost impossible to create homemade Valentines, and I know that the day will come when my kids have no interest in doing so.  But as long as my kids are game, as long as we can make Valentines simple enough, and as long as I can find time for them to do it, we will. It’s sneaky fine-motor work and name-writing practice at its finest!

It’s been an incredibly busy week for us, between preparations for a 60th birthday party (at our house–woo-hoo!!) this weekend,  rehearsals for Maddy’s very first Variety Show, soccer, homework, evening meetings, and my work, it’s been crazy to say the least.  But the few minutes of quiet creative time spent with Maddy, Owen, and  Cora, making Valentines and watching them work their little hands and try so hard to write their names was a sweet highlight of the week. They are such a blessing, and I am grateful for them every single day.

We’ve got a ton of fun in store for Maddy’s Valentine’s Day class party, which I cannot wait to share!

Happy Valentine’s Day and happier Valentine’s Card Making with your kiddos!

Want a few more fun Valentine’s Day ideas? Check out: 

how to throw a rockstar valentine's day party teachmama.com 2   valentine's day class party ideas, 2.0 | teachmama.com minute to win it class party | teachmama.com valentines-day-class-party-ideas-teachmama.com_

  • How to throw a rockstar Valentineโ€™s Day class party
  • Valentineโ€™s Day Class party 2.0
  • Valentine’s Day Class Party ideas: Get Kids Moving and Grooving
  • Minute to Win It Class Party
  • Musical Hearts
  • Secret Message Valentines
  • Fun Dip Valentines
  • Melted Crayon Valentines
  • Bookmark Valentines
  • Scratch-Off Ticket Valentines
  • Valentine’s Day Lunchbox Notes
  • HEART Bingo

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are โ€œaffiliate links.โ€ This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissionโ€™s 16 CFR, Part 255: โ€œGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.โ€  For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy. 

You May Also Like...

  • valentine's day class party ideas, 2.0 | fun ideas to get groups of kids moving and having fun | minute to win it games | free printables | teachmama.com
    valentine's day class party ideas, 2.0
  • scratch off ticket valentines: teachmama.com
    scratch off ticket valentines: candy-free and totally fun
  • heart on a string
    valentine's day class party: 10 easy activities for that extra 10 minutes

About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro ยท http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

Previous Post:valentines day: ideas for cards, candy, and fun
Next Post:spring crafty-crafts on PBS Parents

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly

    February 12, 2011 at 9:35 am

    So cute!! Sounds like they had fun making the Valentines, too! We made the flowers for our Valentine’s this year and had a great time. My five year old loved tracing and cutting out the flowers. And my 3 year old had so much fun stamping her name on the petal of the flower. She can only write a “M” for Madeline so she wanted to go the stamping route. Thanks for your wonderful ideas. We love them!!

    Reply
    • amy

      February 12, 2011 at 4:12 pm

      Kelly!
      You are so welcome!! Glad they worked out for you and your kiddos! Thank you SO much for taking a minute to write– it means more than you know!

      Reply
  2. Susan @WhyMommy

    February 19, 2011 at 4:36 am

    SO cute! Love this!

    Reply
    • amy

      February 19, 2011 at 8:16 am

      thanks, Susan!!

      Reply
  3. Brittany

    February 5, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    This is perfect! I was looking for an idea to incorporate some temporary tattoos into my6 year olds valentines. Thank you!

    Reply
    • amy mascott

      February 6, 2014 at 6:25 am

      Brittany! SUPER! Let us know how they turn out!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

amy mascott profile blog

join the coolest club around:

View
Open
HAVE YOU MET โ€˜The Loungieโ€™?

THE perfect gift for the tweens and teens in your life: zulily.gfpv.net/gb2NAA

@zulily #ad #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens
View
Open
Celebrate, we will! โ€˜Cause life is short but sweet for certain. . . 

What a weekend. So incredibly proud of all of these talented athletes!

๐Ÿ† 3rd in the state of Maryland for @sherwoodcheerleading ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿค

UMD Womenโ€™s Basketball won todayโ€” great job by @marylandcheer โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ–ค

#lovethesegirls #cheerweekend #marylandlife #lifeinmaryland #moco
View
Open
This Sugarfina Advent Calendar is what your teens want. 

$33 shipped TO YOUR DOOR w my 10% off and FREE SHIPPING!

Normally itโ€™s $60! 

I have been sharing my fave, super-COOL, Advent Calendars for teens and adults in my stories today!

This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

It is made by @sugarfina and each day we were surprised with FABULOUS sweet treats! 

Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

Grab it here: zulily.gfpv.net/MX9Ngn

#linkinbio @zulily #adventcalendars #adventforteens
View
Open
Hey #MoCo Voters, Itโ€™s #ElectionDay2022! 

Do you need a ride to the polls? If you do, @VOTE411 and @lyft has got you covered! 

So, #NoExcuses. Get out there and make your voice heard!

#VotePlan #VoteReady #expectus #MomsDemandAction #appleballot #MCEA
View
Open
Get out and VOTE. 

Please. 

Not sure where to vote? https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

#midtermelections #getoutandvote๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ #linkinbio
View
Open
Did you have a chance to join my IG live today?

It was a rainy, gross Sunday here in Maryland, and I shared one of my top picks for the holidaysโ€”> LEGO but for BIG KIDS. 

Or GRANDPARENTS. 

Or PARENTS. 

Actually ANY grown-up who likes to unplug once in a while and CREATE. 

I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

Check it out. Theyโ€™ve got a ton of sets to choose from, like 
Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, Disney, Mario Brosโ€”you name it. 

Find them here: https://zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

Fab prices + free shipping = BIG WIN. 

#linkinbio #ad #LEGOforgrownups #everyonelovesLEGO #holidaypicks
View
Open
LEGO at 15% off and FREE SHIPPING! 

Check out the AWESOME set that is PERFECT for teens, grandparents, and ANY grownup who likes to create! 

This bouquet will last forever!

๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’

Use this link โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

#bestgiftsforkids #grandparentgifts #ad #LEGOforgrownups @zulily
View
Open
WHAT HAS ARRIVED FROM @zulily !?

Since Zulily carries such a vast array of items, it could be ANYthing: 

๐Ÿ’œ boutique-style clothes or shoes

๐Ÿค brand-name clothing & shoes

๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

๐Ÿ’œ houseplants, seeds, or bulbs

๐Ÿค basics for kids through adults

๐Ÿ’œ craft supplies and kits

๐Ÿค furniture or home goods

๐Ÿ’œ designer handbags, sunglasses, or belts

๐Ÿค luxury items and gifts

๐Ÿ’œ sports equipment 

๐Ÿค sports gear for ALL fansโ€”NFL, MLB, NCAA, you name it

๐Ÿ’œ small appliances & kitchen items

๐Ÿค towels, sheets, blankets, linens

๐Ÿ’œ home storage & organization items

๐Ÿค coats, hats, scarves 

๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

#zulilypartner #linkinbio #ad #holiday #giftgiving bestgifts

Want to check it out for yourself? zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama
View
Open
๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸฅ๐ŸŸฉ๐ŸŸจ

THE best toy for kidsโ€”and classrooms!โ€”is on sale right now. 

The 101-piece PicassoTile Building Set (WITH CARRYING CASE!)
is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

This is a toy that I cannot recommend highly enoughโ€”perfect for littles through elemor middle school. 

From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

#ad #linkinbio #besttoysforkids #dealoftheday

our books

setting the stage for rock-star readers
raise a reader

Find Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • Amazon

Helpful Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Us On Instagram

View
Open
HAVE YOU MET โ€˜The Loungieโ€™?

THE perfect gift for the tweens and teens in your life: zulily.gfpv.net/gb2NAA

@zulily #ad #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens
View
Open
Celebrate, we will! โ€˜Cause life is short but sweet for certain. . . 

What a weekend. So incredibly proud of all of these talented athletes!

๐Ÿ† 3rd in the state of Maryland for @sherwoodcheerleading ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿค

UMD Womenโ€™s Basketball won todayโ€” great job by @marylandcheer โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ–ค

#lovethesegirls #cheerweekend #marylandlife #lifeinmaryland #moco
View
Open
This Sugarfina Advent Calendar is what your teens want. 

$33 shipped TO YOUR DOOR w my 10% off and FREE SHIPPING!

Normally itโ€™s $60! 

I have been sharing my fave, super-COOL, Advent Calendars for teens and adults in my stories today!

This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

It is made by @sugarfina and each day we were surprised with FABULOUS sweet treats! 

Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

Grab it here: zulily.gfpv.net/MX9Ngn

#linkinbio @zulily #adventcalendars #adventforteens
View
Open
Hey #MoCo Voters, Itโ€™s #ElectionDay2022! 

Do you need a ride to the polls? If you do, @VOTE411 and @lyft has got you covered! 

So, #NoExcuses. Get out there and make your voice heard!

#VotePlan #VoteReady #expectus #MomsDemandAction #appleballot #MCEA
View
Open
Get out and VOTE. 

Please. 

Not sure where to vote? https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

#midtermelections #getoutandvote๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ #linkinbio
View
Open
Did you have a chance to join my IG live today?

It was a rainy, gross Sunday here in Maryland, and I shared one of my top picks for the holidaysโ€”> LEGO but for BIG KIDS. 

Or GRANDPARENTS. 

Or PARENTS. 

Actually ANY grown-up who likes to unplug once in a while and CREATE. 

I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

Check it out. Theyโ€™ve got a ton of sets to choose from, like 
Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, Disney, Mario Brosโ€”you name it. 

Find them here: https://zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

Fab prices + free shipping = BIG WIN. 

#linkinbio #ad #LEGOforgrownups #everyonelovesLEGO #holidaypicks
View
Open
LEGO at 15% off and FREE SHIPPING! 

Check out the AWESOME set that is PERFECT for teens, grandparents, and ANY grownup who likes to create! 

This bouquet will last forever!

๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’

Use this link โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

#bestgiftsforkids #grandparentgifts #ad #LEGOforgrownups @zulily
View
Open
WHAT HAS ARRIVED FROM @zulily !?

Since Zulily carries such a vast array of items, it could be ANYthing: 

๐Ÿ’œ boutique-style clothes or shoes

๐Ÿค brand-name clothing & shoes

๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

๐Ÿ’œ houseplants, seeds, or bulbs

๐Ÿค basics for kids through adults

๐Ÿ’œ craft supplies and kits

๐Ÿค furniture or home goods

๐Ÿ’œ designer handbags, sunglasses, or belts

๐Ÿค luxury items and gifts

๐Ÿ’œ sports equipment 

๐Ÿค sports gear for ALL fansโ€”NFL, MLB, NCAA, you name it

๐Ÿ’œ small appliances & kitchen items

๐Ÿค towels, sheets, blankets, linens

๐Ÿ’œ home storage & organization items

๐Ÿค coats, hats, scarves 

๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

#zulilypartner #linkinbio #ad #holiday #giftgiving bestgifts

Want to check it out for yourself? zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama
View
Open
๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸฅ๐ŸŸฉ๐ŸŸจ

THE best toy for kidsโ€”and classrooms!โ€”is on sale right now. 

The 101-piece PicassoTile Building Set (WITH CARRYING CASE!)
is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

This is a toy that I cannot recommend highly enoughโ€”perfect for littles through elemor middle school. 

From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

#ad #linkinbio #besttoysforkids #dealoftheday

Copyright © 2023 · teach mama media, llc · All Rights Reserved

  • 4
353 shares