Online - February 02, 2006

Young at Heart

Homemade Valentines

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
Store-bought cards are tacky,
So none of that for you.

Or for your kid, for that matter. Not when small hands can whip up sweet homemade masterpieces.

From sponge stamps and handmade papers to feathers and glitter glue galore, Oriental Trading Company has fab (and cheap) trimmings.

The Make-Your-Own Valentines box, which is more toned down and tasteful (think Danish mod), comes with ten cards and heart cutouts for minimalist self-expression. (Bonus: A portion of the proceeds benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, so your child really will be spreading the love.)

For the older set, My Origami & Kirigami Kit has more than 180 sheets of multicolored paper and easy directions for making beautiful 3-D creations.

In a pinch, outsource the whole thing and go with the understated yet yummy iced sugar cookies in festive colors from Eleni’s. The “silent” hearts (no cheesy lines), love birds, and edible flowers make great little greetings when packaged in cellophane bags and tied with simple ribbon.

Bottom line? When you care enough to send the very best, make it yourself.