Turn Leftover Valentines into Toddler Match Game

Ever wonder what to do with a ton of leftover valentines? Can't pass up a reason to buy heavily discounted valentines after Valentine's Day has passed? Fear not, my friends! If you've got a toddler always in need of something to keep his or her hands occupied (like I do), you're in luck. Here's how to turn those leftovers into a cute match game using a few materials and very little time...

Materials:

-2 matching sets of valentines (my set had 8 different valentine options, so I used 16 valentines total)

-scissors

-construction paper or cardstock

-laminator and laminating sheets

-Velcro

Instructions:

1. Cut characters out of two sets of valentines so that the words are no longer showing.

2. Place one set of valentines onto heavy cardstock.

3. Laminate cardstock and other set of loose characters and cut out. Place soft Velcro on each of the characters placed on cardstock. Place rough Velcro on the backs of the loose characters.

That's it! A few short steps lead you to a few brief but wonderful moments of free time while your tot enjoys his or her new, exciting match game!

Inexpensive, Last Minute Valentines with Printables

Here is a roundup of the valentine ideas I've created this year, in case you're still looking! Oh, and I should also mention that each comes with a free printable to make things super easy on you! Simply go to the link under the picture of the Valentine you'd like and click on the printable link within the post. Happy V-day!!!

Toolbox Valentines

Velcro Ring Valentines

Top Valentines

Sock Valentines (for all of  your grown up Valentines)

"Let's Stick Together" Valentines

While I am grateful that my hubby and I are able to save money by not having to pay for childcare for Claire Bear (I work days as a teacher and he works nights and Saturdays in a restaurant), I am TOTALLY bummed (craft nerd alert) that she has no little daycare friends she can share valentines with! I currently can't stop browsing all of the adorable, valentines on the web and have brainstormed about a dozen ideas of my own; but, alas, I won't be trying all of them out on dozens of little munchkins and must narrow down those ideas to Claire's five cousins, which we will send in the mail, as none of them are local (sad face). Good thing she is only 1 1/2 and really couldn't care less about how awesome her mom's handmade valentines are, haha! Its the thought that counts...

Here are the valentines I made for Claire's girl cousins using some super fun Velcro rings and ball party favors I recently picked up.

Materials:

-Velcro ring and ball party favors (I found mine at my local dollar store)

-printer/paper

-Valentine printouts

-scissors

-cardstock

-double-sided tape

Instructions:

1. Print out Valentine messages HERE

2. Cut out heart and adhere to cardstock in color of your choice. Trim cardstock to your liking

3. Use scissors or Exacto kmife to cut 2" slit in the middle of the card

4. Insert Velcro ring into the slit. Place tape on the back of the card to adhere.