50 DIY Valentine's Day Card Ideas You'll Totally Fall For
Because it's not just about the candy.
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Whether you're prepping the perfect message to a loved one or creating cards for your kids' and their classmates, Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to get crafty and punny. While you can't really go wrong with candy come February 14, we're sharing our favorite homemade Valentine's Day card ideas that both kids and adults will fall head over heels for.
If you love Valentine's Day crafts, take the holiday to the next level with donut-themed cards for foodies, friendship bracelet cards for Swifties and classic joke cards for the person who never fails to make you laugh. And don't worry — if you're kids tend to eat a ton of sweets around the holiday, there are plenty of card ideas that don't involve candy.
After you choose the perfect card for everyone on your list, try out our favorite homemade gifts and Valentine's Day box ideas to keep all the cards you and your kids receive post-February 14.
Sew Sweet Valentines
Whether you're the sewer or your valentine is, this crafty card idea is bound to impress. With a free template and step-by-step instructions available below, you don't have to be an expert to get started. Just grab some fabric, buttons and pins and you'll be on your way to a stu-pin-dous Valentine's Day.
Watercolor Paint Valentines
Kids love getting creative, so why not ditch the candy and go with a paint-themed valentine this year? Plus, the cards are printable, so all you need to do is print, cut and attach!
A-Maze-Ing Valentine's Day Cards
Challenge your kids and their classmates with this a-maze-ing Valentine's Day card idea. Use a Cricut machine to print tons of these cute cards, attach a crayon to each and you're all set!
Avocado Valentine's Day Card
Is there anything more adorable than smiling avocados with pom-pom pits? Show your valentine some love with this homemade avocuddle card. All you need is the free template, scissors, glue and two brown pom-poms.
Stamped LEGO Valentines
Sure, LEGOs are super fun to build with. But have you ever tried using them as stamps? Create a heart shape with the LEGOs, dip them in paint and stamp them onto some cardstock for easy-to-make valentines.
Taylor Swift Valentines
Swifties, this one's for you. Take your bracelet-making skills to the next level with these creative Taylor Swift-themed cards. With a free printable available at the link below, all you'll have to do is make the bracelets. Try adding some of your favorite lyrics (or your valentine's favorite lyrics) for a personalized touch.
Stu-Pen-Dous Valentines
Everyone can use a pen, especially a heart-shaped one. Attach a printable card to each one for a valentine that's sure to keep your kids and their classmates writing.
Sloth-Themed Valentines
Whether it's their slow-moving nature or furry features, sloths exude an undeniable cuteness. These punny printable cards pair perfectly with mini sloth stuffed animals or sloth stickers.
Printable Pizza Valentines
Calling all foodies! If pizza is the way to your heart, you're most definitely not alone. Personalize this pizza printable with your name on the box and your message on the slice.
Monster Valentines
Not all monsters have to be scary! Throw a toy or piece of candy into this monster's mouth for a creative Valentine's Day card the kids will love.
Simple Paper Heart Valentines
Take things back to the good ol' days by cutting out simple, heart-shaped paper valentines and adorning them with doilies, stickers, glitter and more. Kids of all ages will enjoy getting their crafting on with all sorts of fun materials.
Watercolor and Glitter Paper Card
Who doesn't go wild for polka dots? Surprise a pattern-loving friend with a card like this one. Simply grab a Q-tip and dip it in watercolor paint to create the dotted design. Then, cut a heart out of glitter paper and glue it to the top for the perfect sparkly accent.
Magic-Themed Valentine
If, in the words of Taylor Swift, you were simply "enchanted to meet" the many valentines in your life, you'll need to hand out these darling magic wand-themed cards. They're truly too precious to tuck away in a box — in fact, your recipient could place the stick inside a plant pot to admire your handiwork all month long.
Banana Valentine Card
If you or your valentine simply can't resist a good pun, you'll need to make them one of these colorful banana-themed cards. Choose your favorite phrase and get to work using some vibrant card stock and a craft knife.
Sand Art Valentine's Cards
While you may normally think of sand art as being messy, using a special sealant will help to preserve your handiwork so you can pass out these darling cards this Valentine's Day. Colorful sand and some wood letters are what you'll need to bring a design like this one to life.
Watercolor and Letter Card
Use watercolors to create an ombré effect as seen here for the front of your card. Then, take letter stickers in the color of your choosing and spell out a Valentine's Day-appropriate phrase (you could also do "XOXO" or "ILY") to give your lucky recipient all of the feels.
Donut Valentine's Cards
Like bananas, donuts also come with their fair share of adorable puns. These printable cards will brighten up any dessert lover's V-Day. Add mini donut erasers on top for a colorful finishing touch.
Origami Heart Card
In less than five minutes, you can create a sweet origami heart that will wow your valentine. When you're done, it's your choice whether you'd like to glue the heart to a piece of larger paper and make a foldable card or present it to a loved one on its own, perhaps with a small note written on the back.
Cactus Printable Cards
These cactus-themed printables are great to gift on their own, or you could pair them with a small potted cactus or accessory related to the plant. Everyone loves receiving a small trinket!
Abstract Heart Valentine's Cards
Who doesn't love abstract art (or in this case, an abstract heart!)? Wow your loved ones with these gallery-worthy, mixed media cards made from paint, pastels and markers.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
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