my little valentine

I'm not so into heart shaped boxes of chocolates or a dozen red roses, but I'm very much into these little guys.

Valentines day is here, and my little ones need something to drop off with their friends... preferably something cute and little and filled with candy. I was remembering some little Christmas matchboxes we did when I was at the Kids magazine, so we revamped them for Valentine's day. 

You can find little packs of matchboxes at the grocery store, I found mine near the cigarettes. They usually come in packs of 10 and shouldn't run you more than $1.50 or so. (Dump the matches out and save them for your next blackout.) Cut a piece of paper 2" high (or the height of your matchbox) and about 4" long (enough to wrap all the way around). I used a bit of tape to secure it on the back.

You can do these anyway you like. I love the portraits C drew of his friends at school (his idea).. They may all look the same at first glance, but he can tell you who each one is. I cut the paper down to the right size first, then wrapped it around the box after he was finished. For other matchboxes I used a little heart punch and glued a little bit of paper underneath. And some got a simple little band. 

Fill with candy (regular m and ms and candy corn will fit nicely), tuck in a little note, wrap with string if desired, and add a name tag or first initial. Then off to school!

Comments

[wooowww]

woooowww veyyy nicee i love this

[Michelle at Faith, Trust, & a Little Pixie Dust]

How darling--LOVE IT! Thanks for this great idea.

Warmly, Michelle

[louise]

I particularly love the classmates protraits! Great idea and I love how you incorparated the kiddos art! I also wanted to let you know that I've added it to my link love today.

[annabanana]

I loved this idea and made wayyyyy too many of them with my son for his 3rd grade class -- so many, in fact, that one box slipped in WITH THE MATCHES still inside. EEK. as if the parents did not already have a reason to think i am nuts...

[Bikram Miami]

That is too cute.

[Becky]

So cute! Can't wait to try these.

[-d]

yes, cute, but i wouldn't let my kids eat candy out the box. according to wikipedia,

[The coated end of a match, known as the match "head," contains either phosphorus or phosphorus sesquisulfide as the active ingredient and gelatin as a binder. ]

[Love and Lollipops]

I love matchbox crafts - and these are super! Great idea for my little guy to give as Valentines gifts to his playschool friends. :)

Georgia

[Brooke]

If you are concerned with match residue, you can always use wrapped candies to fill your box or line your box with paper before filling.

[stephanie]

I love this project. I always loved match boxes and it's a nice idea of recycling match boxes and sharing warmth.

[carmen]

What a cute idea! They are just adorable. I've featured these on my "Journey of the Heart" post today with a link back to your blog. Thanks for sharing such cute and functional idea!

[MJ]

I just wonder if the candies will smell or taste like matches. Looks adorable tho :) Great idea1

[KarenSue]

I love the drawings of his friends. My son drew that way too and we called them "potato people". Love it!

[lottie]

Those are so cute!! I HAVE to make some!! They look easy and they. Are. So. Cute!!!! Oh, and did I mention, they're adorable? ;-P

[magan]

Hi ya'll this is going on my to-do list. If you are worried about the residue from the matches you could always wrap it like a christmas gift by putting tissue paper on the inside or buy a piece of candy that is small but prewrapped list starburst or plain mini size hershey bars. My daughter will love doing this

[Cathleen]

Sweet and simple idea. I added it to my roundup of kids' Valentine's Day craft ideas (full credit and link to you of course!) Can't wait to do this with my son.

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas for Kids

[Janelle]

I just wanted to let you know that I included your valentine matchboxes in a roundup of DIY Valentine ideas & free printables over on my blog. Here's the link :)

http://leemaemarie.com/2012/02/05/tons-of-free-valentine-printables-diy-crafts/

-Janelle

[giisee]

no entendi como se hacen estas cajitas, lo puedes explicar mejor??

[Annika]

I can use this as a small, cute little birthday gift!!

[m.]

some shop is using your picture; http://webshop.paperandpictures.nl/workshops/workshops-doorn/workshops/workshop-doosjes-rondom-de-liefde-zaterdag-9-februari-10-30-12-30.html