If you need a simple, kid-friendly Valentine idea, these Inside Out Valentines are quick to assemble and perfect for little Pixar fans. Instead of candy or single-use items, each card includes a reusable silicone straw, making this a more inclusive and sustainable choice that kids and parents will appreciate.
These valentines also offer a fun art activity: kids can watercolor the little notes themselves. A printable note is included below to make the process straightforward.
Supplies Needed for the Inside Out Valentines
Gather these materials before you begin:
- Reusable silicone straws (straight or bendy) — these are the main reusable item that makes the valentines practical.
- Valentine note printable — print on cardstock for sturdiness.
- Inside Out character images — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust and Bing Bong work well for this theme.
- Cardstock for printing the notes and characters.
- A home printer (an inkjet works fine) to print the note and character images.
- Watercolor paints and brushes so kids can decorate the notes.
- Marker or pen for signing each valentine.
- Twine, embroidery floss or ribbon to attach the note and character to the straw.
How to Print the Characters
Follow these simple steps to print the character images:
- Save the character image to your computer by dragging it to the desktop or using your browser’s save option.
- Open the image in your default photo viewer or preview app.
- Use the print dialog to choose how many copies per page you want. Adjust the scale or size to fit several characters on one sheet if desired.
- Print the page, then repeat the process for different characters until you have enough for all the valentines.
Assembling the Valentines
1. Print the valentine notes on cardstock. Let kids paint them with watercolors — they can match the character colors or paint a rainbow mix. I cut the printable sheets in half and let my son paint one half at a time; once dry, I trimmed each painted section into individual notes.
2. Make sure your child signs their name on each note.
3. Cut out or print character images on cardstock. Punch a hole through both the painted note and the character image.
4. Thread twine, embroidery floss, or ribbon through the holes and tie the note and character to the reusable silicone straw.
The result is a fun, reusable valentine that’s easy to assemble and enjoyable for kids to both give and receive.
These Inside Out Valentines are an excellent option for classroom exchanges or party favors. They are simple to create, let children participate in the decorating, and provide a practical item that can be used again and again.
For more creative valentine ideas, browse your favorite holiday craft resources or look through printable collections you already trust.