Many of you requested toddler-friendly Valentines, so I set out to create a simple, adorable option that little ones and parents would both appreciate. The idea came from Arlo’s favorite snack — he kept asking for “more!” — and I turned those easy-peel mandarins into tiny planets and suns. They’re quick to assemble, allergy-friendly, non-candy, and a hit with toddlers.
I partnered with The Kroger Family of Stores (Ralphs in Los Angeles) on this project because they recently introduced their own easy-peel mandarins, Adorbs. They’re sweet, seedless, and super portable, which makes them perfect for snacks on the go and for turning into these fun Valentines. We often pull one or two out at restaurants to keep Arlo occupied while waiting for food.
These mandarins make a perfect non-candy Valentine that most kids actually love. I’ve included a free printable so you can create DIY outer space Valentines in about 20 minutes.
Admittedly, only a portion of these Valentines make it to classmates because Arlo has been sneaking them for himself — they’re that irresistible!
DIY Printable Outer Space Valentines
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Supplies
Free printable outer space Valentines (print on cardstock)
Cardstock + printer
Adorbs easy-peel mandarins or similar mandarins
Scissors
Tape
Toothpicks (optional)
Directions
1. Print the outer space Valentine designs on cardstock and cut them out.
2. On the blank line of each printable, write your child’s name so recipients know who the Valentine is from.
3. Attach the printable to a mandarin using one of these two methods:
Method A — Floating look: Insert a toothpick straight through the mandarin so it protrudes slightly on both sides. Slide the printable onto the toothpick so the paper sits on the two exposed ends, then use a small piece of tape to secure the toothpick to the back of the printable. This creates the appearance of a ring or sun rays floating around the orange.
Method B — Wrapped fit: Make a single cut through one side of the printable (I recommend cutting between the end of the phrase and the heart). Open the slit and slip the printable around the mandarin, overlapping the ends until it fits snugly. Trim excess cardstock if needed and tape the overlap to secure it. If desired, add a few small pieces of tape to adhere the cardstock to the mandarin peel so it stays in place during transport.
To transport the valentines, arrange them in a basket or box lined with dark blue crinkle paper to create a tiny solar system display. The result looks adorable and packaged this way they travel well to classrooms or playdates.
Printable design by Rosanna Servodio | Photos by Jeff Mindell
If you make these with your kids, I’d love to see photos — tag me so I can enjoy them too. If you shop at a Kroger family store, look for Adorbs in the produce section; they’re convenient and toddler-approved. Arlo seems to have a built-in radar for that cute mascot every time we enter the store.
This post was created in partnership with Kroger. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep Studio DIY going.