Valentine wishes in a box

Let surprise love notes spill out from a box this Valentine’s Day to show your kids how much you care. Or get the whole family involved in the crafting and help your kids create this unique and easy-to-make valentine for someone special in their lives. All you need is a small, empty valentine candy box, paper, ribbon, scissors, markers, tape, glue and an extra dose of sweet thoughts to share.

Here’s How

Start with a small- or medium-size heart-shaped chocolate candy box. Paint or cover the box lid with construction paper and write, “I love you because …” on the top.

Cut out a heart shape from a piece of paper or index card so that the shape fits perfectly inside the box. Remove it from the box and use it as a pattern to make a heart-shaped paper garland.

Using the heart pattern, trace and cut out about 10 identical heart shapes from construction paper. On one side of each heart, write a different reason why you love the recipient of your valentine. For example: “You tell funny jokes,” “Your smile makes everyone happy,” “You give big hugs,” “You are a great helper” or “You are kind.”

Once you have written the words on each heart, turn them over and line them up in a horizontal row on a table. Lay a length of ribbon across the middle point of all of the hearts, leaving an extra inch of ribbon dangling over the left side and 5 inches over the right side. Glue the ribbon to the hearts to connect them. Let dry.

Tape the 1-inch ribbon end inside the base of the box. Accordion-fold the hearts and set them inside. The longer ribbon will be on top. Thread a bead onto the ribbon and knot, if you wish. Place the lid on the box. Tie a ribbon around it and give it to someone special on Valentine’s Day. When the box is opened, the person can pull the ribbon to reveal all of the heartfelt expressions.