Valentine’s boxes bring out creative side of children
Carter Yoder, Everly Johnson, and Emma Yoder were excited to make their Valentine’s Day boxes. (Submitted)
Making Valentine’s Day boxes for school has been a big tradition for many, many years. Gone are the days of simple boxes covered with foil and paper hearts. These days, children dream up boxes from their favorite books or TV shows.
Kristi Schonauer helped her grandchildren create their Valentine’s Day boxes during several snow days together. Carter Yoder, 8, said he picked making a rocket ship because he likes when they shoot up into space and fire comes out. He used an oatmeal container wrapped in foil for the ship and added stickers. He used ribbons for the fire.
His sister, Emma, 5, wanted to make a flamingo box because the flamingos were kissing. She used a shoebox covered with wrapping paper and then decorated it with stickers. She also added plenty of feathers to finish her flamingos. Everly Johnson, 3, decided she wanted a flamingo box because that’s what Emma wanted.
Maera Higby is 6 and decided she wanted a castle as her Valentine’s box. She said, “They are beautiful. I want to make my castle pink and blue. I need a box and stickers for it.”
While it may seem like a good idea to create your child’s box for them, letting the child tell you how they want to make it is a great idea and a wonderful way to build their problem solving skills. Let their imagination run wild and offer suggestions if they seem to get stuck while planning their box.
For younger children, covering a box with pompoms or stickers is a wonderful way to let them create a truly one of a kind piece of art. Peeling and placing stickers is a great fine motor skill activity.
Creating a Valentine’s Day box doesn’t need to be a stressful activity. If your child isn’t sure what he/she would like, the internet is full of ideas and even directions on how to make nearly any type of box your child would like.
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