Homemade Valentines for Valentine’s Day – DIY Bookmark Cards Kids Can Make
DIY Valentine’s Day Bookmarks for Kids
As homeschoolers, we haven’t always needed to make Valentine’s cards on a large scale. We’ve made a few for the senior center or for family, but never enough for a whole class. The year we joined a homeschool co-op, we suddenly needed over 50 valentines.
I have nothing against store-bought valentines, but I really wanted to give something that…
- would be used
- was easy
- inexpensive
- not just candy
- could be personalized
That’s when I thought of bookmarks, because honestly… we can all use more bookmarks.
Why Bookmarks Make Great Valentines
These DIY Valentine’s Day bookmarks ended up being one of my favorite projects. They were simple to make, easy to personalize, and practical.
The kids loved decorating them, and because they weren’t rushed, they could make each one a little different.
Making the Bookmarks
Supplies
We used what we already had on hand:
- Construction paper
- Stickers or cut-out hearts
- Yarn or ribbon
- Markers or crayons
- Glue stick
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Laminator (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
1. Cut strips of construction paper for the bookmarks. You can also pre-cut hearts or shapes, or let kids do it themselves depending on age.
2. Decorate!
Glue on hearts, add stickers, draw pictures, write names, or add a short Valentine’s message. Once finished, punch a hole at the top. This is where kids really make them their own, and honestly, that’s the best part.
3. (Optional but helpful) Laminate the bookmarks.
I love my laminator and have used it for years. This step isn’t required, but it makes the bookmarks last much longer.
After laminating, trim around the edges and re-punch the hole.
4. Add yarn or ribbon.
Cut a short piece and tie it through the hole. Done!
Why These Work for All Ages
I love these homemade valentines because they aren’t just candy, they feel thoughtful without being complicated, and they can be used long after Valentine’s Day. These were well received at the co-op and parents told me their kids used them months after receiving them… and that is what I wanted.
They work beautifully for younger kids, but they’re also a great option for tweens and teens who may want something low-key and creative. Honestly, these bookmarks would also make sweet gifts for…
- birthdays
- Christmas
- end-of-year teacher gifts
If You Want a Done-for-You Option
If crafting isn’t in the cards this year (or you need something quick), I’ve created a few printable options that pair nicely with this idea:
-
💌 Valentine’s Day Printable Pack – activities, kindness pages, and low-pressure learning
-
🎨 DIY Print-and-Color Valentine Cards – easy to print, color, and share
Both are designed to be simple, flexible, and stress-free… just choose what fits your week.
❤️ And if you’re leaning into Valentine’s Day reading, I also keep a kid-friendly Valentine’s Day book list on Amazon with stories we’ve actually enjoyed over the years.
A Sweet Reminder
This project doesn’t have to be perfect… it just has to feel doable… and a little fun! I know it can get easy to go down a rabbit hole of perfectly curated, picture-perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for the class or group, but so much of that is for the parents… not the kids. These bookmarks are a great way to spend time with your kids, while allowing them to be creative and make something personalized and practical for their friends. That is a win-win!
If you make these bookmarks (or put your own spin on them), I’d love to see them. Feel free to comment below or share over on Instagram or Facebook and tag @bemandfam.
Have a sweet day
BEM and Fam 🙂
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