When it comes to classroom valentines, many schools have a “no sugar” policy that rules out traditional store-bought candy hearts and chocolates. Not only is this healthier for children but it can inspire them to be more creative when it comes to creating Valentine’s Day gifts for their classmates and friends. Even if your child’s school isn’t sugar-free this year, Valentine’s Day produces a ton of waste from candy wrappers and paper cards.
This year help your kid create eco-friendly valentines the whole class will love, and teachers too!
Here are 4 clever ideas:
Painted Rocks
This art project is perfect if you’ve got a little collector on your hands. If your child loves to pick up little rocks, shells and other gifts from nature, consider giving out small decorated rocks this year. Unlike cards that get thrown away, plenty of kids will hold on to their special rock, possibly for years! It’s something personal and fun that’s unique for every child. Teachers like painted rocks too! No paint? Try googly eyes.
Seed Valentines
This idea makes for a fun afternoon art project you can do with your kids. Help them make envelopes to hold seed packets, any flower or vegetable you choose. The envelopes can be made with recycled paper (only one side must be blank, the print can remain on the inside) or other paper you have on hand, then seal with glue, tape or staples. Your kid will enjoy placing the seeds inside and decorating the envelopes while the classmates who receive them will love planting the seeds and watching them grow!
Biodegradable Paper Seed Hearts
These recycled paper hearts are packed with wildflower seeds and make beautiful and fun valentines. Many sellers on Etsy make them and they can be purchased quite affordably. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even help your child make their own. Get the instructions here. Your kid can affix these hearts to a small handmade card that holds their Valentine’s Day message and instructions on how to plant them.
Teacher Gift Idea – Live Plants
During the three weeks leading up Valentine’s Day, hundreds of cargo planes carrying flowers from warmer climates scurry to meet America’s demand for roses and floral bouquets. The International Council on Clean Transportation estimated that those three weeks of flower delivery flights emit approximately 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Whoa! Forget about cut flowers and instead present your child’s teacher with a beautiful and much more eco-friendly valentine, a live plant!
Your local nursery has dozens of affordable options, even for those without a green thumb. Air plants and succulents require very little water and attention and make fun, unique gifts. Your kid will love looking through the plants to find the special one for their favorite teacher!
Once your child has completed their valentines, you can easily pack them in your Miniware GrowBento Box so they make it to school in perfect condition!
