you’ve got mail

Chris and I are not big Valentine’s day people.  Even when we were dating, we didn’t make a big deal out of the day.  I think one year, before we were engaged, we ate White Castles on my couch and then fell asleep while watching a movie.  It was uber-romantic.

But Valentine’s day for kids?  That’s another story.

I {love} celebrating things if I can get my kids involved.  And this cute Valentine mailbox craft is how we’re getting the party started this year.

I bought the mailboxes at the Dollar Spot at Target and scored the red stands at the Salvation Army.  I originally went to the thrift store looking for candlestick holders that I would spray paint, but there were no candlestick holders in the whole store.  I found these just as I was about to give up.  And the best part?  I didn’t even have to spray paint them.

Decorate the outside (or leave it blank)–I just used supplies I had around the house and then hot glued the mailbox to the base. 

I’m planning on setting these out February 1st and then the week leading up to Valentine’s day, a new surprise will appear daily.  Maybe during the night or during naptime.  I’m not sure exactly when, but Ellie will know to look when the little arm is up.  I can’t wait for her to see them. She’s going to flip her lid when she learns she can check her mailbox every day for a treat.

And the treats are nothing expensive or fancy.  I’m just using what we’d give her on Valentine’s day and spreading them out to extend the fun.  A package of stickers, some fuzzy heart socks, red and white candy, a bouncy ball–little surprises that go over big with three year olds.  And for Harper, animal crackers, a new teething ring, some little baby socks, and, perhaps, a new pacifier.