This will be the first year ever that we'll be sending valentines to school with our preschooler to hand out. For snack time, we're usually "those parents" that send in organic raisins or applesauce cups (our son recently begged us to send in pretzels...my goodness, what have we DONE to the poor kid, LOL). So, I'm doing my best to get his input to see what he'd actually LIKE to give. If he settles on some store-bought Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle version, that's fine.

However, I'll be showing him these ideas to see if he's interested in getting hands-on in making some for his friends, instead. Maybe your little one will want to do the same!

DIY "You're a Star" Stamp Valentines by It's Always Autumn These are great ones for your kids to help with because they're simple, it utilizes fun stamping (which, shhhhh, helps with fine motor skills!), and they're downright adorable. Starburst candy optional!

DIY "Have a Ball" Valentines by Dandee

 An adorable, sweet way to wish a friend "Happy Valentine's Day!" without candy? Supplement a toy! And a classic rubber ball at that? What's not to love?

You're Grrrrreat Pirate Valentines by Mer Mag O. M. G. SO CUTE! Kids can help place the heart eye patch or glue/tape the candy to the back (you'll want to do the stitching part yourself).

Have a Colorful Valentine by Relocated Living Here's one that ALL the kids can "make" on their own! Another great non-candy alternative, it gives kids their own crayons and asks them to color their OWN valentine. Love it!

Superhero Lollipop Valentines by Naturally Educated I would probably cut out a variety of colors of cardstock to use as capes and masks and not worry about the particular superheroes, but this site has a good idea for the little superhero in your life.

Love Bug Valentines by Dandee What kid doesn't think bugs are cool? I LOVE that the valentine is in the shape of a jar and that kids are left with their own cool bug toy that will last long after Valentine's Day.

Three Cute DIY Valentines by Rae Ann Kelly This link actually provides PDFs for THREE adorable valentine ideas. I love the googly-eyed glasses, but the heart fingerprints and "smartie" cards are great ideas, too.

 I can already guess which one my son will pick. (Hint: He's a superhero guy, although the star prints may be a close second.) These are all simple enough for little hands to help with and will allow kids to feel invested in the valentine-giving activity.

Hope these help to make your Valentine's Day a happy one this year! What will you hand out this year? Store-bought or homemade? Candy, quirky, or favorite character-based?