On Valentine’s Day, kids’ backpacks are loaded with more envelopes than a card shop. Besides valentines for classmates, teachers and friends, lots of kids also give cards to family members. With new technology, all these valentines don’t have to be the same boring “Be Mine” card. Kids now can send virtual greetings–or, for those who prefer paper, high-tech printers and photography can make cards better than ever. But so many choices can be confusing. Here’s how traditional and teched-out valentine cards compare:
Animation gives an edge to electronic greetings
Should you pass on paper in favor of e-greetings or stick with familiar, store-bought cards? E-greetings might seem hip, but boxed cards have that old-school charm. Lucky for you, both kinds can send the right message.
E-cards: These digital greetings are easy, convenient and quick to send. Many Web sites offer free e-cards and have cool animation with funny characters that sing and talk. The downside? Some sites make kids register, and animated cards can’t be printed and saved.
Paper cards: Opening an envelope is exciting, and some kids save cards long after Valentine’s Day. Plus kids can buy valentines with their favorite cartoon or movie characters. The problem with paper? These cards cost money and often have lame lines: “You’re Cute” isn’t exactly a good message to send to the school bully.
Check it out: Hallmark.com offers free valentine e-cards that range from classic to cute. Yahooligans.com also has free e-cards just for kids, including Garfield designs.
Handmade or hard-earned?
Electronic valentines aren’t for everyone. For kids who want paper valentines, there are many store-bought or homemade options. Which is better?
Store-bought cards: These pre-made cards are easy and quick. Just sign your name, scribble your friend’s name on the envelope and you’re done. But there’s not much room to write a personal message, and some of the printed messages, such as “Sweet on You,” don’t work in a classroom exchange.
Homemade cards: Kids can pick the color, design and message, but these cards can take time to create. Crafty kids need to start early; homemade valentines aren’t a good last-minute option.
Check it out: Boxed sets from Paper Magic are cool. Choose from favorite characters such as Star Wars, Disney Princesses and Batman. Also, Hall-mark has Snoopy and Barbie sets.
Make it: For homemade cards, try making a bear-themed card that works for both boys or girls. It’s quick and easy; all you need are paper, markers, glue and scissors.
– Start by making your card. Just fold a half-sheet of paper in half.
– Decorate the outside with big hearts. (Bigger hearts fill the page faster.) Cut out hearts from colored paper, or use a marker to draw some.
– Glue a picture or drawing of a bear to the inside page. You can go with any type of bear: black, brown, koala, panda or polar.
– Write “Have a Bear-y Happy Valentine’s Day” in large letters.
Photos add a personal note
Kids can combine technology and tradition by designing their valentines on a computer. And new photo printers generate high-quality pictures you can paste on your cards.
Computer-created: Stick with one design, and you can print a bunch of cards quickly and easily. This option is cool and creative but costly: Paper and ink can add up.
Photo cards: You can’t get a more personal, special valentine than one that features a photo of you and your pal. Plus using photos to decorate your cards really lets you get creative. But beware: It also can be expensive. Kids need a digital camera, photo printer, paper and ink to make these valentines.
Check it out: Inexpensive printers such as the Canon PIXMA IP1600 ($49) can print 4-inch by 6-inch photos in just over a minute. Greeting Card Factory ($29.95) has 8,100 cards and projects and 40,000 graphics so kids can create their own greetings.
Make it: Keep the photos and lose the expense by taking regular pictures and pasting them on homemade valentines. All you need are construction paper, a marker, glue and your favorite photo:
– Make a perfect heart by taking a piece of paper and folding it in half. From the top, cut half a heart with the fold in the middle. When the paper is open, both sides of the heart will be even.
– Glue your photo in the middle.
– Write a message and sign your card.
Don’t have a good photo of you and your BFF? Flip through old magazines, and find a fun picture that has meaning to both of you.
