By Kelly Youngblood
It’s an age-old question- well, not really, but it is a question nonetheless.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, do you buy valentines at the store or do you make them at home?
We asked readers what they thought and a definite majority preferred one method more than the other.
But before we tell you the results of our very science-y Facebook poll, let’s discuss a few things.
First, a disclaimer: I think it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) no one thinks you love your kids more or less based on whether you make your valentines from scratch or pick up a box at the store.
It doesn’t make you a good mom if you want to go homemade- it doesn’t make you a bad mom if you choose to buy a box at the store. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You do what works for you and what makes you and your child happy.
Personally, I’ve done both homemade and store-bought and don’t recall any drastic consequences following either decision.
There are pros and cons to each method (in my humble opinion) so read the list below and see if you agree.
Then, keep reading to find out the results of our Homemade vs. Store-bought Valentines Poll.
Homemade Valentines
Pros:
- If you’re a crafty kind of mamma, it’s fun to do homemade valentines. Coming up with the idea, buying the supplies, and seeing your idea come together is a thrill for you. Hey, any excuse to go to Michael’s, amiright?
- You get points for being original. Points from whom, I’m not sure. How many points, I don’t know. But you should keep track, just in case you can find a way to redeem them.
- Assuming you are doing this with your child and not all by yourself, you get to spend some extra quality time crafting with them. (But let’s be honest, this could also fall under the con category, depending on the day.)
Cons:
- Have you heard of a Pinterest fail? It’s when you try something that looks great in pictures but your version turns out terrible in real life. This could happen to anyone. (Not speaking from personal experience at all. Nope, this has never happened to me.)
- Homemade can be time-consuming. If you’re already busy making two-dozen cupcakes for the classroom party, you many not have time to bedazzle those valentines.
- Your child may realize the work involved and want nothing to do with the process. “Sure, Mom, they look great. Keep up the good work,” he says from the other room.
Store-bought Valentines
Pros:
- They are just plain easier. Go to store. Pick out box. Tell child to sign each one. Put in backpack. Never think about it again.
- Your kids like the valentines at the store with their favorite characters anyway. The biggest challenge is getting them to narrow down their decision between Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and Doc McStuffins.
- A box of valentines is cheap. Probably a whole lot less than a craft run to Hobby Lobby.
Cons:
- My number one pet peeve about the boxed valentines is there’s not enough room for little hands to write names. Buy hey, I paid $3 for 28 cards- what did I expect?
- So you don’t win any points for originality. Oh well, like I mentioned earlier, you love your kids just as much as the mom who spent hours making valentines.
- I’m having trouble coming up with another disadvantage. Can you guess which camp I’m in this year?
Ok, you made it this far. I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Drumroll please……..
The majority of our readers say Store-Bought Valentines are the way to go!
Actually, here’s a sampling of what some moms said:
Store bought. One time I got a boy to do “homemade” Valentine. He drew a comic, signed his name, and then photocopied it. He wrote each classmate’s name on the photocopied comic. Loved it!
None. Just enjoy each other daily and celebrate presence. Things are things; they just end up in the trash can. Memories…they last forever.
Store. Until kids get old enough to make their own and clean it up.
Store bought. Most kids trash them soon after school anyway.
We mostly do homemade but are going store bought this year as of now.
Bought but I’d like to be crafty though need one-on-one help.
We are doing homemade this year because the fun is really in the making. The kids all trash them the instant they get home.
Store. Takes way too long if homemade.
Whatever doesn’t stress you out!
We do store bought because We have too many to make
Do both.
Store… Who has time for homemade???
Store-bought unless your kid is keen and motivated enough to do homemade on their own. Who has time to harangue an undermotivated kid to do homemade, and who wants to stop a motivated kid from quiet constructive play?
So there you have it.
Whether you choose to go with homemade or pre-packaged in a box, make sure to spread some love this Valentine’s Day.