Take heart

This Valentine's Day, how about showing some love to the earth? There are plenty of planet-friendly ways to get your kids' hearts and flowers groove on.

We all know how fun it is to stay up until midnight on February 13 potato-stamping hearts onto 30 pieces of cardstock, right? I'm being sarcastic, but... well, actually, it is pretty fun. It's even more fun if you get started a few days early, so that you and the kids can actually enjoy the process of hand-making cards for their classmates. Here are some ideas for cards that are useful, cute and eco-friendly.

Bookmarks.
Cut card stock into rectangles; decorate with stickers, magazine cut-outs, or stamps. Punch a hole in the top, add a loop of yarn or ribbon, and you're done.

Seed packets or plantable paper.
Show Mother Earth some real TLC by decorating her with plants and flowers. Use recycled paper to make decorated envelopes for wildflower seeds bought in bulk, or use a paste of flour and water to stick seeds to compostable paper cards in cute shapes. You can also make cards using plantable seed paper from Botanical Paperworks — kids can bury it in the garden and watch wildflowers and herbs grow. Serious overachievers can even make their own pretty awesome seed paper.

If your taste runs more to the classic paper heart, go eco with recycled wrapping paper and decoupage-style decorations using magazines and catalogs. Lost for a unique idea? Try these.

If making cards from scratch is just not your thing, printable Valentines from the Nature Conservancy combine pretty pictures and sentiment with actions kids can accomplish to help their fauna friends. Print them on recycled paper.

If you really want to buy cards, try recycled or eco-friendly ones, like these adorable things made from seed paper.

Show up without the candy hearts

Many schools, including MdTL, prefer no candy or edibles with valentines. If your child really wants to give a treat, how about these?
Recycled heart-shaped crayons (available on Etsy, or make your own).
Homemade playdough. To keep it moist, you can either save up a lot of yogurt cups, or you can use something like this.
Personalized cloth napkin. Use fabric paint to stamp on a heart or design, along with the child's name: voila, a perfect napkin for lunchbox or home use. Isn't it weird how much kids love anything with their name on it?
Matching game. Print colored cardstock with valentine symbols like hearts, flowers, and arrows, or use stickers or stamps to make several groups of two. Cut into squares; tie with red string.
Birdseed cakes with string attached for hanging.
Friendship bracelets (or, for preschoolers, braided yarn bracelets).

If edibles are okay in your child's class, cookie hearts are a nice no-waste option. If the kids insist on candy, try Yummy Earth organic lollipops or Annie's fruit snacks.

Lastly, say no to envelopes for whatever cards you pick, and keep the green vibe going by reusing the cards your child brings home from the class party. Make bookmarks, collages, or games — your child will love to see his friends' sentiments over and over.