Punny Valentines for Kids

BY JESS WEISCHEDEL

doesn’t love a good pun? Research shows that coming up with and interpreting witty wordplay is a sign of intelligence and makes a person use both sides of their brain. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a pun is an amusing use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another word. Go ahead and explain what a pun is to your kids and see if they can come up with some good ideas on their own with various items!

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The examples below require cardstock paper, scissors, a ruler or straight edge, washi tape, and a black marker. Depending on the size of your cardstock paper, use some scissors and a ruler or straight edge to cut it down to the size you want your cards to be. Once you have the right number of blank cards, you are ready to begin making some pun-derfully adorable valentines!

Balloon Valentines

Materials: deflated balloons, washi tape, cardstock paper, scissors, a ruler or straight edge, and a black marker.

Draw a big cloud on each piece of cardstock with a black marker. Use washi tape to attach a deflated balloon to the card, leaving room for your message on one side. Next to the balloon, write down a clever pun related to balloons, flying, the sky, etc. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm and get creative with it! Lastly, use a ruler or a straight edge to draw a signature line for your child’s name. They will be sure to make someone in their classroom smile during the Valentine’s Day party!

Candy Cane Valentines

Materials: mini candy canes, washi tape, stapler, cardstock paper, a ruler or straight edge, and a black marker. There are several creative ways you can attach a mini candy cane to some cardstock paper! Think of some puns that relate to candy canes, canes, hooks, etc., and attach your candy cane in a way that will make sense with whatever words you plan on writing. Use washi tape and staples to secure your candy cane in place, but be careful to not crush the candy with your stapler while pressing it down. Some other options to try include using two candy canes to create a heart shape or replacing a letter in a word with a candy cane. Don’t forget to add a signature line and include your child’s name. You cane do it!

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