Shoe Box Valentine Mailbox

Here's a special mailbox for your preschooler to collect valentines. Begin with a shoe box and then add our stickers and some vibrant trim.

Your child's favorite shows are on Nick & Nick Jr.

Materials

• Shoe box
• Nick Jr. Valentine Stickers
• Solid color wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Tape
• Decorating extras: glitter, trim, ribbon, lace, and doilies (optional)

Directions

1. Step 1: Wrap the shoe box (A good make-ahead step for parents)

   Use a utility knife (grownups only!) to cut a 1-inch-wide by 6-inch-long slot in the top of the shoe box where the valentines can be dropped. Next, wrap the top and bottom of the shoebox separately with the wrapping paper. For the top slot, use the utility knife to cut a line in the paper that is on top of the slot; fold back the paper, and tape on the inside.

2. Step 2: Print, cut, make, and gather decorations

   Print and help your preschooler cut out the Nick Jr. Valentines Stickers you'll want to use. (Use sticker paper for printing, if you have it. If not, use plain copy paper and glue stick to apply in Step 3.) You can also add to the mix by encouraging your preschooler to make his or her own hand-drawn valentines. Finally, gather trim possibilities from your gift-wrapping supplies and/or sewing kit. We used some inexpensive sequin trim found at a local craft store.

3. Step 3: Decorate your box

   Now it's time to get creative. Use all of the above to decorate your box on all sides. Now you have a special box for giving away and collecting valentines. Happy Valentine's Day!