The Best Valentine’s Day Craft For Kids: Cat Valentine Box

a box covered in yellow and orange construction paper to be stripes with a cat face made out of construction paper attached to the front with a hole for the cat's mouth for valentines

Valentine’s Day in early elementary classrooms (and homes) is always a mix of excitement, creativity, and just a little bit of chaos. Over the years, I’ve learned that having a solid, hands-on project planned ahead of time makes all the difference. This Cat Valentine Box is one of those crafts that feels festive and fun for kids while still being manageable for adults. It’s simple, playful, and sturdy enough to actually hold all those Valentine cards without falling apart halfway through the day.

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Cats are always a hit with kids. There’s something about their expressions and personalities that makes this project especially engaging. This box has just enough detail to feel special, but not so many steps that students feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re making this with a full classroom, a small homeschool group, or just your own child at home, it’s an easy win.

What I really appreciate about this craft is how flexible it is. You can prep some of the pieces ahead of time if you need to, or let kids do most of the work themselves if they’re ready. It also opens the door for creativity, since no two cat faces ever turn out exactly the same.

Supplies For The Cat Valentine Box

box covered in yellow paper, colored construction paper, scissors, and a black marker

To make the Cat Valentine Box, you’ll need construction paper, a recycled box, glue, scissors, and a marker. Templates for the face, ears, and details help keep things moving smoothly, especially with younger kids.

How To Make Your Own Cat Valentine Box

1. Start by wrapping the recycled box completely in yellow construction paper. Glue the paper down one side at a time, smoothing it as you go. Once the box is wrapped, carefully cut an opening near the top for Valentine cards to be placed inside.

2. Cut and trace the templates onto the correct colors of construction paper. You’ll need pieces for the cat’s face, ears, and facial features. Cut everything out before gluing so students can see all the parts clearly.

a cat face made out of construction paper

3. Assemble the face template by attaching the eyes, nose, and any other facial details. This is a great time to talk about facial expressions and how small changes can make the cat look silly, happy, or surprised.

a box covered with yellow construction paper and with strips of orange construction paper on top for stripes

4. Cut strips of orange construction paper and glue them horizontally around the box to create the cat’s stripes. Encourage students to space them evenly, but don’t stress perfection—cats can have all kinds of patterns.

5. Paint or color the face template, if desired, and allow it to dry briefly. Once ready, glue the completed face onto the front of the box.

a cat valentine box that has a box covered in yellow and orange construction paper to be stripes with a cat face made out of construction paper attached to the front with a hole for the cat's mouth for valentines

6. Attach the ears at the top of the box, making sure they’re secure. Use a marker to add any final details, such as whiskers or outlines, to bring the cat to life.

Let the box dry fully before using it for Valentine exchanges.

Why Parents and Teachers Love This Cat Valentine Box

From a learning perspective, this craft is packed with benefits. Cutting, gluing, and assembling pieces all support fine motor development, which is essential for handwriting and everyday classroom tasks. Holding scissors correctly, placing small pieces accurately, and using just enough glue all help strengthen hand muscles and coordination.

This project also encourages planning and sequencing. Students need to follow steps in order and think ahead about where pieces belong. That kind of task completion practice is especially helpful during busy months like February, when routines can easily get disrupted.

There’s also a lot of opportunity for language development. As kids work, they naturally talk about what they’re making, describe their cat’s personality, and compare designs with friends. These conversations build vocabulary and confidence in expressing ideas.

In the classroom, this cat box works beautifully as a Valentine holder. You can set it up as a guided craft over one or two sessions, or break it into steps across multiple days. I’ve also used projects like this during centers by having small groups rotate through assembly stations.

For homeschool families, this craft fits perfectly into a themed learning day. You can pair it with a read-aloud, a short writing activity, or even a math extension like counting how many Valentine cards fit inside the box. It’s a great way to blend creativity with academic skills.

This project pairs well with cat-themed picture books. Some favorites to read alongside this craft include Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by James Dean, Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton, or Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle. Reading before or after crafting helps calm the group and gives the activity a meaningful connection. Or, check out these Valentine’s Day books:

Chicka Chicka I Love You (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

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