Today I was live on Instagram sharing 3 super simple invitations to play that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. I’m including the video here in this post along with links to similar resources. Before we dive in, I want to give you a quick crash course in invitations to create.

What are invitations?

Here’s the 101: Invitations are a play or art prompt that you can use in your home to encourage open-ended play + creativity. You, as the parent, offer inviting experiences that your kids may (or may not) choose to explore.

The emphasis here is on process, not the product. We are less worried about what our kids do because we value their individual interests + creativity.

Why Invitations Are Worth It

Here’s what I love most: I know that I’m putting meaningful experiences in front of my kids without the stress of it not working out. Why?

+ Quick to pull together = No time wasted if your kids don’t love it

+ Encourages creativity = Your kids take the lead

+ No expectations = No one feels let down when the invitation takes an unexpected turn

Video Tutorial

I was live on Instagram earlier today to show you just how quick + easy these invitations are to pull together. I also answered common questions I get about invitations to play. You don’t have to watch the video, feel free to put in your earbuds + listen while you get some work done!

Cardboard Hearts

9:00 in the video

I just cut out hearts from an old shipping box + used white paint to prep them. If using tempera sticks, no need to prep!

+ Scented dot markers

+ Tempera sticks

+ Pom poms

+ Glitter glue

+ Gem heart stickers

I Playdough

This is great sensory play. It also gets those big arm muscles moving which is great in the winter when we’re stuck indoors!

Here are supplies similar to what I used:

14:00 in the video

+ My favorite recipe or a splurge on great handmade dough

+ Playdough tools

+ Heart table scatter

+ Flat marbles in red or these rose stones

+ Metal or plastic cookie cutters

+ Essential oils in strawberry or cherry!

Sticky Valentine’s

21:40 in the video

This is great for fine-motor skills! We bring in scissors, peeling stickers/tape + grasping with stamps.

Here are supplies similar to what I used:

+ Pipsticks Subscription (My kids LOVE this subscription!)

+ Glitter markers

+ Washi Tape

+ Conversation Heart + Alphabet Stamps

+ Washable ink pads in pink, purple, + red

Other Ideas…

In case you’re looking for similar ideas, I did a post introducing process art that you may like + it includes a free download of my top-recommended process art supplies to get you started! Click here to read it!

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