If you want an easy Valentine craft that feels extra cute but still uses simple supplies, this paper plate Valentine mailbox is such a fun one to make. It is made with a paper plate, painted your favorite color, and turned into a little mailbox with a slot so kids can “deliver” sweet notes and mini letters.
It is a perfect easy valentines idea for classroom Valentines, a family craft afternoon, or a pretend post office game that keeps going long after the paint dries.
This paper plate Valentine mailbox is such a fun craft to make in the lead up to Valentine’s Day and it doubles as a sweet little activity once it’s finished. Kids love painting the plate, turning it into a real mailbox shape, and then posting notes through the slot just like real mail. It’s simple, creative, and uses basic supplies you probably already have at home or in the classroom.
Valentine Mailbox Materials
To make this Valentine mailbox, you will need a paper plate, pink paint, a paint brush, scissors, and construction paper.
You will also want your printed template (more on that below), plus something to attach the pieces (a simple glue stick works well).
Step By Step Instructions to make your Valentines Mailbox Craft
Follow the step by step instructions below to turn a simple paper plate into a Valentine mailbox. Each step matches the photos so you can see exactly how the craft comes together, from painting and cutting the plate to assembling the mailbox and adding the final details. This makes it easy to work through with kids and keep everything lined up as you go.
How to make your Valentines mailbox paper plate craft
Turn a simple paper plate into the cutest Valentine mailbox. This easy craft uses paint and a printable template to create a fun mail slot for sweet notes, cards, and pretend Valentine deliveries kids will love.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Construction papers
Tools
- Printer if using template
Instructions
- Paint your paper plate in your color of choice - maybe pink or red for valentines! And let it dry completely.
- Once dry, trim the sides of the plate to create a rounded mailbox shape, then cut a long horizontal slot for the “mail” opening.
- Print your template, trace each piece onto the correct construction paper colors, and cut everything out.
- Build the slot frame by gluing the black rectangle behind the yellow scalloped piece so the opening lines up neatly.
- Lay out your mailbox front and the pieces you’re about to attach so you can check the placement before gluing.
- Glue the slot frame onto the mailbox, lining it up over the cut opening. Then glue the red scalloped strip along the bottom edge as a decorative trim.
- Make the stand by attaching the red rounded base piece to the bottom of the long brown strip.
- Flip the mailbox over and glue the stand onto the back so it sits upright like a real mailbox. Let it dry well before standing it up.
- Add any extra decorations from the template, like the heart, to finish the front of your mailbox.
You can get creative with this part if you like. - Cut two pieces of construction paper into the size and shape of little letters or envelopes
- Slide the two small papers or Valentine notes into the slot and you’re ready to “deliver” mail.
Once the mailbox is assembled, it becomes more than just a craft. Children can use it to exchange Valentine messages, practice writing little notes, or set up a pretend post office as part of their play. It’s also a lovely way to encourage kindness and connection, whether you’re using it for classroom cards, family love notes, or just for fun during February.
Using the Template
Since this craft includes a template, it makes the cutting and assembling so much easier, especially if you are making a few at once with a class or group.
Print the template, trace each piece onto the matching construction paper color, and cut them out before you start assembling. If you want a sturdier finished mailbox, you can also print the template on cardstock before tracing.
If you don’t have access to a printer you can draw the shapes freehand.
Tips for a Neater Finish
Let the paint fully dry before cutting the paper plate so the edges stay crisp and do not smudge. When you cut the horizontal slot, start small, then widen it if you need to, because it is easier to make the opening bigger than to fix it if it gets too wide.
If younger kids are making this, you can pre-cut the slot and the main plate shape, then let them focus on painting and decorating.
This is one of those crafts that turns into an activity. Kids can write little Valentine messages, “mail” them through the slot, and take turns being the mail carrier. You can also use it for a kindness note station at home, a classroom compliment box, or a Valentine card holder for a party.
Download the Valentines Mailbox Craft Template PDF
We have a template for this paper plate Valentine mailbox craft so you can print it and make the pieces quickly and consistently. Grab the template, print it, and you are ready to trace, cut, and assemble.
Terms of use: This valentines mailbox craft template is free for personal use and classroom use.
This paper plate Valentine mailbox is simple, adorable, and actually useful once it is finished, which makes it a favorite kind of craft. It looks sweet on a shelf, works as a Valentine card holder, and doubles as a pretend play prop for days.
If you make this one, I would love for you to share it. Send the post to a friend who loves easy kids crafts, or share a photo and tag us so we can see your Valentine mailbox in action.
More Valentine Mailbox Ideas
If you’re looking to make some larger valentines mailboxes that can hold cards or valentines, we have plenty of cute ideas for that type of valentines day mailbox craft too. Here are a few of our favorite.
- Fox Valentine’s Box Craft DIY for Kids
- Penguin Valentines Box Craft
- Cat Valentine Box Craft for Kids
More Paper Plate Valentine Crafts
If you enjoyed making this Valentine mailbox, there are lots more paper plate Valentine crafts to try next. Paper plates are such an easy base for Valentine projects and can be turned into everything from cards to decorations with just a bit of paint and paper. These ideas are perfect for keeping the Valentine creativity going at home or in the classroom.
If you enjoyed this valentines box mailbox craft please go ahead and share this blog post, pin it on Pinterest – we appreciate it!
