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I Love You Jar
I’ve been thinking about a cute little craft idea that I could make and share with you for Valentine’s Day. Of course, there are a million and a half adorable ideas for this time of year, but I knew I wanted something that was both meaningful and crafty. So here’s what I came up with – the I love you jar.
The Story Of the Jar
I remembered something we used to do when our girls were younger; I didn’t really have a name for it back then, but what we did was, when you saw someone doing something that made you proud or thankful or that was just nice, you wrote it down and put it in the jar. Then once a week (or every few…let’s be honest, we’d get busy and forget about it sometimes), we’d take turns reading things from the jar.
It was really fun to see the things that meant so much to someone else. Things you may not even remember yourself. I was truly amazed because it was usually something tiny; a moment that would have otherwise gone unnoticed and been forgotten.
And just like that, I knew what I wanted to post for Valentine’s Day…a spinoff of that, the ‘I love you because…’ jar! The idea is the same, starting on February 1st, when you see your spouse or children doing something that reminds you why you love them so much, take a slip of paper and write it down and put it in the jar. They can do the same (just remember to write names on there too, so you can keep track).
Plan some time around Valentine’s Day and sit down and read them all together (maybe over a sweet Valentine’s Day treat perhaps?). Trust me, it’s really fun and you’ll be surprised at some of the things in the jar!
How I Made The Jar
It’s super easy. I used an Anchor Hocking glass jar with a lid from Walmart (in the jar and canning aisle) with a chalkboard label from the dollar bins at Michael’s and a few pieces of Valentine’s Day scrapbook paper, cut into strips.
Then just place the jar, the strips of paper, and a pencil together someplace where everyone can see it and get to it, and watch it fill up!
Note: After I purchased my jar, of course, I noticed there were cute plastic jars with lids in the Wilton aisle at Walmart too…if you have little ones and need something shatterproof, this would be a much better option!
My daughter did something like this in elememtary school and I cherish it more than anything. Your version is beautiful and such a great V-day gift for anyone.
Hi Diana! Thank you so much! That’s so sweet, I know exactly what you mean. I’m so glad you stopped by! 🙂
I love this idea it’s really cute and perfect for valentines day. I like thoughtful gifts for valentines day rather than just another present. I am definitely stealing this 🙂
Hi Jen! Thank you so much. I’m so glad you stopped by – I’m headed over to check out your blog right now! Have a great day 🙂
This is such a cute idea! I will have to try this
Thank you Taylor! I loved your blog! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
so sweet – love it!
Thank you Melissa! 🙂
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to have the whole family make notes for each other for the jars!
Thanks Katrina! I do that too, we all compile them into one and take turns pulling and reading, it’s really fun! 🙂
Oh….I love this idea!
Thank you so much Robin! 🙂
What a cute idea!
Thank you so much, Claire! It’s a cute and fun one for sure.
Reminds me of the notes I would put in your school lunch boxes!
Yes, me too! I loved that so much, probably why I love this jar idea too. 😉
I love this idea. I’m going to do this for my son and granddaughter and daughter-in-law for Christmas. I don’t have a lot of money and this will be a beautiful gift that money can’t buy! Thank you for this idea!
Thank you so much Christine! That’s such a great idea, it’s a really fun little jar. I hope they enjoy it!