How this idea started…

This frugal idea to decorate our mailbox for Valentine’s Day, started as I was searching for a new magnetic cover for our mailbox. Discovering most of the mailbox covers cost $15.00 or more, I suddenly realized how expensive it would be if I purchased a different version for every holiday. And so began the challenge to find a frugal way to decorate our mailbox. In the process, I came up with 3 frugal and easy styles that cost less than $2.00 each.

Note: A metal mailbox is needed for these magnetic decorations, because the magnets will not stay on plastic or wood mailboxes.

Frugal and Easy Valentine’s Mailbox ~ Style #1

I purchased a package of Valentine window cling hearts from Dollar General for $1.00 and a package of self-adhesive magnets for $1.00 as well.

https://www.dollargeneral.com/products/product-page.valentine-window-clings-assorted.html

How to make the magnetic mailbox decorations for Valentine’s Day …

Start by removing the paper backing from the magnet to expose the adhesive. Next, separate a heart shaped window cling from the paper backing and place the adhesive side of the magnet onto the back of the window cling. Press and hold the magnet in place for a few seconds to make sure it is secure.

Continue placing/sticking the magnets on the back of the window clings. Some larger hearts may require 3 magnets for secure placement. Smaller hearts may only need one magnet.

Place the finished magnetic heart window clings on a metal mailbox. The red flag on the box may hinder placement of the hearts.

Frugal and Easy Valentine’s Mailbox ~ Style #2

The second version started with a package of foam hearts from Dollar General along with leftover self adhesive magnets from the window cling hearts shown above.

By using the self adhesive magnets, this is an easy craft to do. Just remove the paper backing from a magnet and press the adhesive side of the magnet onto the foam heart. Press and hold the magnet in place for a few seconds to make sure it is secure.

Showing the foam hearts with the magnets attached.

After putting the magnets on the foam hearts, place the hearts on your metal mailbox.

Note: To make the foam hearts more ornate, you can decorate them with paint or colored markers and embellish them with lace, ribbons, sequins and jewels if you would like. Just be sure to use items that will withstand exposure to the elements. The cold temperatures may prevent the glues from sticking and wet weather may cause some paint colors may run.

More magnets may be needed

Some of the larger hearts may require 2-3 magnets per heart to withstand a gust of wind and stay on the mailbox. We had 60 mph winds along with a few inches of snow the evening after these hearts were placed. The next morning, I had to go searching for a few hearts that blew off.

Frugal and Easy Valentine’s Mailbox ~ Style #3

For a third style of magnetic mailbox decorations, I purchased these glittered foam hearts and magnetic buttons from Dollar Tree. Unfortunately, these magnetic buttons are not self adhesive and have to be glued in place.

As with the two styles shown above, adhere the magnets on to the hearts and then place the magnetic hearts on a metal mailbox.

https://www.dollartree.com/crafters-square-magnetic-buttons/281202

You can use white tacky glue or a hot glue gun to adhere the magnets to the hearts. If you’re working with children for this task, I would advise adult supervision and adult usage of the hot glue gun.

Note: The hot glue will heat up the magnet, making it very hot to the touch until it cools off.

Bonus: any leftover magnetic hearts and can be arranged on your refrigerator, dishwasher or metal front door. Be sure to watch for small parts that may cause choking hazards for little ones.

Share the crafting love!

This is such an easy and entertaining crafting project to share with little ones. My 5 year old grandson loved putting the self adhesive magnets on the foam hearts and he also loved putting the hearts on the mailbox.

These decorative magnetic hearts are a colorful and festive way to share a bit of Valentine cheer with your postal carrier and other folks passing by.

NOTE: Please be very careful and aware of passing vehicles when placing the decorative magnets on your roadside mailbox. Safety first!!

Total cost for these 3 different and reusable styles of mailbox decorations for Valentine’s Day was only $5.00! Yeh!!

Well folks, I hope you have as much fun with these magnetic hearts as I did. And, I wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day!

Take Care, stay safe, virtual hugs…

Chauncey

To make an easy treat for Valentine’s Day, check out this super delicious fudge recipe…