Easy non-candy Mermaid Valentine classmates, friends and family will love. Made with no-mess magic play sand, mini sand toy and FREE mermaid printable (find the printable below).

Create a Magical Mermaid Valentine: A Personal Guide for an Affordable Classroom Valentine
Welcome to my guide on crafting the perfect mermaid-themed valentine, ideal for classmates, friends, and family! In this DIY project, I’ll show you how to express affection and friendship this Valentine’s Day with no-mess magic play sand and an adorable, free mermaid printable. It’s a wonderful non-candy option that’s sure to be a hit.
Making an Affordable Mermaid Valentine
Budget-friendly crafts are my jam! I’ve found a great way to save without sacrificing quality: use bulk bags of no-mess magic sand instead of pricier Kinetic Sand containers. Pair it with mini sand toys from the dollar store and my free mermaid printable for an adorable and economical valentine gift.
What You’ll Need:
- No-mess magic sand (like Kinetic Sand or Sand Alive)
- Mini sand toy
- Cellophane bag (4×6 inch works great)
- Twist tie, ribbon, or string
- My free mermaid valentine printable – you can find 3 different sizes below
- Portion cups (for bulk sand)
- Scissors or a craft punch

Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find affordable magic sand?
You can snag bulk bags of Kinetic Sand or similar products at stores like Walmart or Target, and online on Amazon, often for under $15.
Is there a less expensive alternative to Kinetic Sand?
Absolutely! Buying no-mess magic sand in bulk and using portion cups cuts costs significantly. I often find great deals at liquidation stores or use store coupons for extra savings.
How can I personalize the mermaid valentine?
I love adding a unique touch with different sizes of printable tags and a variety of mini sand toys. I have left a space next to the heart at the bottom of the tag to allow each person to write a “from” name.

Budget-Friendly Mermaid Valentine Tips
As someone who loves to save, here’s a cost breakdown at the time I originally write this post (2019):
- 5oz Kinetic Sand Version: About $2.09 per valentine.
- 2-3oz Portion Cup Version: Can be as low as $0.29 each, depending on your sand source.

Choose Your Printable Size
Pick from 3 sizes of our mermaid valentine printable to best suit your project. I often use a craft punch for quick cutting, available at local craft stores where coupons can snag you some great discounts.
Our Special Valentine Tradition
One of my favorite Valentine’s Day traditions is having special one-on-one dates with my children. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and strengthen our bond. What’s your favorite Valentine’s tradition?
Looking for other inexpensive Valentine’s ideas? You may also like these:
- DIY Valentine’s Clothespin Wreath (reversible to St. Patty’s Day)
- Valentine’s Buttermilk Pancake Bites
- Easy Valentine’s Glitter Burlap Wreath (under $5)
- Vanilla Oreo Truffles – only takes about 20 minutes to make!
- Valentine’s Turtle Pretzels (under 5-minutes)
I hope you enjoy this crafting journey as much as I do. Don’t forget to download the free mermaid valentine printable and share your beautiful creations!
FREE Mermaid Valentine Printable:
Click the size you’d like to print. It will open a PDF that you can then print.



Original Post: 02.06.2019 Last Updated: 01.31.2024
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