I miss the days of elementary school when Valentine parties were more about treats than potential love interests. I don’t miss the mass-produced valentines with tiny, flimsy envelopes, with glue that doesn’t stick properly and horrible pun phrases juxtaposed by cartoon characters. I’m pretty sure I gave out some awesome Duck Tales valentines at some point in my K-5 career…

Fortunately for kids (and grown-up kids) there’s a new eco-alternative. Launched in 2006 by Portland, Oregon’s Kate Rosenthal, Stubby Pencil Studios has created the Color ‘N Kids line of “interactive cards” made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper that are processed chlorine free and made with certified renewable energy. The cards are “interactive” because they are black and white and are designed to allow kids to color them in any way they desire. The words and phrases on the cards are made of dotted lines so children can practice tracing their letters.

The “love notes” valentines, just one of several different lines of themed cards (the rest include other holidays, thank you, birthday, get well, all occasion, etc.) feature simple black and white designs on white cardstock. Color ‘N Kids offers the multi-card packs, single cards for several different occasions, and enclosure cards for including gift cards, cash, or checks. Stubby Pencil Studio’s online store also offers custom stationery, craft kits, and eco-friendly crayons and pencils.

The included envelopes are Green Seal certified and are made with 30% post-consumer recycled paper, and the cards come in a pack of 12 for $7.95. Although most of the designs are simple, there are a few more complicated ones (the awesome robot valentine was difficult to color inside the lines, unless I have lackluster coloring skills, which is a strong possibility), and they’re really, really adorable. I had a blast coloring a card for a friend and my husband. Really, I know a lot of adults, particularly of the hipster-but-not-DIY variety, that would get a kick out of these cards. I plan on giving them to several of my friends. Check out Stubby Pencil’s website to see the designs or order. Personally, I think the robot that says “Cool Dude!” beats a Scrooge McDuck card any day.

[This post was written by Kelli Best-Oliver]