In the United States and Canada, children exchange valentines with their friends. In some schools, the children hold a classroom party and put all the valentines into a box they have decorated. At the end of the day, the teacher or one child distributes the cards. Many children make their own valentines from paper doilies, red paper, wallpaper samples, and pictures cut from magazines. Sometimes they buy kits that include everything needed to make valentines.
Many children send their largest, fanciest cards to their parents and teachers.
Older students hold Valentine's Day dances and parties. They make candy baskets, gifts, and place cards trimmed with hearts and fat, winged children called cupids. Many people send flowers, a box of candy, or some other gift to their wives, husbands, or sweethearts. Most valentine candy boxes are heart-shaped and tied with red ribbon. In Europe, people celebrate Valentine's Day in many ways.