How to Make a DIY Derpy Valentine Box

Learn how to make a DIY Derpy Valentine Box inspired by KPop Demon Hunters! A silly tiger classroom box that holds cards easily & makes Valentine’s parties fun.

DIY Derpy Valentine Box ideas don’t get much cuter than this one 💙🐯. If your kid loves Kpop Demon Hunters, Huntrx & the Saja Boys, this silly tiger-inspired Valentine’s box is about to steal the show at the classroom party.

This project is playful, colorful, and perfectly imperfect. The “derpy” look is intentional, which means less pressure and more fun for everyone. You know those crafts that feel stressful before you even start? This isn’t one of them.

I’m a mom of two who loves celebrating holidays in simple ways.
I want things to feel special, but also realistic for busy weeks. This craft fits right into that sweet spot.

What Is This Craft?

This is a handmade Valentine card box inspired by the tiger from Kpop Demon Hunters, designed to hold classroom valentines while also acting as a fun party decoration. The bright blue color, oversized eyes, and goofy expression make it instantly kid-approved.

You start with a basic cardboard box, like a shoe box, and build the character using paper or craft foam. Layering the face pieces adds dimension and makes the box feel extra fun without being complicated.

It’s creative, but still approachable. And best of all, it doesn’t have to be perfect to look amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Idea

First, this project is very forgiving, which is always a win when crafting with kids. Slightly uneven lines or crooked pieces just add to the charm, and honestly, that’s what makes it so cute.

Second, it doesn’t take forever to make. You can finish it in one afternoon, even if you’re juggling snacks, homework questions, and someone asking for help every five minutes. We’ve all been there.

It also uses simple supplies. Most of them are already in your craft stash, so you’re not scrambling to find something last minute. That alone makes it worth saving.

Why This Project Is Great for the Holidays

Valentine’s Day can sneak up fast, especially when you’re managing classroom cards and party plans. This craft helps slow things down in a good way and turns prep into a fun memory instead of a chore.

It’s perfect for winter crafting when kids are stuck inside and need something hands-on. Plus, it fits pop culture themes that kids actually care about, which makes them even more excited to use it at school.

After the holiday, the box doesn’t go to waste. It works great for keepsakes, small toys, or even pretend play, which gives it a little extra life beyond Valentine’s Day.

Contains affiliate links for your convenience; learn more and see our full disclosure policy here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Make a DIY Derpy Valentine Box

Let’s break this down step by step so it feels doable.

Supplies

• Small cardboard box (a shoe box works great)
• Blue wrapping paper or butcher paper
• Craft foam or paper in orange, yellow, pink, white, and blues (if it is self adhesive it makes it even easier)
• Glue dots or craft glue
• Sharpies in red, black, dark blue, and light blue gray
• Xacto Knife
• Self-Healing Cutting Mat
• Tape for wrapping the box
• Scissors
• Printable template (scroll down to the end of the post for the printable template, look for a dark green download box to enter your name and email address and the pdf file will be sent to your inbox)

I had all of these supplies already on hand, so I used what I had. If you want to get similar or the same items I used, shop everything to create this adorable Blue Tiger Valentine Box for your classroom by clicking the images below!

Instructions

Start by cutting a slot in the top of the box using an X-Acto knife. Make sure it is large enough for Valentine cards and other small gifts to fit in the box.

Next, tape the box closed so it stays sturdy. I used duct tape because it holds well, especially if the box is a little flimsy.

Wrap the entire box in blue paper, smoothing it out as you go. If your paper isn’t large enough, wrapping the box in any paper works, or wrap in whatever wrapping paper you have on hand. Then cover each side separately with a blue piece of paper cut to size and glued to the box.

Find the slot again and carefully cut an X where the slot opening is. Tape the flaps to the inside of the box so valentines slide in easily.

Use the template or freehand the face pieces. Cut the ears from light blue craft foam, add pink inner ears, and glue them together. Attach one ear to each side of the front of the box.

Cut eyebrow-shaped stripes and glue them under the ears. Draw three circles and fill the circles in between the stripes with a dark blue Sharpie. I did this more near the end, but add whenever you like.

For the eyes, layer orange, yellow, and black pieces cut from the template together. Glue them in place, then add the nose beneath the eyes. To make the nose trace the the nose from the template and add nostrils.

Cut out the mouth, including the space between the top and bottom teeth, with an X-acto knife. Add glitter stripes if you like, on either side of the mouth.

Create a pink tongue by drawing a “U” shape on craft foam and cutting out. Next, draw a line down the center with a black Sharpie marker. Cut a white foam rectangle and draw an envelope with a red heart on it using Sharpies.

Glue everything under the nose. Be sure to insert the tongue between the teeth before gluing everything on.

Finish by cutting a tail from light blue foam, adding darker stripes, and gluing it to the back of the box.

Take a look at project from start to finish by hitting play on this video:

Variations to Try

If you want to change things up, there are lots of easy options.

• You can use paper instead of craft foam for a flatter look, add more glitter for sparkle, or draw whiskers and eyelashes for extra personality.
• Any small box works, so don’t stress if you don’t have a shoe box. Tissue boxes and small shipping boxes work just as well.
• Another fun idea would be to make a little Sussie and add him on top of the Derpy Box along with a Saja Boys hat! I have a small free printable hat in my KPop Demon Hunters-inspired Elf on the Shelf props set.
• And don’t forget to grab the free printable KPop Demon Hunters Valentine Cards that are shown in the photos with the Valentine’s Day mailbox in this post.

How to Use This Craft

This box is perfect for classroom Valentine exchanges and makes passing out cards feel extra fun. Kids love dropping Valentine’s into the slot and showing off their creation. Take it to school on February 14th for Valentine’s Day Class parties.

It also works well as party decor or a keepsake box once Valentine’s Day is over.

Common Questions Parents Ask

Is this good for younger kids?
Yes, with adult help for cutting. Kids can glue and decorate.

How long does it take?
About 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Maybe longer if you are a slow crafter like me!

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Definitely. You can build the box first and let kids decorate later. I recommend taking your time and planning ahead to make this so you aren’t rushing at the last minute, but I know sometimes that is the only time you have as a busy parent!

Print Pin This Rate This

Derpy Valentine Box DIY

How to make a cute Derpy tiger Valentine card mailbox for classroom valentines. This is a cute DIY inspired by the KPop Demon Hunters Movie

Materials

• Small Cardboard Box I used a shoe box
• Blue wrapping paper
• Craft foam or paper in orange yellow, pink, white, shades of blue
• Glue dots or use craft glue
• Sharpies red, black, dark blue, and a light blue gray
• Tape for wrapping the box
• Scissors
• Printable template

Instructions

• Tape the box together. I used duct tape to keep my shoe box closed.
  
• Cut a slot in the top of the box. I used an Xacto knife.
  
• Wrap the box in blue wrapping paper. Blue butcher paper works too, But it can be hard to find other paper that is big enough to cover the whole box. Another option is to wrap in white or brown craft paper, and then cut blue paper to fit each side of the box and attach.
  
• Find the slot that you cut in the top of the box. Use the Xacto knife to cut an X in the slot. Use tape to secure flaps to the inside of the box.
  
• Use the template or free hand the face. I used a mixture of both methods.
• Start by cutting out the ear template and tracing onto light blue craft foam. Cut out. Cut out the inner ear and trace on pink foam and cut out. Glue together.
  
• Glue one ear on each side of the front of the box.
  
• Next, cut out the eyebrow shaped stripes out of craft foam. I used a blue glitter foam that I had leftover from another craft. Glue underneath the ears on the front of the box.
  
• Draw three circles in between the eyebrow stripes with a dark blue permanent marker.
• For the eyes. I used the template. Cut out around the black with scissors. Then cut out the white using an Xacto knife. Cut out the black pupils as well. Then take the white excess and trace on orange craft foam and cut it out. Next, I free handed a smaller yellow circle to go on top of the orange. Glue the layers of the eyes together. Start with orange, followed by yellow, add pupil and then outer black.
• Trace the nose from the template and draw on nostrils. Glue beneath eyes in the center.
  
• For the mouth cut out around the outside of the mouth with scissors. Remove the white in the middle of the smile with an Xacto knife. I added a couple of glitter stripes on either side of the mouth.
  
• Draw a tongue shape on pink craft foam and add a line down the middle.
• Cut a rectangle on white craft foam and draw an envelope on it. Seal the envelope by drawing a red heart on the seal. Insert the tongue in between the rows of teeth and glue all underneath the nose.
• Draw a tail shape on light blue craft foam. Draw or cut out stripes in a darker blue and add to the tail. Glue tail to the back of the box with the stripes facing the front (or feel free to add stripes on both sides.
  

Download the Valentine Box Template Here

Please remember my printables are free for classroom use or personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the printable or digital file. If you wish to share the digital files, please refer friends to the link of this blog post where they can sign up to receive the free printable directly in their inbox.

Be sure to check your printer settings before printing, I generally make sure that the scale to fit option is selected to make sure all of the printables fit on the page.

To ensure emails for printables are received in your inbox add hello@thebensonstreet.com to your email contacts. Also check your promotions, updates, spam, junk or other folders if you do not see the email in inbox. Also for educators, consider using your personal email as many school districts block the emails or downloading of files.

My Favorite Printable Supplies:

Contains affiliate links for your convenience; learn more and see our full disclosure policy here. 

• Printer: I love my HP Home Printer, it prints beautifully everytime no matter what projects I am working on.
• Paper: Depending on the durability you want with your printables, consider printing on white card stock or high quality paper.
• Laminator: For printables you are planning to use over and over again, simply laminate and use dry erase markers to mark up the printables.
• Paper Cutter: I love my CARL Paper Cutter. It makes trimming and cutting out printables a breeze.
• Sticker Paper: When printing tags or other free printables, sticker paper can make it easy to attach to gifts, boxes, or to make your own stickers.
• Cutting Supplies: You’ll want a great pair of paper cutting scissors and I love using an Xacto Knife for intricate details.
• Pens and Coloring Supplies: Here are some of my favorite writing tools for pencils and pens. Coloring supplies that I love to use in my own home: colored pencils, crayons, markers for adults, and markers for kids.

Final Thoughts on This KPop Demon Hunters Valentine Box

This project is playful, creative, and fun, which is exactly what holiday crafts should be. It adds personality to classroom parties without adding too much pressure to your already busy schedule. I would recommend getting it done before February 13th though 😉.

If you love easy holiday ideas, simple crafts, and fun ways to make everyday moments special, be sure to save this idea and join my email list for more inspiration 💌

Free Printable Valentine Cards:

• 67 Valentine Cards
• Twinkie Minion Valentine Idea
• Star Wars Valentine Cards
• Coloring Valentine Cards
• Pop It Valentine Cards
• Sunglasses Valentine Cards
• Fortune Cookie Bag Toppers
• Applesauce Valentines
• Cutie Orange Valentine Tags
• Tic Tac Toe Valentines
• KPop Demon Hunter Valentines

Please pin this post for later and follow along on Pinterest: