That Viral Paper Chain Trend Is Back for Galentine’s Day (Here’s How to Do It Right!)

Whether you hopped on the paper chain trend this past Christmas or not, there’s now another opportunity to give it a go: People are making paper chains for Valentine’s Day this year. If you’re throwing your besties a Galentine’s or Palentine’s party in 2026, then this is a DIY decor project you’ll want to save and try.

Just like the traditional paper chains that are sweeping the internet (hello, Vogue!), the updated take for Valentine’s Day activities is extremely simple to make. Follow along as we spotlight the cutest way to use paper chains in your chic gathering this year.

You’ll first want to source some Valentine’s Day-appropriate papers (stick with red, pink, and white solids, or choose patterned papers for a bit more interest) and cut them down into two-inch-wide strips. You can also go wider if you prefer a chunkier-looking chain.

Fold each strip in half and then bend the loose ends inwards to create a heart shape. Staple the ends in place, and then add to the chain by stapling the next folded link to the point of the last heart. Or, link your hearts together like a traditional paper chain for something a bit more three-dimensional. TikTok user Abby Morgan has published a great tutorial that we’ve spotlighted above.

You can make these chains to be as long as you want — and display them in so many different ways around your space. Hang them from your fireplace mantel, string them along the ceiling, or make curtains out of them like TikTok user Serena Neel did.

This is also such a fun party craft to do with your friends at your Galentine’s Day party. You could write messages to each other on your paper strips, or decorate them with markers and glitter to really customize and get crafty. Everyone will have a garland to take home and a fun memory to look back on every time they bring the paper chain out to decorate for future Valentine’s Days.

Paper chains don’t have to be just for Christmas. Bring them into the new year and give them a Galentine’s Day flair!