Valentine's Day - the new major holiday

Thursday, February 12, 2009
I don't know when it happened but Valentine's Day has turned into a major holiday. I guess it's always been a pretty big deal for "lovers". As a kid, I remember Valentine's Day being about school parties, which meant giving and receiving Valentines from the other children. My mom didn't decorate the house or bake a bunch of fancy cakes, cookies or candies. Those days have been kissed good-bye.

First, let's talk about the school parties. It starts with the kids decorating a box or bag of some sort to hold their Valentines. This is so much fun! We never did this in school. I think the Valentine cards were placed on top of our desks. OK, next let's talk about the Valentines. Gone are the days of giving someone merely a card.

Now, there are treat Valentines that you can buy, anything from Fun Dip to lollipop Valentines. Did we do that this year? Nope. We went one step (maybe two) further. We made these fun cup-filled Valentine treats.
I bought plastic tumblers at my local dollar store. They were sold in sets of 5. I bought treat bags, ribbon, and a large bag of assorted candy at Target. Emma completed her cards, which were standard store-bought character Valentines.

To assemble, I placed assorted candy into the cup and placed the cup into the treat bag. Using a hole punch, I punched a hole in the corner of the Valentine card and threaded the ribbon through it. Secured treat bag with the ribbon. And Voila! All of the supplies cost me close to $20. I was able to make 20 cups. So at $1 per cup, it was a steal of a deal! I can't wait to see what goodies she brings home from school!

Now onto the little treats I give to Emma and Harper. I make every attempt to steer clear of stuffed animals and candy. We have so many stuffed animals, and Emma gets candy from her school friends. This year, I decided to get them goody bags and fill them with some of their favorite things.
I bought the felt goody bags at Marshall's. I wanted to try my hand at making the bags this year, but when I found these for $2.99, I couldn't resist at that price. I filled it with a few of the $1 items that you get when you first enter Target, some stickers, Play-Doh, a little book, and lots of love!

2 comments

Anonymous said...

You are so creative. Is there anything you can't do?
Great ideas.

Katie said...

This is such a fun little gift to get! You're right Valentine's day is much bigger now. I remember making Valentine mailboxes in school and giving out cards but I am guilty of adding to the increase in the holiday! I just love using it as a excuse to talk about love with my little one. I'm more into it with her than with my husband! I guess it's because you discover a whole nother dimention to love when you have a kiddo.