Valentine Party Favors

You have decided to throw a Valentine's Day party for your children. You have the cake, the decorations, the games, but you are still missing the party favors.

What is an inexpensive way make Valentine's Day party favors? The answer is as simple as: cardboard tubes.

These are easy to come by. Just think of the empty rolls of toilet paper, or those of paper towels, or those of wrapping papers (from gift wrap, to aluminum foil).

Now that you have gathered the rolls, it is time to start the fun.

Candy Shaker Party Favor
Children love to make noise. Why not create a noise maker that will dispense candy once the party is over?

Materials needed
Toilet paper roll
Wax paper
Small pieces of candy
Scissors
Rubber bands
Adhesive tape
Wrapping paper
Ribbon

Start by cutting a piece of wax paper about two inches longer than the cardboard tube and wide enough to cover its inside, making sure that the edges overlap.

Next, cut two circles of wax paper (one per each end) large enough to cover the openings of the tube with some left over to fold and secure in place.

Gently roll the wax paper and insert in the tube allowing it to unroll and cover the inside wall. As the edges of the paper show at each end, carefully fold them over the tube and secure in place with tape.

Cover one opening with one of the wax paper circles and securely hold it in place with a rubber band.

Insert the small pieces of candy from the one side that has been left open. When the candy has been inserted, cover the opening with the other piece of wax paper and secure it in place with a rubber band.

Cut a piece of wrapping paper twice the length of the tube. With both ends securely closed, wrap the party favor and fasten the end with ribbon as if it were a large piece of candy.

Try it out to make sure that it makes enough noise to be heard. You may need to adjust the amount of candy inserted in the tube, in order to reach the desired sound.

Once completed the first one, create as many others as you need for the party.

Animal Party Favors
Why not let the young ones create their own party favor? All you will need will consist of cardboard tubes and pre-cut shapes and accessories for the children to use.

Materials needed
Cardboard tubes
Googly eyes
Pipe cleaners
Foam sheets
Construction paper
Hot glue
Adhesive tape
Glitter
Ribbons

One suggestion is to choose Valentine's Day colors for all materials. Pre-cut shapes of ears, noses, mouths, and paws for different animals.

Pre-cut construction paper to be wrapped around the tube and secured inside the openings.

Direct the children to choose a piece of construction paper and cover the tube with it. Ask them to fold the ends inside the tube. They may use pieces of tape to secure the edges inside.

Next, have them choose eyes, ears, mouth, and nose to attach to the tube. They can choose to glue them on one end of the tube, or they can glue them horizontally on the tube. The position will depend on the kind of animal they want to create.

Have them use pipe cleaners to create tails, antennas, or legs. Help them cut the pipe cleaners to the desired length.

If the animal created is a girl, help the children make a ribbon to place on the tube.

They won't be able to store candy in this party favor, but they will be able to have fun creating their own little zoo adventures.