Valentines Day with the Kids

Making Valentines cards and crafts is the perfect way to give a part of yourself. What gift could be greater than than the one made with love? It is also a great way to save money while putting your creative side to work. Involving the children is a lovely opportunity to spend time with them while encouraging their participation.

Paper projects such as cards and decorations are always a favorite. Gather a myriad of things to use for the projects. They key is to get only a few of each item. Glitter, cut out shapes, lace, markers and more are all wonderful. Let the kids go crazy and express their imagination.

When working with children in a school or daycare setting there are many smaller craft ideas that can be utilized. Consider things like bookmarks and cards. Consider having the kids make little pouches for their desk. Then they can have parents send in Valentines for the children to distribute in the pouches. The kids will enjoy making their pouches and receiving the Valentines.

Another cool idea is to do color pages, word finds, and puzzles for the kids. Parents and teachers can print the sheets from the computer on their printers. Using basic word software create festive borders with hearts. Make the word finds and puzzles pertinent to the holiday.

Food is always an integral part of many holiday traditions. Valentine's Day is usually filled with chocolates and candies. Work with the children to produce simple things such as a heart shaped cake or pink colored divinity. There are tons of cookie and candy recipes that are just right for cooking with kids.

Treat bags are always a welcome surprise for kids and adults. You can purchase bags or make your own. To make baggies cut out two heart shapes and glue them together. You can use wrapping paper, card stock, or even felt. Decorate the outside with ribbons, lace, buttons, or whatever you have available. Then stuff them with homemade or store bought goodies.

Remember to add a few touches to the house too. Do a paper heart garland on the mantle. Some red and white bows around the home. Mixing a white lace and red velvet really looks festive. Fill a clear bowl with red and white roses, then tuck in a few pink foam hearts. Tie it up with a large bow around the bowl. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. A visit to the local craft store can provide a plethora of inspiration.