It seems as though Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without conversation heart candies, boxes of chocolate, and foil wrapped sweets; but seeing as we are still nibbling through the bucket of Halloween candy at our house, I thought I would explore some candy-free treat options this holiday. Good news: they’re just as festive as any sugary treat on the market! Bonus: these alternatives won’t leave out children with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.
1. Festive Pencils
…Or any other red/pink/hearts-clad trinket found in the dollar section. Attach a valentine-y pun, and you’re good to go!
2. Play-doh
A small tub of play-doh in a pretty treat baggie is great for a pre-school class. Add a heart-shaped cookie cutter for extra cute fun!
3. Bookmarks
For this super thrifty option, just grab paint chips from a paint store, use a heart punch to decorate it, and tie a ribbon at the top. Simple! You can also write quotes on them such as, “You are my happily ever after,” “Mark my words, you’re a great friend,” or even, “I like big books and I cannot lie.” HA! 😉
4. Glow sticks
These glow sticks are all dressed up as Cupid’s arrows for Valetine’s Day! To make them, just glue a feather or two to one end of the stick and decorative paper (I used glitter scrapbook paper) in the shape of a triangle to the other end. Right now, Target has a pack of 15 glow stick bracelets for $1! Yes, I just gave you a great excuse to go to Target; take it and run!
Beth, I swear coffee just came outta my nose laughing at your book mark quotes! You’re too funny! Love the ideas!
Haha, thanks Ashely! My sister Cathy and my friend Emily helped me with those! 🙂