Valentine's Day Ideas for the Little Loves in your Life.

 We have some ideas for snacks, arts and craft, and activities that you and a youngin' could do together. After all, it is not about the finished product, but the time you spend teaching and helping a child complete a project. 

Snacks: 
    Cookie Pops

This is a fun & creative twist on the ever popular cake pops. 

These are super simple to make and the children could do the decorating.  

 
   What you need:
       1 package (18 oz) Pillsbury "Ready To Bake!" sugar cookies

       20 flat wooden sticks with round ends
       1 1/4 cups vanilla creamy ready-to-spread frosting
       Assorted small candies, sprinkles, and toppings

       What you need to do:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place cookie dough pieces 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Insert 1 wooden stick about 1 inch into the cookie dough.
4. Bake 12 to 16 minutes, until the edges are a light golden brown. 
5. Cool for 2 minutes. 
6. Remove cookies from the cookie sheets and let completely cool for 10 minutes.
7. Spread frosting on one side of each cookie & decorate with assorted candies, sprinkles, and toppings.

   
    Chocolate Covered Pretzels

 Children can help with every step of this recipe. Make them the night before Valentine's Day then pack them in their lunch box as a special treat!      

    



 What you need:
                          1 12oz package of milk chocolate chips
                          1 12oz package of white chocolate chips
                          12 large pretzel rods
                          2 small pretzels
                          Assorted sprinkles, candies, and toppings

       What you need to do:

1. Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and the white chocolate chips in another microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 min.
2. Remove chips and stir with a rubber spatula, breaking down the chips.
3. Quickly pour the chocolate into a drinking glass.
4. Dip one pretzel into the chocolate of your choosing.
5. Hold the rod over a piece of wax paper and shake toppings on all sides.
6. Place the pretzel on another piece of wax paper to dry.
7. Continue until all pretzels are covered. Let dry for 24 hours.

Arts & Crafts:
    Hanging Hearts

This project includes an iron, so children and adults will have to work together closely. Once completed, this heart will be a reminder of your love throughout the year.     

     



 What you need:
                          Waxed paper
                          Crayon Shavings (Adults Only- shave crayons with a knife)
\                          Scissors
                          Iron
                          Hole Punch
                         String or Ribbon

       What you need to do:

1. Fold a piece of waxed paper in half & draw half a heart with the center of the heart at the fold.
2. Open the waxed paper and place it flat on your work surface.
3. Place a light layer of the crayon shavings on the waxed paper.
4. Put an additional piece of waxed paper over the one with the crayon shavings.
5. Place a paper towel on top of the waxed paper then have an adult iron two the layers of wax paper together on low heat.
6. Cut out the heart image. 
7. Punch a hole near the top of your heart and thread a string/ribbon through the hole.
8. Hang it in front of a window and watch the light shine through.

    
Secret Message

This craft is guaranteed to amazing children long after they are finished making it!  

    



What you need:
                          Pain brush
                          Sponge
                          Baking soda
                          Water
                          White watercolor paper
                          Decorative paper and card stock
                          Self-adhesive laminating sheets
                          Double-sided tape
                          Spray Bottle
                          Grape juice

       What you need to do:

1. In a small bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water.
2. Using a paintbrush, write a secret message with the baking soda mixture on a piece of watercolor paper.
3. Allow the message to dry for 10 minutes.
4. Brush off excess baking soda reside with a dry sponge.
5. Cut pieces of decorative paper or card stock slightly bigger than the secret message paper.
6. Place the card between 2 sheets of laminate material.
7. Using double-sided tape, attach the watercolor paper with the invisible message to the top of the laminated card.
8. Spray the grape juice on the card to reveal the secret message.
9. Leave the message lying flat until dry or the grape juice (& message) will drip right off the paper!

Activities:
    Valentine's Day {Mad Libs} for Kids
Mad Libs are always a funny way to spend time together. This Valentine's themed card is sure to have you both laughing.
 

      
    Hunt for Kisses
Just like for Easter, have a hunt for candy on Valentines Day. Of course you would not want to be hiding eggs, but Hersey Kisses, Boxes of Sweetheart Candy, Fun Sized M&Ms, lollipops, Foiled Milk Chocolate Hearts, SweeTart Candy Hearts Packets, and many other festive candies. Just remember to not go too small with the candy, otherwise you may not remember where you hid them and you may not come across it again until you have an ant infestation in June.

Cheers,
     Charm.