Thrill Kids, Classmates With Super Simple Valentines

If pre-packaged candy Valentines leave you and your child somewhat under-enthused, consider the following simple projects that marry the convenience of pre-packaged goodies with more creative ways of saying, "I heart you."

B Mine Bars
Candy bar or granola bar
Yellow wrapping paper or construction paper
White computer paper
½ black pipe cleaner for each Valentine
Clear tape
Black permanent marker

Wrap bars in yellow paper, leaving a triangle-shaped fold on one end for the stinger. Cut two hearts out of white paper – one roughly 2-inches across top, the other roughly 4-inches across top. Draw a simple smile face on small heart using permanent marker. Write “B Mine” on large heart using marker.

Tape small heart to non-triangle end of bar for the bee’s face. Wrap the pipe cleaner around the bar just behind the face. Twist pipe cleaner and extend ends upward for antennae. Bend antennae ends slightly. Use permanent marker to draw continuous black stripe around bar. Tape larger heart to top of bar for wings (make sure “B Mine” is visible).

Clicker Valentine
Flat candy bar (such as Hershey’s)
Remote control “clicker”
White computer paper
Clear tape
Black permanent marker

Make one color or black and white photo copy of the clicker for each Valentine.  Cut out clicker photo copy so paper will be large enough to wrap around candy bar (use existing candy bar wrapper as a guide).

Wrap candy bar with clicker photo copy paper, lining up remote control image correctly on front. Using permanent marker, write “I M Tuned In 2 U,” “U R My Favorite Channel” or other phrase on back of wrapped candy bar.

MP3 Valentine
Box of candy conversation hearts
MP3 music player
White computer paper
Clear tape
Black permanent marker

Make one color or black and white photo copy of the MP3 player for each Valentine. Cut out MP3 player photo copy so paper will be large enough to wrap around candy box. Wrap candy box with MP3-copied paper, lining up player image correctly on front.

Using permanent marker, write “U R Music 2 My Ears,” “We R In Synch” or other phrase on back of wrapped candy box.

Surprise the kids on Valentine’s morning with these Loving Reminders attached to the fridge. These easy-to-make crafts also make wonderful surprises for teachers, neighbors and friends.

Loving Reminders
1 wooden clothes pin
Red or pink acrylic paint
3-6 candy conversation hearts
Hot glue gun & glue sticks
Magnet strip (available at craft stores)

Paint clothes pin with red or pink paint.  pply two coats if necessary and allow to dry. Hot glue 3-6 candy conversation hearts to flat side of clothes pin in a decorative arrangement. Be sure to leave ½-inch space at end of clip so it can be opened. Hot glue 1-inch magnet strip on undecorated side of clothes pin. Use on refrigerator doors, lockers or file cabinets to post reminders or love notes.