Do-It-Yourself Candy Valentines

One of my fondest memories of grade school in the U.S. is the classroom holiday parties. And Valentine’s day was a definite favorite! Remember making valentine mailboxes from shoe boxes and having them filled up with Brach’s conversation hearts and cartoon- character valentines from your classmates? Barring that ultra-romantic valentine you got every year from the boy who teased you mercilessly at recess, the event was always a lot of fun. This brings up an interesting difference between Valentine’s Day celebrations in the U.S. vs. those in France. Whereas V-Day is considered a day to celebrate the relationships between lovers AND friends AND family members in the U.S. In France, cupid is a bit more discerning and reserves his tokens of affection for lovers only. This can be a bit disappointing to some of us Americans who are used to both giving and receiving a little something from many of those we “love,” romatically or otherwise. Whether you subscribe to the lover’s-only Valentine’s Day policy or approve of more open practices, we have some great ideas for DIY homemade candy valentines. After all, what says love better than sweets for your sweetie? And, if you don’t know where to find the candy supplies needed to complete these “recipes,” we just happen to know a great online American grocery store…..;)

HERSHEY’S KISSES
Hershey’s kisses are the Valentine’s Day candy par excellence. With a name like “Kisses,” how could they not be? Here are some super-easy, super-cute Valentine ideas with the Kiss at center-stage.
Hershey Kisses Mice
Sweet Mice
Almost too cute to eat. Notice I said almost. The picture makes this project pretty self-explanatory. But just in case…here’s how to make them:
1) Download and print the ear and foot templates for these little critters at the The Mottos blog. Of course, you could also just draw your own.
2) Remove the paper flags from two Hershey’s Kisses.
3) Fold the feet along the dotted line and glue both the ears and feet between the two kisses.
4) Glue a 4-inch length of yarn to the underside of the back Kiss and add google eyes.
6) Attach the mouse to a cheese-shaped piece of card stuck and include a little message.

Suggested messages:

Mice to know you!
You’re really mice!

*Source: Parents

Hershey's Kisses Rose BouquetKiss Rose Bouquet

To make this sweet treat you will need:

Hershey’s Kisses

  • floral tape
  • wood dowels or floral sticks
  • glue dots or double-sided tape
  • clear or tinted cellophane
  • ribbon (optional)

You’ll find a step-by-step illustrated tutorial on the blog Mom On Time Out.

 

 

Hershey's Kiss IpodiPod

Surprise your favorite rocker with an edible Ipod. For the iPod, simply giftwrap your Valentine’s favorite box of candy (Red Hots, Nerds, or Jelly Bellies would work great!) in colored paper and add white paper for the screen and wheel. Add Hershey’s Kisses at the end of string for the headphones (Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups would also work) and VOILA!
This would be a great idea for kids’ valentines!

*Adapted from the blog Keeping It Simple.

 

PEPPERIDGE FARM GOLDFISH


Just because it’s your sweetie doesn’t mean you have to give him/her something sweet. Check out these fun valentine ideas made with Pepperidge Farm Goldfish!

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TOOTSIE POPS & BLOW POPS

Tootsie Pop Moustache & LipsValentine's Lollipop Lips

 

Nothing could be cuter than lollipop lips for Valentine’s Day! Thanks to Blonde Design’s Blog,  for supplying the templates for these personalized treats. Gotta love Internet freebies! All you need now are the Tootsie Pops…or Blow Pops if you you prefer bubbles to chocolate.

Here’s another cute idea for a Tootsie Pop Valentine. A little creative photography and personalized message go a long way to make this Valentine a special one.

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Candy Canes

Candy Canes aren’t only a Christmas thing. Homemade Chocolate-Filled Candy Cane Lollipops are a great way to use up your leftovers. And if you don’t have leftovers, we do!

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Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Candy Canes (*You may need to break of a little of the bottom in order to make a smaller heart.)
  • Decorating sprinkles
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Lollipop Sticks
  • Baking paper

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Make heart shape with two candy canes and place on cookie sheet covered with baking paper.
  2. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or using the double-boiler method.
  3. Spoon the melted chocolate into the center of the heart being sure to get it in the corners as well. You can achieve this with the help of your spoon.
  4. Decorate the lollipops with sprinkles.
  5. Insert lollipos stocks and allow to set.
  6. Wrap in plastic sacks or tie with ribbon.
  7. ENJOY!

POPCORN

We thought this was a really cute idea for a popcorn lover. Corny? Maybe… Adorable? Most definitely! Get the popcorn here and the popcorn vintage template here.

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TOOTSIE ROLLS

Get everything you need for this “I like how you ‘roll’ Valentine!” valentine here. Need Tootsie Rolls?

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Need more ideas? Check out our Valentine’s Day board on Pinterest!

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