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…..;)
Suggested messages:
Mice to know you!
You’re really mice!
*Source: Parents
To make this sweet treat you will need:
- 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.
*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!
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.
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!
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:
- Make heart shape with two candy canes and place on cookie sheet covered with baking paper.
- Melt chocolate chips in microwave or using the double-boiler method.
- 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.
- Decorate the lollipops with sprinkles.
- Insert lollipos stocks and allow to set.
- Wrap in plastic sacks or tie with ribbon.
- 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.
TOOTSIE ROLLS
Get everything you need for this “I like how you ‘roll’ Valentine!” valentine here. Need Tootsie Rolls?
Need more ideas? Check out our Valentine’s Day board on Pinterest!
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