Simple + Thrifty Valentine's Day Ideas

Today, we had a little crafty fun!  I picked up some pipe-cleaners in the $1 section of Target, so we twisted and hooked lots of little hearts together....

to create the festive garland pictured below.  I love decorations that our people had a "hand" in.  They make me smile. Anything that adds color and life to our home, but costs little or nothing to create is right up our alley.  

The garland hangs across the entertainment cabinet in the living room.  I need to remember that pipe cleaners are such a great way to entertain.  Pretty sure that we spent close to an hour doodling with these things.  You may have noticed,  we still have our Christmas card gallery in-tact.  I can't bear to take them down yet!

 While I'm on the topic of simple Valentines day fun...how 'bout a few pics from last year's festivities?  

This one was a Pinterest idea that the kids LOVED.  Heart-shaped, hard boiled eggs!  Click here for an easy how-to.  Instead of a juice container, I used a cut-up piece of paper plate.  Instead of a chopstick, I used a wooden kabob skewer.  

Last year, we began a new tradition.  I had the kids pose with this paper heart and emailed the picture to close friends and family.  

 This one was another Pinterest idea, but I can't seem to find the source.  Give your kids a "heart attack" this Valentine's day:

I cut up lots of hearts (a different color for each child) and jotted down an affirming word or phrase on each one.  The kids loved them so much  that we transferred the hearts to their closets where they remain at this very moment.  :)  A little encouragment goes a long way.

These little mailboxes were so super-simple to make.  Target dollar section mailboxes, glued to wooden spray painted candlesticks from Salvation Army.  Total cost:  $5!  The kids have really enjoyed surprising each other with little love notes throughout the day.

We all pitched in on this little project.  Tissue paper hearts:  wrap tissue squares around  the pencil eraser, dip in glue, and press onto heart, repeat...again and again. 

Here's our photo wall all dolled up for V-day last year.   Gobstoppers in the mason jars.  Handmade Valentine's for each family member from Reece.  Millie's is covered in dried oatmeal, she loved it so much!  :)

A special valentine for my love...waiting in the sock drawer for his discovery, ha!

Last year we had breakfast for dinner (by candlelight) and these waffles were a hit.  First,  I poured a little batter into a sauce cup.  Then I  added a couple drops of pink food coloring, drew it up into a medicine dropper,  and squirted it gently into a  "heart" shape in the waffle iron base.  I let it sit for a 10 seconds or so, to firm up and then added the plain batter, as usual.  Voila!  Valentine waffles!  

I'd love to know. What is your favorite Valentine's day treat or tradition?

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