Valentines without Cavities

As as a parent of three young children, I am not always perfect with managing all the sugar in my kids' diets. It's really hard with class parties, birthdays, holidays... the lists go on. So, with Valentine's Day coming up I am planning on doing Valentine gifts that are toys or novelties if I can, just because I know they will already be overloaded with cupcakes, candy, etc. from classmates and parties. It's a gift to the other parents, myself, the teachers and the kids - believe me.

First up is my 4 year old son. He loves slinkies, and I thought that would be the perfect gift for both girls and boys - gender neutral - score! Upon research slinkies are really expensive! I don't want to spend more than a dollar per each kid's toy. And I don't want to hand out cheap throw-away mini plastic slinkies. Finally, I found the right price on standard size slinkies 3 inches in diameter for $1 each. The trick was using the generic name "Springs" on Amazon.com. So, My son's Valentine will have these slinkies found here Springs. 

And because I have a newborn and am in no mood to craft with paper (though you should feel free to do so), I wanted to keep it really cute and simple buying already printed Valentines. I found that sites like Tiny Prints and Minted have very reasonable valentines that are custom printed and ready to go. So I tweaked a design at Tiny Prints for about .44 cents a card and I have it reading, "My Heart Springs for You". It has his name already printed, simple - boom! And if I want him to write his name out, I will just have him sign underneath or on the back, if we have time. His card was purchased from Tiny Prints and they have a sale going on 20% off and free shipping on classroom Valentines right now. I always get my coupon codes from Retailmenot.com - I'm a budget shopper - this is an awesome free site if you haven't been there, go before every purchase. 

Total cost $1.44 each. Super cute. Personalized. And ready to go once they arrive at my door.

Next up will be my 7 year old daughter's. I plan to use rubric cubes and say something to the extent of "Valentine, you Puzzle Me". Will update this post, once I finalize.

Happy Love Day, everyone!