Ways to Keep the Kids Busy on Valentine's Day

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 Feb 2009 05:20 AM

How are you planning to spend Valentine's Day? Will you be enjoying dinner out with your sweetheart or will you be celebrating Love Day at home with the entire family?

For many families the flailing economy has forced them to cut back on Valentine's Day spending. However, the following ideas prove that you don't have to break the bank to celebrate February 14th in style. These simple kid-friendly projects are ideal for keeping children content on Valentine's Day.

VALENTINE'S DAY CARD HOLDER

Students who got swamped with Valentine's Day cards at school will find this craft to be exactly what they need to display their sweet collection.

Materials:

Two paper plates

Red or pink ribbon or yarn

Hole punch

Decorative materials (stickers, buttons, glitter, sequins, etc.)

Paints, markers, or crayons

Craft glue

Directions:

Cut one of the paper plates in half.

Have your children decorate the backside of the half-plate and the inside of the full paper plate with paints, markers, or crayons and other decorative materials.

Let the paint or glue dry completely. Then, place the plates together, with the inside of the half plate facing the inside of the full plate. Line up the bottoms of the plates so they form a pocket.

Punch holes around the rims of the plates.

Starting at the top of the plate and working clockwise, begin threading the ribbon or yarn through the holes. Leave an extra inch or two of ribbon at the top.

Once you've threaded the ribbon or yarn all the way around the plate, take the extra ribbon at your starting point and tie it to the end of the ribbon. Use this loop for hanging your holder on a hook or doorknob.

Fill the holder with Valentine's Day cards.

VALENTINE'S DAY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 stick margarine, softened

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon water

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl, set aside.

With an electric mixer, mix butter, margarine, and sugars until thoroughly blended. Mix in eggs, water, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Stir in chips.

Drop spoonfuls of dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake, reversing cookie sheets positions halfway through baking, until cookies are light, golden brown, about 8 to 15 minutes.

Let cookies cool for a few minutes on cookie sheets before serving.

Related Articles:

Homemade Valentine's Decorations

Simple Valentine's Day Projects for the Entire Family

Easy Last-Minute Valentine Projects

Fun Valentine's Day Projects for Kids

Affordable Valentine's Crafts

Simple Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers

Spending Valentine's Day At HOME

Valentine's Day is Coming Soon

Hosting a Valentine's Day Fondue Party

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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