Get Creative this Valentine's Day with these Affordable, Easy, DIY Finds

Every year we parents get to stumble through the internet in hopes we find some Valentine's that will knock our kids' socks off. If you're like me and have three children in Elementary school, Valentine's making can't be expensive and more importantly it should be something your kids can enjoy helping with. Last year I did the "feed two birds with one seed" deal and used the same idea for each kids' class. I printed mini color pictures of them on paper and had them paste it on small envelopes filled with a hershey's kiss. It was sealed with a mini clothespin adorned with a felt sticky heart. This idea was quick and I made an assembly line at the kitchen table to speed up production. The kids were glad to help put their personal stamp on their Valentine and proud that their treat was handmade.

Why not get creative again this year and make it a tradition? I think maybe one year, we ended up settling for store bought Valentine's of Spongebob or Disney characters and that's ok since I know we run into these kind of last minute ordeals all the time. I've found some easy, affordable, creative alternatives to the store bought cards online this year and I must say I'm completely in love with all of them. Who knows--you might even find yourself making Valentine's for the adults in your life.

Friendship Blossoms--use lollipops, tape and colored paper and pens for these  sweet flowers.

Love Rock Magnets (We're doing these this year!)--find some rocks at a cove, beach or even your backyard, add a magnet and some sparkle. Put them on your fridge and your kids' classmates will remember V-Day all year long.

Valentine's Day Treat Packages (My idea last year was adapted from this)--cute, small little treat packages with your child's photo on it.

Origami Heart Bookmark--if you love to read your kids will get a kick out of these fun folding heart bookmarks. Super simple.

As an extra little add-on to make your child's day special, shower them with special 'curtains' of love notes hanging from their doorframes. They will be so surprised and read the notes you leave for them for days.