Thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day, I have been trying to find different ideas for my boys’ valentines that don’t include candy. Some of our dearest friends are cute boys who recently developed severe food allergies. I honestly had never thought about food and how closely it is woven into most of our holidays and their celebrations. I think children’s holiday parties are extremely dependent on food and treats both in school and at homes. When I started to watch our friends struggle and try to manage all of these parties, I noticed the treats in a whole new way. I began to see the value in attempting to have a candy-free Valentine’s Day.

I’ll admit it, trying to have a candy-free Valentine’s Day is a huge undertaking. Candy is EVERYWHERE for Valentine’s Day; after all, one of the biggest Valentine’s Day traditions is giving chocolates. I don’t expect everyone to stop giving candy for Valentine’s Day, and I won’t take away the candy my children get from others. I will just do what I can to try to have a candy-free Valentine’s Day. Some of the ideas I like are pretty easy and inexpensive to do.

Popcorn
Although this is still food, it isn’t candy. Act II has even made cute individual serving size microwave popcorn bags with the idea to use them for Valentines. They have Valentine’s colors, cute sayings amd a to/from section on them. It is yummy and a good idea for a candy-free Valentine’s Day.

Play-doh
This childhood favorite makes a fun Valentine. You can print mailing labels with a cute graphic and your child’s name and put them right on the jar of Play-doh. Super easy and fun to use for a candy-free Valentine’s Day.

Stickers
Stickers are always a hit with kids. They are another super easy and fun idea for a candy-free Valentine’s Day. Dollar stores and the discount sections of other stores are a great place to find bargains on fun stickers to use as classroom valentines.

Pencils, Crayons or Markers
Kids love doodling and drawing so pencils, crayons and markers make fun options for a candy-free Valentine’s Day. You can print mailing labels with a cute graphic and your child’s name and put them right on the pencil, crayon or marker.

Bubbles
I love the cute little jars of bubbles you can find in the holiday sections of discount store; they are perfect for a candy-free Valentine’s Day. You can also make your own using cheap, bulk bubbles from party or wedding supply stores. Again you can print mailing labels with a cute graphic and your child’s name and put them right on the jars of bubbles.

Craft Kits
Lots of retailers have small craft kits that would make great valentines. These are lots of fun and can be inexpensive if you shop around. They are another great idea for candy-free Valentine’s Day.
 

Small Toys
These can be found at online retailers and your local dollar or discount stores. Things like balls, whistles, tops, rubber ducks, rings, and more make great valentines when you are trying to do a candy-free Valentine’s Day. Watch for age appropriate sizing and choking hazards when picking the small toys to use as valentines.

Have more ideas on attempting to have a candy-free Valentine’s Day? Share them with us – we love to hear from you!