Kids head to school on Valentine’s Day truly excited! Usually they have created a special Valentine’s Day box to capture Valentines from all of their classmates!

When I attended primary school, there was a rule that everyone had to give all of their classmates a Valentine to avoid hurt feelings. Yet, one year, I did not get a Valentine from somebody in my class and I was devastated. I remember making a big deal out of the situation and I think it even got my classmate in trouble. (OK, I admit I was pretty sensitive!)

To avoid hurt feelings and this classroom quandary, take the following steps:
• Definitely make a valentine box to hold all of those cards. This will be a fun craft project, and the kids will have a central place to capture all of those valentines.

• Ask your classroom teacher for a complete list of students so that you know the names of the kids in the class and can use this as a resource when filling out valentines with your kids at home.

One Tip: You don’t necessarily need to address the Valentines to particular names. If it is easier, count out enough cards for the number of kids in your child’s class, add one or two more just in case, and have your child sign his or her name on the cards. Your child can then drop them into the boxes without worrying about their classmates’ names. This works especially well with very young children.

If you aren’t a big fan of giving your children candy for Valentine’s, or your kids’ school has a policy against bringing candy to celebrate the day, here are some fun alternatives to the traditional Valentine chocolate:

• Movie gift certificates
• Heart notepads, pencils, and erasers
• Strawberry lip gloss
• Bubble bath
• Heart bracelets and necklaces
• Stuffed animals
• Red yo-yos
• Heart photo frames
• Red bouncy balls
• Red jump ropes
• Silver lockets
• Hair ribbons
• Favorite DVDs
• Heart stickers and/or rubber stamps with red ink
• Red crayons, markers, and glitter glue with an activity book
• Ice cream cone gift certificates

The list of ideas can go on and on. Anything pink or red will do, especially if it’s in the shape of a heart. These are excellent gifts to give to your children besides a box of chocolate this holiday!

Looking for a fun activity to keep the kids busy during your Valentine’s party, or to ignite your kids’ enthusiasm in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day? Why not organize a Valentine’s Day treasure hunt!

Check out these creative clues surrounding all things Valentine for inspiration:

• Red Rose: Red and perfect, smells pretty too.
• Heart: Shaped like two swans’ necks paired together, it’s brimming with joy always and forever.
• Valentine: I may be red or pink, come in an envelope or a box, never mind it’s what this day is all about!
• Chocolate: Whether milk or dark, filled with caramel, nougat, or cream, I am a part of every Valentine dream!
• Candy Hearts: Whether pink, green, or blue, and with a hard crunch or two, share these with your friends to learn their feelings true.
• Candle: Strike a match and watch me flicker, quickly I alight and shine forth light.
• Stuffed Bear: Soft and plush, darling to hold, I am all yours.
• Poem: A few lines here and there, but my words will pack a punch and leave you with no more than a care.
• Cupid: I shoot my arrow with a bow to your heart to make it grow!

Hide these items throughout your home or party area so the kids can uncover Valentine’s treasures.

What’s all red and rosy? Your kids’ enchantment at your upcoming Valentine’s party, of course! It is mid-winter and having something bright and cheerful to look forward to is sure to excite your kids.

Here’s a sweet tip! If you are mailing your guests’ Valentine’s Day party invitations, you may want to use the Loveland, Colorado Valentine Re-Mailing Program.

Just bundle up your pre-addressed, pre-stamped party invitations (or even your valentines) and send them off to Loveland, Colorado for the official Loveland stamp!

This is a popular practice this time of year, and if you plan ahead, a lot of fun for your party guests!