DIY Nautical Themed Valentine’s Day Treat for Kids

Have you caught yourself browsing Pinterest while dreaming of all the amazing Valentine’s you could make for or with your child? Personally I’ve seen unique Valentine’s Day cards and gifts that range from expert crafter level to easy enough that a 4-year-old can do the majority of it, but if you decide to forgo the store bought fold and go paper cards, the one thing you do need to have is a little more time. As for the cost, not all creative Valentine’s gifts require a lot of extra money – by the time you buy the paper ones and attach some candy, you can create something a little more personal and unique all while making it a fun activity with your child.

Before the snow melts on the winter ground, retail stores are already preparing their shelves for spring and summer goods. While it may seem silly to browse the sand toy section when the temperatures are icy cold outside, it’s amazing what you can find, stock up on and create with. For instance, I found a 2-pack of plastic toy boat sand toys in the dollar section at Target. What’s great about sand toys as part of a valentines treat is they can double as bath toys until the warmer months arrive. Not to mention it’s something tangible – but not full of sugar.

DIY Nautical Themed Valentine’s Day Treat for Kids

With some toy boats, clear party favor bags, paper straws and goldfish crackers, you can easily create a fun (and non-candy) valentine perfect for your child and his or her friends. The teachers really appreciate this one, too!

Materials

• Clear party favor bags
• Twist ties (optional)
• Ribbon
• Goldfish crackers (substitute with marshmallows for a sweet treat)
• Small toy boats
• Paper straws
• Cardstock paper
• Scissors
• Black pen
• Glue dots or double-sided tape

Directions

1. Fill the treat bag with Goldfish crackers or mini marshmallows.
2. Place the toy boat on top of the Goldfish crackers and set aside.
3. Cut a long, skinny diamond from cardstock paper (My diamonds ended up being 3-inches long and 1.5-inches wide at the center point).
4. Fold the diamond in half to create a crease in the middle.
5. On the right side of the diamond write, “Valentine, you float my boat!”
6. On the left side on the diamond write, “Love, < insert your child’s name >”
7. Turn the diamond over and place a glue dot or double-sided tape at the center crease and in the inside, middle of one side of the diamond.
8. Place the paper straw over the glue spot or tape and center crease and press the diamond together firmly to secure it around the paper straw.
9. Insert the paper straw into the clear bag and close with a twist tie.
10. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the twist tie and tie in a bow or a knot.

Note: To achieve the same result and cut down on costs, make paper boats with your child instead of buying sand toys and use pipe cleaners instead of paper straws.

Written by:

Christina Holt, Writer/Teacher- Mommy Loves Coffee