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Candy Free Ways to Say "I Love You" This Valentines Day

By Julie Follansbee Editor and Publisher Macaroni Kid Johnstown/Laurel Highlands/Altoona January 29, 2021

Originally published Feb 11, 2016.

Valentines Day is this weekend and many of us associate this holiday with candy...lots of candy! Candy hearts, chocolate kisses and more.

With February Being National Dental Health Month, we were inspired to do an article with ways OTHER than candy to say "I Love You"!

Valentine Bird Feeders

This would be great for a beloved aunt, uncle, grandparent or neighbor who enjoys feeding the birds. The birds will love it too! This is a wonderful "hands on" craft for kids!

Makes 12

Supplies:

  • 3/4 of a cup of flour
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin
  • 3 TBSP of corn syrup
  • 4 cups of bird seed
  • Heart shaped cookie cutter
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden skewer
  • Ribbon
  • Printable label

It helps to spray your mixing spoon and cookie cutter with cooking spray and mix in a glass or metal bowl.

Mix all ingredients together.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Place cookie cutter on the paper and fill with the seed mixture. Press down to pack.

Using a wooden skewer, make a hole for the ribbon to go through.

Let sit overnight to harden, then thread a ribbon through and tie.





Long Distance Hug

Have a friend, relative or parent far away? Send them a hug!

Supplies:


Have child trace their hand onto the colored cardstock.

Measure ribbon the length of the child's arm span from hand to hand.

Have child cut small heart shapes out of cardstock and attach to ribbon.

Print out the printable. Have child sign their name on the back.

Cut small slits in the printable to thread ribbon through (or glue on).





"Color Your Heart Out" Crayon Valentines

Perfect for sharing with classmates.

Supplies:

  • Crayons (you can either do whole individual packs or buy one large box and divide them up)
  • Small treat bags
  • Printable

Divide the crayons into bundles of 10.

Place crayons in bag and tape or staple the top closed.

Attach the printable.