Valentine’s Day is a special day. Most children look forward to it. In school, cards and candy are exchanged, sweet treats are prepared, and parties are held. It’s a day in which parents and care givers can make it even more special for children. There are numerous gift ideas for children and teenagers on Valentine’s Day. The night prior to Valentine’s Day, and after the kids have gone to bed, place the gift(s) on the kitchen or dining room table. When they wake up, and head to the table for breakfast, they will have a special surprise waiting for them. The following gift ideas for children will help you celebrate the holiday.
Beauty Items
Buying for girls is much easier than for boys. Most girls will appreciate being given a bottle of red or pink nail polish. They may also enjoy new hair accessories, makeup or makeup bag. Older boys may appreciate masculine body spray or hair mouse or gel. Lip balm is a nice gift for either boys or girls. Simply consider what each child uses or may use, before buying beauty items.
Candy And Other Foods
Candy is the first edible treat parents and care givers consider when giving a gift to a child for this special day. For older children, such as teenagers, consider buying a special heart shaped box of chocolates. For younger children these boxes are typically available as most stores and hold about 4 pieces of chocolate. †Fill plastic bags or cellophane with red Swedish Fish candy, Cinnamon Bear candy, red licorice, or any other red, pink, purple or white candies. Purchase inexpensive storage containers and fill them each with treats, such as several individual bags of candies. These bags are typically sold for about 2 for $1.00, in most stores in the United States. The storage container can then be used by the child to organize items in their rooms.†
Include a food, snack or beverages that contain healthy vitamins and minerals. Example ideas are individual packets of snacks, individual drink bottles of fruit juices, and individual packages of cranberry snacks. Fresh fruits such as strawberries are another idea, however many fruits will need to stay refrigerated until eaten.
Any food or candy that is unique and is sold in red, purple, or pink packaging is a possible Valentine’s Day gift for children. While shopping, search the aisles for something unique and different, yet delicious. For example, in the International or Chinese section of most grocery stores, look for a sweet treat from Japan called Pocky
. It is a delicious crisp stick that is dipped in chocolate. The box for this treat is red, and it is also made with strawberry flavor
and sold in a pink box.†
Bake something sweet for children. There are numerous recipe Web sites on the Internet, and cookbooks available in most libraries, that offer holiday recipes for Valentine’s Day. Purchase a heart shaped cookie cutter to make cut out treats for cookies, or cut hearts from jello to make Jigglers. Make heart shaped lollipops in your own kitchen.
Give children the gift of a special Valentine’s Day meal. This could be breakfast served with heart shaped pancakes or a one color themed dinner with red foods
Clothing
Socks are fun to shop for. Just before the holiday arrives, visit stores for socks specifically made for Valentine’s Day. Boys or teenagers may prefer a t-shirt rolled up and tucked into a gift container.
Flowers And Potted Plants
Valentine’s Day has been associated with giving the gift of red or white carnations or red rose, pink, or white roses. If you are a parent looking for new and more creative ideas, consider giving a plant that is easy to care for. Teenagers especially, may appreciate the live plants for their bedrooms, such as a Snake plant, Spider plant or Lucky Bamboo plant
. Place a Valentine’s Day plant pick inside the plant or make one yourself.
Gum
There are so many various types of gum available today. Visit several stores to find a variety of gum packaged in Valentine’s Day colors, such as red, pink, white, and purple.
Jewelry
Be sure to check the type of metal that the jewelry you are considering, is not made from hazardous metals. Visit large department stores for discount prices on sterling silver and other safe jewelry for children. For boys, consider a personalized bracelet with the child’s initials or a dresser top organizer for change and small items. Teenagers may be interested in receiving a new tie tac.
Make It Handmade
Be creative and make children a Valentine’s Day gift, or part of a gift yourself. There are numerous free patterns on the Internet on how to make gifts. For example, crochet a for lip balm, bracelets or necklaces for girls or boys, or paint, stain or decoupage boxes. Visit craft stores in your area for supplies, and make the child’s gift even more special.
Movie Tickets
Teenagers who are driving and/or dating may appreciate the gift of two tickets to a local movie theater.†
Stationery Items
Children who love to draw or write will enjoy new pencils, pens, small notebooks, journals, or other similar materials. A simple red notebook with red or pink pencils can be appreciated by children of all ages. Other ideas in this category are coloring books, stickers, address books, and sticky notes. Teenagers may appreciate the sticky notes for school and home use. Younger children love to write reminder notes on them as well.
Stuffed Animals
Small stuffed animals are the perfect size gift for a child’s Valentine’s Day gift. They can be given as a gift by themselves, or tucked into a gift bag, basket, or reusable storage container. Consider the child’s interests and match the animal with each child. Does the child collect Webkinz animals? Each child will appreciate the stuffed animals when you have considered the child’s interests, hobbies and collections. Visit dollar stores and outlet stores for lower priced stuffed animals.
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