Valentine Fun Ideas (Cheap and Easy)

This year, most of us are feeling the financial pinch and also wondering what to do for Valentines weekend. My children get out of school Friday (Teacher Comp Day) through Monday (President's Day) and so it will be a long weekend. Some Valentine Ideas: For that someone special in your life: Purchase, recycle, reuse a pretty apothecary-type jar with a ribbon around it. On the front you might label: Happiness Notes. For example: *Joseph's Happiness Notes These notes are guaranteed to uplift, encourage, and please you. To be drawn at the rate of one per week (or day).

1. Good for an evening of undivided attention playing a computer game (Age of Mythology, Fiesta, etc.).
2. Good for one special moonlight walk together.
3. Good for a dessert of your choice (cookies, chewy brownies, )
4. Good for one extra long back rub.
5. Good for a Redbox movie of your choice.
6. Good for a quiet evening reading the book of your choice.
7. Good for a romantic evening together.
8. Good for a special big kiss.
9. Good for a pedicure: foot soak, rub, and massage with lotion.
10. Good for one extra special dinner request.

And the list goes on and on with the things that Joe really likes. The children also like the Valentines Bird which leaves love notes, small presents or sweets for them. We like to decorate sugar cookies and chocolate heart cookies. Another idea is a *Valentine Tree. (This is especially fun for the ones in your life whose love language is appreciation.) Go out into the yard and select a branch from a tree. Cut it. You may spray paint it white (in a well ventilated area). "Plant it" in a flower pot with marbles or stones, etc. Let children decorate it with Valentine hearts and love notes. [This same tree can be used for any holiday with added decorations such as shamrocks, colored eggs, etc.] * From a book I purchased secondhand called, "A Family Raised on Rainbows" by Beverly Nye. **From Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages.