Special note: We have guest bloggers in the house today. This post was created by Meggin & Susan of Busy Balloon, party planners with a soon to be up-and-posting blog! In the meanwhile, check out the Busy Balloon Facebook page.
Ahhh, Valentine’s Day, the one day a year when we make every effort to tell our friends, family and loved ones how much we adore them. It’s awesome. Who doesn’t love flowers, chocolate, and presents? However, at the end of the day, after all of the cards and gifts, there’s usually a good amount of waste too. In an effort to keep the trash pile small this year, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for an eco-friendlier Valentine’s Day. And let’s face it – one less time to take out the trash is a gift in itself, especially during the chilly month of February!
Class Parties
Love Shacks
If you’re a classroom parent, you’re usually tasked with coming up with an activity during party time. Instead of the standard decorate-foam-hearts-to-keep-the-kiddos-busy, here’s an edible alternative. And if you see this and think, “There’s no way I’m doing that with 20+ kids”, it’s still a cute idea to do with your own kids at home. Here’s a great tutorial from WeHeartParties.com
Personalized Fruit
Looking for a healthy, no-waste option among the sea of individually wrapped sweets? Here’s a cute and simple way to spread the love (and some vitamin C during cold and flu season). You can use just about any fruit with the help of some edible markers. Full details available at Cakewhiz.com
Fun Socks
You can pick up inexpensive holiday socks anywhere – Target Dollar Spot, your local dollar store, etc. Topped with a sticker featuring your sock pun of choice, this is a cute valentine that will get lots of use. Pictured above is a free printable from thecraftingchicks.com
Plantable Paper
This one is a bit more labor intensive, but they are cute. Plus, it’s a chance to jump start a love of gardening with your kids, and to enjoy in your yard or on your windowsill once they bloom. Get the instructions over at hillcitybride.com.
Gift Ideas
Felt Envelopes
We love these reusable felt envelopes from Target. They are cute, inexpensive, and you can fill them with just about anything – candy, gift cards, small toys & games, or even jewelry. Personalize them like a stocking and they will become something to look forward to every year.
Goodie-filled Mason Jar
Decorate a mason jar and fill with small candy of choice. To make it a gift to be used for years to come, attach a battery-operated tea light candle and a note reading, “After the candy has run low, let my love for you continue to glow.” Voila! Candy dispenser turned future decoration. For instructions on making the jar pictured here, check out YesterdayonTuesday.com
Games
There’s no gift more valuable than some quality time with the ones you love, especially when it involves laughter and fun. Personalize something ordinary, like a card game or this popular block game for a gift that will keep on giving, and create lifelong memories. You can find detailed instructions over at Brit + Co.
We hope these ideas inspire you to spread the love this Valentine’s Day.
XOXO
Meggin & Susan
