Valentine's Day Gifts

I have a rule for Valentine's Day: If it takes longer to make than the amount of time the kids will enjoy it, don't make it. I had to remind myself of this as I scrolled through Pinterest ideas. I know my kids will enjoy these small things, and they didn't take me long to put together. This year we are staying away from chocolate because we still have some left over from Christmas. Plus (confession time), I some how end up eating it. Here are their reading specialist/mommy approved gifts:

My 9 month old is getting Cheerios and a sweet book. Each page has a little animal and the noise it makes. Simple.

My 3 year olds are getting a sticker book, Goldfish, construction paper, and a glue stick.

The sticker books only cost $1.00 at AC Moore. I love how they have facts and designated places for the stickers. I gave them the sea and wildlife versions of these books a year ago. They loved matching up the stickers and talking about the animals. They wanted to reread the books with me once all of the stickers were put in. Now, that they are older they'll have a little bit more independence while working on those fine motor skills.

Here's a peek inside Animal Friends Sticker Book.

I gave them a few sheets of construction paper from the pack. Once they have their hands on it, they tend to go through it quickly. A few sheets at a time slows them down.

One thing my girls love to do with construction paper and glue sticks is glue cutouts from magazines and draw around them. Every now and then I cut out pictures and letters for them. Usually they'll find a letter, glue it on, say something like "Look! This one is for Katie," and point to the letter K.

The girls are at the very beginning of using scissors. I'm excited for when I can just give them the magazines. It's worth the extra two minutes of cutting though.


What gifts are you giving this year ?