If you asked my husband what my favorite holiday is, he would probably tell you that it is whichever holiday is up next on the calendar. Which is partly true, however, I do have a few favorites. Somewhere at the top of the list would be Valentine’s Day! This year I decided to make my kiddos Valentines for their friends. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the little box of foldable cards. I can remember spending, what felt like, hours at the grocery store picking out the perfect box. I always read them to make sure there were enough to be appropriate for boys and girls. It was so exciting to carefully write each person’s name on the one that I picked especially for them. But with that also came prom-dress-syndrome, you know what I’m talking about, Susie Someone showed up with the exact same Valentines as you…Oh the disgrace. 😉 I digress.
On the menu this year is:
Car Crayons from Jack
Pink Play Dough from Maggie
A Lovable Valentine’s Trail Mix
Jack’s Valentines
My son loves cars and he loves to color, therefore we shall give the people a car with which you can color.
I bought three boxes of cheap crayons from Walgreens and peeled the paper off of them. If you’ve ever tried peeling the paper from the cheap crayons it is so much harder than the Crayolas! My thumb was so sore by the time I finished with one box. I then divided the colors into groups that were similar and melted them down in a pot. I then poured them into a candy mold that was shaped like cars and waited for them to dry.
Maggie’s Valentines
It feels like every day my darling daughter asks to play with play dough. She then gets in trouble because she can’t seem to keep it in the designated area. Alas, in honor of her love for the stuff I made Cherry Limeade Playdough.
This recipe was different because you didn’t have to cook it. Which was very nice.
-1 cup of salt
-1/4 cup of cream of tartar
-2 Tablespoons of oil (which ever kind you have)
-1 package of individual drink mix (Crystal Light, Power-Aid, Off Brand)
-2 cups of boiling water
Add the dry ingredients together and mix well. Heat your water to boiling and add the oil. Combine wet and dry and mix well. It will be crumbly and look gross. That’s when you throw it on the counter and kneed it until it’s smooth. Then roll it in to a log and cut into 2 inch pieces. Then roll those little guys into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
A Lovable Valentine’s Trail Mix
I’ve wanted to make this ever since I stumbled onto Quaker’s heart cereal a few years ago. It’s perfect (because they are hearts) and healthier than the cookies I usually make.
1 bag m&ms (milk, dark, whatever)
2 cups coconut flakes
1 bag yogurt covered raisins
1 bag dried cranberries
2 cups raw almonds
Pour it into a big bowl and mix it up!
Now for packaging. I have a collection of cute cello bags that I can’t resist picking up every year. However, this year I oped for a box of the sandwich bags (without the zip top) and came up with a tag to attach to the top. Disclaimer: I am a photographer. I am not a graphic designer or anyone who claims to be. I work with and am friends with some very talented designers, so if any of you are reading, please do not judge my simplistic tags. In spite of my shortcomings, I am attaching the files for you to use if you’d like.
If you would like to print the pdf, click on the link below. I promise, I’m happy for you to! No prom-dress-syndrome here.
Love these and wanted to make the car crayons last year, but never could find the molds. Do you mind sharing where you found them?
Yes! I ordered from amazon. They have a ton! Also check Joann’s or Walmart in the Wilton aisle
Oh, these are adorable! I’ve been wanting to make shaped crayons for awhile with all of our broken pieces….. maybe this will give me the courage!
Okay super mom, these are adorable. I thought I was big time when I bought pretzel bags instead of dollar store flat cards. Great post!