Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to have a party. Whether you are part of a support group, co-op, or a class, kids really look forward to Valentine's Day exchanges. When a party is on the agenda, everyone can contribute ideas to make it fun. Here are some tips to plan an easy and fun party.
Plan ahead. To avoid a rush, gather all of the party supplies a week in advance. Let everyone brainstorm ideas until the big shopping day arrives. With list in hand, find games and items for everyone.
Make cards. Challenge everyone to make Valentines for each participant by hand instead of buying them. From origami to rubber stamping, there are some great homemade Valentine ideas online. FamilyFun.com has dozens of ideas ranging from candy planes to Valentine butterflies. Remind moms that it is the kids' job to make the cards so they don't get stressed.
Dress each guest to celebrate at the party. For the girls, give them a candy necklace. Once the party is over, they can nibble at their necklaces for a sweet treat. For the boys, try candy whistles. It’ll be the most delicious sound they’ve ever made.
Start with some games. How about a game of hearts for the card players in the group? Go online and Google card games to find a simple version of the game for kids and adults to play at parties. Check out About.com for dozens of ideas.
Word games are fun at a party. Using the words, Happy Valentine’s Day, give kids two or three minutes to write down as many words as they can using those letters. The one with the most words wins a prize.
Give prizes. Prizes for games can be as simple as paper hearts that function as coupons. For example, create a coupon that can be traded in for a day with no chores or a five dollar gift from the store. The more prizes a person wins, the more coupons they can cash in. If you have invited people outside the family, have a separate prize basket with small prizes like teddy bears and candy.
Teach a craft. Kids love to make things so give them an opportunity to learn something new. Since spring comes right on the heels of winter, show them how to plant seeds in a flower pot. They can start their own herb garden that will grow indoors. Decorate the pots with hearts so kids will always remember the fun they had on Valentine’s Day. Check out AmazingMoms.com for some ideas.
Have a piñata. If the weather is nice, the kids can take turns whacking a Valentine’s Day piñata. The piñata can be a cupid, a heart, or something else related to Valentine’s Day. Each child gets three chances to bust it open. After that, the older party guests get a crack at it.
A Valentine’s Day party can bring lots of laughs and quality together time. Encourage old and young alike to participate for the most fun.
For more Valentine's Day resources, including lesson plans, unit studies, and craft ideas, visit our Valentine's Day Resource Page.
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