A Little Romance

Let the kids take the lead when it comes to choosing or making Valentine's Day cards.

• One and all. Encourage kids to include all classmates on their Valentine's Day list so no one feels left out. Be sure to remember teachers and school staff, too.
• Think inside the box. Allow kids to buy boxed cards if that's their preference, but help them personalize the sentiment by decorating envelopes with stickers, stamps and drawings.
• Get creative. You don't have to spend money on commercial valentines--create something unique instead. Use a cookie cutter to trace heart shapes on red or pink cardstock or construction paper. Cut out pictures from magazines for charming collages. Recycle old valentines: mount fronts of cards on heavy red or pink paper or flattened cupcake liners, and decorate with ribbon bows.
• Immitation is the highest form of flattery. Check out poetry books from the library to help older kids think about messages to put on their valentines.
• Poets who know it. Have younger kids pen poetry using a "Roses are Red, Violets are blue" theme. Or show them how to write a love note that expresses why they appreciate someone: "How do I like you? Let me count the ways…"
  
  

Cookie and cupcake lovers of all ages will treasure something home-baked and decorated by hand, even if it starts with a mix.

• Almost homemade. Cut refrigerator sugar cookie dough into heart shapes and decorate with icing and candy sprinkles; bake as directed. Place each cookie in a plastic bag and tie with red ribbon. Cut out paper hearts for gift tags.
• Love me tender. These Black Bottom Cupcakes come with a gooey cream cheese center, so there's no need for icing. To add a secret message, place a large conversation heart candy in the cream cheese just before baking.
• Sweet heart. It might not come in a box from Tiffany's, but this butter cookie necklace is better than bling! Make it a key chain instead of a necklace by shortening the red licorice strand.