Crafting & DIY

I have always been a gift giver, so these tips for gifting on Valentine’s Day to friends are ones I know work and are appreciated.  It’s hard to juggle all of our responsibilities, and while a spouse or significant other may treat us to a romantic date on Valentine’s Day, sometimes it is nice to be noticed by our friends and family.  This year, we took the time to create a simple basket of treats for our neighbor who has become a great friend.  Why?  Because Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love, but also love for everyone.

Tips For Choosing Valentine’s Day Gifts For Friends

This post was sponsored by Family Christian and came at just the right time to create a wonderful basket of gifts for our friend.  You see, gifting is something that is personal and can be used to show love in a simple way that others need.  Whether it is a book of quotes or scripture for encouragement or a simple bookmark that reminds them of your love, giving a friend a gift will carry with them far longer than a piece of candy or a slice of cake.  I love that I was able to give my friend a little boost of love, and know that what we sent her would grace her home for years to come as a reminder of our love.

Think about their current needs. Sometimes you may know that your friend has been sick, is struggling in their marriage or maybe has financial struggles.  For some it could be a tragedy or a death in their family that is presenting them with pain and needs.  It may even be the need for a break to take a nap while you watch their kids.  Whatever their need, try to find a way you can fill it or offer encouragement.

While you may not be able to “fix” their problems, you can consider them still when choosing a gift.  Our friend has been a wonderful support to us, and while I don’t know all of her specific needs right now, I know I want to show her we are here for her. Even though I didn’t know her specific needs, I was able to offer her a simple book of God’s promises and helps for when you are in need.  I know these words will bring her encouragement when she needs it most.  They can also remind her that we love her and are there for her.

Think about their emotional needs.  Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we are strong and capable.  The Tree of Life necklace was a great reminder to me that I am strong and supported.  I knew that with her wonderful taste in fashion, it would fit perfectly into her wardrobe and serve as a reminder that no matter what, she too had support from us as her family.

Think about a splurge they won’t make for themselves.  A simple journal and bookmark were a great addition to our treats for her.  She is careful about what she spends, and much like any woman who is trying to do the best for their family – she rarely takes time to just treat herself.  These little things aren’t much but they are something special just for her.  You could include a gift card, a candy bar, a special manicure kit or a book you know they have been wanting.

Choosing Valentine’s Day gifts for your friends can be a fun adventure.  They don’t have to cost a ton of money.  They simply have to include some great thoughtful items that show your love and appreciation.

Thanks to Family Christian for giving me the opportunity to share love with my friends this year for Valentine’s Day. 

With the day of romance and love approaching you may be scrambling to come up with an affordable date night idea. These Simple Frugal Valentine’s Date Ideas are sure to please you and your lover on this special day. We love doing things like these on a regular basis, but can easily bump it up a notch or two with a little more romance for the “day of love”.  Whether you are in a new relationship, or have been married for years these are some great ideas to get you started on a special day or evening with your love this year.

SIMPLE FRUGAL VALENTINE’S DATE IDEAS

Give massages. Grab some massage oil and set the mood with candles and soft music. Take turns giving each other a massage. Enjoy special treats like chocolate covered strawberries, speciality chocolates or a nice glass of wine. You can limit expenses by splurging on just a few special things and stay in for the evening.  This is even perfect for those who can’t afford a babysitter, but want to have some romance after the kids go to bed  For a super limited budget, you can use coconut oil instead of pricey massage oils.  Not only will a little go a long way, it will easily melt and warm with the heat of your hands.  Burning a fragrant candle or diffusing some essential oils can help to set the romantic mood.

At home movie marathon. Men can volunteer to watch chick flicks, or ladies can volunteer to watch the action and war movies. Set up an at home theater with pillows, blankets, pop corn, candy and soda. Snuggle and hold hands like you did as teenagers.  This is also a great way to dig out that fist movie you watched together.  A great way to reconnect, reminisce and enjoy a special memory together.

Visit an art gallery. Many galleries offer special events around Valentine’s Day featuring some of the most romantic pieces. Check into your local venues and enjoy a low cost or often free experience that features beautiful local or international art work.  Skip the fancy meal out, and opt for a special dessert after your gallery visit instead.  Coffee and cake, ice cream or even fresh warm cookies can be a great way to end your quiet evening together.

Living room picnic. Since Valentine’s Day typically ends up being in cold weather for most people, taking a traditional picnic can be too cold. Instead grab the blankets, basket and bottle of wine or sparkling cider and create a simple and fun at home living room picnic.  You can serve literally any meal, or go with things like fresh fruit, chocolate, cheese and crackers for a more romantic take on a picnic.  A pizza and sodas is even a great option depending on the couple and their preferences.

Hold a video game tournament. Get the game systems out and rent a new game at the local kiosk to surprise the man in your life with an impromptu video game tournament. Let him teach you how to play, or learn a new game together. Grab a pizza and some snacks for when you get hungry. Make sure to relax and enjoy the time together.  This will appeal to his fun loving nature while giving you time to connect in a fun and light hearted way.  This is especially good for those couples who get caught up in the day to day stress of work, budgets, life and kids.  Relaxing and behaving like kids again can make this a special time where you can both feel free to be yourself with each other.

Romance and love should be a part of your life and relationship every day. Don’t let stress, life and daily frustrations get in the way. These simple frugal Valentine’s date ideas should give you and your lover just what you need to reconnect and enjoy the spirit of the holiday together.  Even when your budget is limited, you can do many things to connect with each other and feel love and romance.  My Beau and myself often have to simply enjoy an hour of television together after the Wee Child goes to bed as a way to connect.  When there is a lack of a babysitter and finances are tight, it means making the time and effort to connect in other ways.  These frugal Valentine’s date ideas are just the beginning of the numerous ways you can show your significant other how important they are to you.

I am so excited to share these great non-candy Valentine’s Day gifts ideas with you courtesy of our good friend Katie from The Homespun Hydrangea.  She has a lovely blog and some great ideas to share with us here about how to give treats that aren’t chock full of candy to your kids, friends and family this year!

Valentine’s Day is a day for sweet treats and eats, but what if you want to steer clear of sugary foods? Or, what if your special diet restricts them altogether? There are many reasons why a person may wish to avoid sugar and fatty snacks during the holiday, which is why it is good to explore non-candy Valentine’s Day gifts options you have. Not sure where to begin? Then take a look below at 7 non-candy Valentine’s Day gift ideas perfect for the sweethearts in your life! After all, aren’t they sweet enough as they are? Take a peek at the great ideas below!

7 Non-Candy Valentine’s Day Gifts Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links. 

1. Nail Polish
This is an excellent idea for young ladies, pre-teens, teachers, and co-workers. Nail polish in a Valentine’s Day color such as pink, purple, or red is perfect for the Valentine’s Day season and gift giving. Plus, it is a gift that will last many uses, not just one like a candy bar would. Pair with a colorful nail file for an extra touch.

2. Hand lotion/sanitizer.
Hand lotion and sanitizer always come in handy! In fact, this is one of those Valentine’s Day gifts that keeps giving long after the holiday.  Gift these items to students, teachers, coworkers, or anyone who could use them. Choose a sweet or floral scent that compliments the holiday well, and add some ribbon for a festive touch.

3. Playing cards.
You can gift your Valentine a deck of playing cards along with a note that reads, “You are my King/Queen of hearts.” This is the perfect gift for a person who loves card games or games in general. Wrap them up with some ribbon and you are all set.  You may even find speciality cards that suit their personality specifically like these Hunger Games playing cards that are under $5!

4. Candles.
Doesn’t everyone love candles? Gift your Valentine their favorite sent along with a note that they “light up” your life. You can find holiday scents or dress up an everyday scented candle with some colorful ribbon or a gift bag. This is one of my personal favorite Valentine’s Day gifts ideas to receive and give.  Chose this gift that any candle lover is sure to get use out of.

5. Socks.
Getting socks as a kid isn’t exciting, but getting socks as an adult always is! Head to Dollar Tree and snag some Valentine’s Day themed socks for your sweetheart. They are sure to appreciate the gesture and enjoy something so practical.  I especially love the fuzzy socks or toe socks as a fun change from the basic black and white we often wear.

6. A Picture Frame.
What could be better than a picture frame that showcases you and your sweetheart in it? Give your Valentine a framed picture of the two of you to enjoy for years to come. If you wish, you can even paint and decorate the frame to your liking.  You could even branch out and have a special picture taken just for them to make it extra special.

7. The gift of music.
If your Valentine loves music, why not gift them an iTunes gift card? You can also gift them their favorite CD. Pair these gifts with some new headphones and you have the perfect gift for the music lover in your life!  Another fun option is to create your own love song “mix tape” or playlist to share with them!

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be about just treats and sweets. Take a look at this list of non-food treats for your Valentine and see if some of the items don’t inspire you to switch up your gift giving this year!

Check out our other great Valentine’s Day ideas!

Printable Coupon Book For Valentine’s Day

Simple Frugal Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Free Valentine’s Day Word Search Printable For Kids

Valentine’s Day is so close and I love having some fun Valentine’s Day printables and crafts on hand for those busy days when the kids need something to occupy their time! Around this time each year, we love to do lots of crafts and print out fun stuff to do. I scoured the Internet to find some fun printables that our readers would enjoy. I love all of the creativity out there on the Internet for sure. V-day is that one time a year you can get away with all of the fun heart stuff. One of my favorite things is making stuff for other people and giving it to them. That may be so kindergartner-ish, but it’s fun! If my sons or husband can take the time to show they love me though a letter, printable, coloring page, or craft, I will do the same. Check out these coloring pages, printables, crafts, and other fun Valentine’s Day stuff!

25 Valentine’s Day Printables And Crafts

1. Free Valentine’s Day Color Pages from You Brew My Tea
2. Printable Coupon Book For Valentine’s Day from You Brew My Tea
3. Printable Valentine’s Day Word Search For Kids from You Brew My Tea
4. Lunch Box Notes and Jokes from Craftaholics Anonymous
5. Printable Non-Candy Valentines from I Can Teach My Child
6. Love Bugs from Mom Luck
7. Rainbow Heart Suncatchers from Fireflys & Mudpies
8. Burlap Heart Wreath from Where The Smiles Have Been
9. Kids’ Candy Huggers from Lia Griffith
10. Heart Banner from Eighteen 25
11. Mustache and Lip Printables from I Heart Naptime
12. Heart Caterpillar Craft from Crafty Morning
13. DIY Valentine Initial Mugs from Sugar Bee Crafts
14. Subway Art Printable from Catch My Party
15. Gem of a Friend Printable from Bloom Design Online
16. Fruits with Messages from Cake Whiz
17. Soda Can Candy Bouquets from Miss Kopy Kat
18. Easy Valentine Art from Artsy Chicks Rule
19. Gummy Wine Hearts from Thrive Style
20. Donut Forget Me Printable from The 36th Avenue
21. Chic Printable Signs from We Heart Parties
22. Sugar Scrub Recipe with Printable from Your Beauty Blog
23. Heart Cards Garland from Happiness Homemade
24. Printable Monster Valentine’s Memory Card Game from Gluesticks and GumDrops
25. Origami Heart Valentine Gifts For Kids To Make from Mainly Homemade

I love getting the kids involved in making gifts and crafts for the holidays.  Even these Valentine’s Day printables and crafts are a great way not only to teach them how to cut, color, paste and write messages, but also about giving to others.  Valentine’s Day is a great holiday to focus on showing love.  It’s not just about romance, but also about loving the people around us.  To show love with the kids, we focus on giving something special to those around us.  That includes doing things like taking cookies or treats to friends, sending these cards and notes to those we love, or even when money allows buying a special meal for someone.

There are so many great Valentine’s Day printables, crafts, recipes and gift ideas out there that focus on romance.  This year, why not spend a bit more time showing love outside your romantic relationships by working on these fun things with your kids as a great winter day project everyone will enjoy!

Check out our other great Valentine’s Day focused posts! 

7 Fun & Frugal Valentine’s Day Activities For Kids

7 Non-Candy Valentine’s Day Ideas

Simple Frugal Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Valentine’s Day Pencil Toppers

Valentine’s Day Puzzle Piece Frame

Do you have a big family meal every year for Christmas?  Maybe you are like some and open your home up to those who may not have family to spend the holiday with.  Whatever your tradition is, this Free Printable Christmas Menu Planner & Grocery List is great to keep you on track.  Use this to plan out your menu from appetizers to desserts.  Then on the bottom half you have the great place to create a grocery list.  This keeps it all in one place so you don’t forget any ingredients.

FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS MENU PLANNER & GROCERY LIST

For as long as I can remember, our only Christmas tradition as a family was to spend Christmas Eve at my grandparents house.  The last few years that has changed as my grandparents aged and spent time in nursing homes prior to their death.  This year will be the first year without my Granny.  I know it will be a tough holiday for my Daddy, and I hope we can manage to make it a little bit easier.

I am planning to offer to cook for the holiday this year.  We only have a few people in our family that come, so it doesn’t have to be a large meal.  We may even do something simple like appetizers, dips, sandwiches and similar.  I love that this free menu planner has places not just for your menu – but that menu broken down into all of the courses and needs helps a ton.  For those who plan large meals with multiple courses, or perhaps want to have a potluck where they assign dishes to individuals, this is a great help.  Planning your holiday event is much easier when you have easy to use resources like this.

Print your Menu Planner & Grocery List Here!

Looking for ideas of great menu items for your Christmas meal? Check out our favorites!

Loaded Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Wild Rice Pilaf

Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Garlic Roasted Purple Cabbage & Cauliflower

Easy Roasted Broccoli

Easy Crockpot Roasted Chicken