It might seem strange to plan for Valentine's day but if you want to get eat you might want to think now about making reservations or order flowers now is the time to do that for sure.

If you have children start looking at what's for sell so you will know where you want to take them to buy their stuff. Prices vary quite a bite. Also some places are having a 40% off coupons so use them for this valentines. You will need to find out how many are in their classroom to buy the right numbers too.

I make a valentine's goodies bag for my kids. I bought the first of the candy last night on sell. I don't plan on doing as much candy this year since DD just had a baby. I'm sure she doesn't want me too and DGS doesn't need it. Might send them a pizza coupon since their oven has gone out.

I did get the kids at school a little snack candy. For the teachers I work with I have all the frozen Christmas goodies I'm going to defrost.

As far as decorations I got some cute old fashion kid valentine's from PB to use as vase filler. I'll decorated the table and the cabinet in the den and that will be it. I'll put my red ribbon wreath on the door though. Last year I had a single women's party but I'm not this year.

Does anyone else want to join me?

Cindy

DD2 keeps asking me what we're going to give this year. I told her I just want to get through DD1's bday party first (Fri).

She did make a bunch of handwritten valentines for her family.

both girls have almost 25 kids in their classes and I like to give something that isn't complete junkfood. When I was in school we just gave cards now almost everyone here gives a treat as well.

Oh oops, I just remembered too that I am on the party committee for DD2's class... must call the other co-chair...

I like to give the kids a fruit snack for halloween. They sell boxes of them at a reasonable price, so it doesn't cost an arm and a leg and is a little healthier I think.

I will put up a few things. Making some little gifts for my kids and family. Want to bake and send them something for valentine's day or some candy. Will decide next week.

My girls tell me that's what we gave last year for Val was fruit snacks ~ I feel the same way. Somebody gave them something I thought was really cool (non food) but I can't remember what it was...

Canadagirl I love you can't remember. I have lots of those.

I usually give little fruit snacks but this year I got a bag of skittles instead. I got a bunch more in the bag and I'll use the extra for a treat later. Also I have around 140 kids that I give stuff to so I have think in volume.

I don't do a lot of decorating for Valentines but I did like to put a little something out. Who knows I might get someone by then. I don't waste my money on flowers though. Later in the month they are cheaper.

Cindy

Ladies try a small notebook labeled gift giving. When I was married and had lots of nieces and nephews to give things to, I would write down what was sent for each birthday holiday or whatever. Then I didn't have to think what was done and it was all in one place. I would title the top of the page with the year and write name and occassion with the items given. It also helps so that you don't feel like you are losing it when you can't remember!!!

Maureen: These are some of the non-food items I would buy from the dollar stores to give to DD's classmates for St. Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Halloween, etc.; often, they were holiday themed to go with the holiday being celebrated:

- Pencils - usually 10 to a packet for $1;

- Erasers - again 10 or more to a packet. If not holiday themed, then, some decorative ones.

- Stickers

- small note/memo books (usually 3-5 to a packet; break out the packets and give 1 to each child)

- those sponges that "grow" into animals, flowers, etc.

good ideas Bless ~ I've done pencils/erasers and playdough. Will have to check the dollar sections when I'm in the city this week. I check at a local discount store but they didn't have anything in their dollar section. I think I still have some pencils from last year (bought for a bday party and forgot to give ~ or maybe they were holiday but pinks and reds)

good idea BL ~ right now my kids memories are better than mine in even remembering where I might keep a gift giving notebook LOL

I did pick up a couple of boxes of cards today and I found some of the handmade ones I started last year...

Maureen, I kept mine with my bill paying area so I knew it wouldn't disappear. Though I don't use it now, I still have it and can look back on other family members and friends and also use it for future ideas for new people on my gift lists.

I do agree with bless on the dollar store. The trick there is to get in as soon as they old holiday is over to get the best pick for the new stuff as they sell out super fast.

good luck

Everyone has such good ideas. I kind of wished I had thought of pencils instead of the candy for Valentines. Might do it for one class. They've been really good and I really like them.

I might decorate this weekend if I have extra time. My evergreens are fading so it would be a perfect time. I need to throw them out. Also I have been having full weeks so checking things off makes me feel like I've gotten something done.

Cindy