It’s another heart-felt holiday full of treats and candy food-allergy kiddos can’t fully enjoy. Food restrictions are . . . special. And we all know holidays can test a real mom’s survival skills. From preparing the hearts of our little ones as they head to school to expect not to be able to eat any of their party treats, to figuring out what the heck we can give to them that’s red, pink, and heart shaped, but won’t end with us uncapping an epi pen.
Enter rebel moms who just said no to pink heart shaped suckers and those chalky conversation sweethearts candy your kiddos could pass out, but not eat. Because of you, I can turn to Pinterest this Valentine’s Day. The clouds open wide and the hallelujah chorus is singing. I have found the holy grail of non-food allergy friendly valentine’s for my special eater this Valentine’s. Here are my top favorites:
1. Valentine Bubble Printables
I am not sure how I can top this one. Forget the rest of the favorites on the list! Jillian, from Hellosplendid.com mic dropped with these “momable” valentines. For one, these are so stinking cute. And two, she has a cute card that pairs with the bubbles that are kid cuttable. Apparently I like to make up words. Anyway, the card is free, printable, and even has cutting guide lines to make it a kid involved activity. She won my heart over at free. You just need some card stock, (hit up your local hobby lobby with the 40 percent off coupon on its app), and you’ll have just dominated Valentine’s this year.
2. Friendship Bracelet Valentines
Shout out to all my moms with kids who like to get their craft on. Danyelle at dandee-designs.com kept it simple for us. This is the one we will be attempting this year. Our daughter LOVES to craft and just so happens to have been practicing her braiding skills. Spot on for a simple braided friendship bracelet. It also comes with a free printable, SCORE! You definitely have to check this one out. I think it could be a really fun and easy one. This one would be more geared towards 6+ age group . . . unless momma plans on taking on the work load.
3. Valentine Cards with a Purpose
I found these DIY valentine’s cards and my heart just melted. They are super simple. Card stock and washi tape is all you will need for this one. Each card prompts your child to write one thing they like about the person to receive the card. Guaranteed to make each classmate or friend feel extra special.
4. Valentine Fortune Tellers
Remember those days you based your future on the color and number within a paper fortune teller? Formally known as the “cootie catcher.” We are bringing it back! If you and your child want to steer clear of the typical card and they can follow folding instructions, this printable fortune teller would be a hit for third graders and above.
Bonus: I found a Valentine jokes version of the fortune teller!
5. Kinetic Sand Valentine
This could be a fun and slightly messy (but mostly fun) project to do together. You can either go super DIY and make your own kinetic sand, or buy the kinetic sand and just let the kiddos fill up the cups and paste on the printable label. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t love kinetic sand. I catch myself playing with it, watching it grow, and move. This fun Valentine’s craft could be perfect for a toddler or teen to put together.
6. Super Hero Valentine
Where are all my boy moms? I feel like any of the previous ideas could be tailored to boys, like using all blue kinetic sand or boy favored washi tape. But these, girl or boy, scream super hero fan and all things super fun. This is a Valentine that would last far beyond Valentine’s Day. Gina from East Coast Mommy Blog created and shared her idea of making superhero masks with coordinating printable tags to attach to them. Make sure you check this out, they are bound to be a super hit with the class!
7. Sparkly Valentine’s Day Slime Favors
This one, is my last find for creating a non-food Valentines gift for your kiddo to pass out to friends. And every kiddo is going to love this one. Nothing says I love you friend, like a “Be Mine Valen-Slime” labeled jar full of, you guessed it. . . slime. Your toddler or elementary-going wild child will have a blast cooking up some slime this Valentine’s Day.
Good luck this Valentine’s Day momma! May the force, and hobby lobby, be with you!
The Fort Worth Moms Blog hosts 19 Neighbor Groups via Facebook, including the Fort Worth Food Allergy Moms. These groups are free to join and offer online and offline opportunities to build relationships and gain resources from other moms in the area.
Ashley is a Californian at heart, but has since found a deep love for DFW. Ashley spends most of her time producing her Today’s Eden podcast and writing about motherhood, faith, natural wellness, and marriage on Todayseden.com. Married to her husband, Dalton, whom she met on Facebook while he was serving in Iraq, she is currently a survivor to two amazing and strong willed children. Entrepreneur and mom tribe encourager, you can find her in black yoga pants or doing car karaoke in her mom van almost any day of the week.
