Valentines Day is right around the corner! Usually, I’m a little more into it especially with the kids but this year I feel drained with all things Covid. It is what is is though, and we must press forward, so let’s do it! Here are some fun Valentines activities with photoshoot and valentines craft ideas.
These are some fun ideas to help spark some creativity while not spending a ton of money. It’s always good to enjoy the moment and celebrate the small things because once it’s done, you’ll feel better. It’s also a great way to make memories with your kids!
Valentines Activities- Picture Ideas
What’s more fun the than a photoshoot? Now more than ever it’s easier to take great pictures at home and even on just your cellphone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for photographers and their talent but there are moments when you either don’t have the time to schedule something or it’s out of your current budget. Below are some of my favorite valentines picture ideas!
This adorable picture is from The Pregnant Chicken First Valentines Day Photo Ideas. Easy and adorable!
from ThePregnantChicken
I LOVE this idea of an adorable outfit (which isn’t Valentines specific and can easily be used on any other day as well!) along with some balloons! It’s from Take Time For Style.
from TakeTimeForStyle
This picture is super easy as it just requires some heart garland for the background and a larger poster heart.
Here’s another adorable photo that has lots of red, garland and balloons. Garland and balloons are always a way to dress up pictures that you want to take. The best part is, you only need a small area, you don’t have to do a whole room.
Spreading love! This photo would be super easy to create by cutting out some hearts and tape them on the wall and you have an adorable photo!
Valentines Crafts
The possibility with mason jars are endless! Just like my previous post on mason jar craft ideas, you can decorate them for valentines day to use at home or to give to someone.
This heart table runner is so easy to do and absolutely adorable!
from A Night Owl Blog
This is sure to bring a smile to kids faces as they make themselves into a valentines ladybug!
from The Best Ideas for Kids
I love gifts that help brighten things up, or are useful beyond the day. These succulent valentines are a great idea! Not into succulents? The decorated pot works great too! They will be useful for a long time!
from A Night Owl Blog
Find some old tree branches in the yard, paint them and cut out some hearts to make this adorable valentines tree!
from The House That Lars Built
These gnome Valentine crafts are cute and fun to create! They’re easy to make and allow you to get creative with decorations!
from I Heart Crafty things
Another fun option combining pictures and crafting! These Valentine Balloon crafts are these adorable cards using your child’s picture and then making hearts and drawing strings a the balloons. These make a great memory or gift for loved ones!
from The Best Ideas for Kids
This Valentine Heart Garland is great for decorating or creating your own photo backdrops!! Some construction paper or decorative card stock is all you need to get started along with some string!
One of my favorite finds, 100 Dollar Store Valentines Day Decor Ideas because there is so much you can put together and make with dollar store finds that in the end would cost you way more to buy than just making it.
It’s still a off year, but especially as moms we do our best to push forward and make memories for our kids that are good ones. It’s simple Valentines activities such as pictures and crafts that help us to that without losing our sanity attempting it. Do you have any plans for Valentines day? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Looking for Valentine Gift Ideas?
Tassels are pretty, can be used on keychains, home décor, or furniture to dress it up and make it personal which is why these DIY Tassel Craft ideas fun. They also make great gift ideas because you can make a lot of them and not spend a fortune! You can also customize the colors, thickness, and lengths that you make.
Gift idea for: House warming, friends, teachers. They are also cute to personalize and use on a backpack as well as a back to school gift!
4 easy Tassel Crafts
1.Furniture
Tassels are great to use on drawers, cabinets, and even added to things like pillows. There are so many possibilities to get creative with them.
2. Keychains
These keychains are cute and add in some beads to personalize them!
3. Easy DIY Tassel Keychain
Know someone who looses their keys often? This is a pretty way to help them keep track of them!
4. Tassel Tutorial
I love the different size selections this tutorial shows. These are simple, straightforward but lovely and elegant at the same time!
Tassels are a great way to create affordable gifts for people and have them be thoughtful and useful. Other fun ideas are diy bookmarks, jar gifts, and washi tape crafts!
When You Are Broke at Christmas
Christmas isn’t all about what you can buy. It’s difficult to remember that when you can afford things, let alone when you can’t. The stress from trying to figure out what to buy for whom can be overwhelming. People will often tell you “well, if you can’t afford it then don’t.” It’s not that simple though when you are someone who just loves to give, it eats away at you and takes you down a rabbit hole of sadness.
What Do You Do?
Have a Movie Night
Plan it with a classic movie that is coming on tv or available to stream. Pop some microwave popcorn, grab some candy from the dollar store and spend time together. People will often forget the gift itself, but they’ll remember how it made them feel. This is true for kids and adults. Never underestimate the value of quality time.
Make Treats
Whether you do it as a family as an activity to make memories, or you are looking for something to give people you love, making treats is a great way to accomplish both. Check out these easy treats for the holidays that are easy to do and even include some non-baking options!
Jar Gifts
Another easy to make, affordable gift are jar gifts. This could be a soup mix in a jar, spices in a jar, or even body/foot scrubs in a jar. They are pretty, thoughtful and will be useful to the recipient!
Craft Gifts
Making a wooden sign, a personalized cup, notebook or pencil holder are also great ideas that allow you to involve the kids and are great ideas for gifts to those you love. Finding a notebook at the dollar store that you take the time to decorate with washi tape is just as meaningful as finding a $20 journal that you would gift but it is worth even more because of the time you put into it.
Another fun thing to do, especially with kids is make Christmas ornaments to give. These are great because each year they come out to remind you of the memories doing them together. They also make great family gifts!
Broke at Christmas with Kids
When you’re broke at Christmas and you have kids it does make it feel even harder. Keep in mind though that many times, it is ourselves putting that pressure on. Make it special by spending time together watching Christmas movies, baking, checking out lights and drinking hot cocoa. Even the act of making presents for people is a great way to spend time together and show your kids the value in thoughtfully creating things.
Remember, you don’t have to have a pile of presents. After all, many times kids have one or two things they actually play with and then the rest gets set aside. Yes, the idea of opening fifteen presents sounds fun but in reality, it means most of it won’t be touched after it’s opened. The important part about any gift giving is making in meaningful. Don’t underestimate a child’s ability of gratitude, they are pretty amazing when it comes down to it. In doing this, you also help set them up for a realistic approach to life and understanding they don’t need everything that is out there.
Crafty gifts are a great idea because it’s not only something cool to open, but also gives them an activity to do!
Check out these creative options:
Washi Tape Crafts
Slime
Homemade Body Scrubs
If you are struggling with putting presents under the tree, there are places to get assistance with Christmas, such as local organizations and churches that do toy drives and can help you. Everybody struggles from time to time, just as you are willing to give a helping hand; understand that sometimes you’ll need that helping hand too and there’s no shame in that.
Mason Jar Craft Ideas can be used for your own home or for a gift that you want to give. The really great thing is you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy a pack of Mason Jars. You can also use things like spaghetti sauce containers for many of these craft ideas. When something can be repurposed into something new and be effective, it’s always a good thing to do! Don’t forget to check out these jar gift recipe options for more ideas!
Back to school Striped Mason Jars
These adorable striped mason jars are great for back to school, teachers appreciation, or a holiday gift. The same idea could be applied for home to… give it a Kate Spade feel with some black and white stripes!
Water Color Mason Jars
These Water Color Jars are beautiful and simple to do. Again, perfect for brightening up your home or offering as a gift.
Painted Mason Jars
Painted jars do wonders to transform them! For jars this size you could recycle a pesto jar to create something new with it.
Glitter Mason Jars
Dress up jars with glitter and tape to make a fun, personalized jar!
Glittery Winter Mason Jars
Mason Jars make great flower holders, even for fake arrangements! This one is a pretty glittery winter option that could be used as holiday decoration, a housewarming gift, or a present!
Mason Jar Vases
Another great way to dress up a jar and make something new and unique!
Mason Jar Pencil (Supply)Holders
These would be great to help organize kids craft crayons/pencils/markers! They are easy to do and would make a fun family project! They also make great teacher gifts!
Dinosaur Topped Mason Jars
These Dinosaur Topped Mason Jars could be used to store things, a party, or even a fun alternative to a “gift basket.”
Mason Jar Cupcake Holder
Baking is always a heart felt thing to do but sometimes it would feel a little awkward to present someone with just a cupcake. That is, until now. Use a jar to create an easy cupcake holder that you can add a bow and personalization to creating a total package!
Self care is something we often neglect because we’re busy and it feels like an extra step that we can do without. The fact is though, in order to take care of others we have to take care of ourselves. You don’t expect a car to run without gas (or an electric charge in some cases). Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for Christmas, birthday, or a way to say ‘thank you’ a DIY sugar scrub are a great answer. They are also a great idea if you are just looking for a way to save some money but still take care of you also. Check out Self Care Gift Ideas for Her for more gift suggestions!
Lip Scrubs
Lip scrubs exfoliate and make lips feel so soft and smooth! These are especially nice during winter months when the air is dryer! Exfoliating and cleansing your lips on a weekly basis will keep them soft and help them to retain moisture allowing those painful cracks to be avoided.
DIY Honey Vanilla Lip Scrub from Fit as a Mama Bear
DIY Lip Scrub from The Honest Co.
Lip Scrub from Blessed Beyond Crazy
Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are pretty and oh so useful when it comes to making your skin feel soft and beautiful. The scrubs help promote skin cell turnover, remove dead cells from the skins surface, soften rough skin and draw out impurities. They are also a great way to relax after a long day! These DIY scrubs are a perfect idea for kids or adult gifts that are not only pretty and useful but affordable for you as well.
Mermaid Body Scrub
For the Disney Fans in your life you could make this “Ariel’s Scrub”!
Mint Body Scrub
Edible Sugar Scrub
Disney’s Jasmin Sugar Scrub Cube
Dole Whip Body Scrub
Elsa inspired Frozen Body Scrub
Mickey Mouse Inspired Body Scrub
You can also check out these Gifts for Disney Fans!
Mad Hatter Sugar Scrub
Raspberry Sugar Scrub
Foot Scrub
Foot Scrubs can help with cracked heels and smooths skin. It also is good for boosting blood circulation and is a stress reliever. All the more reason these are great gift ideas or self care ideas to use at home for you!
Citrus Foot Soak
Homemade Foot Scrub
Handmade DIY natural crystal bath salt with seasalt, baking soda, lavender, rosemary and grapefruit oil
Need More Gift Ideas?
Recipes for Jar Gifts {Soup, Spices}
Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup Review
Holiday treats are so yummy and bring smiles to faces! One affordable way to be able to give to people and not break the bank is to make treats to give them. It’s thoughtful, can be personalized, and they are tasty! These holiday treats can also be fun to make at home as an activity to do together as a family.
7 Christmas Treat Ideas to Gift (or Keep!)
There’s something about chocolate and peppermint that is so good especially in the cooler months. This easy peppermint bark makes a great gift idea and is also something tasty to have around the house!
2.Nutterbutter Santa and Elves
Get creative and decorate some cookies that you don’t have to bake! These NutterButter cookies made into Santa and an Elf would make a cute gift or fun activity to make at home with kids to enjoy.
3. Oreo Truffles
These are amazing. A-ma-za-zing. They are also very easy to do!
4. Buckeyes
Buckeyes are a holiday classic. These ones adding graham crackers to it take it up a notch!
5. Coconut Balls
Another favorite holiday treat that is easy to do. These coconut balls are great to give and to have as a dessert!
6. Kissing Cookies
A classic holiday cookie that is easy to do and that people love to eat! Another combination of a little peanut butter and some chocolate to make smiles happen.
7. Mickey & Minnie Oreos
No Bake Mickey & Minnie Christmas cookies! These are adorable and are such a fun idea that will look good on a plate for dessert or to give as a gift, especially to Disney fans! Don’t forget to check out more Gifts for Disney Fans!
Bonus…
There’s also always the classic sugar cookie that you can shape, decorate with icing and/or sprinkles which always makes for a fun time!!
Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape that is made from traditional Japanese paper (wa meaning ‘Japanese’ and shi meaning ‘paper’) that works great for craft or journaling. Most papers are made from tree pulp, but washi comes from Japanese shrubs. It’s durable, waterproof, and heatproof….not to mention it is also biodegradable.
Get Creative with Washi Tape
Whether you want to do some crafts for fun, are looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up some decorating, or want to make a gift for someone; washi tape is a fun, creative option! Here are some washi tape craft ideas along with some Amazon options of washi tape available.
Washi Tape Craft & Gift Ideas
These ideas could be used as a craft to keep at home or the perfect personalized gift for someone special!
Washi Tape DIY Letters
Buy craft letters (similar to this wooden A on Amazon) and decorate it with washi tape. The creativity options are endless with the various patterns and colors of washi tape. You could make this for yourself at home or it would also make a great gift. It could be for:
- Housewarming gift
- Wedding gift
- New Baby Gift
- Baby’s room
- Kids Room
- Teacher Gift
- Christmas Gift
Flower Pot Decorated with Washi Tape
Need a quick gift or an easy way to personalize a flower pot at home? Use Washi tape to decorate it as shown above it can be as easy as just adding an accent to a clay pot! This also makes a great gift and is inexpensive to do. There are endless options on how you could decorate it as well as what type of plant to have inside of it. These make a great housewarming gift, teachers appreciation gift, or Christmas gift.
Dress Up Your Charger Cords
Forget plain, bland charging cords. Dress yours up! Another fun idea to get creative and brighten things up is to add washi tape to the end of your charging cords. This can also help you identify who’s charger is whose- unless of course, that is a problem we only face at my house. The polka dot always brings to mind Kate Spade or Minnie Mouse, both of which I’m a huge fan. Here are some cute options from Amazon:
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Washi Tape Decorated Vases
These pretty vases could be used to decorate for a party or special event, or could also be used as a gift to someone. Check out the pretty wide washi tape options below from amazon!
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Washi Tape Butterflies
Whether you’re looking for a way to help keep the kids busy and want to get creative with them, or are looking for party decor these washi tape butterflies are adorable!! They could also be added to a gift bag as some personailzation!
Hot Air Balloon Art with Washi Tape
Another fun at home craft are these washi tape hot air balloons. Things like this can also make cute gifts for grandparents!
Washi Tape Pencil & Desk Cup
These are another great option for your own personalization or for a gift. Get a can or cheap plastic cup and dress it up with your washi tape. These make a great gift for moms, dads, teachers, or friends!
Washi Tape Bookmarks
Bookmarks are not only super useful but are great gift ideas! You can personalize them and make each one different while not having to spend a ton of money. I’ve done these for classroom gifts and teacher gifts, they’re also a great idea for Christmas gifts or to add to a book for a birthday gift!
Craft Stick Bracelets
Never-ending fun and creativity with your very own craft stick bracelet. It’s a great way to help keep the kids busy and encourage their creative thinking and design skills without having to spend a ton of money or deal with a big mess.
Washi Tape Popsicle Stick Frames
Frames are always useful, and personalized ones just make what it holds even sweeter. Whether you make a quote frame or print out a favorite picture memory these are great to keep or give as a gift.
Washi Tape Decorated Notebook
This is yet another item that makes a great gift or is a fantastic way to personalize a notebook or planner for yourself (or a child). It is a great way to let kids have some creative fun to express themselves which also encourages writing and drawing in their notebook. A washi tape notebook is also a good diy birthday gift idea to do a basket with holding all the supplies.
Lego Duplo & Washi Tape
Want to spruce up the Legos without having to buy brand new ones? Let the kids decorate them with washi tape and make them feel brand new again!!
Below is a cute idea from Amazon including some Mickey Mouse washi tape!
Decorative Kitchen Spatula
These decorative kitchen spatulas are a great idea to add some color to your kitchen or to use as a gift! It makes a great Christmas or housewarming gift, and could also be used as an adorable hostess gift.
Whether you are looking for some creative fun or need some thrifty gift ideas, washi tape is a great option that has so many possibilities and will make each item unique and special.
Want More Creative Gift Ideas? Check out the post below!
Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make
Christmas time brings joy and love but can also bring stress, especially when you are worried about buying gifts for friends and family. At one time or another, most people will face the issue of being broke at Christmas and unsure of what to do about it. You do have options and it doesn’t have to include a higher credit card bill. Here are some gift ideas that are affordable and you can personalize them.
For these crafts, you can use new mason jars or you can even use a spaghetti sauce jar that you’ve saved and cleaned.
Recipes for Gift in a Jar mixes
Here are some great gift in a jar recipes that will make it easy to put your gifts together for loved ones. Because these are dry ingredients they last for a while and are pretty on the counter and yummy to eat!
Soup Mix in a Jar
Soups in a jar are easy to do, are great because they look nice plus they are dinner for a night and are affordable to put together. You can also personalize them for the person that you are making it for.
Dry Soup Mixes
Mint Cocoa Mix
Hot Cocoa is always a fun option in the winter (or if you’re my kid, the summer too). You can use your favorite and make a pretty presentation by putting it in a jar, adding a bow, and a candy cane for accent!
Oatmeal Chip Cookie Mix
Cookies in a Jar are similar to Soups in a Jar in that they have a good shelf life and are pretty to look at.
Hearty Pasta Soup Mix
Pretty shapes and colors combined to make a visually appealing gift that is also good to eat. Another inexpensive option to make someone’s day and show that you care.
Sand Art Brownies
Make some sand art that turns into brownies? Yes, please! This is pretty and easy to do!
Caramel Apple in a Jar
These are great gift ideas for those you love that have a sweet tooth and can be a fun activity to enjoy with friends and family!
Spices in a Jar
Spices are great because they enhance cooking and smell delicious. They also have a great shelf life!
Printable Spice Jar Gift Set
Homemade Spice Blends
Mulling Spices
Gifts in a Jar
Not sure about a recipe in a jar or spice? There are other easy to do, inexpensive options that you can make out of jars such as candles and cupcake holders!
Mason Jar Candle Holders
Individual Cupcake Holder
Everything in a Jar Gift
There are so many options when it comes to a gift in a jar. It can be personalized with the recipient’s favorite ingredients or colors, whether it is a food item, graft item, or alternative to a gift basket.
The holidays are a great time for crafts with kids. Christmas ornaments & crafts kids can make are always a big hit. You can use them to decorate around the house, or also to give to loved ones as gifts. It’s special to the person that receives the gift, as well as to the child who makes it, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment in the gift that they are giving.
These ornament crafts are easy, inexpensive, and are sure to lead to fun during the holiday season!
8 Holiday Craft Ideas & Ornaments Kids Can Make for Christmas
2. Shrink Film OrnamentsBelow are some options for shrink film on Amazon.
3. Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree Ornament
4. Button Star Ornament
5. Easy Candy Cane for Kids
6. Mini Yarn Hat Ornaments
7. Clothespin Snowman Craft
8. Minion Christmas Ornaments
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There are so many options when it comes to making your own ornaments! The possibilities are endless from favorite characters, quotes, and personalization the ornaments will be reminders of memories for years to come.
Do you have a favorite craft to do with Kids during the holidays?
Bookmarks make great gifts and are very useful if you want to keep for yourself. They are functional, small, and serve a great purpose. Don’t forget to check out these great books for kids to read. While they may not be long enough for a bookmark, that doesn’t mean kids won’t enjoy marking their favorite spots in them!
8 Bookmarks You Can Make for Home or for Gifts
The perfect bookmark for the Star Wars fan! These are easy to do, are great for kids- both to keep them busy creating the bookmark and encouraging them to read books!
2. Jumbo Clip Bookmarks
These are simple but very pretty! They make great gifts for book lovers and teachers. They are also a fun way to mark recipes or planner pages!
3. Yarn Wrapped Letter Bookmarks
These letter bookmarks are creative and such a fun way to personalize it!
4. Cup Of Tea Bookmark
This cup of tea bookmark is adorable! It would be cut in a gift basket with a book, some hot tea and the bookmark to complete it all!
5. Penguin Bookmark
Another great way to get crafty with the kids and also encourage them to read. This bookmark would go along great with the book Penguin Problems!
Penguin Problems Book from Amazon
6. Quote Bookmarks
Whether a favorite famous quote, biblical quote, or quote from a loved one- these are thoughtful and will bring a smile to the person using it.
7. Easy Duct Tape Bookmarks
Duct Tape can do anything, as proven with these bookmarks!
8. Easy DIY Bookmarks
More adorable handmade bookmark ideas to get creative and encourage reading!
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these Mason Jar Crafts!