Candy and cards are a classic combo for class Valentine’s gifts, but with more school’s broadening food bans (from peanuts to wheat to, in some cases, all sweets), non-food related choices can be a safer bet. Even if your school is still cool with candy, other parents will likely appreciate the variety.
“I Dig You” Shovels
These adorable beach toys are the perfect thing to give with spring break just on the horizon.
$27 for 24, Amazon.com
Custom Cards
We’re not going to judge a Paw Patrol or Elmo note, but the whimsical artist-designed ones from Minted are truly next level.
From $25 for 20, minted.com (use priority shipping available by 2/13)

DIY Bubble Gift
We love these “You Blow Me Away” labels from And We Play. Pair them with some inexpensive bubbles, and you have a cute and functional gift.

Festive Bookmarks
Encourage love—of reading—with these simple bookmarks available with Amazon Prime (attention, last minute shoppers!).
$10 for 36, Amazon.com
Stick with Slime
What kid—boy or girl—doesn’t love slime? Use these playful “Slime Yours” printables and add store bought or homemade slime!

Valentine’s Dessert Board
We love this Valentine’s Day dessert board from our food contributor, CatwithaK Cooks, and think it will for a sweet activity and family-friendly snack. Not only is it colorful and festive, it’s easy to use it as a template and go with any ingredients you...
Weeknight Chicken Tortilla Soup (from our newest recipe contributor!)
A local version of this story originally appeared on New Canaan & Darien Moms. We are thrilled to introduce our new food/recipe contributor, Kathleen (Kat) Ashmore. Kat recently launched the CatwithaK Cooks food blog with a focus on healthy recipes that are...
DIY Hot Chocolate Bombs
Hot chocolate bombs are having a moment, and with good reason. They're cute enough to be Instagram-worthy, and they're delicious. We love this simple DIY version from The Local Moms Network contributor Maria Provenzano. Order some molds, enlist some helpers and...




