Valentine's Day {a few of my favorites}

Valentine's day is coming {Thursday}! I've seen lots of cute decor, treats and homespun Valentines buzzing around pinterest and instagram. Tonight, feeling quite behind, I finally stretched a heart garland across the mantle and hung a beaded heart wreath {thanks, Holly!}. There's more to be done, like decking out a shoebox for Henry to fill at his school party, making Valentine cards with the boys to pass out to classmates and thinking up something sweet to do for my little Valentines. I've always liked Valentines Day, except for maybe in junior high when it meant the sale of the carnations. Oh the dreaded colored carnation sale. Where every color meant a different message, like the much hoped for pink "I like you" or the purple "secret admirer". I remember decorating my own shoe boxes in elementary school and shyly smiling as that box filled. I pored over the cards and messages and little packages of candy at home, saving every one. It was an entire shoebox of happy mail. I love it as a mom even more, watching the joy spread across my boy's little faces as they see the love poured out for them in the form of tiny cards and store bought messages and powdered sugar hearts on pancakes.

Here are a few of my favorite Valentine things this year:

 {For kids to give}

Source: armommy.com via Christina on Pinterest

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Source: dandee-designs.com via Christina on Pinterest

William is making these for his classmates. Ten out of 13 children in his class are boys. So most of them will probably be happy to receive a bug!

Source: dandee-designs.com via Christina on Pinterest
Henry made these last year. They were super easy and turned out so cute!

Source: armommy.com via Christina on Pinterest

 Henry is making these this year. He likes the idea of giving candy and "hey smartie" made him smile.

{For me to make}

Source: laurenslatest.com via Christina on Pinterest
I absolutely love the idea of stamped sugar cookies. The possibilities are really endless for any occasion! I think I need some mini alphabet stamps...

Source: etsy.com via Christina on Pinterest

Source: ontobaby.com via Christina on Pinterest
I love these little glittered flags. Maybe a cute addition to our Valentine's morning breakfast.

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Christina on Pinterest

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Christina on Pinterest
These would be cute to give to teachers and friends.

Source: domesticfashionista.com via Christina on Pinterest
I like the cute Valentine bunting but really I love love love this piece of furniture and the styling! I think I need to get my white paint ready and start scouring craigslist.  

Source: domesticfashionista.com via Christina on Pinterest

 {To make with the kids}

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{Gifts I'd like to receive}

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Gold, gold, gold. And dainty. And pretty. 

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I really adore this cake stand. The detail is so beautiful!

Source: adorama.com via Christina on Pinterest
This 50mm camera lens. Sara calls this one the "nifty 50". It's beautiful with close-ups, details and background blur. 

Source: etsy.com via Christina on Pinterest
Or really any Katie Daisy print. I love the colors and message. I would love to have this hanging in our home.

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Christina on Pinterest
These boots are very practical. My big clunky wool lined winter boots are starting to feel too warm on some sunny days. But with muddy spring coming, Howard still needs his walks and it's messy out there!

 

Source: amazon.com via Christina on Pinterest
A cute set of alphabet stamps.

Now I need your help. Do you buy for the grown men in your life? What thoughtful things do you do to make Valentine's Day special after 5 and 10 plus years of marriage? {Patrick didn't like my idea of a puffy painted t-shirt. ha ha!}