As a mom, I love finding fun and creative ways to celebrate special occasions with my family, and it’s that time of year again when I get to make a family favorite, my Valentine’s Day cake pops!

Making this recipe with my children is a fun family activity, regardless of their age. Everyone can help make the batter, shape the cake pops and decorate them with sprinkles and toppings. Making cake pops together adds excitement to the Valentine’s Day celebration, and they are delicious treats too!

Also see:
18 super easy kid & friendly Valentine’s Day treats
Valentine’s Day Cupcake Recipe

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, anyone can create these adorable treats – so let’s get started!

Valentine’s Day Cake Pops: An Easy And Fun Valentine’s Day Tradition

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• Author: Tracie

Ingredients

• 1 box of white cake mix (red velvet cake is popular as well)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese or frosting
• 24 Lollipop sticks
• Sprinkles, candy melts, or other decorations of your choice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter, cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, oil, eggs, vanilla extract and water with a hand mixer until combined.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes (depending on your oven) or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before making your cake pops.
4. Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter and cream cheese frosting until fully combined. The dough should be slightly crumbly, but soft and moist.
5. Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the cake mixture and roll into balls in the palm of your hand or use or two spoons to shape the mixture into small cake balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, then form them into hearts.
6. Place the balls on a lined plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. To cool faster, you can also put these in the freezer.
7. Melt candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions (typically do 30-second intervals to not overcook them). Dip a lollipop stick into the melted candy or melted chocolate and insert it halfway into the cooled cake pop.
8. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy wafer and swirl around until the cake pop is fully coated. Place onto parchment paper until set. Scrape off the bottom of the cake pop on the side of the bowl to get a smooth finish by removing any excess chocolate coating.
9. Decorate with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or other decorations of your choice before the chocolate hardens.

Also, see my easy chocolate cake pop recipe and 15 adorable Valentine’s Day crafts!

Do you freeze cake pops before dipping?

Freezing cake pops before dipping them in chocolate is optional, but it can be helpful as it enables the chocolate to set faster and will also help keep its shape. I recommend either putting them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them from breaking apart while dipping them.

How long will cake pops last unrefrigerated?

The post Valentine’s Day Cake Pops: An Easy And Fun Valentine’s Day Tradition appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Valentine’s Day is always a lot of fun for kids, but if you want to do something different than a chocolate bunny or something sweet and heart shaped, it can be hard to know what sort of gift to get them.

Luckily, there are plenty of awesome Valentine’s Day gifts that your kids will love and appreciate – from home activities to games and crafts that will make them feel extra-loved this holiday season. Show your little darlings how much you care with these perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for kids!

1. Arts and Crafts

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for your child to get creative with their art projects. To help inspire their creativity, you could give them a themed arts and crafts supplies gift basket that contains all of the tools they need to make something special for Valentine’s Day. Depending on how old your child is, items in the basket can include different colored papers, construction paper hearts, glue sticks, glitter pens, clay dough, and other crafty components.

This Valentine’s Day Arts & Craft Stamper is one gift idea, which is a fun craft with a set of 50 unique stamps with ponies, lips, heart-shaped glasses, flowers, lollipops, and so much more. The stamps are made from 100% safe color pigments, so you don’t have to worry about giving your kids something toxic.

Also, see these 15 Adorable DIY Valentine’s Day Crafts

2. Fun Games

Throw Throw Burrito is a fast-paced card game created with kids in mind. It’s full of surprises that kids will love, including evading attacks, collecting loot, and triggering massive burrito battles! The goal of the game is to collect matching sets of cards faster than everyone else while throwing squishy burritos across the table. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins! Perfect for kids aged 7 and up, it’s a great way to play together and have some friendly competition.

3. Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle

A personalized jigsaw puzzle is a unique and thoughtful valentine’s day gift for the special person in your life. You can transform any image or photo into a memorable customized puzzle with pieces that fit together perfectly! With personalization options such as changing the size, number of pieces, and adding a special message on the box, you can create a special puzzle to show your affection and make valentine’s day an extra special occasion. Furthermore, completing the puzzle together is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your valentine and make memories that last.

4. I Steal Hearts Shirt

This adorable “I Steal Hearts” shirt is a fun way to show your valentine’s spirit during the season of love! It features a phrase that celebrates this special day and will surely make a fashion statement for your best Valentine.

5. Stuffed Animals for Snuggly Fun and Comfort

Let’s Make Memories Personalized Hugging Plush Puppies are a unique Valentine’s Day gift that will truly warm someone’s heart. These cuddly stuffed animals can be personalized by putting their name on the puppy’s ear, ensuring that the recipient remembers your affection on this day of love year after year.

6. To My Son/Daughter Blanket

A To My Son/Daughter Blanket is a special gift that any parent can give to their kid on Valentine’s Day. It truly is a one-of-a-kind item that serves as a reminder every day for your son or daughter of how much you love them. Not only does this blanket provide warmth, but it also provides comfort and makes the perfect Valentine’s gift.

The design of these blankets is beautiful, making it an eye-catching piece that can be displayed around the home as both an art piece and a sentimental keepsake item.

7. Books

If you’re scrambling to find the perfect Valentine’s Day present, think of giving a book! Whether your valentine is an avid reader or someone who rarely cracks open a book, there are multiple genres available that offer something for everyone. Not only is the gift of reading thoughtful and creative, but it can be a bonding moment when you are spending time reading to them!

8. Crave Box

If you don’t want to go down the traditional boring Valentine’s sweet treats, but want to include something to munch on, a Cravebox may be the answer to your Valentine’s Day gifting needs! It’s a gift box with unique treats meant to express your feelings. With various options and themes available, you can easily select the perfect box for your loved one and make their valentine’s day even better.

9. Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs are a popular give for Valentine’s Day! They’re a unique and fun way to enjoy your cup of cocoa this season. The bombs come in a variety of flavors and sizes, but all of them include lots of chocolate. Inside the bomb is a mixture of chocolate and marshmallows, so when you add hot milk, the marshmallows melt into a delicious cup of hot chocolate. So, if you want to give your valentine something special this valentine’s day, hot chocolate bombs are definitely worth considering!

10. 3D Heart String Art

3D String Art is a unique art form that allows anyone to create beautiful three-dimensional pieces of art. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, 3D String Art is especially well suited for creating hearts and other shapes. Creativity plays a large part in 3D String Art and is a fun activity with your little ones.

The post Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts For Kids Under $30 appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Valentine’s Day is another holiday that can be fun when it comes to making treats.  A simple cupcake is an easy way to say I love you.  But, you transform an ordinary cupcake into a special Valentine’s Day cupcake with a simple topper.

You won’t believe how easy these cupcakes are to make.  If you can use an oven and microwave – then you can make these cupcakes yourself!

Other simple Valentine’s Day ideas:

• 15 Adorable Kids’ Valentine’s Day Crafts
• Easy Valentine’s Day Cookies
• Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Roll Recipe
• Valentine’s Day Cake Pop Recipe
• Simple Valentine’s Day Centerpiece
• Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Under $30

VALENTINE’S DAY CUPCAKES

SUPPLIES

Strawberry cake mix
Strawberry icing
Sprinkles (optional)
Red candy melts
Small plastic baggie
Wax paper

INSTRUCTIONS

Make your cupcakes as directed and ice them in any way you would like. If you want to make them look similar to what I’ve done here, put your frosting in a baggie and cut off one corner.  Squeeze the icing onto the cupcake. Add sprinkles (if you desire).Ice them with the strawberry frosting any way you like.

Next, lay out a sheet of wax paper onto a cookie sheet or cutting board. I cut a sheet that was about as long as my forearm to give me plenty of room to work.

Microwave approximately one cup of the red candy melts for 30 seconds then stir.  Continue to repeat until the the candies are completely melted and smooth.  Quickly transfer the melted candies into a small plastic baggie. Cut a very small tip off one corner.  This is your piping bag.

Draw several shapes onto the wax paper, making sure not to touch any of the designs to each other.  You can draw hearts, lips, the word “love” — anything with a Valentine’s Day theme.  Make sure your designs are not too thin, or they may snap when you try to remove them from the wax paper.

Place in the fridge for 15 – 20 minutes (so they are completely cooled and set up).  Carefully peel the wax paper off the back of each design. I find that if I peel the paper away rather than try to pull the design off, there is less chance that it will break.

Gently press them gently into the frosting of your cupcakes. The cupcakes won’t need to be refrigerated ( but don’t keep them near a heat source either).

You can use this same idea for any event – St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Birthdays, Christmas – the list goes on and on!

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Valentine’s Day brings pressure to create perfect moments, and when money is tight, those heart-shaped price tags can feel like a punch to the gut. Between roses that cost triple their normal price and restaurants with “special” holiday menus, February 14th can strain an already stretched budget.

But skipping Valentine’s Day completely isn’t the answer. When you’re working to stick to a budget or pay down debt, you still want to show your loved ones they matter – without undoing your financial progress or reaching for credit cards.

The good news? You can celebrate Valentine’s Day meaningfully, even with limited funds. From creating romantic moments at home to making the day special for your kids, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion without breaking your budget. Here are creative ideas that combine thoughtfulness with financial wisdom.

1. Write a Love Letter
   Express your feelings on paper – it costs nothing but means everything. Share memories, dreams, and all the little things you appreciate about your special someone. A heartfelt letter often becomes a treasured keepsake that lasts longer than any store-bought gift.
   
2. Create a Memory Book
   Pull out those photos sitting on your phone or computer and turn them into something special. Print them at home or create a digital slideshow. Include funny moments, family vacations, or everyday snapshots that capture your love story. Add small notes about why each memory matters. Dollar Tree stocks photo albums and decorative supplies if you want to create a physical book.
   
3. Plan a Romantic Dinner at Home
   Transform your dining room into a restaurant experience without the expensive bill. Create a printed menu featuring favorite home-cooked dishes. Set the table with your best dishes and create an ambiance with candles. Add a sweet treat for dessert – maybe chocolate-covered strawberries!
   
4. Set Up an At-Home Movie Night
   Transform your living room into a cozy theater. Move furniture around, pile up blankets and pillows, and create a special viewing space. Use movies you already own or your streaming service. String up lights you already have, serve snacks in special bowls, and write up a “movie ticket” for each family member.
   
5. Cook Together
   Turn meal preparation into a Valentine’s event that will delight your taste buds. Search your pantry and get creative with ingredients you already have. Children can help decorate cookies with whatever sprinkles are in the cupboard. Shape pancakes into hearts for breakfast. Make pizza and shape the toppings into hearts or messages.
   
6. Host a Trivia Night
   Create categories about your relationship or family memories. Include fun things like “first date details” or “favorite moments together.” Make it interactive with buzzers (use old bells or phone alarms), keep score, and award simple prizes from Dollar Tree for the winners.
   
7. Create a DIY Spa Day
   Transform your bathroom into a relaxation zone. Make face masks from kitchen ingredients, give hand massages, or run a bubble bath. Light candles and play soft music. Dollar Tree often stocks basic spa items like face masks and lotions to enhance the experience.
   
8. Design a Scavenger Hunt
   Hide handwritten love notes around your home. Each note leads to the next with clues based on special memories or inside jokes. The final destination could be a simple homemade treat or a special activity you’ve planned. Make different difficulty levels for kids versus adults.
   
9. Create an Indoor Picnic
   Spread a blanket on the living room floor and turn a regular meal into a fancy dinner experience. Use what you have to make it special – maybe candles for ambiance or special plates you rarely use. Cut sandwiches into hearts or give regular foods special Valentine’s names.
   
10. Make Handmade Valentine’s Cards
    Break out paper, markers, and any craft supplies you have on hand. Everyone creates cards for each other, writing genuine messages about what makes each family member special. These mean more than store-bought cards because they come straight from the heart.
    
11. Plan Date Night Games
    Turn regular board games into Valentine’s editions. Add heart-themed challenges to Charades. Create Valentine’s categories for Pictionary. Make up new rules that involve compliments or expressing gratitude. Winner gets to choose the next date night idea.
    
12. Create a Love Wall
    Dedicate one wall to displaying love notes throughout February. Use paper you have at home to cut out hearts. Write compliments, grateful thoughts, or happy memories on each one. Add to it daily until Valentine’s Day.
    
13. Set Up Special Wake-Up Calls
    Start Valentine’s Day by bringing breakfast in bed. Add special touches like arranging fruit in a heart shape or writing messages with syrup on pancakes. Wake each person with a different love song or special compliment.
    
14. Build an Indoor Fort
    Transform your living room into a cozy hideaway using blankets and chairs. Tell stories by flashlight. Share favorite memories. Make shadow puppets that tell love stories. Create a special snack station inside with treats from your pantry.
    
15. Make Personalized Coupon Books
    Create coupons for services or activities that don’t cost money. Ideas include: “One Night Off from Dishes,” “Your Choice of Movie,” “30-Minute Backrub,” or “Choose Dinner Menu.”
    
16. Create a Sweet Treat Buffet
    Set up a dessert station using ingredients from your pantry. Melt chocolate for dipping fruit, create a cookie decorating station, or make rice krispy treats shaped like hearts. Use decorative containers from Dollar Tree to make it look extra special.
    
17. Have a Dance Party
    Clear some space, create a playlist of songs you love, and dance together. Teach each other your favorite moves. Hold a dance competition. Slow dance in the kitchen. Music and movement bring joy without costing anything.
    
18. Start New Traditions
    Create a Valentine’s Day time capsule using items from around your house. Each family member adds something that represents their love for the family. Write notes about your hopes for the next year. Open it next Valentine’s Day and start again.
    
19. Make a Family Recipe Book
    Gather favorite recipes that please everyone’s taste buds. Write them down together. Include notes about why each recipe is special or when you serve it. Add drawings or family photos. This preserves family traditions while creating something meaningful.
    
20. Hold a Talent Show
    Each family member performs something special for the others. Sing songs, tell jokes, do magic tricks, or share a special skill. The focus is on entertaining those you love and showing appreciation for each person’s unique talents.

Remember – Valentine’s Day celebrates love, not spending. These activities focus on time together, creating memories, and expressing feelings. They work for any age and any family situation. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a family celebration, the most meaningful moments often come from creativity and attention rather than money spent.

By using what you have at home and maybe adding a few simple supplies from Dollar Tree, you can create Valentine’s Day traditions that your family will treasure for years to come. After all, the best gift ideas don’t require a big budget – they just need thought, creativity, and love.t really need to cost anything at all.  The idea is to remind your partner — and your kids — how much you love them!

The post 20 Cheap Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Fun, simple and easy Valentine’s Day treats and snacks you can make for your kids this year!

As a child, Valentine’s Day was one of my favorite holidays that we got to celebrate at school. I can remember working so hard on my box and then picking which classmate got which special Valentine card.

Valentine’s Day is one of the only holidays my kids’ school actually has a party for, and they ask parents to bring a special treat. Here are some I am thinking of making this year!

Make memories with my Valentine’s Day cake pop recipe

Fun and easy Popcorn Treat!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Conversation Heart Fudge

Homemade Donuts

Chocolate Pretzel Bark

Heart Rice Krispies

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Cake Mix Cookies

Pretty Patties

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts

Conversation Heart Cheesecakes

Super Simple Cupcakes

S’mores Trail Mix

Yogurt Bark

Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Oreo Truffle Hearts

Strawberry Hand Pies

The post 18 Super Easy & Kid Friendly Valentine’s Day Treats appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon! If you need a simple Valentine’s Day craft idea for your kid’s school party, then this is the list for you!!

These simple Valentine’s Day crafts are perfect for kids of all ages. Best of all, most of them take no time to create, making them the perfect Valentine’s Day activity for your school party — or even for a Saturday afternoon!

Looking for gift ideas?  Check out these unique Valentine’s gift ideas for kids that are under $30 or my easy Valentine’s Day cake pop recipe!

Handprint Heart Tree

Conversation Heart Magnets

Valentine’s Day Centerpiece

Tin Foil Heart

Heart Fingerprint Tree

Yarn Wrapped Hearts

Love Bug Paper Plate

Heart Peacock

Heart Glitter Jar

Twirling Lovebugs

Heart Straw Stamping

Rainbow Heart Suncatcher

Origami Bookmarks

Paper Heart Flower

Paper Plate Yarn Hearts

Muffin Tin Crayons

The post 15 Absolutely Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

These Valentine’s Day printables are fun for kids to create and give to their friends!

Valentine’s Day is a fun day for kids. If yours are like mine, they love to exchange Valentine’s with their classroom friends. While most of us run and buy them from the store, they can be pretty boring and basic.  Why not do something more fun this year by trying one of these ideas?

We’ve rounded up more than 25 of the most fun Valentine’s Day printable ideas — many of which include a link so you can print them out yourself!  Just click on the link provide and we’ll send you to the site where you can get more details so you can make them yourself!

1. Laffy Taffy Valentine from The Girl Creative

2. Bullseye Valentine from Positively Splendid

3. Tic Tac Toe Valentine by Nest of Posies

4. Stuck on You Valentine from Creating Really Awesome Fun Things

5. You’re Kool Valentine printable from My Name is Snickerdoodle

6. Extra Valentine’s Printable from Crafting Chicks

7. You Light Up My Life Valentine’s Day Printable by Eighteen 25

9. I Think You’re A-DOH-ABLE Valentine’s Printable from Grace and Good Eats

10. Bubble Gum Valentine’s Printable by Live Laugh Rowe

11. Heart Pop Valentine’s Day printable from Love & Lion

12. Can’t Keep My Eyes off of You Valentine Printable from Paper Trail Design

13. Star Wars Valentine’s Day printable from Centsable Momma

14. Rolo Pencil from Frugal Coupon Living

15. You Rock Valentine from A Small Snippet

16. Butterfly Valentine from Skip to My Lou

17. Starburst Valentine’s Day printable from Yellow Bliss Road

18. You are a Smartie printable from Catch My Party

19. You make my heart pop Valentine’s Day printable from A Day in Candiland

20. Friendship Growing by the Foot from Perfection Pending

21. Your Ex”straw”special Valentine from It’s Always Autumn

22. I need S’More Friends Like You from Little Peanut Mag

23. You’re My Main Squeeze Valentine from Sew Woodsy

24. You’re Tops in My Book from 30 Days Handmade

25. Hey Valentine I Have My Eye On You by Dandee (you can find the magnifying glasses here)

26. Bee Mine printable from Pizzazzerie

27.  I Chews You Printable from Crazy Little Projects

28. You’ve Wormed Your Way Into My Heart Valentine’s printable from Infarrantly Creative

The post 25+ Fun Valentine’s Printables for Kids appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

If you need a quick treat for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got your back! These Easy Valentine Cookie Wafers fit the bill perfectly.  You simply take store-bought wafers and make them into something adorable! They’re very affordable, and they’re a hit!

Supplies:

Strawberry Cookie Wafers
White Melting Candy
Valentine Sprinkles
Wax paper

Pour sprinkles into one bowl.  Then, in a microwave safe bowl, microwave about a cup of the melting candies. Melt for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each session. Once completely melted, dip the end of each cookie wafer in to the chocolate. Make sure you cover the end and the sides evenly.

Then, immediately roll the candy coated portion of the wafer in the sprinkles. Once you dip the wafers in the melting candy, immediately dip them in the sprinkles. rolling them around quickly to cover all the melting candy. Carefully place the finished wafers on a pice of wax paper to set for 20-30 minutes. After the melting candy hardens on the wafer, they’re ready to eat! They are a rich treat, so be sure to serve with milk.

These Easy Valentine Cookie Wafers are the perfect treat for a Church or school function, and are perfect for little hands to grab. I like to have them on hand around the holiday, just in case company drops by, so I have something to offer them that’s festive. You’re going to love them!

Check out these other fun ideas:

• Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
• Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
• Crazy Candy Cupcakes

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Valentine’s Day decorations do not need to be fancy or expensive.  In fact, sometimes, the simplest idea works just as well.

I love these Valentine’s Day centerpieces – -made out of jars and candies!  They look perfect on coffee or dining table, or even the perfect item for your bookshelf or window sill. Make your own with just a few dollars and a few minutes!

Simple Valentine’s Day DIY and recipes:

• Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
• 25+ Valentine’s Day Printables for Kids
• Valentines’ Day Cinnamon Rolls

Check out our Pinterest board for more ideas – and make sure you are following me!

VALENTINE’S DAY CENTERPIECES

SUPPLIES

Different size glass vases or jars (check your Dollar Store)
Mini Conversation Hearts
Large Conversation Hearts
Votive Candles (optional)

The trick to making these look so cute, it to use some fun, different-sized vases or jars to fill.  I would not recommend using overly large jars – or you will spend a lot of money on candy to fill them.

Check your local Dollar store or Walmart for the smaller conversation hearts.  Pour each vase until filled around 2/3 – 3/4 full.  If you would like, you can add small votive candles to the center.

Just be careful – your guests may end up eating your centerpiece!

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These heart shaped cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to start your day!

You will not believe just how simple and easy these Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls really are! If you can cook a can of cinnamon rolls, I promise you can make these beauties with ease! To get started, preheat your oven, grab your can of cinnamon rolls, and let’s bake!

SUPPLIES

• Can of canned cinnamon rolls (the large ones work best)
• Cream cheese frosting
• Pink food dye (gel or liquid)
• Valentine’s Sprinkles (optional)

Separate each roll from the package.  Carefully unroll about one-half of the dough from the roll and then roll it back into itself.  Just make sure you leave a little excess in the middle, so you can form the point of the heart.

Pinch the bottom together to make the strong point.  Ensure they are rolled tightly, as they will spread as they bake.

Bake according to the package instructions.

When they come out of the oven, they should look something like the image above.

Next up – time to tint your icing!  Add a few drops of of coloring into the icing cup.  Mix it well.  Drizzle over the top of the rolls using a fork.  If you decide you want to add sprinkles, make sure you do so while before the icing dries.

You’ve now got a fun and simple (yet affordable) breakfast for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to tell someone you love them!!

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