I’ve been a mom for 20 years…so the transition from home made goodies to ‘prepackaged’ to ‘allergy friendy’ to ‘NON FOOD TREATS ONLY’ has been a slight adjustment…I just kind of figured out as I went…there was no rule book.

I’ll admit, it was a little confusing to have to buy only prepackaged in a world we are also trying to move to more health conscious, natural and less processed foods…

I guess, because of this, the non food was a welcome change…a relief even…until you figure out you have to now FIND decent non food treats that won’t immediately end up in the trash. There are only so many cute pencils and erasers I can force myself to purchase…seriously…and slime? I loathe the stuff… my children, of course, love it…but I won’t buy it and force into another home…Play dough? We’ve outgrown it, unfortunately….

So, what are your ideas? I could seriously use some…Please! Add them to the comments…I need a running list! I don’t like to spend a lot of time shopping for these things…I want the small, loveable, inexpensive…and awesome. And a double whammy? My youngest (the last one standing that needs these things) is THE MOST FESTIVE GIFT GIVER EVER! Seriously, she’d buy everyone in the class a $50 stuffed animal if she could…and I love her for that…but, really…let’s be real! And, yea…I struggle mostly with the boys…WHAT DO THEY WANT????

Here are a few things we’ve done in the past:

• Paper airplane Valentine cards (these were a hit!)
• Basic cards with nothing on them.
• Valentines in a box full of tiny stickers
• Pencils on Valentine Cards
• Erasers on Valentine Cards

Things I considered this year:

• Jelly bracelets (are those even a thing anymore?)
• Scrunchies (those are definitely a thing this year)
• ‘Oops, sorry honey…I forgot…got any markers? Construction paper?’
• Stickers
• Pencils
• Erasers…

Are you seeing the trend here? Yea…I’m completely stuck….

What we landed on: CHARMS…for the girls, at least…she said ‘nah’ to getting them for the boys…she doesn’t think the boys in her class will like them…so, I still need that list of suggestions, guys…TIY…