Valentine's Day for Grandchildren

Here's a quick list of ideas for meaningful Valentine gifts for your grandchildren. From kids activities to chocolate treats. How about children's crafts for fun?

I'm big on Quick Lists when I share information with you. Saves you time - saves me pixels. Let's take a look at half a dozen ways to delight your grandchildren on the coming Valentine's Day holiday. You don't have to spend a lot, in fact, sometimes, the best presents cost very litte. The key is putting something of grandmother and grandfather's personality in the treat.

1. Make a handprint of yours to give to them. I know, it's usually the other way around, but what fun to give grandchildren a plaque for their wall. And how fun will it be to put your hands into plaster and play for a few minutes? I'd draw the line at footprints, however. Too much plaster needed...
2. Spend an afternoon making chocolate treats with your grandchildren. It's a mess, but the memory lasts forever and the end-product tastes great. Find materials you need at most local large chain craft stores. Make it from scratch or use purchased chocolate. Yes, grandmothers can do this, but grandfathers, you don't get a pass -- you can do it, too.
3. Personalize a field trip. Go to the zoo. Just you and your grandchild or grandchildren. Or the park, or on a boat excursion, or to Disney World, if you can afford it. But make a special trip to a special place with your special kid. I took my daughter to Disney World when she was 11. I told her she owned the park for the day and we'd do anything she wanted. She's 23 now and that's one of her fondest memories. She's waiting for the day she can do it with her son.
4. Buy a special book. Books are forever. You not only give a gift, you nurture a healthy habit. For little kids, buy a beautiful, easy book and read it to them. Over and over. For bigger kids - buy a chapter book at age level or above and read it to them a chapter or story at a time. Buy 2 copies, if you're far away. Send one to the child, keep one and do the reading by phone.
5. Send flowers or go out to dinner all dressed up. Send colorful, simple flowers like daisies. No parents invited to the dinner date. A grown-up gift shows respect for a special grandchild. This is a real winner with teens. Well, the guys don't admit to liking flowers, so stick with a food event for them.
6. Live in a warm climate? Buy flower or vegetable seeds and plant them together. Cold climate? Frostbite is never a good gift, so find a nice, warm museum and spend the afternoon talking about what you see. Or maybe just ride the local commuter train to the end of the line and enjoy the views.

Doesn't sound so tough, does it? Go ahead and send the traditional Valentine card with hearts and cartoons guys on it - the grandchildren will put it in their scrap book. But give them some of your time, too. They will put that in their own hearts.

Here's a discussion board where you might find other Valentine info.