It’s mid-February, and that means everyone’s favorite heart-shaped holiday is approaching!
I’ll be honest – both Jake and myself believe this is a totally commercialized and materialistic holiday, but I also feel like any reason to celebrate your loved ones is worth taking advantage of. So, having said that, I took the opportunity to make up a gift bag for my toddler son, and I had a ball!
I’m going to show you what I found, where I found it, and how I wrapped it all together, in case you’re looking for a cute gift idea for your own kiddo(s).
First, you need to make a run to your favorite affordable stores for a fun bag, small gifts to stuff including a small holiday-themed treat, and some tissue paper. As I write this blog, I’ll be sure to share where I got items and for how much in case it’s helpful!
Here’s an overall look at everything I got. (Yes, I went a little overboard what my initial plan was. I don’t think my two-year-old will mind.)
I shopped primarily at Target. I love any excuse to be there, so this worked out perfectly for me.
The first place I checked was the $1-$5 section at the front of the store, known as Bullseye’s Playground. (Did y’all know that it’s called that? Bullseye is the name of the Target dog, by the way.) Oh, and fun pro-tip: you can actually buy some of these dollar section items online by searching “Bullseye’s Playground” on the Target website or app.
In this section of the store, I found the cutest reusable tote bag – Peppa Pig with a multicolored heart! My little boy loves Peppa Pig (though I think it’s a really odd little show), and this one works well for Valentine’s Day, but also looks traditional enough to be carried or used at other times as well.
I also found a board book called “Bear Hugs,” a Paw Patrol puzzle in a small cardboard tube (and we’re really in a big puzzle phase right now), and a Peppa Pig projection flashlight. The puzzle, bag, and flashlight all came in various characters in case your little one prefers other shows and themes.
The next section I visited was the seasonal section. They had a TON of holiday-themed candy, but I really wanted to limit the sugar. I settled for a $1 box of Russell Stover chocolates (I think it has a 4-piece variety inside) – they had a huge selection of options and I picked this space/rocket-themed box for my star-loving kiddo.
I also looked at the Valentines Cards and found this dinosaur one that I thought was perfect!
I got Jake’s card and candy in the seasonal section at Target, too, if you’re looking for a gift for your partner, too.
The final spot I visited in Target was the toy section. I am all about age-appropriate toys, and I firmly believe that children learn through guided and appropriate play. One of my favorite kinds of toys to get for my son is the Fisher Price “Little People” line. Target has these automobile and people sets for under $5 each, so I grabbed two that he doesn’t have yet – a racecar and a helicopter.
After I found all of these goodies at Target, I realized I hadn’t gotten tissue paper! There’s a Dollar Tree just down the road from my most local Target, so I ran in there. I grabbed two kinds of tissue paper – traditional red and a shinier red – and then I peeked through the kid’s section, too. I found this amazing Eric Carle coloring book that I couldn’t resist adding to the gift bag! It features the bear from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? which is one of our favorite books, so I know my little one will be so excited to open it, and it’s all about numbers, so it’s a learning activity, too.
If you’re not near a Target, or you simply want to stay on a low budget, I think you could make a really nice gift bag for your kiddo(s) at Dollar Tree alone. They have puzzles, toys, reusable totes, and holiday cards, so I think you could make a comparable gift in a very affordable way.
Here’s a quick video of me filling the bag up! Check it out – and you can see the tissue paper I purchased too.
I loved putting this together and can’t wait to give it to my little one this coming weekend!
What are you gifting to your loved ones? Comment below – I’d love to hear from you! And Happy Valentine’s Day!
Kate with a Twang 