Every parent in the world loves for their children to have a whistle… said no parent, ever. I am guilty of giving that wonderful gift to other peoples’ kids. I have to admit, it’s really quite funny watching the kids run up to their parents to show them their cool new toy only to watch the horror on their parent’s face and the little eye twitch that comes with it. I can be evil, I know. But the kids really do love the whistles and that’s all that matters, right?
All joking aside, I think it’s safe to say that most parents aren’t crazy about their kids getting candy for every single holiday under the sun. The amount of sugar that children consume without all of the extra sweets is already startling. Parents.com states, “The average kid under 12 consumes 49 pounds of sugar per year, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.”
Just to put it into perspective, 49 pounds is approximately the size of a bale of hay or 5-medium sizes bowling balls, a microwave oven and two bags of flour, a border collie and house cat combined, or two car tires and a large bag of sugar. Yowza!
So, now that I have made you feel awful about feeding your child all that sugar (sorry!), let me provide you with some endearing alternatives for Valentine’s Day goodies. Most of these items you can be purchased online for pretty cheap or you can make them at home. Make sure you check with your child’s teacher or daycare before buying!
Here are some top choices that your kids might enjoy:
10. School supplies such as pencils, erasers, or rulers
9. Sidewalk chalk
8. Stress balls or fidgets
7. Glow sticks
6. Simple toys (i.e. cars, yo-yo, a whistle)
5. Craft kits
4. Healthy snack (i.e. goldfish or applesauce pouches)
3. Lip balm
2. Hair ties or bracelets
1. Playdough or slime
Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends!
