Simple ways to create Disney valentines and where to find character sweets

When it comes to ideas for creating clever, yet simple, valentines for kids, Disney Family.com is my go-to resource each year for Disney-themed crafts. With two weeks left until Valentine’s Day, it’s time for us to get to work!

Disney Family.com takes the guesswork out of finding class valentines with your child’s favorite Disney characters by offering printable valentines. Download and print cute valentine designs with Mickey and friends, the Muppets, Cars, Disney Princesses, Phineas and Ferb, and characters from “Tangled,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Toy Story” here.

The site notes that its printable crafts are specially designed with muted colors to not waste too much of your printer’s color ink.

Feeling a bit more creative? Try your hand at making adorable valentines, such as the Charm-ing Cars Valentines, Tinker Bell’s Pop-Up Card, Belle’s Valentine Bookmarks, Lumiere’s Flickering Hearts Valentine or Sweet Skellington Valentines. Instructions for these designs and more can be found at Disney Family.com.

Those who enjoy decorating for the holiday will find details about how to make a Fairy Valentine Tree, Daisy’s Daisies, Pooh and Friends Valentine Garland and Mickey & Minnie paper flowers. Plus, there are templates for candy boxes adorned with Stitch, Mickey and Minnie and a variety of suggestions for accessories to coral your child’s valentines, such as Mickey’s Valentine tote.

If you want to make more elaborate presents, consider a Mickey Mouse photo frame, Disney Valentine’s Day stickers, and Mickey & Minnie cupcake doilies. Or, who could resist Piglet’s Valentine Cupcakes, Minnie’s Polka Dot Cookies or Honey Bee Mines?

Of course, if you’re running short on time for baking, there are some Disney-themed treats at national retail stores. Target has quite a large display dedicated to its new line of Disney Valentine’s Day sweets, including chocolate-covered pretzels, cherry juju hearts, boxes and mugs with candies and popcorn. There also are the popular stacks of treat boxes with each tier containing a different treat. For many of these products, the Disney-themed containers are reusable.

Toys ‘R’ Us has a Disney take on the traditional conversation candy hearts. And at Walgreens, customers can find an assortment of Valentine’s Day merchandise featuring Mickey and Minnie, including novelty candy, figurines, plush animals and gift wrap.

Although a romantic trip to Walt Disney World might be a wonderful way to spend the holiday, clearly those who love Disney can share their passion without leaving their hometowns.