Toddler Valentine Basket Ideas (On A Budget!)

While I was browsing the Valentine section at Target, I got the bright idea to make a Valentine’s day basket for my daughter, Hailey. I know that a Valentine basket technically isn’t a thing, but I love holidays and will take any excuse to celebrate. I started to ponder what I would put in my basket, and I was pretty bummed that I thought of the idea as we were essentially leaving the store. So, I made a list and decided to go back and grab what I needed another time (you know… before the inevitable meltdown began). I knew that I wanted my basket to be Valentine-themed, but I didn’t want to waste money on cheap crap or novelty items that she would only use for a day. This momma is on a budget and every purchase counts. So, I filled up Hailey’s basket with a few items that were fun, but could be used year round. Pretty much everything came from either Dollar Tree or Target!

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Here’s what I put in my Toddler Valentine Basket:

Red and pink snacks- Since Hailey is only 16 months old, I didn’t want to fill her basket with chocolates or candy. So, I grabbed some of her fave snacks and some new ones for her to try. She loved it and wanted her pouches and yogurt bites right away!

One stuffed animal- She’s not big on stuffed toys, so I grabbed this monkey from the dollar tree. She’s having a monkey moment since she knows how to make the sounds!

Bubbles- Hailey LOVES bubbles, so this big pack from the dollar store was perfect for her basket!

Toddler paint and paint brushes- I love to paint, so I decided to get a wooden heart from the Dollar Tree and some paints to go along with it. I can’t wait to paint with her again- we haven’t done it since she was a tiny baby!

Hershey Kisses- I had to give her some kind of chocolate! It’s a Valentine’s Day tradition. And what’s sweeter than a kiss?

Crayola Bath Items- I found these paint soaps at the dollar tree and I thought they would be a fun addition. At first she was very confused and even got mad at us for putting the paint soap on her! After a few tries, she realized she loved them and kept asking for more paint.

Valentine Book- Hailey loves the Halloween version of this book, so I decided to get her the Valentine version too! We’ve been reading it at night and she seems to like it.

Valentine Basket- This was actually something I had laying around the house if you can believe it! I was going to buy a basket but I figured I’d save the money. I have plenty at home I can use! Maybe next year (or for an older child) it would make sense to get a basket just for this- especially for a kid that likes to play with them.

Well, that’s all there is to it! There are so many items that you can add to a basket for your kids. You just need to be creative and think about what they like! Pick 2-3 colors for your basket that you’d like to stick to and it’ll be perfectly pretty. Or, just grab their favorite items and make it a “love” basket- you know, full of things they LOVE!

What would you put in your child’s basket? Let me know in the comments below!

Steal the Look- Target's Art Class + Museum Of Ice Cream Collections

Oh my gosh you guys! Have you even SEEN the adorable Art Class + Museum Of Ice Cream Collections at Target?! Literally so jealous that all these items are made for kids. They get ALL the good stuff! The good thing is that although they don't have any adult items (cue tears) they do have some awesome items you can use for yourself. Check out these items you can snag from the Art Class + Museum Of Ice Cream Collection that will be sure to add some sweetness to your wardrobe!

Gummy Bear Fanny Pack
Ok, fanny packs don't exactly have the best rep in the biz. They're best known for being a 90's staple, or something only tourists and dorky parents wear. BUT I think this fanny pack can change your mind! First off, it has gummy bears. Yum! And second, it's transparent and will blend in better with your outfit. They're really rocking' the clear trends with this collaboration! Note that since this is for kids, the waist strap may be a little short. Buyer beware!

Sprinkle Print Lanyard
Man oh man do I love this lanyard! If you need to carry your ID card for school, work, or even going on cruises, you HAVE to get this sprinkle lanyard! It's such a perfect shade of pink, and it has a hanging ice cream cone. RUN, don't walk, to get it! If you don't carry an ID, it can be used for your keys, a mini-wallet for trips to the deli, or even at the gym!

Kid's 3pk MOIC Pin Set
Let's be honest- we all LOVE enamel pins! These are perfect to use anywhere, for anyone of any size. Put them on your purse, your lapel, your jean jacket... heck, even store them as wall decor! This set features a cute-as-pie ice cream truck, MOIC signature banana, and a soft-serve cone for obvious reasons.

Top Handle Crossbody Bag
Although it may be a little small, you can totally carry this mini purse around to the mall or on a small day trip! It'll fit the essentials- wallet, keys, lip gloss, and sunglasses. Plus it has a cute little sprinkle scarf and lining!

Banana Print Backpack
This backpack is bananas! No but seriously, how perfect is this backpack. It's perfect for commuters to carry their books and a snack, or just for wandering around in the park. Take it along hiking or to grab a few items at Target- the choice is yours! It's perfect for casual Fridays or to look cute anytime.

Lunch Bag with Ice Pack
If ever there was a reason to bring your own lunch to work, THIS IS IT!  Aside from being the freakin cutest little lunch bag, this comes with a soft-serve cone ice pack to keep everything cool. Bringing your own lunch saves money and the environment, since you won't purchase food that comes in one-time use plastics or styrofoam, then gets carried back to the office in a plastic bag. 

BTW- who do we have to contact to get these cute clothes in adult sizes?! Kids get all the good stuff! What do you think of this collaboration? Are you in love, or do you think it's nothing to brag about? Are you planning to get any items in the collection? Let me know in the comments below!

DIY No Sew Embellished T-Shirt

Happy fall, y'all! Ok, being from NY I don't say normally say "y'all", but this seemed like the perfect time to try it out. Fall is my favorite season. I love the leaves changing colors, the weather getting slightly cooler, and the amazing roundup of holidays in such a short timeframe!

With the busy hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I don't have time to construct a perfect outfit. I've gotta be comfy and ready for anything! T-shirts are my go-to fashion choice, because of how easy and versatile they are. You can wear them to work, to dinner & drinks, and to go shopping. But wouldn't it be nice if you could give your t-shirt an upgrade so you're not wearing the same thing over and over again, without having to bust out a sewing machine? Well friends, look no further! This no-sew embellished t-shirt features some of our favorite things- tees, tassels, and pom pom trim! Plus, two of my fave colors- pink and turquoise! And, it's all thanks to this Peel n Stick Fabric Fuse.

You will need:

T-shirt (here)
Peel N Stick Fabric Fuse (here) 
Fringe Trim (here or similar here)
Pink Pom Pom Trim (here or similar here)
Scissors (here)

Directions:

• Measure your fringe trim so that it goes along the entire collar of your shirt

• Add a little extra and cut the trim. I found that I had just enough to go around with the extra, so I guess the collar somehow got smaller being laid down!

• Measure your Pom Pom trim to the same length, and cut.

• Roll out some small pieces of the adhesive, and cut it into narrower strips. I cut each strip into thirds vertically.

• Place it along your tassel trim. I didn't put it along the entire length, but every inch or so I stuck a piece down.

• Once all your adhesive has been placed down, go piece by piece, removing the wax liner and pressing down the Pom Pom trim to adhere the two trims together.

• Cut pieces of adhesive in half lengthwise and place them end to end along the collar of your shirt. I didn't leave any gaps here so that the trim wouldn't fall off the shirt.

• Once all your adhesive has been placed down, starting at the front, peel off the wax liner and start pressing down your trim. Repeat until the whole collar is covered. (Note: for a v-neck, I started front and center, since that's where the seam is. For a crew neck, you can probably start in the back and wrap around to create a smooth, seam free "necklace" of trim).

Sources: Cactus Cup

And that's all there is to it! It's seriously fun to spruce up any article of clothing, and then you get to proudly tell people "I made it!" when they ask where it's from. I think these would also make a great gift for a friend- matching BFF tees! Or, it would be perfect for a craft night. If the whole collar is a bit much for you, try getting a pocket tee and adding the trim along the top of the pocket for a little bit of POP. 

What's your favorite item to spruce up? Tees? Jeans? Shoes? Let me know in the comments below!