Your family may be long past the days of "B Mine" valentine cards and chalky candy hearts, but that doesn't mean you can't send your college kid a little Valentine happiness in a box. It's not just a box of sweet Valentine treats and surprises, it's a little long-distance love and support too - and that's sweeter than any chocolate. So here are a few ideas for what to tuck in that Valentine's Day care package:
- Valentine chocolates: A heart-shaped box of any size will please any Valentine, of course. Go the classic See's route, or choose high-end truffles if your kid's a gourmet chocoholic. Or, grab a heart-shaped box at the craft store, line it with food-safe tissue or parchment paper, and fill it with red and white M&Ms. (Tip: Most grocery stores carry baking parchment paper in the foil and baggie section, and the Container Store, Sur la Table and many foodie boutiques carry tissue paper that's intended for wrapping food.)
- Fleece: A red fleece scarf or DIY cozy, cherry-hued blanket adds warmth and cheer in the midst of dreary winter. Plus they're so easy to make.
- Valentines and gift cards: Get a mushy - or funny - Valentine card and tuck in a gift card for iTunes, Starbucks or a coffee house near campus, or the campus bookstore.
- Cookies: Baking will warm your house and lighten your spirits, and there's not a kid on the planet who doesn't love getting cookies in the mail. Bake up a batch of your favorite brownies or berry blondies, and cut them out with heart-shaped cookie cutters, or whip up a batch of sugar cookie hearts.
