By Sharon Williams

Contributing columnist

If your kids are too grown up for traditional Valentine’s Day boxes or card exchanges at school, don’t think that the Valentine’s holiday is no longer important. It may not be about the cartoon cards and fun crafts, but it can still be a special holiday. Here are some easy — and frugal — ways to make Valentine’s Day special for the teens and tweens in your life.

Make breakfast special: In our house on school mornings, breakfast is typically a fend-for-yourself kind of event. We have easy options available and you just come in and fix what sounds good to you on that day. But on Valentine’s Day, it’s OK to actually make it a little more festive. You don’t have to actually cook to create a special breakfast. I remember when my mom would put out a fun tablecloth, cereal bowls and flowers or decorations on the table so breakfast would become a fun event — even on days we were rushed.

Just take a few minutes the night before to set out some Valentine’s hearts, balloons and decorations to kick off the next day with a special twist.

Share a pencil: Every kid needs pencils at school. For Valentine’s Day, why not have a cup of brand new holiday pencils ready for the kids to take to school? It’s a small thing that doesn’t cost any money but can bring a smile throughout the day.

Give something sweet: Some parents go all out and send teddy bears, chocolates and balloons to their kids’ schools on Valentine’s Day. We’ve never gone that route and don’t plan to start this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun candy waiting for them at home or on the breakfast table. 

For a frugal twist, skip the expensive box of chocolates and make something special instead. Pick up a box of their favorite candies for a $1, attach a balloon from the local dollar store and attach a Valentine’s card.

Another fun option is to buy a package of cookies and put a few in plastic baggies with a red ribbon. Serve it up in a festive basket with a red cloth and you have a perfect centerpiece for a celebration.

Share love notes: I read recently that one family was celebrating Valentine’s Day by sticking little notes of encouragement on their door with simple phrases like “I’m proud of you!” or “You are Special.” It can say “I’m praying for you today!” or “I love how hard you worked on your recent school project.” Just write notes on construction paper and fill their door with positive affirmations and blessings.

Share the love: If you are like me, I have picked up new boxes of Valentine’s Day cards every year the week after the holiday when they go on sale for a quarter a box. I have a huge stash that are brand new and ready to be shared. Each year in the past, the kids have gone through the stash and found the perfect card for each of their friends. But this year, they don’t really want to give out these super cute cards. So what can I do with them? We’re sharing the love this year with children who need something special to remind them that they are loved.

Why not reach out to a local children’s home and see if you can drop off Valentine’s cards? Sort them by girl/boy so the staff at the home can distribute them to the children in their care.

Just because teens are growing up doesn’t mean we need to quit celebrating the fun holidays. How do you plan to make Valentine’s Day special for your teens? Got any ideas? I’d love to hear!

For more ideas on hobbies and life, check out Hobbies on a Budget (ww.whobbiesonabudget.com).