Envelopes are cheap and easy to find, and they're just the right size to hold some candy and a few dozen Valentines. Give each child one large white envelope. Use the type that can hold 8- by 11-inch paper. Explain that envelopes can be ripped easily, so children must be gentle while they're working. Have children decorate their envelopes with markers or glue on shapes cut from paper. Finish off the bags by having children draw on designs using bottles of glue. Sprinkle pink or red glitter on top. When the glue dries, shake off extra glitter.
Make simple bags with only paper bags and a hole punch. Buy two paper bags for each child. Bags should be the same size but different colors. Buy a heart-shaped hole punch. If you can't find one, use a regular hole punch. Have children choose one color bag for the outer bag, then trim a half inch off the top of the other bag. Help children use the hole punch to cut hearts or other designs out of the outer bag. Place the second bag inside and open it up. The second color will show through the cutouts.
Plastic bags are easy to decorate, so children can create their own personalized bags without needing constant guidance from you. Buy clear plastic bags from a craft store. Use bags that have flat bottoms and stand up on their own. Print a small photo of each child. Children can tape their photos to a pink or red paper backing or leave them plain. Have children tape their photos to the front of their bags so everyone can see whose it is, then let children decorate their bags with Valentine's Day stickers.
Create treat containers and teach children about recycling at the same time. Have children to bring in clean, empty food containers such as cereal boxes or coffee cans. Explain that the container must be large enough to fit Valentines inside. Pass out colored paper, glue and art supplies. Help children measure and glue one layer of paper to the outside of their containers, then let children go wild decorating them with crayons, markers and stickers. Pass out lengths of red and pink ribbon to tie around the top of each container.