Valentine's Day falls in the middle of the winter season for many people. Children may be looking for some way to have fun and celebrate when the weather is too nasty to head outdoors. A Valentine's Day themed party can be an ideal way to bring smiles to the faces of all involved.

At the centerpiece of the party can be a Valentine's pinata stuffed with sweet treats. You don't have to run out and purchase a pre-made pinata. It's easy to make one at home that will fit the theme. All you need are a few inexpensive supplies.

Valentine's Day Pinata

Supplies:
• 1paper grocery bag
• 24 inches of string or yarn
• 1 bottle of white craft glue
• Tissue or crepe paper in pink, white, purple, red (or your choice of Valentine's colors)
• Scissor
• Hole punch
• Pencil
• Stapler or tape
• Lightweight filling, such as newspaper or foam peanuts
• Chocolate kisses, Valentine's Day hearts, lollipops, mini chocolate bars, other candy
• Rolled up newspaper or plastic whiffle ball bat

Instructions
1. Lay the paper bag on a flat surface and draw a large heart on the bag so that it will take up much of the area of the bag.

2. Cut out the heart so that you have two hearts, the heart from the front and back side of the bag.

3. Seal the majority of the perimeter of the heart closed with tape or staples, leaving a portion of the top open to fill the pinata with candy.

4. Cut strips of the tissue or crepe paper to make streamers on the pinata and cover the paper bag completely. Layer the pieces like roofing shingles, starting from the bottom and working upward, overlapping the pieces and colors according to your preference.

5. Fill the pinata with candy and lightweight filler to create a puffy pinata, making sure you leave enough slack to seal the top of the pinata when finished.

6. Seal the top and place a piece of tape in the center "V" of the heart. Punch a hole through the tape with the hole punch so that the tape will reinforce the hole and prevent premature tearing.

7. Thread the string or yarn through the hole and create a method for hanging the pinata.

8. Have the children use the bat or rolled up newspaper taking turns hitting the pinata until a tear forms and the candy comes out.