Many Valley parents are opting for quality time with their kiddos in 2016.  A great way to have mom and tot fun is to host – or attend- a holiday play date.  Valentine’s Day is the kick-off to a variety of celebrations that have our mini-me’s attention, including St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and the spring birthday season. A little party with friends can be fun for all ages.

When I began planning a mom and tot Valentine’s soiree, I immediately turned to Oriental Trading for ideas. Similar to our Tea Party play date, I wanted a simple yet unforgettable event. Oriental Trading is the nation's largest direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties. A family tradition since I was a little girl, they have made generations of events memorable … and manageable.

Of course, I ordered some decorative must-have’s from Oriental Trading, including balloons, streamers, a red wedding runner that was perfect for the holiday and layered heart garland.

We kept our menu for the late morning party fairly simple; bagels, muffins, fruit and salad. Of course, I needed to incorporate the Valentine’s champagne flutes I saw at Oriental Trading.  One dozen of the heart based glasses came in red and pink. Champagne was optional!

I was most excited for our holiday photo booth.  With props like miniature-sized boas, mustaches and sunglasses, as well as the essential photo booth props, it was the highlight of our event.

A key element to any toddler get-together is having an age-appropriate craft.  The paper plate bear craft from Oriental Trading was a great option for the kiddos, and they were all excited to take their artwork home.

 *I am an Oriental Trading blogger and I received free products to facilitate this post. All ideas and opinions are my own!

Amanda Rumore is a writer, mom blogger, lifestyle expert and entrepreneur. Scottsdale-based, by way of Chicago and Los Angeles, she lives with her husband, Anthony, daughter, Mia Valentina, and Boston Terriers, Gigi and Harley. Amanda is the founder of ValleyGalInc.com, writes for various magazines and appears on local television stations featuring family-focused stories. She was also voted "Favorite Valley Mom 2016" in the Best of the Valley!