Necco’s Sweetheart Conversation Hearts takes a modern spin on a classic Valentine’s Day favorite and we LOVE it! You know we even craft with these little treasures!
This year, Sweethearts has a brand new package so kids can personalize them and hand them out as valentine’s to their friends and classmates. The “Color Your Own” box is black and white with stenciled hearts and a matte finish so children can color and design each box with crayons or markers.
It’s a perfect canvas to put on whatever you like to give a personalized message to someone you care about. It also could get your child a $1000 Savings Bond, more on that in a minute!
Sweet History on Sweethearts Conversation Hearts
The modern day Sweethearts Conversation Hearts were introduced in 1902, inspired by their predecessor, the cockles, small crisp candies made of sugar and flour formed in the shape of a cockle or scallop shell. The hearts first became a wedding day favorite, bearing messages meant for the bride and groom, however, soon the entire family began to enjoy the confectionery treat.
The present day Sweethearts is now today’s #1 selling non-chocolate Valentine’s Day candy and still features some of the original sayings including “Kiss Me” and “Be Mine.” More than four billion pounds of Sweethearts candies are sold in the six weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day.
As the country’s oldest candy company, the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) has been in operation since 1847, making classic sweets such as NECCO Wafers, Sky Bar and my all time favorite, Candy Buttons.
You know Bonnie and I are big fans of NECCO. Not only for nostalgic reasons, but it’s wonderful to support a Boston business. That’s what we like to do at Mom’s Lifesavers.
Big Contest For the Kids!
Necco has launched in conjunction with this new packaging a “Color Your Own” contest so kids can share their unique Sweethearts box designs with the world for the chance to win a $1,000 Savings Bond Certificate and the opportunity to have their own personal phrase appear on a Sweethearts candy for the 2015 Valentine’s Day Season!
“We wanted a fun and interactive way to give back to Sweethearts fans,” said Alyssa Hills, director of marketing at NECCO. “Kids today are extremely tech savvy and we love the idea of encouraging their creativity with the blank canvas of the packaging while incorporating a web component that speaks to young generations. We can’t wait to review the submissions and see what designs the participants invent.”
General Contest Details
- 3 eligible age groups: 5-7; 8-10; 11-12
- Grand Prize for each age group (3 awarded in total): $1,000 Savings Bond Certificate and opportunity to have their own personal phrase appear on a Sweethearts candy for the 2015 Valentine’s Day season!
- Runner Up Prize for each age group (3 awarded in total): giant NECCO goodie bag filled with NECCO candies!
- Designs can be submitted until March 1st : Winners announced March 14th
- With the help of an adult, kids upload their unique submission at www.necco.com, under the “Color Your Own” link.
- All submissions will be reviewed by NECCO and judged on color and creativity.
YOUR INVITED!
Mom’s Lifesavers Host a #ColorYourOwn Party at Orange Leaf in Newburyport, Mass.
Over February school vacation week, Mom’s Lifesavers will be hosting a coloring party and YOU and your children are invited. We will have 50 boxes of Color Your Own Valentine’s boxes for you to color and take home to upload your design and enter the contest (if you are in the eligible age bracket).
We will be on hand with markers, Sharpies, crayons and lots of fun will be had.
- Where: Orange Leaf – Newburyport
- When: Tuesday, February 18 Time: 11-12 (one hour only)
- Please note: First come-first served. Boxes are limited! One box per child in attendance. You must be present to get a NECCO box. Thank you for your understanding.
More Cool Information about a Boston Favorite!
About New England Confectionery Company, Inc. NECCO(www.necco.com) was founded in 1847 and is the longest running, multi-line candy company in the United States.
With more than 160 years of history, the New England Confectionery Company’s popular brands include: Sweethearts®, NECCO Wafers®, Mary Jane®, Clark®, Haviland®, Canada Mints®, Skybar®, Mighty Malts®, and Candy House®.
Today, the New England Confectionery Company is a leader in seasonal products, particularly for Valentine’s Day, and also manufactures well-loved everyday products. More than 500 confectionery items are produced at the company’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Revere, MA, which has consistently received a Superior rating from the American Institute of Baking.
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