Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is coming. Get ready for all the pink, red, hearts, sparkles, flowers, and chocolates. I wouldn’t say I have always loved Valentine’s Day, but having kids has really helped me embrace the fun things about it. Instead of seeing it only as a holiday for couples, I now see it as an opportunity to show love for the sweetest people in my life. I actually look forward to the many ways to involve the whole family in making the holiday special.
If you are looking for some ways to make Valentine’s Day fun, here are 14 heart-warming ideas that won’t break the bank or involve waiting for a table in a crowded restaurant.
1. Decorate together. Gather all the pink and red from around the house and create a cute display or centerpiece. Do you still have some Christmas décor lingering around? No problem! Repurpose it for Valentine’s Day! Add hearts to a tabletop tree. Display a red candle. Hang a pink or red towel in the kitchen. Create an easy DIY heart garland, make a fun wreath, make or purchase a festive garden flag. Get creative and let the kids join in. Soon you will be feeling the love.
2. Send love notes. Cut hearts out of construction paper and write special notes to family members each day. You can list special qualities about each person or write sweet quotes or scripture verses. Tape the notes to bedroom doors or bathroom mirrors, place in lunchboxes, or even fill a cute mailbox. Start now, and your family members’ hearts will be full by Valentine’s Day.
3. Organize a Secret Cupid gift exchange. If you are looking for another way to spread some sweetness, consider the Valentine version of Secret Santa. Let each family member or friend draw a name and secretly exchange notes and small gifts in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. On February 14, everyone will be excited to see who has been showering them with love.
4. Enjoy heart-shaped versions of all your favorite foods. Grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter and transform everyday meals into festive fare. Here are some great suggestions. If the thought of making your own heart-shaped foods seems too daunting, order some heart-shaped donuts or a heart-shaped pizza. Enjoy the fun with none of the work!
5. Decorate cookies. If you don’t want to go all out with heart-shaped food, bake (or buy) cookies and decorate them with icing and sprinkles. (Again, this is a great way to use up any red and white sprinkles that may be lingering around after Christmas.) This is such a fun activity for kids of all ages.
6. Plan a themed playdate or party. If you have any leftover favors or decorations from past parties, pull them out to create a fun theme. Some of my favorite ideas include: “Bee Mine,” “I ‘mustache’ you to be my valentine,” or “You make my heart pop.” You could also put together a simple (or elaborate) “Valen-tea” with fun drinks and finger foods.
7. Make your own valentines. If you want to skip the sugar and you like to make your own valentine cards, there are several food-free options available. Some of our favorite go-to valentines have included bubbles, glow sticks, and stickers. Check out some ideas here, here, and here.
8. Share your (he)art with someone. There are so many fun heart crafts to make and share with friends. Try these no-sew felt hearts, friendship bead bracelets, hand print art, or even DIY heart shirts.
9. Give a bucket of love. Fill a bucket with fun gifts. Add items from a teacher’s class wish list, sport-related items, movie tickets and snacks, art supplies, or any other personalized treats.
10. Make your heart pop with some delicious popcorn. No holiday is complete without some festive popcorn. Here is a fun recipe with a printable that makes a wonderful gift.
11. Share the love with random acts of kindness. Any time is a great time for random acts of kindness, but what better time than the month of love? Create a list together and have the kids help.
12. Enjoy a home spa day. Get gussied up for your Valentine festivities with a mother-daughter spa day complete with manicures, pedicures, cucumber water, and relaxation.
13. Love your community and volunteer. Volunteering together as a family has many benefits and there are plenty of opportunities to help locally. Here are some ideas to get you started.
14. Start a new tradition. We have a few fun Valentine traditions we look forward to every February. The simple gestures bring some festivity to an otherwise cold and somewhat gloomy month. Consider starting a new Valentine tradition with any of the ideas above or some of your own!
Are you a fan of Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite family-friendly way to celebrate?
