Valentine’s Day is all about love,
family and friends. From DIY gifts to special outings and brand-new traditions,
it’s easier than ever to show you care. Get inspired by our list for a holiday
full of magic and memories.

1.
Homemade gifts. With a little creativity you can come up with some
great gifts the kids will love. A certificate for a “mommy and me date night,”
or a coupon book filled with “get out of chores for a night” or “ice cream for
dinner” are sure to fill your child’s heart with happiness. And for adults, thoughtful handwritten letters
go a long way to show your love. HVParent’s Pinterest Page has lots of great
ideas too.
2.
Decorate.
Dig out some old love notes, those handmade cards from past years, and
construction paper hearts from the pre-k days to decorate your home for
Valentine’s Day. For new decor, create paper heart streamers just like you
would with snowflakes. And even consider using dry erase markers to leave special
notes on mirrors and windows.

3.
Start the day off with love. Heart-shaped cookie cutters are perfect
for pancakes, sandwiches, and of course, cookies to make any meal of the day a
little extra special. Add strawberries or red sprinkles to the plate for added
pinch of love. Check out more easy peasy-recipe ideas for Valentine’s Day delectables here.
4.
Acts of kindness. Chances are you are making or filling out your share
of school Valentine’s anyway, so make a few extra to spread a little love! Have
the kids decorate paper hearts to take to a local nursing home or fill out
boxed cards to deliver to a local fire house or hospital. The kids will get a
kick out of gifting a few hearts to unsuspecting strangers like a server,
cashier or friendly neighbor. This sweet gesture will go a long way to spread a
little love.

5.
Family time.
You don't have to spend a fortune with toys and special treats for your kiddos.
Quality time is a wonderful way to share your love. Set aside time to play your
favorite games, take selfies with fun filters on Instagram, have a costume day
or a day lounging in pjs with every pillow and blanket you can find in the
house! Create silly memories, laugh a lot, and enjoy the day!
6.
Dance Party.
Any excuse is a good one for a family dance party! After dinner, clear the
floor, kick up the music, and dance like nobody's watching!
;)
7.
Baking cookies. Whip up a batch of your favorite cookie recipe, like
some of these! Make a mess, enjoy the delicious oven
aroma, and then relax with your fresh confections!
8.
Crafts and DIY. Grab your supplies and paint hearts on rocks for a
lovely walkway, or stamp paint hearts on tee shirts, or make unique heart
ornaments with molding clay. Check out this list full of creative kid-friendly crafts.
9.
Surround yourself with love. Whether you choose to stay home, go out,
craft, or just relax, remember to surround yourself with love this Valentine’s
Day. We tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get the best gifts, make
the best crafts, or turn our breakfast into the best heart shaped bacon our
kids have ever seen. While it’s sometimes fun to go over the top, a simple “I
love you” from the heart can mean more than anything else. Keep it in perspective,
don’t stress over details, and above all else surround yourself with love.
Updated
January 2024