Here are some fun, easy ideas for how you can make Valentine’s Day special for your kids!
1. Serve a Valentine’s Day breakfast.
Use heartshaped cookie cutters to turn pancakes, waffles, or even toast into a festive treat! Top with some Nutella, whipped cream and sprinkles if you’re feeling extra sweet!
Want to really impress your kids? Check out these yummy red velvet cinnamon rolls from Yummiest Food.
2. Decorate their door.
Surprise your kids by taping hearts, streamers, or balloons on their bedroom door while they are at school. Of, if you move like a ninja, you could even do it while they’re asleep!
I especially love this idea from Highlights Along the Way to write down what you love about your littles as part of your decorations. It’s a great way to encourage your kids and make them feel special. (Just be sure to use painter’s tape to prevent damage to your doors.)
Here’s a pic of our daughter’s door. She was so happy to read each heart with things we love about her!
3. Leave a love note on their mirror.
Use window glass crayons or markers to draw hearts, Xs & Os, or write a special message. (Lipstick works too but may be harder to wash off.)
This idea is great because it’s super quick, there is no prep needed, and it’s sure to make them smile! And any mirror or glass will work! For teenagers that drive, leave a short note on the mirror of their car visor!
4. Make lunch more loveable.
Pack fruit with a surprise message using edible markers via Cakewhiz. Healthy food and a good pun… what’s not to love?!
P.S. Where have edible markers been all my life?! I can’t wait to find a million more ways to use these!
5. Play a Valentine’s Day-themed game.
One of the best gifts you can give your kids is your time and undivided attention. Family games are a fun way to engage your kids and create lasting memories. So put away the cell phones and get ready for some family fun!
- Try a scavenger hunt like this one from Pint-Sized Treasures.
- Get moving with this Valentine’s version of musical chairs from Teach Mama.
- For older kids, check out these Valentine Minute to Win It Games from Happiness is Homemade.
- It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without Conversation Hearts! Check out this sweet Valentine’s version of bingo from Playground Parkbench.
6. Dress in your Valentine’s Day best!
Kids of all ages enjoy an excuse to dress up. Encourage her to wear her favorite princess dress and tiara, or superhero costume, pajamas or whatever! Anything goes as long as they are wearing what they love (and are home for the rest of the day. Haha!)
If you’re extra crafty, custom make shirts for your kids with these great DIYs from Morning Chores. You could even make matching shirts for the whole family! LOVE IT!
Our daughter opted for a Princess Anna dress and Mardi Gras mask. How cute?!
7. Dress up your pets!
If you’re like us, your pets are part of the family! So why not include them in the fun? Your kids will be delighted and it will make for some adorable pics! A simple red bandana is great for dogs or cats. Or try this cute DIY from Pretty Fluff.
8. Add ambiance to your dinner table.
Some long stem or flameless candles or fresh-cut flowers make family dinner extra special. Add a festive table cloth and table decorations too if you like!
9. Sip on a sweet treat.
Punch makes any occasion feel like a party! Whip up a pitcher of this super quick and easy Valentine’s Day Punch from Today’s Creative Ideas. Make it extra special by serving in some cheap but fancy plastic glassware! Are you or your kids not the fancy type? Just use Sharpies to add hearts and fun messages to red solo cups.
I took the lazy route and bought Hawaiian Fruit Punch and plastic cups from Dollar Tree. Not too shabby! Our daughter felt it called for a toast! So if the mood strikes, be sure to toast to the things you love about your family! Cheers!
10. Get inked (temporarily).
Nothing says “I love you forever” like a tattoo! But for your kids’ sake, skip the pain and the permanence and use these BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers. You’ll get major “cool points,” and if you’re extra adventurous, you can let your kids “tattoo” you too!
11. Time for slime!
I’ve never met a kid that didn’t like slime. If you’ve never made your own slime, I highly recommend it! Your kids will love it, the process can actually be educational and in our experience, homemade slime is actually less messy than store-bought. It’s also A LOT easier to make than you may think.
Pro-tip: you can add more contact solution a little at a time if you find the slime too sticky. For the least mess and fun texture, opt for a fluffy slime with shaving cream as an ingredient like this recipe from Little Bins for Little Hands.
12. Make bathtime so much fun!
Rubber duckies are great for regular baths, but Valentine’s Day calls for something special. Check out these cool fizzy bath bombs available on Amazon Prime. They also have ninja, dinosaur, and superhero styles that will have your kids begging you to bring on the fizz!
13. Wrap them in warmth.
Throw their towels, bathrobes, pajamas, etc in the dryer for a few minutes before your kids are done with their baths or showers so they are nice and warm right when they get out. It’s a simple, easy gesture that even older kids and spouses will appreciate!
14. Make storytime special.
Curl up together with a good book. Check out these great picture book selections from Live Love Texas.
For a personal read that anyone will appreciate, fill in this journal and give a heartfelt memory they will cherish forever.
