Celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids in special, but simple ways. You don’t need to do a lot. Just make it fun and let the family know you care. Want to save this post? Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you time- and money-saving tips every week! No time to read? Hit the play button below to listen to the audio file of this post, read by Jessica.
I love doing up a holiday, but I also like staying in the black and not wearing myself out. As fun as crafts and sewing and making candy cute can be, I don’t think you should spend too much time or money to do it. “Find a good deal and stock up for next year” is my motto, alternated with “Keep it simple, sweetheart.” Don’t go out and spend a lot of time and money. There are plenty of simple gift ideas and valentine’s day ideas for kids that will make a festive celebration. Just put a little heart into it!
Simple Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids
1. Bake Someone Happy
Baking is always fun and tasty. Making something from scratch is so much less expensive than buying whatever the bakery has to offer. As cute as it may be there, you can make it just as cute at home for less! Try making some heart-shaped cookies, brownies, or even a simple cake. Your kids will love helping you in the kitchen, and they’ll appreciate the fruits of their labor. You can also make some Valentine’s Day-themed cupcakes with cute toppers or decorations.
2. Get Your Sprinkle On
Kids love sprinkles, and who can blame them? Sprinkles add a festive feel to anything mildly related to sweet. You can grab a jar of Valentine sprinkles for a buck or two at the store. Then go to town by adding them into the simplest of dishes: Sprinkles make everything fun. Try adding them to your pancakes, waffles, or even yogurt. Your kids will love the extra touch of sweetness.
3. Deck the Halls a Bit
Okay, so it’s not Christmas or anything, but I think kids get a real kick out of some kind of decor for festive events. It doesn’t have to be a big hoopla. It’s the little things, people. If your kids are the kind that like to decorate, include them in the process! Try making some simple Valentine’s Day decorations like paper hearts, garlands, or even a DIY photo booth.
4. Make it Pretty
Take a page from Fancy Nancy and dress up the presentation a bit. When I worked in catering, the mantra was “presentation is everything”. That’s not really true, but it sure does change the experience. There are loads of small touches that you can do throughout the day to make mealtimes a little more special on Valentine’s Day: Set a fancy table — even if you’re just serving hot dogs. Serve the meal on “real” dishes with silverware. Cut cake or bars into nice squares and serve in colorful muffin papers. Use that heart cutter to make bite-sized brownies. (Save the crumbs for a triple chocolate sundae .) Add whipped cream to dessert. And don’t forget the sprinkles!
5. Make Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards and Crafts
If you can keep it together and plan ahead, making homemade Valentine’s Day cards with the kids is a great way to push back against the overconsumption that surrounds us. In fact, we’ve got loads of free printable Valentines here on Life as Mom to make it easy for you! Spend a few afternoons leading up to February 14 crafting together with your kids. Remind the kids and yourself that the cards don’t have to be perfect. Creating a valentine by hand is actually how the tradition started, so lean in and skip the last minute trip to shop for junky cardboard cards. Origami hearts made from dollar bills are super fun!
6. Keep the Gifts Simple
One of the reasons that Millenial moms are so exhausted is that they’ve been so extra with their arts and crafts over the years. Yes, this Gen X mom said it. You don’t need to do much. You don’t need everything shaped into hearts. You don’t need build-a-bear or stuffed animals for every occasion. A sweet valentines card or activity, a small candy at the dinner table — enough is good, my friend! Keep your celebrations simple and start acclimating your family to simpler celebrations. It will do you all good!
Valentine’s Day may be considered a couples-only, romantic, Hallmark holiday by some. But, it can just as easily be a fun little celebration of your family. Enjoy Valentine’s Day for kids in simple ways that keep you calm and peaceful!
Why Simple Valentine’s Day Ideas Matter
You don’t need to spend a lot to celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids. Baking is fun and less expensive than buying from a bakery. Making homemade Valentine’s Day cards is a great way to avoid overconsumption. Origami hearts made from dollar bills are fun. Keeping gifts simple is better for your mental health. A sweet Valentine’s card or activity is enough. Simple celebrations can be beneficial for your family.
In conclusion, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be an expensive or stressful holiday. With these simple Valentine’s Day ideas for kids, you can create a fun and festive celebration without breaking the bank. So, put a little heart into it and have fun with your family!
