Love Outside of Candy

Thinking Outside the Box of Chocolates

When we think of celebrating Valentine’s Day with our kids we often think of candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, and paper valentines with cheap chocolate taped to it. Although these things can be a nice treat for our little ones, there are so many ways to celebrate Valentine’s day outside of sugar.

Here are a few ideas of how you and your family can celebrate a day of love outside of giving candy.

Cook a Meal Together:

There’s nothing wrong with celebrating with food but why not make it a family experience? From heart-shaped pancakes to beautiful heart-themed fruit kabobs, there are so many tasty things you and your child can cook up this Valentine’s day!

Go on a Valentine’s Day Outing:

Show your love by having a day out with your child. Take them to their favorite park, enjoy a museum, go to the library, or treat them to a movie! Make it a special day for you both!

Do a Random Act of Kindness:

Show your child that love isn’t just about receiving but it’s also about giving. You can bake treats for your neighbors, write valentines for residents in a retirement home, or leave a thank you note for public servants.

Give a Coupon for a One-on-One Date:

When you have multiple kids, those moments when your child gets to just be with mom or dad are extra special. Give your child a ‘date voucher’ and let them help plan a time when just you two get to go on a date.

Create a ‘Love Box’:

Put your craft-skills to work by decorating a shoe box for valentines day. Then, every day for the next week, put a note about something you love about your child in it. Have your child do the same for you. Then, on Valentines Day, open up your boxes and read all of your love notes to one another.

Enjoy showing your family some love by trying out a few of these fun ideas and make new Valentine’s traditions of your own!

Book Suggestion of the Month:

Dragons Love Tacos
by: Adam Rubin
Illustrated by: Daniel Salmieri

Enjoy reading your child this deliciously silly book and watch their imagination grow!