I’ve never met a holiday I didn’t love, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Love it or hate it, Feb. 14 is just around the corner, and I believe it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate love in all its forms, including celebrating with my kids.
When I come across people who don’t love the idea of Valentine’s Day, I can’t help but think they just need a brand new introduction to it! There are countless Valentine’s Day ideas for kids that can make the day meaningful and fun for the whole family.
The best part? It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Thoughtful gestures, playful moments and a sprinkle of love are all you need to make someone feel special – especially your kids!
As a mom of little ones, I’ve made Valentine’s Day a family tradition. My kids (now 2 and 4) love it, and over the years, we’ve found simple, creative ways to make it memorable.
Here are 5 simple ideas to inspire your own Valentine’s Day celebration!
Set the scene
I love a themed tablescape and Valentine’s Day is no different. For me, cake and balloons are synonymous with traditional celebrations. Every year, I get the kids heart-shaped balloons from the Dollar Store. I also grab heart-themed cups and paper plates.
Give thoughtful and personal gifts
When it comes to Valentine’s Day ideas for kids, personalized gifts are always a hit! Pick up their favorite treats and wrap them. You can always choose options with less sugar so you actually get some sleep that night! I like to give my daughter a single stem flower of some sort. And for my son, something related to big cats or wild animals. I like to give them small things that speak to who they are. There is nothing better than watching your kids’ faces light up in amusement or sheer excitement.
Express your love
I share with my kids what I love about them, how much I love them and how they have changed my life in the best of ways. You’d be surprised at how much they remember year to year.
Discuss the meaning of love
Grab your favorite history book, religious book, love story, dictionary or even Shakespeare story. Read an example of love from the book of your choosing, share a definition or even the definition of love in your own words. You’d be amazed at how focusing on love can change your entire day and theirs.
Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day meal together
What better way to say I love you than with a great meal. Enjoy a favorite restaurant, grab take out or stay home and cook. I like to dress the kids in Valentine attire and take them to eat at a restaurant we’ve never been to. We all experience it for the first time together. And no, my kids have not graduated from well-behaved class 101. They are knee-deep in toddler activities, not excluding tantrums, curiosity, movement and whatever comes to their little minds in that moment. But they have to learn somehow – and dressing them up and watching them enjoy themselves softens those rough moments!
Most stores heavily discount Valentine’s Day clothing mid-January. Don’t pay full price! Get that discount! And don’t forget places like Once Upon a Child, where they have areas categorized by color and holiday.
Let Valentine’s Day this year remind you of how important it is to show up in the name of love. Take the opportunity to explore Valentine’s Day ideas for kids that teach them the importance of love, kindness and creative ways to say I love you. As a parent, what a gift it is to be able to give special moments to our kids and know their hearts are happy and their smiles are genuine.
For even more ways to celebrate Valentine’s with your kids, check out our Valentine’s Day round-up filled with:
- More mom-approved ways to celebrate with kids
- Local kid-friendly events happening in the OKC metro
- Fun-filled dance parties for families
- Heartfelt ways to teach kids about kindness
Mecca Rayne is an Oklahoma City mom and journalist who enjoys exploring our city with her children.
