Valentine’s Day Traditions
The romance of Valentine’s Day is traditionally reserved for couples, but a show of appreciation and sweet gestures are perfect for sharing with anyone you love. Why not start a family Valentine’s Day tradition this year and let them know how much each one is treasured?
Whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours to plan, there are fun Valentine’s Day family ideas for everyone, from breakfast and sweet treats to candlelit dinners and fun activities.
Kick Off the Day With Treats
No matter your age, a heart-shaped box full of little treats is sure to put a smile on your face! Luckily, there are options for every budget and schedule. Include a thoughtful note to carry your loved ones into their busy day.
Dollar stores carry cute little plastic containers in the shape of a heart that are perfect for a tiny handful of carefully chosen sweetheart candies or berries.
Add popsicle or lollipop sticks to homemade, heart-shaped rice cereal treats and wrap them in cellophane for a Valentine’s Day treat on-the-go.
Breakfast is perfect for built-in treats! Pour pancake batter into heart-shaped molds and serve them encircled with sliced strawberries, or make heart-shaped toast with a cookie cutter. While you’re at it, use that cookie cutter to create a heart-shaped PB&J for lunch and top it off with a Valentine’s Day card.
Romantic Family Dinner
Don’t relegate a romantic dinner to the rare occasions when you can get a sitter! Get the whole family involved and watch them bask in the glow.
Set a beautiful table, complete with roses and candles.
Buy or create cute little heart-shaped place cards.
Serve sparkling cider or another festive beverage.
Play classic music like Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra.
After dinner, clear the table for a candlelit chocolate fondue dessert.
Fun Family Valentine’s Day Activities
Sharing your love and appreciation of one another is a good habit to get into any time, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get started!
Just like you did in school, decorate a pretty paper bag for each member of your family. Have an assortment of cards, pens and markers on hand and have everyone tuck a note into each other’s bags.
Create and decorate an Appreciation Jar. On Valentine’s Day, have everyone write a note about something they appreciate in each member of their family and place it in the jar. Each time throughout the year that a family member does something thoughtful, add a note to the jar. Next Valentine’s Day, open the jar and read the lovely notes, then repeat!
Enjoy a romantic movie night “sleepover” for the whole family. Pop some corn, pull out the blankets and sleeping bags, get everyone into their pajamas, and celebrate the romance of Valentine’s Day with Lady and the Tramp.