Valentine’s Day Ideas When You Have Kids

Valentine’s Day! The day of flirting, chocolates, roses, a romantic date, and love. 

NOT.

You’re a mama now. So Valentine’s Day is just another day, except for now you have to buy and address a bunch of Valentine’s for the class party, try to find a babysitter, remember to buy a gift last minute, and stress about fighting traffic to get to a restaurant. 

But it doesn’t have to be like this! You can create a fun and exciting day and night with your Valentine, and with your kids too. 

Gift ideas for kids.

Kids don’t need a huge Valentine’s Day gift, but something small and sweet can help them remember it’s a day to celebrate love. Try one of these ideas:

• A special breakfast of heart-shaped pancakes. Simply use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make them something special!
• A small box of chocolates.
• An act of service—make their beds for them or do their chores to help show them that love can be shown in service.
• A box of candy hearts.
• A picture book that talks about love.
• A card with a note telling them how much you love and appreciate them.
• A trail of candy kisses leading to their room after school.
• A balloon with a note attached sharing things you love about them.

Treats and crafts for your kids.

You can also plan some fun treat or craft activities for your kids on Valentine’s Day to make it feel like a special and unique day. 

• Make paper valentines and “heart attack” a neighbor or family member.
• Decorate sugar cookies with pink icing and sprinkles.
• Make a card for every member of your family, sharing what you love about them.
• Take polaroid photos and attach them to balloons for a grandparent or family member.
• Make chocolate dipped strawberries for a delicious Valentine treat!

Gift ideas for the man in your life.

It doesn’t have to be a crazy adventure trying to find a gift for the man in your life. There are lots of things you can get that your Valentine is sure to love!

• A candy bar bouquet.
• A handmade coupon book.
• His favorite cologne or body wash.
• A map display of where you met, got married, or fell in love.
• A heartfelt card telling him why you love him.
• Tickets to a sporting event or concert.
• A playlist of songs that remind you of him.
• A coupon for a “responsibility free day” where he gets to go out with friends, sleep in, and relax!

How to have a great date.

You want to have a great Valentine’s Day date, but with kiddos it can be hard to get it all arranged! These tips can help you have a great date night.

• Opt for a Valentine’s Day lunch instead of a dinner date. Your babysitter can then still have their own date night, and you’ll pay lower prices and fight less traffic!
• Have a stay-in date night after the kids go to sleep. Order your favorite take-out and have an indoor picnic!
• Plan your Valentine’s Date night for a weekend before or after Valentine’s Day instead of the actual day.
• Do an activity you both love instead of a busy restaurant. 
• Make sure you research your restaurant well! Some places have set menus on Valentine’s Day instead of their normal menu.
• Make a reservation now! Don’t wait! If you know you want to go out on Valentine’s Day, make your reservation early!

Having kids doesn’t have to mean that your Valentine’s Day traditions have to go out the window. You can still participate in your favorite Valentine’s Day rituals, and create new ones that help your kids get involved too. Get ready for the best Valentine’s Day ever by planning early, and knowing that whatever you end up doing, it’s perfect for you and your family!