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Celebrating a Family Valentine's Day

Making memories and traditions

By Renae Gonzalez, publisher of Macaroni Kid Brentwood, Calif. January 31, 2024

It's almost Valentine's Day - do you know how you will celebrate this day of love and appreciation?
Personally, I don't want expensive flowers or a date night when Valentine's Day rolls around. I just want some family fun! We are always looking for different ideas for how to celebrate Valentine's Day with our kids. 

Are you looking for ideas too? 

Here are 7 ideas for how to Celebrate Valentine's Day with your Family:

1. Make homemade cards

No fancy supplies are needed! Just grab paper, markers, and any other craft items you have around the house and get creative. Exchange cards between the family members in your house or go the extra mile and send out some snail mail to loved ones.  Here are some FREE printable cards to get you started.

2. Go for a nature walk and look for hearts

When was the last time you stopped and smelled the roses? Did you notice they were heart-shaped? Head out for a nature walk. You'll be surprised how many heart-shaped items you can find! Check out our Favorite Local Walking Trails

3. Leave love notes in their lunch bag

You know that feeling when you find a note in an unexpected place? Best feeling ever. Surprise your child with a special note in their lunch box. Already leave them notes in their lunch? Then place one in their backpack or under their pillow. You'll make their day when they are least expecting it! Use these Valentine's Day Printables if you'd like

4. Have a Valentine's Day-themed meal

Wake up a little early to make a special breakfast or bring out the fancy china for dinner (or you can be like me and grab Valentine-themed paper plates at the dollar store … score!). It doesn't matter when you do it or how, but have a little fun with your food! Pro tip: Strawberries cut the long way to look like hearts, and you can’t go wrong with adding dessert to any meal! How about these Heart-Shaped Foods or these Sweet, Cereal Treats

5. Plan a family game night

Bring out the board games for a good old-fashioned family game night. Win or lose, the memories created will make everyone feel like a champ. Here are our Favorite Game Night Ideas

6. Turn on the tunes and have a dance party

Dance like no one is watching … except your kids are watching, and they’ll absolutely love rocking out with you. Do it. You'll thank me later. 

7. Write things you love about your kids and post them on their bedroom door

Does your child's smile melt your heart? Are you so proud of the little humans they are becoming? Let them know! Write down some of the many reasons you love them and display them on their door to see every day. Think about starting a Shared Journal as well and make it a daily family fun entering short sweat facts about each other to start your day on the right foot with positive, confidence-boosting notes. You know we all need that!

And there you have it! Seven simple ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day with kids ... and create memories that will last much longer.

Happy Valentine's Day from our family to yours!

Renae Gonzalez is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Brentwood, Calif.


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