This post discusses tips on how to create an intentional family Valentine’s Day, including the ideas we plan to implement for our own holiday, making it a simple time that we can connect as a family.

 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And this year, we are looking at things a little differently. We are in the final days of completing a spend free month challenge. A challenge that has been wonderful, and difficult, all at the same time. We have learned a lot as a family, and grown in our abilities to be more intentional about our spending as well as our time.

And so, as we continue our commitment to simple and minimal living, I have thought a lot about what it might mean by way of holiday celebrations.

I can’t say that Valentine’s Day has always been one that we have most anticipated. Like most people, I believe, this time of year we are still a bit tired from all the hustle and bustle of back to back Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Sure, in the past, we have sent the token candy filled valentines to school friends. We have purchased a few fresh flowers. But that is about it. And I have to admit that even those simple acts have felt more like an obligation than anything else.

 

A MORE INTENTIONAL IDEA

This year though, we are looking at Valentine’s Day in a whole new light. While advertisers would have us believe that our kids won’t enjoy the day without a ton of sweets, or a giant stuffed teddy bear. And that our spouse will be upset without new jewelry and chocolates. We are challenging those notions. Instead, we are preparing for a holiday that has us connecting and enjoying each other’s company.

The following tips and ideas are what we plan to implement in order to make this a simple and intentional family Valentine’s Day.

 

INTENTIONAL FAMILY VALENTINE’S DAY

 

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DECORATION IDEAS

Decorations have a way of setting the mood of a space. Kids especially enjoy the change of scenery and will pick up on the fact that something special is about to happen. There is definitely no need to go overboard in this department, however.

In fact, I would suggest that you don’t spend any money. Instead, look around your house to find items that might be useful. Red, pink, and white are the classic Valentine’s Day colors – but other accents can work great as well. You might be surprised at the things you find that work perfectly as decor!

I have a few large plastic apothecary jars that I have used for birthday parties in the past. Filling them with red ball ornaments from my Christmas decor stash really brought them to life! A red fabric pillow case was used to anchor the centerpiece to the table.

 

I also love to find holiday appropriate books to decorate with. You may have a few favorites around the home that you can pull out and use in a display. If not, I suggest visiting your local library. Ours had a wonderful selection of titles with beautiful covers.

Since we don’t have a fireplace in our rental home, the restored cabinet in our dining room served as a makeshift mantle. The books look so cheery sitting on top.

 

Just Because You’re Mine | Guess How Much I Love You | I Heart You

 

 

ACTIVITIES

Having a few fun activities on hand to do together as a family is a great idea. Think about the ages of your children when determining what is appropriate.

FOR YOUNGER KIDS

My two young daughters saw me decorating with books and immediately began asking if I would read them the stories. Of course, reading to children is a great activity to build imagination and vocabulary skills. The bonus is that by sitting down to read, you can get in some extra cuddles!

Other fun activities for younger kids may include blowing bubbles for them to run through, playing tic tac toe, or working on coloring pages together.

 

FOR OLDER KIDS

Older children may enjoy something a bit more advanced, such as a craft project. Keep costs down by looking through your personal stash of supplies instead of running to the store. Lay all of the items out on the table and let your kid’s creativity run wild!

Most important of all, be sure to sit down with them while they create. Just having you there with them makes it that much more fun for kids. They will enjoy your company, and you are sure to have a lot of fun too!

Some children may be required to make Valentine’s Day boxes for school. This is another fun project that you can help with. Check out these creative box ideas:

 

Robot Valentine’s Day Box

Hungry Monster Valentine’s Box

Kitty Cat Valentine’s Box

 

If you really get into the groove, consider also helping the kids make handmade cards to gift their classmates. They are so much more fun than the standard store bought variety. Making them candy free would surely please the other parents as well. The following printable valentines are candy free and oh so cute:

 

I Spy | Seek + Find

Tic Tac Toe

Bookmark to Color

 

ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY

There are many fun ways to enjoy activities together on an intentional family Valentine’s Day. If the weather is warm enough, plan a walk or a trip to the park. Volunteer to hold and care for animals at your local Humane Society, or work together to create a delicious four course meal!

 

 

FOOD IDEAS

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’m convinced the sentiment also applies to children. Ours, at least, can’t resist a snack.

For Valentine’s Day, consider cutting food items with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Experiment with different foods. Toast, sandwiches, and even fruit can easily be given this fun shape. Dying foods with natural colors is also a fun idea.

I have found that another easy way to make a snack more special is to serve it in a different way. Try placing the simple snack on the ‘good china’ for example, or letting the kids drink from glass jars with straws. These fancy containers have a way of making the eating experience more fun.

These other fun Valentine’s Day snacks are healthy and interesting eats for kids:

 

Apple Slice ‘Doughnuts’

Pink Yogurt Parfait

Homemade Heart Tortilla Chips

 

If a sweet treat is what you’re after, consider making this yummy Valentine’s Day popcorn!

 

WORDS/ ACTS OF LOVE

Of course, the most important aspect of an intentional family Valentine’s Day is letting everyone know how much you love and care for them.

Offer up plenty of hugs and cuddles. Older children and spouses will appreciate finding small notes of love. Writing on cut out paper hearts adds a special touch and is sure to put a smile on the face of the receiver.

Sitting together as a family and discussing what you love about one another can also be a fun activity.

One of the best ways to show love is by giving your family your time. By simplifying the holiday so that it isn’t such a huge burden, you are allowing yourself more freedom to be fully present.

 

OTHER INTENTIONAL VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS

These blog posts have additional tips on how to create an intentional family Valentine’s Day. Be sure to check them out!

 

What is Valentine’s Day? | Life On Mercedes Drive

Valentine’s Day Made Special | Hydrangea Tree House

DIY Valentine’s Mugs | VanBoven Vintage Farmhouse Living

Creating a Valentine’s Day Everyone Will Remember | Faith + Family Farmhouse

8 Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special For Your Spouse  | Making it Home

DIY Valentine’s Gift Idea | Homemade on our Homestead

 

 

 

PIN THESE VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS

If you are wanting to make the switch to an intentional family Valentine’s Day, be sure to pin these ideas!