When I was little, Valentine’s Day was all about perfecting the prettiest box for school, and wondering if my crush would notice my Valentine’s Day card. Now, as a Mom, it’s about balance. My husband and I focus on celebrating our love for each other and for our daughters.
Frankly, just spending extra time together is the best. The holiday of love is for anyone to celebrate all kinds of love!
Whether you have a date night in planned, or you need new crafts ideas with your kids to celebrate, here are some fun ways to spark some creativity.
Valentine’s Day Recipes: Cook With Love
What a fun way to wake up! Your kiddos can definitely help with these Flourless Chocolate Donuts with Chocolate Icing. The recipe tailors to all preferences. It is naturally gluten-free but you can adapt it to be dairy-free as well. As a Registered Dietitian, I truly believe there is space in life to allow yourself to enjoy the foods you love. These donuts fit that bill.
Have a kiddo who’s not sure about what you put on their plate? Switch it up and try Muffin Tin Snacks. You may find that by presenting options in a new container, your picky eater all of a sudden wants to try new foods. Ideas to go along with the Valentine’s Day theme include adding strawberries, raspberries, grapes, dried cherries, grape tomatoes, red peppers, apples, watermelon, blood oranges, or pomegranate seeds.
We’ve made this Cilantro Pistachio Pesto Shrimp Pasta multiple times (and actually once for Valentine’s Day). It’s a little extra prep work, but well worth the wait. Perfect to pair with a glass of wine by yourself or with someone special.
8 ingredients. 30 minutes. That’s a win-win situation for me! These Tahini Stuffed Dates are a fun twist to your typical dessert, and an easy sweet treat for your planned Galentine’s celebration. If you don’t have tahini or don’t like it, you can use peanut butter instead.
Valentine’s Day Traditions: Celebrate With Love
Growing up, my parents always gave me something simple for Valentine’s Day. Maybe it was a pen, a notepad, or even a card, with a short note from my mom to remind me how much they loved me.
Our kids are quite young, so we are still learning what traditions are best for us. For our girls, we are planning to give them new books, like Love From The Crayons and One Love. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year, our plan is to have a typical evening after daycare to include a fun dinner and extra snuggles!
Looking for other simple, low-key options? Make heart shaped pizzas or pancakes together, go on a family date night, or hide paper hearts throughout your house for a scavenger hunt.
Valentine’s Day Crafts: Play With Love!
There are so many craft ideas to find with a simple search. I’m trying to be more of a crafty mom, and I definitely appreciate others giving me ideas. A couple I’ve been eyeing for the weekend before Valentine’s Day include this Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin, DIY Ceramic Heart Wall Hanging, or Rainbow Heart Suncatchers.
Whatever you choose to do – or don’t do – know that just spending quality time with your kiddos and loved ones can be the best medicine, whether it is a holiday or not.
