Feel the Love: Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Home with Kids

Will this February 14^th be your first Valentine’s Day with baby? Or the first one you are spending at home with the family?  If so, we have some ideas to make it extra special for everyone, even if your big “date night” is happening at home.

 How should you celebrate baby’s first Valentine’s Day?

 FYI, there’s not a “right answer” here; the world is your oyster when it comes to how you wish to mark the occasion of baby’s first Valentine’s Day. But, here are a few fun things you might consider:

1. Dress your funny little valentine in cute, love-themed gear
2. Take adorable photos your love bug in his or her Valentine’s outfit(s)—as well as photos of the whole family; these are special keepsakes you’ll treasure through the years
3. Read sweet stories together (Book Riot has a list of 18 Children’s Books About Love, including a few of our favorites like “The Wonderful Things You Will Be,” “Yak and Dove,” and “Love Monster”) 

What makes a good Valentine's Day gift for baby (or a new parent)? 

It’s easier than you may think to find the perfect Valentine’s gift for babies or parents on your list. Try these ideas on for size:

1. Valentine’s-themed clothing (as mentioned above); we’ve got a variety of awesome Valentine’s graphics in bodysuits, tees, and more, including some gift sets for Mom and Dad
2. A special toy; gift a unique toy that baby can use now and keep forever—preferably one made of wood or another natural material
3. A passed-down family heirloom; no, baby will not understand or appreciate the meaning of a great-great-grandmother’s necklace or great-uncle’s watch, but go ahead and set something aside for them now

What are some fun family-friendly Valentine’s Day activities with older kids?

You might not be having a date night out this year, so make it a date night at home with the whole gang. Make staying in more fun with some of these easy activities:

1. Decorate the house; this needn’t be elaborate—at all. It can be as easy as cutting out paper hearts and making a garland out of them; check out Verywell Family’s fun and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
2. Give each other valentines; everyone in the house who’s old enough to write can make valentines for everyone else! Go crazy and decorate old shoeboxes as mailboxes, like you did in grade school…
3. Movie night; baby will (ideally) use this activity as an excuse to take a nap, but if you have older kids, pick a fun movie that everyone will like (or watch something on your own, or with your partner, after everyone else is in bed!). Town & Country has a list of 21 of the Best Valentine's Day Movies Ever Made
4. Have a special meal; order in from a favorite restaurant, or if you’re feeling ambitious, Food Network has a variety of Valentine’s recipes that would be great to try. Maybe make s’mores for dessert! (Oh, and Forkly has some fun and easy ideas of Valentine’s Day Snacks for Kids, many of which are great if you have older children too!)
5. Get out your best dishes; everyone likes to save the “good china” for a special occasion. This is a special occasion—especially this year!

Whatever you do to celebrate your littlest Valentine—and your whole family—this year, keep it comfy and cozy. Love rules the day!