Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. So I began my search for adorable, yet simple ideas for my family for Valentine’s Day. I placed a high priority on simple. Starting with Pinterest…I was totally overwhelmed, so I narrowed it down to a few favorites and thought why not share?
Classroom Valentines
If your little sweetie is like mine; now that Christmas is over, she is in full Valentine’s Day mode. One of her biggest concerns each year is what Valentine will she take to her classmates. I am determined this year to let her make (more like make for her with her help) Valentines instead of buying them. I am debating on Valentines with a sweet treat verses a non-candy Valentine. My daughter’s focus, as always, is something that the boys and girls will enjoy. For my sanity, I am only making one variety. I am leaning toward a non-candy treat, but will include a variety of ideas.
I am really smitten with this crayon idea I found on Pinterest. Every kid loves the smell and thrill of opening a new box of crayons and coloring or drawing with fresh out-of-the-box crayons. Oh the joy of a new crayon, instead of a crayon from a tub of broken crayons. No digging for you favorite color. I also love the sweet message, “You Color My World.” Although, I am very confident my label will not be this adorable.
My youngest daughter spends hours at her brothers’ basketball games and tennis matches – very boring. Her go-to to survive the bordom..BOOKS. Consequently, my next suggestion is going to be her favorite idea for Valentines. How cute are these book marks? I would suggest going to the paint store or box store that you frequent the most and let them know why you are taking so many paint samples. Maybe even offer to pay for the samples.
I am not opposed to candy laden Valentines and definitely would have preferred one as a child. I love this “tic tac” Valentine for two reasons.
- Kids love Tic Tacs!
- It’s a Valentine and a fun game. What kiddo doesn’t like tic-tack-toe? This Valentine would even work for tweens! How fun would it be for your tween to hand out Valentines to her friends? Even tweens get excited about Valentine’s Day.
The Tic Tac Valentine is a strong contender. These cards are printable…more information can be found in our Valentines Day Ideas for Kids Board on Pinterest.
Valentine’s Day Decor
How about some Valentine’s Day Decor to spruce up your house for the day? Better yet how about some decor everyone can help make together, saving time and money while making memories that you will cherish for years to come? Simple garland with hearts can be hung on a mantel or anywhere in your house. If you have a mantel, a garland is a charming addition, more heart decorations can be added to your mantel to finish the look. I love the mini chalk board on the mantel below with a customized heart or message. The queen of heart garland is truly delightful. It may be a little more time consuming, but could be used year after year. The “Be Mine” garland is a darling addition to this mantle along with simple cut-out hearts and red ribbons to already existing accessories. Quick and easy.
Right now my sidewalks are covered with snow and ice, but I am crushing on this easy idea for you lucky ones who are still enjoying warm temperatures. Send the kids out with chalk and have them cover your sidewalk and drive with hearts, easily washed off the next time it rains. Or do it yourself. How excited will they be when they get off the bus and follow the trail of hearts to the front door?
Photo Shoot Ideas
How about a Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot? Whether it’s a D0-It-Yourself shoot or professional shoot, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to capture those sentimental moments. Photographer Ariana Falerni captured some precious photos of her son, Jasper, and his best friend, Peyton, in a Valentine’s Day inspired photo shoot. Oh the innocence of bestie valentines and young crushes, these pictures will be cherished by the parents and these two friends. Her heart garland is simply charming clipped on a string with clothes pins and the chalkboard is a sweet touch. This could easily be duplicated at home.
I have always been a sucker for a cute kissing booth for Valentine’s Day pictures. If you are handy or have a handy spouse, no problem, build it yourself. You can easily transition this prop to a hot chocolate stand for Christmas or a pumpkin stand for fall. Not so handy? This might be a great time to check out your local photography studios to see if they have a kissing booth set-up and let them do all the work.
Next to cute kids, the next most important element in a perfect photo shoot – a marvelous outfit! In the blog, 4 Adorable Valentine’s Day Outfit Styles for Girls, Sandy A La Mode featured adorable girls in Tutu Du Monde dresses. The dresses featured in this blog are from last year’s collection, but Tutu Du Monde’s 2017 collection is just as stunning. You can always count on Tutu Du Monde to transform your little princess into a real-life princess for the day!
Cupid’s Top Picks for Valentine’s
LaBella Flora has the perfect Valentine’s Day dress for your cutie! As featured in the 4 Adorable Valentine’s Day Outfits for Girls, Tutu Du Monde is a great option. Made to be comfy and filled with magical details, every girl (big and little) falls in love with Tutu Du Monde. Each dress is made to have a vintage feel and features beading, sequins, feathers, and layers of tulle. It is a dress made to be passed down from generation to generation. Here are three dresses from this year’s collection that were made for Valentine’s Day! Perfect for portraits, school parties, and family celebrations and currently 20% off.
Ooh La La Couture is another Cupid Pick, offering show stopping girls party dresses for tweens and little girls. Perfect for twirling across the dance floor at Valentine’s Day Dances. Treat your rose to a new dress from Ooh La La Couture.
Another adorable option for Valentine’s Day is from Mustard Pie, the traditional charm of this dress will set the tone for a quaint Valentine’s Day celebration or a vintage inspired photograph. This dress is currently 50% off, while supplies last!
Family Fun
One of my kids favorite things to do when they were little was to play Valentine’s Day Bingo. The prizes were placed in heart covered bags and ranged from candy to an inexpensive toy. Here are a couple cute options that can be printed for free, using bingo cards with pictures for preschool age children and words for older kids works well.
There are so many ideas out there for family fun. No matter what your plans are for Valentine’s Day, we hope your day is full of love and happy memories. It’s a great excuse to turn off your phone and spend some time with your loved ones. My family will be putting in one of our favorite movies and snuggling up on the couch together. Don’t feel like cooking. Order a pizza or Chinese food. That’s what we will be doing. Happy Valentine’s Day!