There is something truly magical about Valentine’s Day. I still remember the excitement I felt as a child anticipating the day. Decorating my box and choosing my valentines, wearing my (fabulous) heart-decorated outfits, opening a Valentine’s gift the morning of…. Needless to say, there’s a reason it’s one of my favorite holidays. Wondering how you can make it special for your kids this year? Whether it’s making homemade festive treats, going to a fun local event, or getting a little artsy, here are 7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with your kiddos. (We also have you covered for Galentine’s events and romantic V-Day events.)
1. GET CRAFTY
There is an almost endless supply of Valentine’s Day crafts out there—all you have to do is a simple Pinterest search. Here are a few ideas, though:
- Make homemade valentines
- Decorate a Valentine’s Day box
- Cotton Ball Heart Wreath
- Toilet Roll Love Bug
- Handprint Bouquet
2. MAKE V-DAY SWEETS
Box of chocolates? If you insist (wink, wink)—after all, we’ll never refuse. But it can be so much more fun to whip up some sugary treats yourself in the kitchen. Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to invite your older kids to help you bake something extra special.
One great baking activity idea is using Raised Gluten Free’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Mixes. They’re designed with kids in mind. The packaging even starts with “Step 1: Ask a grown up to preheat oven to 350º.” Not to mention the darling valentines you can cut out of the back of the box and give to your friends, along with some fresh, hot cookies!
The mixes come in Vanilla Chip and Confetti Sugar Cookie, and you can snag them from Target. These 100 percent vegan, certified gluten-free mixes are handcrafted in small batches with clean ingredients and easy instructions—just mash vegan butter + applesauce with the mix, stir, chill, and bake. Minimal effort, but still delicious! (Plus, they’re also kosher, Non-GMO, and free from the top nine allergens.) If you’re wanting to make them even cuter, use heart-shaped cookie cutters and decorate them with icing and sprinkles.
3. HOST A PARTY
A holiday isn’t a true celebration without a party. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or you’re going all out, everyone loves a good excuse to spend time together. Ask your kids if they’d like to help you host a themed tea party, a dessert potluck, or even a cozy V-Day pj & movie night. Invite a few family friends over, or ask if they’d like to ask a handful of friends to come. Read this article for 10 ideas on how to throw a fabulous Tween V-Day party!
4. READ A VALENTINE’S DAY BOOK
Our February issue’s From the Bookshelf is filled with fun, festive books for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a board book for your toddler or a novel for your teenager, the Children’s Librarian at Homewood Public Library has you covered.
5. MOVIE NIGHT
Whether you’re watching a Valentine’s Day movie or episode or a classic family favorite, making time to spend with the whole family can be a sweet addition to your Valentine’s Day. Throw in some Valentine candy and you’ll be set!
6. HAVE A SPA DAY
Live out your Fancy Nancy spa day dreams with homemade mani-pedis, face masks, and more. No need to hit the salon—your bathroom will suffice. Throw on bathrobes and slippers and presto! Glamour day is on.
7. TAKE YOUR KIDS TO A SPECIAL EVENT
There’s nothing quite like gifting an experience. Even if the event is not on February 14th, in my book, you can still call it a Valentine’s activity if it makes your child feel special and fancy—or falls on V-Day weekend. One great way to add to the experience is by telling your kids about the event on Valentine’s Day. Wrap up something that might hint at what it is (like a crown for a princess event) and have them unwrap it and guess or print off a piece of paper that shares what you’ll be doing.
1. 6th Annual The Princess Ball
When: Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m.
Where: Bryant Conference Center (240 Paul William Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa)
How much: $60/couple ($30/additional daughter)
Details: Start off the night with a Red Carpet Welcome, then enjoy a night of celebration and fun with Disney princesses.
2. 18th Annual YMCA Father Daughter Dance
When: February 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Gadsden Country Club
How much: $75/couple ($35/additional daughter)
Details: Hosted by the YMCA of the Coosa Valley, this Daddy-daughter dance features a DJ, a three-course meal, interactive tiara-making stations for the girls, professional photography, a silent auction, and more.
3. Birmingham Princess Day
When: Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: BJCC Ballroom B
How much: $31–34
Details: Join the princesses for stories, songs, dances, crafts, photos, and more!
4. Family Friendly Hoot and Heart Painting Class
When: Saturday, February 14 12:30–2 p.m.
Where: Painting with a Twist (701 Doug Baker Blvd. #106, Birmingham)
How much: $27–29/person
Details: Paint your own version of a sweet owl with a heart.
5. Kids NY Style Pizza Making Class
When: February 15 from 4–6 p.m.
Where: Uncle G’s Pizza
How much: $40/ticket (minimum of 2 tickets per order)
Details: Kids will stretch their pizza, build their own 10” pizza, and then enjoy. Must be accompanied by an adult.
6. Valentine Tails: A Valentine’s Storytime
When: Saturday, February 14 from 10:30–11 a.m.
Where: Hoover Public Library (Youth Program Room)
How much: Free
Details: Join for a special story time filled with furry friends and Valentine cheer.
