Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show loved ones you care, and celebrating with your kids can be a really nice tradition. But Valentine’s Day also tends to creep up on you! One day it’s February 1st, and seemingly the next, it’s Valentine’s Day — and you have not planned a thing! Don’t worry — we have some super-simple Valentine’s Day ideas that you can rely on when pressed for time. They’re fun for kids, don’t make a big mess, and don’t require a ton of supplies.
1. Make Valentine’s Day Snack Mix
This festive snack mix is fun to give away in little bags or just enjoy at home on the couch while watching a Valentine’s Day movie. It’s also a bit healthier than other Valentine’s Day snacks. Basically, you mix together popcorn, cereal, and mini pretzels, coat them with some melted white chocolate, and toss in some red M&Ms and candy hearts. Let the mixture harden, and enjoy. You can add or subtract ingredients to your liking.
2. Valentine’s Day Idea: A Quiet Movie Night
If you’re exhausted and the mere thought of leaving the house or even baking a treat is overwhelming, watching a Valentine’s Day movie with the kids is a relaxing way to celebrate. Some kid-appropriate Valentine’s Day films to consider include:
- Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
- Gnomeo & Juliet
- The Princess Bride
- Cinderella
Take a look at what your streaming services have to offer. They often add Valentine’s Day-themed movies a few days before the holiday.
3. Bake Red Chocolate Chip Cookies
You don’t need a fancy cookie recipe to make Valentine’s Day cookies. Simply take your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, and add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough to make red chocolate chip cookies. Have the kids help you measure the ingredients and shape the dough into balls. If you want to make the cookies a little healthier, you can use 1/3 less sugar and substitute whole wheat flour for half of the white flour.
4. Make Homemade Valentines
If you want to teach your child about the tradition of giving Valentines to the ones they love, then why not spend a little time making homemade Valentines? It will then do double-duty as a celebratory project and a nice gesture for others. You can simply cut hearts out of red construction paper and let kids decorate them with markers and stickers. Guide your kids in choosing appropriate messages for the Valentines — like “Be Mine” and “I Love You.” With no glue or paint involved, this is a very tidy crafting project.
These Valentine’s Day ideas make it possible to celebrate with your kids without making a huge mess or setting aside a whole day. Whether you’re in the mood to bake, create, or watch a movie, the day is really about spending time together and sharing your love. Happy Valentine’s Day!