Over the years my family and I have celebrated Valentine's Day in many ways. Although I love to dine out, typically a Valentine's evening dinner can mean a special menu with a special price. Which is fine, if that is what you want, but with the kids around there are many ways to celebrate at home with your family.
I wanted to share some of the things my family has done over the years to make Valentine's day special and many of these do not cost a lot, (some are free):
- Cook dinner together - have the family help pick out the menu and prepare the meal. Add pink items to the menu to make it interesting using food coloring. The photo above is pink oatmeal.
- Play games - make it a family game night or a family movie night. Buy a puzzle and work together as a family to complete it.
- Showtime - have your kids put on a show for you. My kids loved this and would plan the show together while I prepared dinner. Seriously, give them the stage and they will enjoy showcasing their talent. Be sure to record it for future memories.
- Potluck or Party - Invite another family or some friends over and avoid the crowded restaurants by eating in.
- Love Note Scavenger Hunt - leave little clues around the house and send your kids on an indoor scavenger hunt to find a fun treat. Include tasks such as - write a valentine's to a family member or call a friend and wish them a Happy Valentine's day so they can share the love.
- Crafts - Have the kids decorate a shoebox or bag to put in all the Valentine's cards they received from their friends.
- Photo Fun - Bring out the photo albums and videos of you and your husband when you were kids and before you had children of your own. Sharing these memories is a great way to show your love.
What are you doing this Valentine's Day? Does your family have any Valentine's Day traditions?
The Contessa (Linda)
What a sweet idea for such a sweet day! I love the idea of inviting another family for a potluck and the scavenger hunt. Lucky family to have such a loving mom!
Have a great day! Linda
Rabia @ TheLiebers
I am planning some heart shaped mini meatloafs for my gang! They love them that way!!
Organizedisland
Oh I love the meatloaf idea Rabia!
Alexis AKA MOM
Well I plan to do fun things for the kids school but lol I'm sad to say I never really do anything at home. I really should put a little effort into it.
I love all your items!
Organizedisland
Thank you Alexis for stopping by! It's fun to celebrate with family.
Britton
These are some wonderful ideas! I especially love the love note scavenger hunt! Stopping in from SITS!
Organizedisland
Thanks Britton! I appreciate it!
Stone Cottage Adventures
What lovely ideas for a special evening! I especially like the idea of the kiddos creating a show! Thank you for hopping on board The Great Blog Train! -Marci, Helen and Angie
Organizedisland
Thank you! Love this train ride 🙂
thedoseofreality
Oh my Gosh, I am DEFINITELY doing the Valentine's scavenger hunt for my girls...they will LOVE it!! 🙂
Organizedisland
I bet they will like it Ashley! I can hear the giggles now!
Maricris
Love the vases with hearts! Cute centerpiece.
Organizedisland
Thank you for your sweet comment!
Diana Rambles
Very nice! Thanks for sharing this at my Pin Me Linky Party.
Brandy Myers
Thanks for the tips. I like the idea of having dinner together as it's to hard to find a sitter and I want to enjoy the special day with my kids as well.
Raquel
Thanks Brandy! I love dinner at home and it gets harder as the kids get older.
maria @ close tohome
we have a fondue party each valentines day, just our family but we stopped gifts and just spend the evening together.
Raquel
Oh I love fondue parties! I agree Maria, it is all about spending the time together!
Jamie
These are really great ideas =) Way to make it fun... this just reminded me to put post it notes up on V-day for my other half.. even though we'll be in a hotel... you got me thinking..
Raquel
Post it notes are so fun. Honestly, how did we live without them. Sounds like you have a fun Valentine's Day planned.