Ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day at school and at home
I love the idea of celebrating love with kids! Valentine's Day is such a great opportunity for this. However, I found myself struggling last year when my son returned from his Mother's Day Out program with a huge bag of candy and Valentine's with licensed characters that I've tried for the most part to keep out of his life. (Before you label me as a Debbie Downer, we do eat sweets at our house. We do have screen time. I just think both of these should be much more limited for kids - and grownups for that matter - than they generally are in our culture.)
I'm not as concerned this year about what will happen at school now that Dinoboy (our three year old) is in Montessori school. The Montessori atmosphere generally encourages healthy choices and avoiding commercial influences on children.
I've enjoyed creating and collecting these easy ideas for you:
Easy candy-free ideas for kids at Valentine's Day (that are also free of licensed characters!)
Heart Shaped Crayon Rocks
What do I love even more than an easy, inexpensive craft? One that allows me to use up stuff I'd otherwise throw away! I had fun making crayon cookies in muffin tins for Dinoboy's Christmas stocking, and I used up a bunch of broken crayons that had just been taking up space. Visit this tutorial at BrightNest to learn how to make crayon rocks. All you need is a heart shaped baking tray if you want Valentine-themed ones.
Thrifty Class Favors: Pencils + Sticker Boxes
This is what Dinoboy will be giving his classmates at school. With 24 kids in the class, I wanted something really easy and inexpensive. I got these Valentine-themed pencils and sticker boxes at the dollar store, and used leftover Christmas ribbon to tie the tags on. Total cost: $4. I also like that they're consumable (but not candy).
Thumbody Loves You Valentine Cards For Your Child To Make
If you want something easy that your children can help you make their classes or family members, take a look at these adorable thumb print Valentine cards at Mosswood Connections.
Threaded Hearts Valentine Cards (good for fine motor practice too!)
I discovered this heart-themed threading activity at Hello Wonderful. The nerdy mom in me who likes to promote literacy would also like to point out that these are great for developing fine motor skills.
Give a Book That Explores the Theme of Love
I know you're shocked that as a children's book blogger, I'm suggesting that you give your child a book for Valentine's instead of candy! Seriously though, this can be a lovely way to explore the many kinds of love. Be sure to inscribe the first page with a love note for your child!
For 4 - 10 year olds, I love The Boy Who Grew Flowers for many different reasons. Rink is an unusual boy who has a secret, and has trouble fitting in at school. His friendship with Angelina allows him to finally share his secret with someone else, and be accepted for who he is.
If you have a baby at home, Baby Talk is a perfect Valentine's choice. The photos of babies and families will fill your baby's interest in looking at faces, and the text is all about the give and take between babies and the families who love them.
Valentine Scratch Off Cards
Have you ever made your own scratch off cards? They are so easy to make! The scratch off aspect makes them a little more exciting than just giving your child a coupon for a special treat or activity. Find instructions and ideas for activities at Come Together Kids.
Make a Love Notes Notebook
This one is great for parents who want to get their kids to practice writing without realizing that's what they are doing. Make your a child a notebook for love notes to write back and forth with each other. As you can see I got really fancy with mine!! I'm sure you could do something much prettier looking if you wanted. What's more important is the first letter to your child that you write inside. Let them know that if they ever want to write a note (or draw a picture) for you they can. Tell them they can also expect more love notes from you in the future. They could even tell you when they need a love note by giving you the notebook.
Reasons I Love You Jar
This idea works for your child or your partner. Fill up a small container with notes about why you love that person. Even if your child can't read yet, you could draw pictures or simply tell your children to bring you the slips when they'd like to hear what they say.
Bee My Valentine Card with Beeswax Lip Balm
At the Polka Dot Chair, you'll find adorable bee-themed Valentine's templates, including one that can be attached to beeswax lip balm. I love ideas that make practical gifts look fun!
What other ideas do you have for celebrating Valentine's Day with kids?
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