When you are a family, Valentine’s Day typically becomes about the family more than or at least in addition to the spouse/significant other. There are a couple rather easy ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day Family Style.

In a local mom’s group someone recently posted “what are you doing for your kids for Valentine’s Day? I am drawing a blank.” We shared some ideas.

Decorate

Decorating for Valentine’ Day can remind the whole family that it is all about the love. The love between each other in the whole family. Decorations can be as elaborate or as simple as you want.

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Dress

Dressing up for the holiday can make it seem more special. Matching outfits can unify a family, and dressing up can make the day feel special.

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Food

In that same mom group, another mom replied, “you ladies are good, I don’t have anything.” I explained, “You can make it special super easy. My best friend? The cookie cutter.” Take what you already planned on feeding the kids, and cut it into a heart.

Breakfast

• Heart Eggs in Toast
• French Toast (cut with cutter)
• Pancakes (form in the shape or cut with cutter)
• Waffles (Heart waffle maker, cut with a cutter)
• Yogurt/applesauce on the plate in the shape of a heart

Lunch/Dinner

I take a sandwich (any) and use a cutter and boom- valentines themed.

• grilled cheese sandwich
• peanut butter & jelly sandwich
• nutella sandwich

Other meal ideas:

• Homemade or purchased heart pizza
• casserole put on the plate in (you guessed it) the cookie cutter to make a form
• Condiments/Dipping sauce for fries, nuggets, etc in the shape of a heart

You get the idea-make what you planned on making, put it in the shape of a heart and boom, meal.

Snack

Grandma made this this year, but the kids loved it so much it is going to become a new staple. Pretzels, Golden Grahams, mini marshmallows, Valentine’s colored M&Ms, chocolate chips, and a chocolate drizzle. Super easy, super big hit.

Bake together

I have the kids help me to bake some cupcakes for daddy. We keep this simple as well. We use a boxed cake mix (though any cake recipe would work as well if you are really going all out). We place in the silicone heart baking dishes. I then let them decorate with heart sprinkles.

This year, we are actually just making the heart sugar cookies that you place and bake. Still fun, still yummy.

Handprint and footprint art

I love doing handprint and footprint art so we can remember how little they were on this year. “From the bottom of my heart to the tip of my toes, we love you!” I just typed it up in word, but writing it with marker would totally be an option as well! We do this as teacher gifts as well.

Gifts

I honestly don’t feel like gifts are necessary, but they can make the day special. When I do get gifts for my kids, I try to really get them something that shows them I love them and know them as an individual.

Candy/Treats can be an option as well.