Feb 4, 2025
To me Valentine’s is so much more impactful when it feels like
a season of extra love, rather than a mandatory date night on a
certain day.
At the entrance to our wedding in 2009, when I was 27 years
old, I hand rhinestoned letters to go over the arch walking
into our reception in Mexico that said CELEBRATE LOVE because
that’s literally my life mantra. Love is what we all want to
feel and experience and it’s one of the greatest life gifts.
This podcast episode is all about ways to use this time to
really have fun with your people - show them how much you love them
and create special memories and traditions together.
I have 45 creative ideas to share in this episode. A
little bit of everything for every season and bucket of your
life.
Ideas for…
Date Nights!
do something
that you would have done at the start of your
relationship movie & dinner
in on the couch each make a
dessert each make each
others fav thing that you make play a couples
game with questions (might need wine to make this not
cheesy!) School Class Parties!
“what I love
about you” for each child - a book or on the wall scavenger
hunt Valentine’s
Bingo frame with
picture of child that they decorate and give to parents as a
gift decorate your
own bag or mailbox for Valentine’s Valentine’s
obstacle course - like a fun relay with heart-themed challenges
like carrying a candy heart on a spoon.Girlfriends Night!
“board” party
where everyone brings a board - chocolate board, taco board
etc. cocktail
tasting! Wine, champagne, tequila- always fun! sip & paint with
a prompt like - what love means to me gift exchange -
secret Santa style - set a budget and give love themed
gifts Valentine’s Snacks!
strawberry love
boats – hollow out strawberries, fill with whipped cream and
chocolate chips. Cupid’s Arrow
Kabobs – Thread strawberries, marshmallows, and brownies onto
skewers. Heart-Shaped
Pizza – Let everyone make their own mini heart pizzas. Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Sticks – Dip in pink, red, or
white chocolate and decorate with sprinkles. Love Bug Apples
– Cut apples into heart shapes and use mini chocolate chips for
eyes.Valentine’s Crafts!
“Reasons I Love
You” Jar – Fill a jar with tiny notes listing reasons you love
someone. Thumbprint Heart
Keychains – Use clay to create fingerprint heart keychains. DIY Love Coupons
– Make personalized coupons for acts of kindness or fun
activities. Heart Garland –
String together paper or fabric hearts to decorate. Melted Crayon
Heart Art – Melt old crayons into heart molds for colorful
decorations.Fun Activities To Do At Home!
Love-Themed Game
Night – Play Valentine’s bingo, charades, or Pictionary with
love-themed words. Family
Valentine’s Bake-Off – Compete in making the best Valentine’s
dessert. Candlelight
Family Dinner – Dress up and have a fancy Valentine’s dinner
together. “Secret
Valentine” like secret Santa – Draw names and do a little
gift exchange. DIY Valentine’s
Photo Booth – Set up a backdrop and take silly or heartfelt family
photos.Creative Gifts!
photo
book framed
pictures basket of their
favorite things themed basket -
example: best sleep of your life, Chiefs fan, Starbucks basket
etc.Ways To Make Kids Feel Extra Loved!
Love Notes
Countdown – In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, place a
heart-shaped note on their bedroom door each night with a reason
why they’re special. Personalized
Valentine’s Breakfast – Serve heart-shaped pancakes with their
favorite toppings, and add a handwritten note or a small toy on
their plate to start the day with love. Surprise “I Love
You” Adventure – Plan a mystery outing tailored to what they love—
example: a trip to their favorite park, a bookstore, or a DIY
indoor fort with movies and snacks. Heartfelt Story
Time – Write a short story starring them as the hero, highlighting
their kindness, bravery, and love. Read it together and gift them a
printed or illustrated version to keep. Valentine’s
Mailbox – Set up a mini mailbox for each child and have family
members leave notes, tiny treats, or hand-drawn pictures throughout
the day.Ways To Make Your Lover Feel Extra Loved!
A Love Trail – Leave
little love notes, small gifts, or romantic clues around the house
leading to a special surprise—maybe a candlelit dinner, a love
letter, or a heartfelt video message.52 Reasons I Love You
Deck – Take a deck of playing cards and write a different reason
you love them on each one. Bind them together into a “52 Reasons I
Love You” flipbook.Memory Lane Date Night
– Recreate your first date or a special moment in your
relationship.Personalized Love
Playlist – Curate a playlist of songs that tell your love story,
include inside jokes, or remind you of special moments. Sneak it
onto their phone and play it on Valentine’s!A Week of Thoughtful
Surprises – Instead of celebrating just one day, spread out
thoughtful surprises in the days leading up to Valentine’s
Day—little love notes in their bag, their favorite coffee waiting
for them, a midday love text, or a planned romantic evening.Cheers to CELEBRATING LOVE!!