Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but for many busy parents celebrating in style isn’t an option. Quality babysitters are hard to find, and sometimes those plans fall through. Financial concerns can also keep you from planning a weekend away or dining at a fancy restaurant.
However, you can still celebrate your love for each other and your family in a special way this year. Use these eight simple Valentine’s Day date ideas to make memories that will strengthen your relationships and affirm your loved ones.
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Go for a Walk
Plan to take a romantic walk to help you wind down together at the end of the day. Turn your phones off and hold hands. Try to avoid talking about work, and stay away from other stressful topics. Instead, focus on each other and the things you’re thankful for.
This date idea is great for parents with active kids. You can walk around a park while your kids play or let them run ahead of you down the trail. Although you’ll need to keep an eye on them, the distance will give you a sense of privacy.
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Dress Up for Dinner
Dressing up and enjoying a fancy dinner is a great way to nurture romance if you’re planning to spend Valentine’s Day at home. The word “fancy” is relative – you can cook something special together or order dinner from a favorite restaurant. Spruce up the table with candles, flowers, and special dishes to elevate your meal.
Go all-out with your attire, just as if you were going to a fancy restaurant. Dim the lights and put in classical music to create a dreamy ambiance. Your kids can dress up with you, or you can have your dinner date after sending them to bed early.
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Write Love Letters
Also known as valentines, love letters are a sweet way to remind loved ones of all the reasons they’re your favorite people in the whole world. You can make these letters ahead of the holiday or spend time on Valentine’s Day actually crafting and writing personal cards.
Making valentines is a great way to involve your kids in the celebration. You can use this holiday as an opportunity to write affirming letters to your children as well as your spouse. Kids will love creating and sending notes of their own to grandparents and friends.
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Eat a Fancy Dessert
If you’re really strapped for time, simplify your celebration and plan to have a special Valentine’s Day dessert or a fancy drink after the kids go to bed. Chocolate is always a great option, but you can make almost any dessert festive with the right colors and heart-shaped elements.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are perfect for a simple Valentine’s Day dessert. Both adults and kids will enjoy making and eating these. After the kids go to bed, you and your spouse can enjoy a glass of red wine or try something new like Japanese sake.
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Decorate Your House
Hit the dollar store and pick up a few items to decorate your house for the holiday on a budget. Decorations are a fun way to change up the look of your home and make the day stand out. Use sparkly confetti, small chocolates, and streamers to surprise your kids in the morning and set the stage for a romantic evening date.
In addition to decorating the house, plan for everyone to wear Valentine’s Day colors the week of the holiday. Prep pink, red and white outfits for your kids and spend extra time doing self-care activities like baths and facemasks so you feel cared for.
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Play a Game
Planning a game night after dinner is another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family. Many games fit the theme of Valentine’s Day, including Love Letter and Marrying Mr. Darcy.
However, almost any game is perfect for this holiday if you’re playing it with those you love. Don’t be afraid to change games up to celebrate the day. For example, you could spice up games by using chocolate kisses as game pieces, and you could create themed prizes for winners.
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Build a Fort
Another fun Valentine’s Day date idea is to build a fort inside your house. Use sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a cozy place to snuggle. You could also use candles or string lights to add a romantic glow to the space – although you’ll need to be careful with an open flame around all that fabric.
Host a cozy movie night for your whole family inside the finished space, and complete the experience with snacks and a themed film. After the kids go to bed, you and your partner can enjoy some much-needed alone time inside the magical space you’ve created.
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Cancel Everything
Instead of making Valentine’s Day plans, consider canceling everyone’s commitments and spending the evening at home with nothing on the schedule. You can take this time to do whatever seems most relaxing and fun – anything stressful or frustrating is strictly off-limits.
Slowing down will give you space to enjoy your family and reflect on the blessings that are currently in your life. Some ideas for how to spend the time are to read books together, throw a dance party, or bake a treat. Order dinner in and send everyone to bed early.
Celebrate Your Love
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Valentine’s Day, but your celebrations don’t have to look like a flight to the Bahamas or a night out on the town. Take this holiday as an opportunity to make meaningful memories with your loved ones, right where you are.
Use these eight tips to create special moments with the love of your life and celebrate the family you’ve built together. You can also use these suggestions to create special memories with your kids that will bring your whole family closer together.
