This story originally appeared on The Local Moms Network.
A holiday dedicated to love seems like a no-brainer for moms, but even the best of us are prone to pressure to make it perfect. This year let’s keep it simple!
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day by way of recipes, decor, crafts, books, and movies. Pick one or two items that feel easy and doable to you and go for it! A night at home and some undivided attention are both special and exactly the sweetness our kids crave.
RECIPES
Baking is a wonderful way to place you and your kid on the same team. Plus, there’s double the fun in creating and then eating their treat! We’ve chosen 5 recipes that are whimsical, delicious, and most of all, easy for your kid to make.
The Valentine’s Day Movie Night Snack Board by Bakermama
This gorgeous board features the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and salty snacks that kids will love grazing on during a family flick. Follow Maegan Brown at @thebakermama
Banana Bites with Chocolate Drizzle by Nikki Glekas
We adore this old school flavor combination and the simple ingredients we can feel good about serving to our kids. It’s so simple (and healthy…shhhhh) the kids can make it themselves! Follow Nikki at @nikki.glekas
Valentine’s Cookie Pizza by Carla Bushey
Nothing helps us moms more than a semi-homemade snack! Transform a role of sugar cookie dough into the perfect canvas for your kids to decorate. Choose their favorite frosting fruits and let the creativity fly. The full recipe is on @carla.bushey Instagram feed.
Chewy Gooey Blondies by Baked by Melissa
This heavenly gooey-but-crunchy dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and famed baker Melissa Ben-Ishay is spilling her (not so) secret to the best blondie. Follow her at @bakedbymelissa
Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf Cake by Kat Ashmore
This is a super-moist, delicious cake that just happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s a decadent choice that fits all dietary restrictions without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Feel free to get fancy and use a heart-shaped pan if you’ve got it! Follow Kat at @katcancook
DECOR
These delightful decorations will help you set the stage (and the table) for a sweet family celebration. And they’re all reusable so you can break them out year after year to help you show big love to your little people.
We love a pom pom and these add instant wow factor to your space. Tape them to the wall or use the loops on the end to attach to hooks or nails. So sweet!
This gnome your kids will adore these cute creatures! Make them your centerpiece of the table or your mantlescape and they will bring the cuteness factor way up. Place them on a cake stand for some added height to your tabletop.
Your coolness factor has just multiplied, mamas, because neon signs are all the rage and this one is super affordable. The cordless design means the decorating options are endless.
Glass Dinnerware Heart Set The vintage vibe of this milkglass dinnerware tugged at our hearts. The understated motif is both classic and classy and will spark smiles for years to come.
The frosting on this proverbial Valentine cake are these budget-friendly votive holders that look much more expensive than they are. Add some battery-operated tea lights and the mood is officially set!
CRAFTS
This adorable craft is a 3-D version of a gratitude list, coaxing your child to acknowledge the people who love and support them and the things that make their heart happy.
Toilet Paper Roll Heart Flowers by @hellowonderful_co
Artist Anges Hsu proves that crafting truly can be both simple and beautiful. Grab your favorite color paint and a paper roll and let your little one run with it.
Love Bug Kit by Young + Wild and Friedman
The kit features adorable bug shapes and a full sensory experience thanks to interesting textures and scents. If you’re looking for a medley of craft options in one purchase, you’ll love this box-and the long list of others at this cute site.
String Hearts by @abcdeelearning
Who knew a paper plate and some string could bring so much entertainment! This classic craft is more than just sweet…it boosts fine motor skills and concentration.
Valentine’s Day Glitter Jar by @mrsblinks
For the kids who love glitter-and the moms who hate the mess!-this craft is a winner! Children can pick their favorite color and style of glitter to add to the clear glue and the jar can be used as both a mindfulness tool and a timer. Watching the glitter has a calming effect and you can ask your child to accomplish a task by the time the glitter settles.
BOOKS
To us, the perfect Valentine books are less about the holiday itself, and more about cementing the idea of our unconditional love for our children. These reads will spark conversation about devotion, affection, and the small ways kids bring grand joy to our lives. Snuggle up at bedtime and enjoy!
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool by James and Kimberly Dean
The Book of Hugs by Tim Harris
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
You Are My I Love You by Maryann Cusimano Love
MOVIES
Love is a broad concept for adults, let alone kids. We chose these movies – from old school classics to modern favorite – because they celebrate the beauty of friendship, family, loyalty, and humor.
Lady and the Tramp – (Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video)
Trolls (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video)
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (Apple TV)
Frozen – (Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video)
More from the Local Moms Network:
