Valentines Day with little Ones
Over the years, Valentine’s Day has developed a reputation as a Hallmark holiday—one centered around romance, sugary treats, and store-bought roses. But I truly love this holiday, and not just because of all the red and pink (my favorite colors!). At its heart, Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms—family love, friendship, and the love we feel for the world around us. Simple, heartfelt gestures that nurture warmth and connection can bring light to this cold and sometimes dreary month of February.
With little ones (and beyond!), it’s lovely to embrace these seasonal celebrations as just that—seasons rather than single days. Adding special touches and thoughtful moments throughout the week helps to build the mood of the holiday while also taking the pressure off trying to do everything in one day. Small, meaningful experiences woven into the rhythm of our days allow children to truly absorb the essence of a celebration in a natural, joyful way.
Heartfelt Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Little Ones
For the youngest children, the focus can be on experiencing gestures of warmth and love through the senses. These small but meaningful traditions help create lasting memories and cultivate an atmosphere of love and appreciation.
Cozy Storytime Snuggles – Curl up under a warm blanket with your child and read a story about love and friendship. Some sweet seasonal favorites include The Story of the Root Children by Sibylle von Olfers, A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik, or Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli.
Candlelight Moments – Adding candlelight to mealtimes, bath time, or bedtime can create a magical and soothing atmosphere. It’s a simple way to bring a sense of warmth and reverence to everyday routines.
A Touch of Sweetness – Enjoy simple homemade treats like heart-shaped biscuits, rose tea with milk and honey, or a naturally sweetened cocoa. Baking together can be a wonderful way to connect, allowing children to participate in the magic of making something to share with loved ones.
Handmade Valentines – A homemade card or note is a beautiful way to express love and gratitude. Keep it simple for little hands—cut paper into hearts and let toddlers color or paint freely. Older children may enjoy writing a special message or decorating with pressed flowers, beeswax crayons, or watercolors. These little love notes can be given to friends, family, or even left in a special spot to be found as a surprise.
Seasonal Decorations – Create a warm and inviting space by decorating a nature table or dinner table with simple seasonal elements—nature treasures, dried flowers, beeswax candles, or felted hearts. Bringing the season indoors in an intentional way makes the celebration feel special and connected to the natural world.
Sharing Love with Nature – Make dried apple hearts or heart-shaped birdseed ornaments and hang them outside for the birds and small animals to enjoy. This can be a lovely way to teach children about extending love and kindness beyond our immediate circle.
Love as a Daily Rhythm
Whether it’s an extra-long hug in the morning, an unexpected love note, or simply taking time to pause and truly be present with one another, these little acts of love create a foundation of warmth and security for our children.
So, let’s reclaim Valentine’s Day as a time to slow down, connect, and celebrate love in its purest forms. Whether through simple handmade gestures, cozy moments, or time spent together in nature, we can create traditions that feel meaningful, nourishing, and true to the heart of our families.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little ones? I’d love to hear your favorite traditions!
