The first quarter of the year is always a bit tight for us, financially.
Between paying off Christmas debt, setting money aside for our Anniversary (we just celebrated 11 years!), and planning for the upcoming tax season, we find ourselves trying to make our every dime stretch to the max.
So with Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, this year we are sort of viewing it as just another Hallmark holiday from an expense standpoint.
Of course, my daughter will be taking Valentine treats in to her class for their Valentine's Day party, but beyond that we aren't pouring much money into this day of love. Instead, we've decided to pour more love into it!
Here are some things I'll be doing with and for my girls (and hubby) to get them in the Valentine's Day spirit without spending a bunch of money.
Bake and Decorate Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies
We have a family favorite recipe I'm not at liberty to publish here, but I will tell you they are cake-like, soft, sugar cookies and are oh so fun to decorate with pink icing and sprinkles.
Pretty Pink and Red Painting
I'm thinking white construction paper, pink and red washable paints, paint brushes, heart shaped cookie cutters and sponges, and maybe even some pretty gold or silver glitter. Simple. Fun. Creative.
Write Sweet Notes of Mommy Love
I'm going to have fun telling my 7 year old how loved she is through a pretty note tucked in her backpack with her snack, hiding notes under her pillow, and slipping them into her favorite book and her Bible.
Plan a Fancy Valentine's Day Kid-Friendly Meal
During the holidays Costco was selling sparkling apple cider. They were giving out samples one day when we walked by with our daughters. As a result we now have about 4 bottles sitting on our countertop waiting for a special occasion.
I think a fun meal of pigs in a blanket, macaroni and cheese, pudding or jello, and sparkling apple cider served up all fancy will have the kiddos smiling ear-to-ear.
My husband on the other hand...well, I may have to be a short order cook that night!
Enjoy Valentine's Day Tea
My daughters love a good old fashioned tea party. I think throwing a mommy-daughter-grandma tea party would be so much fun for all of us!
Paint Our Nails
Valentine's Day is a great reason to have pretty pink or red nails, don't you think? That's why I plan to treat my daughters (and myself) to a homemade manicure/pedicure. I think they even have cute heart nail stickers in the cupboard!
Learn How to Say 'I Love You' in Different Languages
- English: I love you
- Spanish: Te Quiero
- Italian: Ti Amo
- Hebrew: Ani ohev otah (female) or Ani ohev et otha (Male)
- German: Ich liebe dich
- Greek: S'agapo
You can find more here. It was kind of fun to look into. Of course, learning to pronounce the words correctly will no doubt bring on a lot of giggles.
Read Together
We have a few cute Valentines books my girls love...well, at least my youngest does. I may have to find one more age appropriate for my 7 year old.
Give My Hubby a Good Back Scratch
...because who doesn't love a good back scratch? I mean seriously...
Put Together a '100 Reasons We Love You' Jar for Daddy
My girls and I actually did this for my husband for Father's Day last year and he's already emptied his jar, but told us how much he really appreciated it.
Basically you fill it full of a combination of hershey's kisses and tiny folded up scraps of paper that when unfolded have a reason why he's loved written on the paper. I had my girls tell me what they wanted to say on their papers as I typed them up and "signed" their name to their specific comments. Then added a bunch of my own.
He took the jar with him to work. When he reached inside for a kiss and some love, he never knew who's sweet words he'd get to read until he unfolded the paper. He told me it really brightened his day and often made him laugh when he read our youngest daughter's words.
Here are a few other fun ideas I found on Pinterest:
14 Acts of Love to Count Down to Valentine's Day
Source: makeandtakes.com via Rosann on Pinterest
Snowflake Heart
Source: b-inspiredmama.com via Rosann on Pinterest
Finger Paint Love Blossom Tree
Source: parenting.com via Rosann on Pinterest
Last year, I had a guest here share some other fun and unique Valentine's Day activities.
What inexpensive things will you be doing with your family to get into the spirit of Valentine's Day?
*This post contains affiliate links.
Rosann Cunningham
Latest posts by Rosann Cunningham (see all)
- Staycations Offer Family Fun! - May 17, 2013
- A Letter to My Future Son-in-Law - May 15, 2013
- Beauty is More Than Skin Deep - May 14, 2013
 |
Those are some really cute ideas. I think Rachel would love the homemade manicure. The trouble is...Valentine's Day is on a Thursday, and her school doesn't allow students to wear nail polish to school. She'd have to clean it off right away. I'll have to try some of the others.
Julie recently posted..I Don't Like That Mask
Thanks Julie! I hope you were able to find something fun!
I love these ideas - especially the hugs and kisses jar
aurie recently posted..The Phone Call That Changed Everything…
Thanks Aurie! Hope you're doing well, friend.