Valentine’s Day Books and Traditions
I haven’t always been a fan of Valentine’s Day… too many lonely Valentine’s Days probably scarred me. But when I became a SAHM with two little ones and was attempting to survive long cold winters, a mid-winter celebration full of bright pink and hearts and sweet treats became just what I needed! My kids are early elementary age now (kindergarten and 2nd grade) and I just love celebrating Valentine’s Day with them!
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Play Based Traditions for Littles
Some of our playful ways of celebrating have included a pretend play bake shop and flower shop, which I am so pleased to report will reopen again this year! (I am never sure if these pretend play days are the last, so I savor them each and every time!) We pull out fake flowers and a variety of (shatterproof) vases, a cash register, and all of the sweet treats from the play kitchen that we can round up.
A bucket of poms and silicone cupcake liners make for a fun time, too! These have been in the rotation since our preschool days with A Year of Playing Skillfully. That curriculum has stayed with us, popping up here and there throughout the seasons, even though we aren’t following it strictly any more. You can read more about our experience with that curriculum here.
Words of Affirmation for All Ages
My tradition for Valentine’s Day morning always involves filling my kids’ hearts with words of affirmation. I write out things I love about them on paper hearts and hide them throughout the house (different colors for each child). I try to vary items that are “things I love doing with you” and “things you do that I love.” Last year was the first that I invited the kids to share ideas for their siblings’ hearts. Melted my heart in the process 🙂
Booklovers’ Tea Time
On Valentine’s afternoon we enjoy a love-themed Poetry Teatime, usually with girl scout cookies. Bear Hugs is our all-time favorite. Written by a favorite author of ours, Karma Wilson, this is a cute collection of silly and sweet animal love poems. I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home is a silly/sweet picture book as well, but more of a story told in verse, along the lines of the classic I Love You, Stinky Face; both would fit nicely into a love-filled poetry teatime.
Handicrafts
We usually spend time leading up to the big day either loving on the house (in the form of handmade decor) or crafting little Valentine gifts for family.
Favorite Valentine Picture Books
Our favorite Valentine’s Day books that we read every year (some of these aren’t “Valentine’s” but more of a general love theme):
I hope this has sparked some *lovely* ideas to enjoy with your little lovebugs! What are your favorite Valentine’s Day traditions? Connect with me in the comments below, or on my Instagram or Facebook accounts.
