Roses are red, violets are blue... here’s some fun (lockdown) Valentine’s Day activities for you!
So 2020 is over, but 2021 is still looking a little different to what we all envisaged. One thing I've found is it can be great to have the holidays as something to look forward to, and next up we've got Valentine's Day! It's not everyone's cup of tea, but Valentine’s Day doesn't have to be all about romance, it’s a day to express love and affection, so in that sense, it’s a holiday all about spending time with the ones we love the most. With the reality of lockdown, it’s possible that we’re separated from some of those we love the most… or the opposite - we’re literally locked in with them! That of course means, for all my fellow mums out there, that we’re also locked in with our little ones! So, this Valentine’s Day we’re spending it with the kids…
It might not be the romantic holiday you’re used to, but here are a few fun and easy ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids. They are not huge gestures, but easy Valentine’s themed activities to spend time with your children, as let’s be honest, after the last 12 months we've totally run out of inspiration!
- Bake some heart cookies
Let’s be honest, what kid doesn’t like a sweet treat? So what’s not to like when it comes to baking?! A fun activity AND a cookie at the end of it – sign me up! I love dusting off my favourite Mary Berry recipe book, she has so many delicious treats, the only problem is choosing which one to bake. No books? No problem! Another go to is bbcgoodfood.com, just grab a heart shaped cookie cutter and you’re away!
- Have a Fancy Dinner
Set the table with your good china, get creative and make a heart themed centrepiece, and get dressed up in your Sunday best for a fancy dinner at home! Even if you’re serving up pesto pasta or treating yourself to your favourite takeaway, creating a Valentine’s Day atmosphere and doing something a bit fancy will make everyone feel special!
- Have a Movie Night
Grab some blankets, pile up the pillows and get snuggly for a family move night - don’t forget the popcorn! Here are a few Valentine’s movie recommendations you can enjoy with the kids too, just check if they’re available on your streaming platform of choice…
- Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
- Beauty and the Beast
- Madly Madagascar
- Lady and the Tramp
- Gnomeo and Juliet
- The Princess Bride
- Enchanted
- Write a Card
I’m not going to beat around the bush, lockdown is rubbish. Why not brighten someone’s day with a homemade card or a sweet note to let them know they’re missed? Whether it's a grandparent, a neighbour or a teacher, who doesn't like to be told they're cared about?
- Sensory Learning!
No one said you couldn’t incorporate some sensory learning while also spending some quality time with your kids. This is a very simple Valentine’s Day Play Dough recipe and can be a cute and fun activity for your little ones! Plus, it’s another excuse to get some use out of those heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Whatever you choose to do this Valentine’s, I definitely recommend dressing for the occasion… Check out the Cotton & Bloom Valentine’s Collection! <3