Valentine’s Day - especially this year - shouldn’t just be for lovers. It’s a time to remind everyone special in your life that they are surrounded by love.
Here are a few ways you can help make this year extra special. Because, let’s face it, we need all the good feels we can get in 2021!
For Your Partner
Hidden Love Notes: What are the top five things you love most about your partner? Write each of them down on little pieces of paper you can hide in places your partner will find throughout the day (e.g., next to their toothbrush, in the silverware drawer, on their computer, etc.).
Extra Kisses: Did you know that kissing is scientifically proven to reduce stress levels? For real. Who doesn’t need that right now? Go ahead and make it your secret mission of the day to steal as many extra kisses from your partner as you can. Not there in person? No problem -- send them some edible smooches instead.
Give Them a Pass: Ok, everyone’s partner does SOMETHING that annoys them. Clothes piled up next to the hamper… cups in the sink instead of the dishwasher… whatever. Today, give them a pass. Take a breath and smile. There might not be a lot of glory in this gift to your partner, but it’ll definitely help keep the peace on the day of love. Bonus points to anyone who goes so far as completing a few of the chores their partner is normally responsible for on V-Day - I see you!
For Your Kids
Scavenger Hunt: Send your kids on a journey around the house or yard looking for different activities and hidden sweets. For older kids, create short riddles to help them find the next spot (e.g. Roses are red - but we don’t have any of those - instead go to the bush where in the summer it grows.) You could also save time by printing off some pre-made cards from Pinterest. For younger kids, use cutout construction paper hearts to lead them to their next find.
Tickle Monster (kids ages 2-7 love this game): Use the cutout hearts you made for the scavenger hunt to create a path leading to three divergent locations (e.g., to a closet, to behind a couch, to a bathroom). Hide in one of the spots while your kid(s) count to 30 and then let them follow the paths to see where you are. When they get to you, jump out and give them a tickle. [This game may never end once your kids get into it. You’ve been warned.]
Hot Cocoa Bar: Bust out that slow cooker for a full day’s worth of hot chocolate ready for whenever the mood strikes! Bonus points go to parents adventurous enough to include bowls of marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, caramels and other yummy add-ons nearby. Feeling superhuman? You could even have your kids decorate their own mugs with sharpies before the chocolate coma begins.
Homemade Pizza Hearts: Use premade dough and put out different topping options for everyone in the family to make their own. Some great options include: chopped bell peppers; onions pepperoni cut into heart shapes; onions; olives; mushrooms; spinach; feta; pesto; red sauce; and mozzarella.
Family Game or Movie Night: Bring out those board games or puzzles you got during the holiday season and give them a whirl together. Or, if you’re already exhausted from all the other fun Valentine’s Day activities, cuddle in together with some extra buttery popcorn and a classic family favorite movie like:
Beauty and the Beast
Lady and the Tramp
The Princess Bride
The Peanuts Movie
Enchanted
For Friends + Family
Cards: Get in touch with your inner elementary school student and create some truly fantastic Valentine’s to send to friends and family. Looking for some inspiration? Oh, you know Pinterest has you covered.
Postcards: No time for hot glue guns? Create a Valentine’s postcard to let your loved ones know how you’re doing and encourage them to be your penpal this year.
Cookies and sweets: Nothing says “I love you” more than something delicious. Sweet Joyness Bakery has gift options that can be mailed around the country for everyone from Grandma to that friend who thinks this is totally a Hallmark holiday.
Galentine’s Virtual Cocktail Hour: Make it fun with some lighthearted truth or dare paired with a shared cocktail like one of these.
Reconnect: Reach out to one person you haven’t talked with in a while. Set aside at least a half hour to really catch up with them and let them know you care.
For You
Start slowly: Start your day with 15-30 minutes of solid you-time. Make yourself some special tea -- you know, the loose-leaf one your great aunt gave you for Christmas that once and you were saving for a special occasion. Take a few minutes to focus on your breath and clear your mind. Then do some easy yoga stretches to get you ready for a magical day.
Disconnect: Don’t forget to show yourself some love at the end of the day with a bubble bath, glass of wine and an easy read. Check out Entertainment Weekly’s top 10 romance novels from 2020 for some steamy inspiration.
Wishing you all peace and love this Valentine’s Day!
<3 <3 <3
Sweet Joyness Bakery