What’s Up?! It’s the month of love! February is here and it will be over before we know it. The shortest month is also Black History Month and the month for Valentine’s Day! There’s a lot going on so it tends to fly by. As we all know, you should show those you love appreciation everyday. However, Valentine’s Day is just an opportunity to make it an extra special expression of love.
I think Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to express to your romantic partner how much you appreciate them but it is also the time when you can show friends and family how much you appreciate them. We don’t get to show those around us the love they deserve as much as we do our partners.
This is also a great teaching time if you have kids. You can take the entire month to teach your little ones the concept of showing love and appreciation and why it is important.
Often we get caught up in the materialistic aspect of Valentine’s Day. It’s easy with all of the bears, chocolates and roses that are surrounding you. Sometimes, however, taking the time to do small and simple things can show your appreciation much more! Here are 10 ways to celebrate this month or on Valentine’s Day. These can be done with your partner, a friend or family. They can also be combined to make a day out of it! Most importantly, they won’t break the bank! Most of these will only take a quick trip to the dollar store or less!
Set Up A Scavenger Hunt
Set up a fun scavenger hunt with small trinkets and fun clues. You can do this in one day or you can have them search for small gifts in the days leading up, and on Valentine’s Day give a more substantial gift.
Movie Night With Custom Baskets
Deck out a basket with all the fixin’s for a movie! Get their favorite candies and snacks and camp out and watch a movie together. The effort you put into the basket by selecting their personal favorites will show that you pay attention.
Create Ballon Poppers With A Message Inside
Grab some balloons and confetti or sprinkles! Stuff the balloons with the confetti or sprinkles and a special message. Then, have your loved one pop the balloon! They will get a colorful shower and a sweet message all in one!
Have A Quiet Night At The Museum
Go to an exhibit or museum and just enjoy the slow pace together. Take the time to enjoy each others company and use your environment to spark conversation! This is an especially good idea because museum admissions are usually really affordable. The Birmingham Museum of Art has free admission!
Write Letters To Each Other
Start the day with a letter to your loved one. Make sure to include why you appreciate them, what you love about them and what makes them unique! Valentine’s Day is about showing the people around you how much you love them! There’s no better way than to just plain say it! If you want, have them reciprocate and write one to you!
Have Game Night
If you’re more of the stay-in type, have a game night! Grab a bunch of you and your loved ones favorite games, snacks, candy and drinks! You still get the quality time with your loved one but in the comfort of your own space.
Dance To Your Favorite Songs
After dinner or before you finish the day have a dance party! Make sure to include your favorite song or first dance song to remind them how they mean to you!
Make A Meal With Heart Shaped Foods
This one can be done alone or with another idea! Either way it’s too adorable to pass up. Come up with a meal to cook for your loved one and use cookie cutters or molds to shape as many things as possible in the shape of a heart!
Enjoy A Picnic And/Or Bonfire
If the day is nice and you have the time, go to a park and have a picnic. All you need is snacks or quick finger foods and a blanket. Bring along a frisbee and toss it around. Or, bring a book and read aloud! This is especially great if you have the day free but not the night! If you’re free that night, and you have access to a fire pit, grab some snacks( by which I mean this is the perfect opportunity for S’mores) and hang out by the fire. Have a nice conversation and just enjoy each other’s company.
Catch The Sunset
Grab a blanket, head to a park or just hang out outside the house and watch the sunset. Simply enjoy being together in a beautiful moment.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to make your loved one feel appreciated. We often get caught up in the day to day and forget to stop and express our love. Use this time to remind them!
Best of luck!