Valentine's Day for Kids and Adults
make sure the kids feel loved and cover your bases just in case someone is shopping for you!
When you become a parent, or even when someone you are close to has a kid that you spend time with, there are a lot of holidays that change for you. Christmas (if you celebrate), is an obvious one, but it’s not the only one. All of a sudden Easter Egg hunts are the most exciting activity that kids look forward to for days on end and might participate in multiple times in just one year. Halloween is a huge deal. St. Patrick’s Day can be celebrated in ways that don’t just involve drinking all day long. And of course, Valentine’s Day.
Pre-Kids, I thought Valentine’s Day was fine. I wasn’t a huge fan, but I wasn’t against it either. Since we were dating, my husband and I have always tried to do something to observe the holiday — sometimes it was with something as simple as flowers, and other years we’ve gone out to dinner or even made time to cook a special meal together. When I was single, I usually tried to do something fun with friends to commemorate the day. But, with kids, it feels special, and honestly, important, to do something special for my kids. Something to make them feel some special anticipation around a holiday, around something to celebrate, as well as a way to give them an extra reminder that they are so very, very loved.
And I remember, even once I was grown up, living away from home and working, my mom always sends me a Valentine. Usually, something she makes herself, and just something small to make sure the day wouldn’t go by without a special reminder that she loved me and was thinking of me. My mom is really good at making sure people feel special, loved, and thought of — in small, simple ways. It’s a good reminder that special memories around celebrations when you’re a kid do not require a fully decorated home, beautiful tablescape (although that is certainly lovely), or elaborate gifts.
So I’m trying to bring that mentality to Valentine’s Day. It’s an opportunity to have a little celebration (still leaning into my “Celebrate Everything” mentality), that I don’t want to let pass by. And it’s also an opportunity to make sure my kids feel extra loved, that I go out of my way to remind them of how much I love them and find ways to help them participate in the fun of expressing their love and appreciation for others around them. My plan is nothing over-the-top (my husband will help hold me accountable there), but some fun decorations, a simple art project or two, and a small treat for the day of.
Personally, I don’t have any expectations for Valentine’s day (EXCEPT FLOWERS, IF VINNY IS READING THIS. FLOWERS ARE TABLE STAKES.) That said, a little inspiration never hurt anyone. I love the different takes on Valentine’s Day that I’ve seen this year from so many different brands (did you see Kim Kardashian’s teaser for the new Skims line coming out this week featuring Mia and Lucia from The White Lotus? I admit, brilliant marketing!), and there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a little something festive or special to commemorate the holiday.
So, today, Valentine’s Day inspiration for kids and adults, respectively. If you are looking for more Valentine’s Day inspiration, or gift ideas, first of all, good for you, I’m jealous, and second, my list from last year is still a good source!
We’ll start with the kids!
1: Sherpa Hoodie: Cute & warm!
2: Sweatshirt Dress: Cozy and cute - my daughter has and loves this - it’s a great winter dress even in cold climates.
3: Floral Dress: I truly do not know restraint when it comes to clothes for my kids. This is too cute.
4: Sunglasses: Nothing cuter than a little kid in a cute pair of sunglasses!
5: Socks: Functional & festive - a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day!
6: Waffle Maker: We love this and we use it all the time!
7: Bath Bombs: My kids are OBSESSED with bath bombs, specifically ones with a toy inside, so these are exactly what they want.
8: Plates: Something fun to decorate the table with that your kids can handle - love the idea of using these for meals & snacks for the days leading up to and including V-Day.
9: Squishmallow: I hear these are all the rage right now, and they look pretty cute!
10: Banner: I love something fun to decorate with, and you can save this to use year over year.
11: Book: A fan fave at my house!
12: Chalk: A fun outdoor activity if you are not currently covered in snow, like me!
13: Wooden Hearts: These little paint sets from Target have been such a hit with my kids - they come with paintbrushes, and a small set of paints that are the perfect size for little hands. We did them for Christmas and Halloween and I’m excited to pull them out again soon. Keep a 2 and 4 year old entertained.
14: Dino Toys: Just a random fun toy that would bring a lot of joy!
15: Magna Tiles: One of those toys where more actually is more - I love the fact that kids can get small sets to build their collection over time. Bonus points over anything else like this (looking at you Legos and Playmobile) in that the pieces are not too small!
16: XOX Sweatshirt: an outfit directly on theme.
17: PJs: My go-to gift for any holiday - fun to have something on theme, and my kids are obsessed with matching their PJs every night.
18: High Tops: Spotted these and they are so cute! High tops are great for when its not to snowy, but still provides functional support of covered ankles!
19: Floral Sweatshirt: Fun spring-y addition to a toddler’s wardrobe
20: PJs: Another option for PJs!
21: Long Sleeve: A simple, on theme t-shirt (on sale for under $10)
And now the adults:
1: Sleeper PJ Set: A fancy set of PJs that you can wear out of the house! I could picture this being an on-point outfit with some heels for a fun dinner!
2: Wine Bag: This is a great gift if you want to give something to someone “just because” - a cute bag to tote multiple bottles of wine!
3: Packable Hat: If you don’t have a warm weather trip coming up soon, this is more of a wear-later piece, but a great item to have in your closet and a nice treat or gift!
4: Purple Sweater: An alternative to all the pink pieces!
5: Maxi Dress: Be on theme for the day of, and then wear this all spring and summer long.
6: Loafers: A fun little detail on a classic pair of black loafers!
7: Lawless Lip Plumper: An on the nose color and fun treat to brighten up your winter makeup routine.
8: Underwear Set: Never not a good time to have a new set of underwear!
9: Snake Earrings: I don’t know why, but I am very into snake jewelry right now - these hoops are interesting and unique, but understated.
10: Webster Grey Necklace: Love these necklaces, amazing way to add some color to your neck stack!
11: Notecards: Everyone can always use stationery!
12: Happy Socks: Just a fun treat!
13: No. 1 Hairpin: I am being aggressively targeted with ads for this product on instagram and I love the way the models are able to style their half-up look and I am seriously considering this! If you’ve tried it and have any feedback, let me know!
14: Sweet Enough: A preorder, but Allison Roman never steers anyone wrong!
15: Tunic Sweater: Cozy and bright!
16: Phone Case: Just so fun!
17: Heart T-Shirt: Nearly sold out, but I love this!
18: Butterfly Necklace: Sparkly, dainty and pretty.
19: Wavy Heart Wallet: A simple card case in fun colors!
20: A Robe: the perfect piece for chilly mornings and nights, especially great if you like something stretchy and lightweight. I also love this one (and it’s viral on TikTok!)
21: Heart Socks: on brand and on trend - wear them with flats or loafers!
22: LL Bean Tote: An amazing gift or treat - you’ll use it everyday!
23: Lake PJs: When it comes to PJs, Lake does it best!
Embroidered Heart Sweatshirt: A subtle nod to the day’s theme!
You should add “Tiger to Win Another Major” under “Things Men want”