Dianne and I (and Frank, of course!) love to celebrate holidays and Valentine's Day is no exception. We enjoy celebrating love, and what better way to do so than with your family? Sure, extravagant gestures can be tempting, but celebrating Valentine's Day with your loved ones doesn't have to break the bank.
Here are some fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with your family.
DIY Valentine's Day Cards: Get crafty with your family by making homemade Valentine's Day cards for each other. We like to enjoy the grandkids with a crafting station with colorful paper, markers, stickers, and other decorative supplies. It’s so fun to see what everyone creates. (And mine always has a touch of bright orange!)
Family Movie Night: Cozy up with your family for a Valentine's Day movie marathon at home. We love to set up the outdoor tv, with blankets and a firepit. Choose a selection of family-friendly comedies or heartwarming films that celebrate love and togetherness. (Frank likes the dog films!) Don't forget the popcorn and snacks!
Homemade Valentine's Day Dinner: Skip the crowded restaurants and opt for a homemade Valentine's Day dinner with your family. Cook a tasty meal together, whether it's heart-shaped pizzas, pasta with homemade sauce, or a themed dessert like chocolate fondue. Take plenty of photos!
Family Game Night: Host a family game night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and (maybe just a touch of gamblin'.) Dust off your favorite board games, card games, or puzzles and gather around the table for some old-fashioned fun. Or organize a themed scavenger hunt or trivia game with Valentine's Day-themed questions and challenges. Dianne always complains that I’m too competitive. But family game night is a budget-friendly way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Check out a few of our favorite board games.
Outdoor Adventure: Take advantage of the great outdoors and plan a family adventure on Valentine's Day. Go for a hike in a nearby park, have a picnic in the backyard, or explore a new neighborhood together. Pack some snacks and drinks, and don't forget to bring a camera to capture special moments along the way. Don’t forget the dog!
Create a Family Scrapbook: Gather your family photos, mementos, and keepsakes and spend Valentine's Day creating a family scrapbook together. Set up a designated area with supplies such as scrapbook paper, glue, scissors, and embellishments. Flip through old photos, reminisce about special memories, and create pages filled with love and nostalgia. A family scrapbook is a timeless keepsake that captures the essence of your family's love and togetherness.
Virtual Family Gathering: Schedule a video call with your extended family members and spend time catching up, sharing stories, and spreading love from afar. Play virtual games, share favorite family recipes, or even have a virtual dance party together. Despite the distance, a virtual family gathering allows you to celebrate Valentine's Day and connect with your loved ones in a meaningful way. I know my own mother would love it!
A Final Thought
This Valentine's Day, celebrate love and togetherness with your family without breaking the bank. Whether you're crafting homemade cards, enjoying a movie night at home, cooking a homemade dinner, hosting a family game night, embarking on an outdoor adventure, creating a family scrapbook, or organizing a virtual family gathering, focus on creating memorable moments and strengthening family bonds.
After all, the greatest gift of all is the love and laughter shared with your family on Valentine's Day and every day.