Valentine's Day Traditions for Single Parents

What are your Valentine’s Traditions as a single parent?

Valentine’s day as a single parent is not what it is for some. Being a single parent, I like to make it more about my kids and keep it very family focused. I like to think of it as a time to do small things that they can do with their own kids or for their spouse one day.

I don’t have any huge Valentine’s day traditions established with my kids, but one thing that I do every year is to leave a small gift at the front door, ring the doorbell and let my kids find it. My girls have always enjoyed receiving their own little box of chocolates or some flowers. I have also written a list of other ideas that we’ve tried at times below. Hopefully there’s something fun here for your family, whether you’re single or not.

Fun family Valentine’s day traditions:

Give the gift of time– by giving tickets or other things to do together. A great way to do this is to buy a City Pass near you: Save up to 50% on combined prices for admission to must-see attractions! Shop Now at CityPASS.com!
Give someone a “heart attack” by putting cut out hearts all over their door.
Make heart shaped pizza or other snacks.
Have a meal that consists of all pink and red foods.
Make your own Valentine’s cards or decorations.
Put each family member in charge of one thing for dinner. One person could plan and prepare the main course, another the salad, and another the dessert or a fun Valentine’s day drink.
Leave special notes around the house for family members to find.
Make homemade candy or a fun treat that your family usually doesn’t get to have. Check out these Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie treats.
Serve friends, neighbors (or anyone) and help them with small chores.
Watch a Valentine’s special on TV.
Have a fancy family dinner together by candle light.
Decorate a Valentine’s day box for your kids to put their cards in.
Leave small treats or cards on the doorstep for neighbors or friends, ring the doorbell, and run (especially people who may be forgotten on days like this).
Read a fun Valentine’s day book together.
Draw names and have each family member give their person a special gift or card.
Write a special message to your kids in lipstick or dry erase marker on the bathroom mirror.
Write a nice messages on small pieces of paper and place them inside of balloons. Kids will love popping each balloon to see what’s inside. (you can also include small pieces of candy)
Do a Valentine’s day scavenger hunt with each clue written on a heart shaped paper.

Money saving tips:

Purchase Christmas candy after the holiday when it is on clearance and save it for Valentine’s day. Usually there are several things that don’t look like Christmas candy and will work perfectly for a Valentine’s gift. Several years ago, we actually glued two candy canes together to make a heart. You can even buy a gingerbread house kit, dye the frosting pink and call it a Valentine’s day cottage.

Make sure you also check out the sales after Valentine’s day. Sometimes you can find some really good deals on Valentine’s cards or decorations for next year.