Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love—it’s also the perfect opportunity to show your kids how much you adore them! A small surprise can make their day extra special and create heartwarming memories. Whether you want to start the morning with excitement or end the day with a sweet surprise, here are 20 fun ways to make Valentine’s Day unforgettable for your little ones.
1. Heart Attack Their Room 
While they’re asleep, cover their bedroom door or walls with paper hearts, each one containing a reason why you love them. Waking up to a sea of love notes is sure to brighten their day!
2. Valentine’s-Themed Breakfast 
Serve up a festive breakfast with heart-shaped pancakes, pink milk (just add a drop of red food coloring), or toast with a heart cut out in the center filled with jam.
3. Hidden Love Notes 
Tuck little Valentine’s messages into unexpected places like their lunchbox, backpack, shoes, or even under their pillow.
4. A Special Valentine’s Treasure Hunt 
Create a scavenger hunt with fun clues leading them to a small Valentine’s gift, sweet treats, or a fun family activity.
5. Personalized Love Coupon Book 
Make a DIY coupon book with fun redeemable offers like “Extra Story at Bedtime,” “One-on-One Ice Cream Date,” or “Movie Night of Your Choice.”
6. Surprise Themed Lunch 
Pack their lunch with heart-shaped sandwiches, strawberries, and a cute Valentine’s-themed napkin or note.
7. Balloon Surprise 
Fill their bedroom or bathroom with red, pink, and white balloons before they wake up. It’s a fun and colorful way to start their day!
8. Love-Themed Movie Night 
Watch a family-friendly love-themed movie like Lady and the Tramp, Gnomeo & Juliet, or The Peanuts Movie with heart-shaped popcorn treats.
9. A Surprise After-School Treat 
Pick them up from school with a special Valentine’s milkshake, cupcake, or their favorite snack.
10. Valentine’s Adventure Jar 
Write down 5-10 fun family activities (e.g., “Go for a picnic,” “Bake cookies together,” “Do a craft”) and let them pick one to do that evening.
11. Love Mailbox 
Set up a small “love mailbox” where family members can drop in sweet notes to each other throughout the day.
12. Valentine’s Day Bedtime Story 
Read a special love-themed bedtime book like Guess How Much I Love You or Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar before tucking them in.
13. Love Song Dance Party 
Play a fun playlist of upbeat love songs and have a mini dance party in the living room!
14. DIY Valentine’s Craft Time 
Set up a simple craft station to make homemade Valentine’s cards, painted rocks, or heart-shaped sun catchers.
15. Pink & Red-Themed Dinner 
Make a special dinner where all the food is pink or red—think spaghetti with red sauce, cherry Jell-O, and strawberry shortcake!
16. Decorate Their Bathroom Mirror 
Write a sweet Valentine’s message on their bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker or lipstick.
17. Surprise Pajamas 
Give them a cute new pair of Valentine’s-themed pajamas to wear that night.
18. Love Countdown Chain 
A week before Valentine’s Day, create a countdown paper chain with a fun activity or note written on each link.
19. Love-Themed Bedtime Snack 
Serve a special bedtime snack like heart-shaped cookies or strawberries with whipped cream.
20. Midnight Valentine’s Delivery 
After they’ve gone to bed, leave a small Valentine’s Day basket on their nightstand with a sweet note, a stuffed animal, and a little treat.
No matter how big or small the surprise, your kids will feel loved and appreciated on Valentine’s Day. Tell us in the comments which one will you try this year!
