Valentine’s Day has long been debated as just another commercial holiday, but with social media, the pressure to go all out with Valentine's gifts seems higher than ever—especially for parents. Suddenly, a Valentine's basket is a necessity for kids. When did that even become a thing? If you've ever felt a twinge of mom guilt over not assembling the perfect themed basket, you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing—Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be an expensive basket of goodies or elaborate Valentine's day gifts to be meaningful. Instead of stressing over extravagant gifts, focus on creating heartfelt traditions that your entire family will enjoy. For over 25 years, my family has embraced simple, budget-friendly fun ways to make this day special. Today, I’m sharing those with you!
Our Love Story & The Tradition That Started It All
My husband, Mike, and I are high school sweethearts and have been together for over 30 years. When we were newly married, going out to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day with a baby wasn’t exactly appealing. Finding a babysitter was difficult and an extra cost, so we decided to celebrate at home.
That’s when Grandma stepped in with an idea that became our most cherished Valentine’s Day tradition—fondue night. She pulled out an old burnt-orange fondue pot (probably from the '70s), and we gave it a try. Over the years, I upgraded to an electric stainless steel version, but you don’t even need a special pot—you can simply melt cheese or chocolate on the stovetop and transfer it to a bowl.
The Valentine's Day Fondue Tradition
What I love most about fondue is that I don’t need to buy a ton of special ingredients. Most of the items are already part of our regular grocery shopping, making this a budget-friendly and delicious tradition.
1️⃣ Cheese Fondue Course:
- Green apples
- Carrots & celery
- Broccoli & cauliflower
- Sourdough bread
- Pretzels
2️⃣ Main Course (Optional):
- Sometimes we use oil or broth for cooking meat, but lately, I’ve opted for baking chicken breasts in the oven for easy cleanup.
3️⃣ The Chocolate Fondue Star of the Show:
- Fresh strawberries (February marks their return to season!)
- Angel food cake
- Rice crispy treats
This simple meal brings our family together and gives us something to look forward to each year. Last year was extra special since Grandma was living with us, and she got to enjoy the tradition she started all those years ago.
Starting the Day with Love
Beyond dinner, we kick off Valentine’s Day with a festive breakfast. Heart-shaped waffles or pancakes make the morning feel special with minimal effort. When my kids were little, I used to leave lipstick kisses on the bathroom mirror for my husband, a small but sweet way to start the day with a message of love.
Another fun tradition we’ve kept is hiding love notes for each other. These handwritten messages pop up in unexpected places—inside a bathroom cabinet, in a coat pocket, or under a pillow. In fact, I have one that’s been in my medicine cabinet for years!
I also enjoy getting heart balloons from dollar tree. They are an easy way to bring joy to our home and they often last for weeks!
Adding a Touch of Valentine's Decor
Celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean buying expensive decorations. Years ago, I made simple heart-shaped garlands from scrapbook paper, and we reuse them every February. These small touches—along with seasonal napkins and little DIY crafts—bring a festive feel to our home without spending much.
Baking & Gifting Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Baking has always been a fun part of our Valentine’s traditions. We love making heart-shaped cookies, decorating them can be so much fun. Baking is something that kids of all ages can enjoy doing together. We usually will package up some cookies in a cellophane bag and bring them to neighbors or friends as special treats. This is a thoughtful gift that is simple that they will appreciate.
If you’re looking for a way to avoid artificial food dyes, try adding beet powder to your frosting for a natural pink or purple hue. It is a great alternative if you are looking for avoid dyes along with this natural food coloring option. I also enjoy using these dye-free sprinkles. Kids won't notice the difference and you can feel better about them enjoying this fun treat.
If you or a loved one has dietary restrictions, I have a great allergy-friendly sugar cookie recipe on my blog, as well as a diabetic-friendly powdered sugar alternative using monk fruit.
Creative & Healthy Valentine's Treats
For a healthier spin, I like making beet hummus and arranging it into a heart shape on a plate. Serving colorful, fresh produce not only makes snacks more exciting but also encourages my family to eat more veggies.
I’ve always believed in keeping snacks prepped and ready in the fridge, especially after school. Having a veggie tray available keeps hungry kids satisfied until dinner and reduces the temptation for less healthy options. If you want to learn more about how to wash and store fruits and veggies so that they stay fresh for weeks, be sure to check out my Zero Waste Produce Guide.
Valentine’s Day Doesn’t Need to Feel Like Christmas
With all the hype surrounding Valentine's Day, it’s easy to feel pressured into making it bigger and better each year. But it doesn’t have to be an over-the-top production. Simple traditions—whether it’s a cozy fondue night, handwritten notes, or fun activities as a family—create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
If you’ve been stressing about putting together the perfect Valentine’s Day basket, take a deep breath. You don’t need a basket to make this day special. Focus on what truly matters—showing love, making memories, and enjoying time with the people who mean the most to you.
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
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