Whether you are looking for a simple at home Valentine’s Day for this year only, or to create new, cherished traditions, the options are plenty. Here are a few traditions our family looks forward to every year.
- Love Letters: A simple and inexpensive way to show love for Valentine’s Day is by writing compliments for your child each day, starting February 1st. Small mailboxes are easy to find for $1, or make your own from a shoebox. Each morning your child will be beam at the words of affirmation. Tip: make compliments specific and sincere. For my 3 year old, I will write things like, “I love how you ask before taking” because that is something we have been working on. With my seven year old, I will praise her for being so responsible with her virtual schooling.
- Acts of Kindness: All February, make a simple list of kind acts your family can complete. Acts can range from simple to grand. Examples: Pay for the person’s drink in the drive-thru line behind you. Give a compliment to a stranger. Draw a picture for a friend. Collect non-perishables to donate to FeedMore or your local Food Bank.
- Love day cuisine: A fun and less expensive way to enjoy Valentine’s as a family is to cook together at home. Special occasion foods in our family are: fondue, crepes, chocolate covered strawberries, and decorating sugar cookies.
- Dance the night away: For active families, transforming a room in your house into a dance floor is exciting. We like to move all the furniture out of the living room, turn the lights out and plug in my daughter’s star projector. Dressing up optional, but always recommended.
- LOVEworks Scavenger Hunt: While you have to leave the house for this one, social distancing is no problem. Search for local LOVEworks in your area. Before finding them read up on how they were created. Pose with each sign you find, and don’t forget to post them on social media using #valoveworks.
Eloise and Gus Garrison pose with the LOVEworks sculpture at the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor
Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!
Check out more posts that focus on travel and fun with kids around the Richmond area.
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More things to do in and around Richmond:
- The Ultimate List of RVA Parks and Playgrounds
- Ice skating and roller skating rinks in Richmond
- Richmond nearby ski resorts
- FREE and cheap date ideas in Richmond, Virginia
- Outdoor labyrinth walks in Richmond offer contemplation, movement
- Half Price Admission at Ginter Botanical Garden Jan. 20-Feb 28, 2021
- Richmond area scenic drives
- Nature walks and scenic hiking trails for all levels in the Richmond area
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