20 ways to love your Valentine, year-round!

Sure, Valentine’s Day is almost over. But is it ever really over? If you’re a busy parent, you love yours but are likely left feeling ill-prepared and overwhelmed by the need to “make the magic” in the holiday haste. Take the big day stress away and keep the valentines vibes alive with this list of gestures to show you care to those you care about. Remember that our love languages come in many forms, and it doesn’t need to involve loads of cash or a dozen long stem roses.

Try a new idea every week or so and you’ll notice a difference. Even better together? Talk to your Valentine and see if they’d like to do the challenge with you.

1.      Game night. Cards? Board games? Hide and Seek? Just let loose and have fun together!

2.      Look through old photos/videos and take a trip for two down memory lane.

3.      Grab a sweet treasure from a local small business like Ventura Balloons! Truly a gift that keeps giving!

4.      Offer your love a back rub or foot rub. Prep an aromatherapy bath for the feet and legs or whole body after a long day. Find their sore spot and show it some love.

5.      Kiss their chin, cheek, forehead, and lips. Then smile looking straight into their eyes. (We know. Sounds so cheesy, but try it.)

6.      Write a poem. Doesn’t have to be fancy or philosophical. Feeling writer’s block? Open your or their favorite book to a random page and pick words or phrases that resonate!

7.      Draw a portrait of your loved one, your couple or family, or the home you share. Gift it as a love note or card.

8.      Go for a one-on-one walk without distractions.

9.      Hold hands. Just do it.

10.  Cook or bake something. For them or together. Anything they love, made with love.

11.  Try something new, such as a restaurant or activity. Be brave and creative.

12.  No phone night. What will you do?!

13.  Picnic in the living room, park, or parking lot. Anywhere you choose!

14.  Leave a love note. Does your loved one love to read? Tuck a note into their favorite book. Do they enjoy a homemade lunch? Add it to a napkin. Or just dry erase marker it onto the bathroom mirror for a reminder that — you love them!!!

15.  Give/exchange a few compliments. Make eye or physical contact to help drive the points home.

16.  Go for a drive. Have no planned destination, turn up your favorite tunes, sing along and see where the road takes you.

17.  Cuddle up and watch a sunset.

18.  Make your own Valentines… out of anything. Turn it into a craft or scrapbook kind of night.

19. Book a late-night (date night) drop-in childcare at The Co-Lab in the heart of Tacoma’s Proctor district every second Friday of the month! Then go out… or stay in! Childcare is covered with Our Pod Family.

20. Hug for at least 20 seconds. The health benefits abound! Check it out!

Venture Balloons Bear - https://venturaballoonsanddecor.com/