Things You'll Need:
- Paper of some kind
- Something to write with
- optional items: snacks, items for dinner, candles, board game
- If doing the kindness branch you will need string, a branch, a vase/pot or a coffee can, paper and something to write with
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Step 1
Make several paper hearts out of any kind of paper. No need to decorate them, although you can if you would like to. Write something you LOVE about the person you will hide them for. Now, hide them around the house (consider hiding them in the medicine cabinet, on their pillow, on the seat of their car, inside a book they are reading, under their coffee mug, etc.) Make them each unique.
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Step 2
Make a special meal for dinner. Hey, you're going to eat anyway, right? You will save tons of money and hassle by avoiding restaurants on this day. Instead, have a romantic couple's dinner or a loving family dinner. It doesn't have to be lobster or steak - it can be spaghetti or even a simple soup. For children you can go with a movie theme. Maybe a spaghetti dinner and then watch Disney's Lady and the Tramp together. Just you and your honey? Dim the lights, use the nicest plates you have and open a bottle of wine you have on hand.
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Step 3
Is there a chore your loved one hates doing? Do it for them today. Leave a little note on top of the cat litter box that says something like, "I love you so much - go do something fun - I did this chore for you today." If your spouse is generally the one to shovel the driveway, take care of it and tie a note to the shovel handle saying you look forward to sharing some time together now that the shoveling is done for the day.
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Step 4
Do they love a back rub? Give them one! Take your time with it. As you are massaging think of things you love about them; not the things you still need to do for the day! Your focus on the person will be evident in your touch.
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Step 5
Do the kids have a favorite board game? Take the game out, set it up, put a snack on the table and have it ready for when they come home from school. No need for them to do their homework right away. Instead, sit down together and enjoy a game. Add a twist to the game if you wish. If you are playing Scrabble, consider making only words that have to do with a 'love' theme.
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Step 6
No need for a bouquet of flowers. Consider instead making a kindness branch. Put a couple small branches (or one large one) into a heavy vase. Have it ready in the morning with a basket of little hearts on strings and a pen next to it. Explain that throughout the day as they see someone doing something kind, or notice something they love about another person they should write it on a heart and hang it on the branch. The goal is to fill up the branches with as many heart ornaments as possible.
Comments
MrsStaceyB said
on 2/18/2009 I love this! It doesn't cost money to show someone that you love them.
jseven said
on 2/13/2009 Right on! Little is MUCH when it is from the heart <3. 5*RCRR
SarahV said
on 2/13/2009 Great ideas! Very practical, especially since you gave ideas for families with kids. 5*!
FrazzledNanny said
on 2/10/2009 Great article full of free ideas to celebrae Valentine's Day. I LOVE them all. The little things mean so much more than the overdone things. Well written! 5*