Whether your child is on full remote learning or your school has "cancelled" sending in class Valentine's (like ours did), this is just ONE MORE HOLIDAY that will be different for our kids. But, that doesn't mean it has to be bad. Here are some fun and creative ways to share the love, from a distance!
Video Message
Last year, for Teacher Appreciation Week, we sent out VidHugs. They were super cute and allowed the kids to each record a video message for their teacher and it was compiled into a video we sent out. This option does cost money on many sites, but teachers have access to FlipGrid for free and you could ask yours to help coordinate it that way! Alternatively, you can use your smartphone and record your kiddo sending messages to their friends via email!
Central Mail Drop
If you live in a close-knit community or nearby other friends, family or classmates, you could create a Centralized Valentine Box Drop - have a small box or bag for each child and collect Valentine's Day cards outside of school, allowing parents who'd like to retrieve them that opportunity.
Cupid Collective
Similar to a Boo-Basket, you could drop a Cupid Collection of little Valentine's Day trinkets at 2 friends homes with a note to pay-it-forward. I'd suggest you start that TODAY so that it can happen by Sunday :-)
Heart Hunting
You have two options here:
- Drop plastic hearts - similar to easter eggs - or heart gems like these in your friends, neighbors or family members' yards and let them go for a little Heart Hunt. It will keep the kiddos busy and is a fun way to say I love you. You can even do this for your own kids.
- Print up hearts (click here for the printable) and place them in your windows. See if your whole neighborhood will get into the spirit and put them in the windows. When your kids find all of them, give them a prize!
A Valentine Drive-By
This one will take some effort on behalf of your friends, family or room parents, but you can create a drive-by to each child's house in your class. One special grownup from each home can decorate a car or bike while another special grownup hangs back with the kiddo. Some families may be OK with receiving gifts or trinkets, candy or cards - so you can also dispense those from the car.
Alternatively, you could arrange to meet outside at a neutral location (probably NOT the school!) on Valentine's day itself and have a little parade of kiddos dressed up in hearts, pinks and reds. they could retrieve little valentines from their classmates that way. You can arrange all of this online and make it opt-in, so those who are not comfortable won't participate.
Small Masked, Outdoor Get-together
Pick 4-5 friends with whom you know you can mask, outdoors, and have a little valentine's exchange. Especially for our school-aged children who are in-person learning (in masks) - this would be no different than being at school, in masks. You can always serve food at a distance or send it as to-go!
Zoom Valentine's Party
Like everything else, Zoom parties are just becoming the norm. Maybe make it a themed zoom where the kids all make an art project at home. Or maybe they play a game, like this BINGO game. It's an easy way to celebrate together from afar.
Sending Cards to the Troops & Nursing Homes
If you're like me, you've already bought the Valentines, and coordinating the above just seems super EXTRA. So, what do you do with them? There are two great options that I think we'll be doing this year: you can either send them overseas to our troops (thank you to all who serve) or send them to a nursing home/elder care facility. If you are sending to our Troops, you can go through an organization like Support Our Troops or through your local chapter of the American Red Cross. With nursing homes, it may be a little trickier. You would contact a nearby facility and ask if they are accepting notes, cards or valentines. Most will likely say "yes!" but because of COV protocols, some may be more reticent. I'd definitely not include food, as that can really be a tricky widget. But notes, cards or other items may be welcomed.
Classroom Book Drive
While Valentine cards may be a faux-pas per your school's rules, books are definitely fair-game and all of our teachers need to replenish or add to their book collection. Ask your teacher or local librarian what they need and coordinate with others to purchase them! You can often find used books on Amazon or at a local book store that would be happy to have your support. Another great option is to create a book drive for a local shelter or children's home.
I'll be honest with you; none of these options is the same as the feeling of opening a box full of "you're sweet and I ❤️ U" notes. But, the truth is, our kids are more adept at managing disappointment than we ever will be after the 11 months we've just experienced! Kids are resilient and are pros at learning hard lessons: "things" and parties don't matter. People do.
Remind your kiddos that the point of Valentine's Day (for those who celebrate it) is to express love and the best way to do that is to care for one another, be kind and do the right thing.
