3 Fun Valentine’s Day activities for you and your kids

Heart-shaped candies. Boxes of chocolates. Red roses.

These are probably some of the things that come to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day — the gifts we give to show love to our family and friends.

But did you know you can also use this day to send love to people both in your community and around the globe?

Below are a few fun activities your family can do together this Valentine’s Day. Not only will you be making memories with your kids and grandkids … but you’ll also be teaching them about the joy that comes from helping others!

Bake a sweet treat

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to carry over a plate of delicious cookies to a neighbor or elderly church member who lives alone. After all, who doesn’t love a good cookie?

Step 1

Have the kids wash their hands, pull up their sleeves, and help you roll out the dough. (Making your cookies from scratch? Here’s a great recipe.)

Step 2

Cut out your cookies using a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Step 3

When they’re finished baking, let the kids layer icing and sprinkles on top.

Now you’re ready to spread some Valentine’s Day love! With your kids by your side, deliver your cookies to whomever the Lord lays on your heart. In order to keep a safe social distance, you can always leave them on the front porch or step.

Your generosity will show your kids how good it feels to do something for another person. Plus, they’ll have loads of fun along the way!

Send a special valentine

The past year has been full of difficult decisions for church leaders as they’ve had to juggle online services, canceled events, and many other challenges.

Why not send a special valentine or card to your pastor to let him know that your family appreciates and is praying for him?

Pull out the glue sticks, construction paper, markers, and glitter and have yourselves a good old-fashioned craft time. Once your valentine is complete, sign your names and mail it to your pastor so he receives it in time for Valentine’s Day.

It may seem like a small gesture, but it’s sure to bring a smile to his face.

Decorate a Valentine’s Day piggy bank

Finally, here’s a super creative way you and your kids can show love to starving families around the world this February.

Step 1

All you need is an empty jar. Or, if you can’t find one, you can convert an empty chip canister or older Tupperware. Simply cut a hole in the top of the lid like a bank.

Step 2

Once you have your container, help your kids paint the outside or add some Valentine’s Day-themed stickers. You can also wrap it in red, pink, and white wrapping paper or ribbons.

Step 3

Use your jar to collect spare change and bills. Most people have coins lying around everywhere — between couch cushions, on the kitchen counter, or on the floorboard of the car. Encourage your kids to keep an eye out for them and see who can find the most change! Or, decide as a family for each person to donate a little of your paycheck or allowance to the cause.

Step 4

Click here to donate the money your family collects to help people in need!

When you give by midnight (EST) Feb. 14, your special Valentine’s Day gift will DOUBLE thanks to a $100,000 matching gift. That means you and your kids will provide food, other essentials, and more for TWICE as many people around the globe!

So bake some cookies. Send a valentine. Decorate a piggy bank.

And show love to people who need it this Valentine’s Day.

Make a special Valentine's Day donation