It’s that time of year again: the stores are full of heart-shaped candy boxes and your social media feed keeps showing you romantic gift advertisements. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to spend some special time spoiling your significant other, but as a mom of three and a full-time photographer, I know how hard it can be to carve out a date night in the midst of the busyness of life. Sometimes, a babysitter, an expensive dinner, and a flashy gift just aren’t possible. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to celebrate your love for your spouse or partner!

Here are five super sweet and super easy Valentine’s ideas for busy parents. Each one corresponds to one of Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages, meaning this list should have something for everyone! The best part is, if you don’t have kid-free time, you can find a way to include them with each of these.

 

Make a Photo Album – Gift Giving

Do you have hundreds of photos on your Smart Phone that you almost never get a chance to scroll through? What about those professional photos you decided to invest in? Why not print out a few and put together a scrapbook to surprise your loved one? As a Dallas family photographer, I love when my clients find unique ways to store and display their photos. While this one requires a little extra forethought, the end result will be something your family can cherish forever!

Take that Chore Your Spouse Dreads – Acts of Service 

If your partner feels loved when you do kind things for them, this might be the gift they really need! Maybe they need a break from an everyday task like the dishes, the toddler’s bedtime routine, or the laundry. Or maybe there’s a chore that’s been left unfinished for awhile—a home improvement project or a landscaping job that’s been hanging over your heads. Imagine your spouse’s surprise when you secretly take on that task!

A Love Note Scavenger Hunt – Words of Affirmation

When was the last time you wrote your spouse a really cheesy love letter? A love note can spark some of that early-relationship romance. To make this gift extra special, write out a series of notes—kind words, poems, inside jokes—and hide them around the house. Then wait as your significant other slowly finds each one. With this gift, you can keep the Valentine’s Day romance going long after the holiday ends!

Bake Bread Together – Quality Time 

Even if you’re not a baker, hear me out on this one. Baking bread can be such a fun way to spend time with your loved one because it involves cooperation over an extended amount of time. Have fun getting your hands messy and take turns kneading the dough! While you wait for the dough to rest and rise, you can keep the quality time going by playing a board game. Once your bread is baked, enjoy a warm buttery slice with fresh preserves! Even if your bread doesn’t turn out perfectly, the teamwork and creativity involved will certainly spark a connection!

Have an In-Home Picnic & Cuddle – Physical Touch 

Even in DFW, February tends to be a little too cold for an outdoor picnic. So, spread a blanket on the living room floor, light some candles, order takeout, and cuddle while you watch a rom-com or a family movie. Sometimes, getting close and cozy is all you really need to ignite the romance.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Will you try one of these options this year? Wishing you a lovely, easygoing Valentine’s! XO