Cozy Family Valentine’s Day Ideas: Movies, Books, and Sweet Treats
Valentine’s Day lands on a Friday this year and it’s a wonderful time to gather your family and celebrate love in all its forms! Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or want to fill the day with fun activities, we’ve got you covered with the best family Valentine’s Day movies, books, and sweet treat recipes. These simple and sweet ideas will help create lasting memories while you enjoy quality time together!
7 Family Valentine’s Day Movie Suggestions
1. The Princess and the Frog (2009): A heartwarming story of love, family, and chasing your dreams, The Princess and the Frog is perfect for a family movie night. This Disney classic is filled with vibrant animation, catchy songs, and a positive message about perseverance and love.
2. The Incredibles (2004): While not directly about Valentine’s Day, The Incredibles is all about family love and teamwork. Watch this superhero family balance their extraordinary abilities with their love for one another.
3. Beauty and the Beast (1991 | 2017): A timeless Disney tale about the power of kindness, selflessness, and love, Beauty and the Beast is a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day. This movie shows that love comes in all forms and that true beauty lies within.
4. Lady and the Tramp (1955 | 2019): Celebrate love with this classic Disney film about a charming mutt and a refined cocker spaniel. Their adventures together remind us that love can bloom in unexpected places—and sometimes over a plate of spaghetti!
5. Shrek (2001): This quirky, animated comedy is a great pick for the whole family. It’s filled with humor, heart, and a wonderfully unconventional love story between Shrek and Fiona.
6. WALL-E (2008): Our favorite! A sweet and touching tale about love and friendship, WALL-E is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The movie shows how two robots develop a deep bond while exploring a lonely Earth, sending a powerful message about love’s capacity to transform.
7. Valentine’s Day (2010): For a bit of an older crowd, it’s a cute movie that follows the interconnected lives of several LA residents as they navigate the highs and loves of Valentine’s Day. With many big celebrity names on the cast list, this movie is sure to delight!
4 Valentine’s Day Books for Kids
1. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney: This timeless classic tells the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they try to express how much they love each other. A gentle and endearing read, perfect for sharing with little ones on Valentine’s Day.
2. The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond: In this sweet story, a girl named Cornelia Augusta finds hearts falling from the sky, and she uses them to create thoughtful Valentine’s Day cards for her friends. This book is a fun and colorful way to teach children about kindness and love.
3. Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A beautiful Valentine’s Day-themed spin-off from the classic Very Hungry Caterpillar. This heartwarming story is perfect for younger children and features Carle’s signature illustrations alongside an adorable message of love.
4. Grumpy Monkey: Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang: A sweet, but very silly book that school-aged kids are sure to love with its over-the-top humor.
3 Sweet Treats to Make Together
1. Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies: No Valentine’s Day celebration is complete without some heart-shaped sugar cookies! Gather your kids in the kitchen to cut out the shapes and decorate with pink and red frosting, sprinkles, and candy hearts. This simple and fun activity will leave everyone with a delicious treat to enjoy after your movie night or book reading.
Our Favorite Recipe: Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe by Sugar Spun Run
2. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A true Valentine’s Day classic that’s easy to make and fun for kids to help with. Melt some high-quality chocolate and dip the strawberries into it, letting them cool on wax paper. Add sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive touch. These treats are sure to make everyone’s heart melt!
Pro Tip: Let the strawberries cool for 30 minutes before serving to ensure the chocolate sets.
3. Chocolate Lava Cakes: If you’re looking to make a dessert that’s both indulgent and a showstopper, chocolate lava cakes are the way to go! These individual cakes have a gooey, molten chocolate center that will impress everyone. Perfect for a lovely (and family-friendly) Valentine’s Day dessert. Don’t forget the ice cream on top!
Our Favorite Recipe: Chocolate Lava Cakes by Food Network
Valentine’s Day is all about showing love and creating memories, and there’s no better way to do that than by spending quality time with your family. Remember, it’s not about extravagant gifts or big gestures – it’s the little moments that count. So, grab your favorite movie, read a heartwarming story, and enjoy a sweet treat (or two!) that you made together. Happy Valentine’s Day from our family to yours!