When I was a little girl, my dad got me a Betta fish for Valentine’s Day one year. I cared for it for seven long years after that (a long lifespan for a Betta fish, I think). I remember thinking it was the coolest gift ever. Not to mention it taught me important character values like responsibility and compassion.
I know holidays sometimes get a bad reputation for promoting too much gift-giving, but having grown up in a home where my sister and I always, always, received a card and a small gift from each of our parents on Valentine’s Day, I’ve learned to see it as a holiday which promotes love, rather than abundance. Sometimes the smallest gift can be a notion of love that doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. It just is.
Other memorable Valentine’s Day gifts throughout the years included flowers, chia pets that grew grass hair, chocolates (of course) and socks or clothes laden with hearts. The gifts were never huge or elaborate. We never asked for anything special or kept a list of what we wanted. Each gift was a small act of kindness, of love.
From what I see on Facebook, many parents are already preparing classroom Valentines for dozens of other children to get a jumpstart on the February holiday. But if you are considering a gift for your own little one for Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing a few other favorites gifted to me by mom and dad from Valentine’s past, and where you might be able to find them online before the big day…
Heart-Shaped Sunnies, JCrew
(We got these before they were “cool.” I remember my dad thought they were hilarious.)
Pancake Making Set, Target
I got a pancake-making set one year and my sister got ice cream bowls and an ice-cream scooper. Lots of fun was had.
Faux Fur Throw Pillow, Target
There were definitely some arbitrary throw pillows and themed decorative items received over the years. Great room additions, some of which made it to college with me.
Patterned Non-Skid Socks, Hanna Andersson
I once had a lot of heart-laden socks and clothes. They’re still my favorite thing to wear.
Little Notes or Stationery Set, Anthropologie
Stationery sets were our jam. Before the days of email and text messages, I was always getting stationery sets and note card boxes to play with and write letters, or send to my sister across the hall.
Curious George Tin Keepsake Box, Amazon
Ours had Super Woman and movie covers on them, but I like these Curious George ones for younger children.
Whether you decide to pick one of these gift gems or go with a gift idea all your own, keep it small and meaningful for the ultimate Valentine: your kiddo.
Nothing but love,
Kiddie Academy Mom
