With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be wondering what to get for your loved one. While you can always fall back on basic staples like chocolate, why not change things up this year? As a parent, choosing family-friendly activities may feel overwhelming, but this guide will keep things simple. 

Keep reading to discover seven sweet things dads can do for moms this Valentine’s Day.

1. Design A Crafty Surprise 

All mothers love sweet crafty surprises. Enlist your kid’s help to design something extraordinary. You could make home decor items or cute cards. Look around your home for supplies or go to the dollar store to keep this craft within the family budget. For an added surprise, decorate the house while she’s sleeping and capture her reaction on camera.

2. Make A Home-Cooked Meal 

Home-cooked meals are special because you can personalize them to fit your partner’s tastes and preferences. Think about her favorite foods and try to give them a romantic spin. For example, heart-shaped pancakes or a pink cake are two on-theme ways to deliver sentimental food with great taste. You should also keep her goals in mind and prepare her something healthy and fun if you know she is focused on her fitness this year.  

If you are looking to turn up the romance, consider popular aphrodisiacs. Many people believe eating oysters, asparagus and strawberries can have a positive impact on physical intimacy.

3. Plan a Date Night 

Valentine’s Day is all about reflecting on the love and appreciation you have for those around you — and what better way to do that than by planning a date night? Hire a babysitter to watch the kids so you can surprise Mom with a relaxing evening together. When planning, try to think of her favorite hobbies and what would be open in your area. 

If you intend to go out to a restaurant or event, make sure to book tickets and make reservations. Availability goes quickly on holidays, and you know waiting in lines isn’t fun. If you’re concerned about spending so much time in public, you could book a hotel room and order food for a more private kid-free occasion. For individuals with a more flexible schedule, consider planning extended romantic getaways Nashville TN to celebrate the occasion. A road trip could be fun!

4. Finish Household Chores 

Regardless of how you choose to divide everyday chores, Mom has a few responsibilities on her plate. Surprise her by cleaning the house and completing all of the duties so she can relax for the entire day. To complete the tasks quickly and efficiently, encourage the kiddos to help. They’ll be beaming with pride as they tell their mom everything they worked on around the house. 

Remember to clean up after yourself if you choose to make dinner or do a crafting project with your children. It’s unfair to leave the house a mess that she’ll need to clean up the next day.

5. Write a Thoughtful Letter 

For many people, it’s easier to convey emotions through writing than speech. Take a few moments to jot down how you feel about the mother of your children. A love letter or poem is a sweet gift that she can cherish for years to come. In many ways, it’s the gift that keeps giving because she’ll be able to reflect on your words any day she needs to hear them. 

If you are musically inclined, you can transform your words into a personalized song and serenade her for Valentine’s Day. To involve the entire family, get your kids to sing backup vocals, play the drums or shake a maraca.

6. Arrange a Family Movie Night 

Let’s be real — parents are busy people, so sometimes the best gift is a quiet night inside. Arranging a family movie night will provide you both with quality time without any additional hassle of getting dressed-up or finding a sitter. 

Remember to choose a movie that’s appropriate for everyone to watch. Lady and the Tramp, Shrek and Tangled are all feel-good favorites with romantic undertones perfect for Valentine’s Day.

7. Give a Gift 

Gifting giving is an age-old custom that’s tried and true. If pressed for time, or feeling a creative low, consider giving Mom a gift or two. Flowers are a safe option for most families, and you can order them online with a delivery service so that you can stay warm indoors. 

Some women prefer material gifts, while others would rather have experiences. Think about what the mom in your life needs. If she’s been unbelievably busy, a massage or spa day might be something she secretly desires. Chocolate is also a great choice! You can buy dairy free chocolates for a healthier sweet option. Alternatively, if she’s been lusting over a new gadget, furniture item or piece of jewelry, you can surprise her with it as a gift. Keep your budget in mind, especially if you share finances. An expensive present may stress Mom out if you can’t afford it on your family’s budget.

Combine Your Ideas 

Now that you have seven sweet things you can do this Valentine’s Day, why not combine some of the ideas? Encourage your kids to pitch in and create a one-of-a-kind day that sticks in Mom’s memory for the rest of the year. Remember to choose projects you can complete within the time-constraints you have — you’ll want to finish everything you set out to do for the special occasion.