14 Days of Valentines: 2023

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 14 Days of Valentine’s 


Each year I try to do something nice for each member of my family for the 2 weeks leading up to Valentine's Day.  With the inflation, health issues and the age of my son, it has become harder to surprise him and my husband with treats.    My goal this year is to spend less than $15.00 for the entire 2 weeks for both of them.       

I try to pick up special candies when they go on sale for 60%-70% off after Christmas, but this year I didn’t find any.    So this year, I am going with mom jokes and simple touches each day.   This may look like: making a special meal, unusual lunch items, baking a treat for the week or just writing a note.   


For my son, I will pick up special energy bars and make a batch of energy balls for him to get each day.   As a competitive swimmer, he will enjoy this treat. 


My husband is a little harder to surprise.   SInce he can no longer eat a lot of carbohydrates and/or sugar, special foods are out.    However, I can treat him well by bringing him coffee, getting him a sugar free creamer,  cooking some of his favorite Keto meals, or surprising him with a little yarn ball that we got when we were engaged and went on a pre-marriage  retreat. 


Last year I found a few different links to help with your 14 days of Valentines.   Here is where I found a few ideas that can be downloaded for free: 


Food Puns: 

 http://www.alittlemooreblog.com/printable-valentines-day-food-puns/



Knock Knock Jokes: 

https://thesimpleparent.com/valentine-knock-knock-jokes/


Lunch Box Notes: 

https://www.iheartartsncrafts.com/free-printable-valentine-lunch-box-notes/


** NOTE that each free item is not always appropriate for your situation or child, so be selective. 


More Budget Friendly Ideas

  1. Leave a personalized note for each family member to show them that you love them. 


  1. Print the Valentine Days Countdown sheet and tape a piece of candy to cover each day.    This will act like an Advent Calendar. 


  1. Be thoughtful and engage in a random act of kindness for each member of your family, such as taking out the trash, picking up the mail, or other chores that others typically do. 


  1. Make a special dessert for dinner one night and celebrate as a family.   Perhaps a game or movie night.   


  1. Cook special meals that your family doesn’t get every day.   This will be part of your meal planning and all no extra funds will go out of your budget. 


  1. Organize a special activity such as a museum visit, game night or other free activities in your area.   


If you would like to see last year’s 14 Days of Valentines, click the link: 


All in all, it is thoughtfulness that counts.  Each person is different and responds to different expressions of love.   You just pay attention and find the small things in life that bring joy and happiness to your family.   Enjoy this holiday that embraces love.    

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