Valentines Day is just a couple weeks away. Not only do I love Valentines day because of all the sweet treats, but I also love it because it’s the only time of year that I can put anything pink in the living room without a word of protest from my husband! I’ve always found it to be a fun holiday and while I prefer to pass on the $50 roses that on any normal day would be $10, I do think it’s a cute holiday to celebrate with my family.

My husband and I aren’t fans of the Valentines day crowds so we like to opt out of the fancy dinner and instead put the kids to bed a little early, light some candles, order some food in, and watch a movie together. Parent life, am I right?

Growing up, my parents always made Valentines day about us kids just as much as it was about them. Every year my siblings and I would come downstairs to little Valentines gift baskets full of goodies along with a special breakfast. I always loved this tradition and wanted to carry it over into my kid’s lives as well. I typically make heart shaped pancakes and  fill a basket full of a toy, a book, and a couple small treats. If you’re interested in putting together a basket for your kids as well and need some ideas, here is what I’m putting in my kids Valentines baskets this year. I've linked everything so all you have to do is click the link to shop the items yourself!

1. Small Toy/Stuffed Animal.

My son is getting a small lego set that he’s had his eye on for a while and my daughter is getting a stuffed animal that she keeps gravitating to at Target. I know neither of them is expecting a random gift in February so I’m really excited to see their faces when they see them.

2. Books.

For my son I bought the book “A Crankenstein Valentine”, which was one of the better ones I could find for a school aged boy. For my 16 month old daughter I got “Huggy Kissy” because she loves all of the books by this author, plus there is a dog on the cover and she is currently obsessed with “dagas”.

3. Treats

My son is five so he is getting a few of his favorite candies. Target currently has a great selection of valentines themed candy, so I got him some special Valentines colored gummy bears and Skittles. My daughter is still too young for candy so she is getting a pouch of her favorite Happy Baby food.

4. Play dough.

My kids are obsessed with play dough so this was an easy one. One container will last them each hours upon hours of entertainment. I bought them the “sweet colors” pack because the colors coordinate well with Valentines day.

5. Something they need.

For my son I got a fun new night light for his room because the last one went mysteriously missing. The new one projects a batman symbol up onto the ceiling and will hopefully be our magical solution to keeping him out of our bed at night (one can dream-right?). For my daughter I got a pack of Ulubulu pacifiers that are cute and match the Valentines theme perfectly.

Hope these ideas help you with putting together your own special little basket! Wishing you all a very happy day full of love this Valentines day.