While it still feels like we were all just preparing and enjoying the holidays, it’s incredible that January is half way over! These last few weeks around Chicago have been mostly cloudy with a hint of the sun peeking out here and there. I find it helpful to have something to look forward to in order to make it through some of the dreary days when all you want to do is lie on the couch and watch TV (TV that’s not Encanto, Bluey, or Moana). For me, the easiest things to look forward to are vacations, birthdays, and holidays. And Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

I love any excuse to browse and put together holiday treats for my kids. Again, I know my family just spent a good amount of money to make the winter holidays special, so Sheena and I put together some little ideas for a Valentine’s Day treat bin or basket. My parents always made each holiday so special, even with just a fun meal, treat, or small trinket. I hope to recreate those same life-long memories with my kids.

Books

Any holiday or special occasion is a wonder way to expand and boost your home library! You can also take this time to go through any old books to donate to your local library or school.

• The Dinosaurs Valentine’s Day by Jessica Brady

• Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle

• Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse by Laura Numeroff

• Where’s the Ladybug? by Ingela P Arrhenius

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek

• Highlights Hidden Pictures Sticker Books

Stickers

My kids can entertain themselves with stickers for a decent amount of time! Sometimes I will find them on toys, my laptop, or the walls (luckily they are pretty easy to clean up). I love stocking up on Valentine’s Day stickers!

• Assorted Heart Stickers

• Waterproof Vinyl Stickers

• Make a Face Stickers

Crafts

Any time I go to Target, I, of course, stroll through the dollar section. Target often has cute seasonal crafts for kids that I’ll grab for a holiday basket or just a rainy, cold day. Here are some other craft ideas:

• Scratch Art

• Foam Airplanes

• Coloring Books

  • My Big Valentine’s Day Coloring Book

  • Valentine’s Day Coloring Book for Kids: Dinosaurs, Cute Monsters, & More!

  • The Big Valentine’s Day Coloring & Activity Book

  • Valentine’s Day Coloring Book for Kids: Hearts, Sweets, Cute Animals and More!

Themed Attire

Here are some cute PJs and tops for your little ones to sport for Valentine’s Day

• Moon & Back by Hanna Andersson

• Heart PJs

• Heart PJ Set

• Heart Long Sleeved Shirt

• Valentine’s Day Tiger Shirt

• I also love Kyte Baby’s seasonal lines. They have some adorable Valentine’s Day onesies, shirts, pjs, and blankets like this one!

Gifts

• Bath Toys - Unicorn & Dinosaur

• Playdoh Truck Set

• Purse

• Squishmallow

• Melissa & Doug Cookie Set

We also recommend checking out your local bakeries for some Valentine’s Day treats to enjoy with your family! Here are a few of our favorites in the Chicago area:

• Pie Pie My Darling — 2636 W Chicago Ave, Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60622

• Sweet Mandy B’s — 1208 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

• Beth’s Little Bakeshop — 1814 Central St, Evanston IL 60201

• Bennison’s Bakery — 1000 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201

• Three Tarts — 301 N Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093

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