Crafting Family Love: Simple & Low-Stress Valentine’s Day Ideas for Busy Moms

By Brooke Abbott Abron

Okay, let’s be real—Valentine’s Day as a mom is NOT the same as it was pre-kids. Gone are the days of fancy dinner reservations and surprise getaways (unless you count a solo trip to the store as a getaway, which…I do). Now, it’s about trying to make the day special for our little lovebugs—without adding another thing to our already overflowing plate.

And that’s the thing. We don’t have to go all out to create magical moments. As a mom living with a chronic condition, a busy schedule and raising a kid with an equally busy schedule and neurodivergence, I just don’t have the time and quite frankly the bandwidth for a perfect instagrammable Valentine’s Day. And let’s be honest, expressing love isn’t in the big Pinterest-worthy productions; it’s in the little things we do together—crafts, treats, cozy traditions, and just being present.

But I also know that not every family celebrates the same way. Maybe you have neurodivergent kids who need a sensory-friendly option. Maybe you’re a mom living with a disability or chronic illness, and you need activities that won’t drain your energy. Maybe allergies make traditional Valentine’s treats a no-go. Whatever your situation, I see you. So, I put together some low-stress, adaptable ideas to help you create sweet, simple moments with your kids—no pressure, just love.

1. Love Notes & Affirmation Jars (A No-Prep Way to Spread the Love!)

One of my favorite Valentine’s traditions is writing little love notes to each other. It’s simple, heartfelt, and reminds our kids that they are SO loved.

How to do it:

• Cut out small hearts from construction paper (or let’s be honest, just grab sticky notes).

• Write down things you love about your kids, and let them do the same for you or each other.

• Toss them in a jar, basket, or even just a resealable plastic bag.

• Read them out loud at bedtime or over dinner.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Tip: If writing is a struggle, use stickers, drawings, or even record voice messages instead!

Mom Hack: If you’re exhausted, just leave little notes on their pillows or lunchboxes. I promise, a quick “I love you” on a Post-it means just as much as a Pinterest-perfect love jar.

2. Super Easy Valentine’s Treats (Because We’re Not All Martha Stewart)

If you’re like me and baking from scratch isn’t always an option (or a desire), here are some super easy, minimal-effort treats that still feel festive:

• Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Melt some chocolate, dip strawberries or bananas, and let the kids add sprinkles. (Bonus: it’s technically fruit, so it cancels out the sugar, right?)

• Heart-Shaped Sandwiches: Grab a cookie cutter and make PB&J or turkey-and-cheese sandwiches into cute heart shapes.

• No-Bake Energy Bites: Mix oats, honey, mini chocolate chips, and sunflower butter, roll into balls, and chill.

Allergy-Friendly Option: Use allergy-safe chocolate and swap nut butters for sunflower or oat-based alternatives.

Low-Energy Option: No time for baking? Store-bought cupcakes with simple frosting and add Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles = same joy, less stress.

3. Sensory-Friendly Valentine’s Crafts (No Glitter, No Crying, Just Fun)

Not every kid loves the chaos of glue and glitter. Here are a few crafts that are simple and sensory-friendly:

• Texture Hearts: Use felt, bubble wrap, or soft fabric to cut out heart shapes for kids who love different textures.

• Lego Love Creations: Challenge them to build heart shapes with Legos instead of traditional crafting.

• Scented Playdough: Make (or buy) playdough and add a drop of vanilla or strawberry extract for a sensory-friendly Valentine’s activity.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Tip: Keep crafts short and sweet, and have a quiet space available if the excitement gets overwhelming.

4. Cozy Family Movie Night (Because Sometimes, That’s All We’ve Got Energy For)

Some years, I have the energy for a Valentine’s craft-a-thon. Other years? We’re doing PJs, popcorn, and a movie. And honestly, that’s still special.

How to make it fun:

• Let each kid pick a short, family-friendly show or movie.

• Snuggle up in blankets and pillows.

• Serve popcorn with a little melted chocolate drizzle (or a simple bowl of fruit with whipped cream).

• Read a bedtime story about love and kindness to end the night.

Mom Hack: If you need a break, let them build a blanket fort and watch the movie from there. It keeps them occupied and makes it feel extra special.

5. Love in Action: Simple Acts of Kindness Together

One of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by spreading love beyond our home.

Easy ideas:

• Make Valentine’s cards for teachers, grandparents, or neighbors.

• Donate books or toys to a local shelter.

• Call a friend or family member just to say, “I love you.”

• Drop off a coffee or snack for another mom who could use a pick-me-up.

Low-Energy Option: If leaving the house isn’t an option, kids can create digital Valentine’s cards or record sweet video messages instead!

Love Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Mamas, listen—Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. You don’t need extravagant gifts or elaborate celebrations to show love. Whether you’re baking a treat, crafting a little, or just snuggling up on the couch, the small moments are what our kids will remember.

And if all you do this year is tell your babies you love them and give them an extra squeeze, that is more than enough.

So go easy on yourself, celebrate in a way that works for your family, and remember: love is in the little things.

Brooke Abbott Abron for Giggles LA: Known as Crazy Creole Mommy online, Brooke is a mom, advocate, activist, babywearing educator, and writer. As the founder of IBDMoms, she combines practical tips, mom advice, and evidence-based insights from her own lived experience to help families navigate both the joys and challenges of parenting.