Valentine’s Is For Families Too: Gift And Date Ideas For Everyone

The hearts and flowers come out every February like clockwork. It’s no surprise, as Valentine’s Day is widely known as a celebration of love. Naturally, anyone who loves someone will want  to celebrate it with them. That’s why Valentine’s Day is primarily associated with lovers and romantic relationships. But while close friends have created their own version for the occasion with Galentines, what about parents who share boundless love for their partners and children? What does Valentine’s look like for them?

Families should celebrate Valentine’s Day because it provides a special opportunity to express love and appreciation for one another–strengthening bonds and teaching children the value of cherishing their loved ones. Love isn’t just romantic; as most parents know, it also encompasses family connections. Plus, since Valentine’s has become a big holiday, even preschoolers are familiar with the occasion thanks to Valentine-themed activities in school.

If you have a preschooler, chances are you’ll receive a Valentine this coming February 14. To make it special for the whole family, here are a few gift and activity ideas to celebrate love on its official day.

*Note: Moms, feel free to share this with the dads so they can profess their dad-love too!

Valentine's Gift and Date Ideas for Families

Flower Bouquets

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Valentine’s is when flowers are everywhere! If a classic bouquet seems like the perfect way to express your love for your fam, then Flowerstore has you covered! They offer traditional flower bouquets ranging from P1,799 to P2,499, as well as eternal flowers, dried flowers, preserved arrangements, and special bouquets with makeup, chocolates, jewelry, or toys.

Perfect for: Moms, Small and big daughters

Candies

Sweets are always a great choice for any celebration. Candy Corner offers a variety of deals perfect for Valentine’s, with prices ranging from P345 to P2,500 for candy trays and gift sets. They also have lower-priced a la carte candy options.

Perfect for: Small and big kids, Moms and Dads

Plushies

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Millennials and Gen Z’s are obsessed with plushies, making them an excellent Valentine’s gift for young kids, teens, or even adults. Toy Kingdom has plushies ranging from P399 to as much as P2,999, with options that cater to every personality–from the Disney-lovers to Kawaii enthusiasts.

Perfect for: Small and big kids, Moms

Toy Blocks

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Aside from plushies, toy blocks are a versatile gift for kids and even adults. Lego and Play Pop offer botanical and flower-themed sets that are sweet enough for Valentine’s. Prices range from P499 to P6,799. The best part? These flowers will stay fresh until next Valentine’s!

Perfect for: Every family member!

Handcrafted Items

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For those who dismiss typical Valentine’s gifts as “kalat lang” and prefer unique and sustainable gifts, handcrafted items are a great option. Popjunklove offers upcycled fabric pouches and trinkets/anik-anik that are both thoughtful and eco-friendly. If sold out, you can find other handcrafted items like stickers, plushies, and dried flowers at their CommonRoom home.

Perfect for: Every family member!

Makeup

Makeup is a sweet and practical gift for moms and tween/teen daughters. Take advantage of Happy Skin’s Valentine’s P499 deal to pick up pretty treats for yourself or for the sweet girl in your life.

Perfect for: Moms, Tween/teen daughters

Jewelry

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Jewelry is a timeless Valentine’s gift that’s always appreciated. Aside from being a good investment and possible heirloom pieces, they are also very pretty to look at and wear for either everyday or special occasions. Karat World offers heartfelt jewelry gift ideas that celebrate love between parents and children this Valentine’s season. A few of our picks include:

Gold chain pendant

A sideways 18k gold heart with zircon on a rolo thin extended chain makes a good, sparkly keepsake for a memorable Valentine’s Day. On sale for P13,450 from P26,900.

Perfect for: Moms, Teen daughters

Gold Children’s Earrings

This malachite and yellow gold heart earrings with zircon are durable for daily wear and perfectly symbolizes your love for your kids. On sale for P4,675 from P9,350.

Perfect for: Daughters

Zarah Juan Bags

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Bag hag mamas and daughters will love either (or both!) these aptly-named Pag-Ibig Mini and Micro bags. Zarah Juan is a local brand that delightfully incorporates local materials and Filipino themes in their range of bags, shoes, and accessories. Priced around P6,000.

Perfect for: Moms, Teen daughters

Craft Date at the CommonRoom

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Gifts can also come in experiences, and local business CommonRoom offers a Craft Date Bundle for moms/dads and their kids, or the whole family. As they said in their caption, “The best kind of date is the one where you’re fully there,” and we wholeheartedly agree. Craft date bundle is P1,299, inclusive of 2 craft activities, and snacks and drinks.

Perfect for: Every family member! 

Mall Playdate

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Robinsons Malls has a special treat for families with a Valentine’s day playdate, which includes kiddie rides, arts and crafts and more!

Perfect for: Every member of the family!

Movie Date

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For parents who want a JUNK date (Just Us No Kids) this Valentine’s Day, Robinsons Malls’ ‘It’s a Date’ promo offers a free movie ticket for every one bought with every qualified purchase at any restaurant in the mall.

Perfect for: Parents

NBA League Passes

Dads might be challenging to shop for but here’s one any basketball-loving dad is sure to enjoy. An NBA League Pass will surely show the dads in your life how much you love and care for him this Valentine’s day.

Smart Parenting section editor Judy Aladin shares, “What do you give your husband who already has everything when he married you? If your partner is an avid basketball fan, a subscription to NBA League Pass is a no-fail gift. Simply purchase it online, and they’ll be able to stream all live games for the season. The basic plan costs P2,449 per season for one device, with access to 24/7 NBA TV. If you want to upgrade to three devices, enjoy an ad-free experience, and have the option to download games for later, the Premium plan is super sulit for P3,149. Thank me later.”

Perfect for: Dads

Clay Date

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For artsy kids and parents, Studio Art Fix’s Partner Portraits Clay Date is perfect for this Valentine’s Day. You and your child can sculpt unique clay portraits while enjoying good food from Wabi Cafe. Price is P3,240 for two persons (P1,800 for one participant), inclusive of art materials and P500 food voucher (one drink and one pastry).

Perfect for: Moms, Dads, Older kids

Playplace Dates

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Kids will always love playplaces, and KinderCity is offering special rates for Valentine’s Month. You’ll definitely feel the love with their special prices of P400 to P550 for a one-hour kiddie pass, P600 to P650 for three hours, and P700 to P750 for unlimited play (all rates include one adult companion and prices will differ per branch).

Perfect for: Moms, Dads, Small and Big Kids

Celebrating Love With the Family

While Valentine's might not be as big as Christmas or birthdays, it’s still a great opportunity to teach kids about love and spend quality time together–whether it’s a date with your partner, one-on-one time with your kids, or a full family outing.

Smart Parenting Editor-in-Chief and mother of three, Ronna Bonifacio shares that it’s her family’s Valentine tradition to go on one-on-one dates with each of their kids. “I like taking every opportunity we can to remind our kids they are loved,” she said. “It's not so much celebrating Valentine's Day as it is an excuse to set aside one-on-one time with our kids. In recent years, my husband has taken out my daughter while I date my firstborn son. We go to the same mall, but make sure we don't run into each other. We either do a meal plus an activity, which means book or clothes shopping or hitting the arcade. Now that my youngest son is older, we'll need to find a new way to divide our time!”

Read here for reasons why you should go on one-on-one dates with your kids.