5 Sugar-Free Ways to Sweeten Valentine’s Day for Your Toddler

Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like a big heart-shaped box of chocolates, but giving your little one a sugar high might not make for the sweetest day for either of you. So in lieu of candy and sweet treats, we’ve come up with a few festive ideas to make the holiday extra special for your little love. Here are five sugar-free ways to sweeten Valentine’s Day for your toddler.

1. Make homemade playdough. Not only will your little one love playing with it, but he’ll love helping you to make a batch of homemade playdough. Don’t forget the red food coloring, and you could even add in glitter for a really festive touch! Set your toddler up with the freshly-made playdough, a rolling pin and some heart-shaped cookie cutters for hours of entertainment.
2. Snuggle up for story time. Take a trip to your local library. They’re sure to have a collection of amazing Valentine’s Day-themed books on display. Let your toddler choose her favorites, find a cozy corner and read all about love to your own little love.
3. Make a love list. Sit down with your toddler and encourage her to share with you the things she loves. The list will probably include things like Elmo, princesses and choo-choos, but dig a little deeper for those sweet answers that will melt your heart. Your little one’s love list is sure to be a favorite keepsake, and perhaps it will even become a yearly tradition.
4. Get your groove on. Search your music collection for the sweetest tunes, and create a Valentine’s Day playlist with songs like “Love Shack,” “L.O.V.E.,” “Ex’s and Oh’s,” “Call Me Maybe” and “Sugar, Sugar.” Then move the living room furniture aside grab your little one’s hands and dance your hearts out.
5. Plant flowers together. By the time Valentine’s Day comes around, we’re all longing for warmer days, so why not urge on a change in the seasons by planting some pink and red flowers? You could even up the ante by giving your toddler the chance to paint the flowerpots before you get to work. He’ll love putting his personal touch on the project, getting his hands dirty and then watching the seeds sprout and grow into beautiful flowers.

However you choose to celebrate, we’re wishing you the happiest Valentine’s Day!