WILMETTE PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURING FAMILIES IN & AROUND THE NORTHSHORE OF CHICAGO
It’s coming to that time again. Loved ones and parents alike are starting to scramble to think about what to do for valentines. While adult to adult gifting can be solved with flowers and candy, I never realized the stress that an adult has to go through to deal with school valentines.
My oldest was two when I first dealt with the “I am clearly unprepared for having a child in school” valentine’s day. She came home with a bag full of valentines and goodies we had provided none. SHE WAS TWO!!!!
Year three for her was going to be different. It was also the year of the polar vortex here in Chicago so i took advantage of this to have her CRAFT valentines with me. Her valentine was basically construction paper with tape and glitter. Also, I did not provide any trinkets. Candy was not allowed and what else do you give with a valentine. Well that year she came home with beautifully crafted or store bought valentines that had things like playdoh, slime, stickers and tattoos with them.
Year four I was going to get it right! We did valentines from Lovelane designs. Not only did I get to support a small business, the valentine was a card and a gift all in one!
Year five with two kids to deal with doing these, we printed out digital versions of the amazing Pink Cheeks Studios Galentines Day Cards and a pad of stickers. I considered doing that again this year, because she comes out with new ones every year.
2022 we are going all out. Because that is what I have been doing with my stress, putting it into creative projects and spending my money if I think others will get enjoyment out of it. We did it all. We are doing a cute personalized photo adding a little cheesy gift and hamming it up all together with a note.
What do you do for valentines day cards?
Here are links to my favorite valentines:
Print Your Own Valentine by Jennifer Vallez
Pink Cheeks Studios Galentines
Valentine You Rule by Love Lane Designs
As far as gifts go, I am all about none gifts.
But, if you love to give anyway here are some ideas we love: