Spreading Love to Your Tiny Loved Ones on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day—a day of love and romance. A chance to outwardly express what you feel inside every day. But before your romantic night on the town with your honey, what do you do for your kids? It is after all a holiday, and your little ones will be very excited.

Valentine's Day is on Monday, so here are a few weekend and holiday ideas that spread the love to even your smallest loved ones.

1. You're invited to a Sweethearts Party today at Gymboree. Enjoy a gift exchange and a variety of activties that promote love, hugs, kisses and friendship. There are three party sessions today, at 1-2 p.m., 3-4 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Admission: $20. Call 949-680-7187 for more information and to make your reservation.
2. Visit Color Me Mine in our neighboring city Mission Viejo. Let the kids make a mess that someone else will clean up. Color Me Mine provides paint and ceramic figures, plates, cups, frames and other designs for a variety of prices. As a Valentine's Day gift to the kids, help them create their own gift or help them make a Valentine's gift for someone else. Whether the art is created with a paintbrush or simply a handprint, all ages can participate.
3. If you are brave and don't mind cleaning up the mess yourself, Michaels is a great place to gather supplies to make your own Valentine's themed crafts.
4. Ralphs is currently selling plain heart-shaped cookies—meant for decorating. Grab a box and some frosting and have hours of fun … or 30 minutes of fun and hours of cleanup. Your kids will love it.