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We are starting the Valentine’s Day countdown in our family! This is in addition to my summer vacation countdown (171 days) and my husband’s wishful retirement countdown (927 days). Haha, it’s great to see a number under 30! This post is all about postage-worthy valentine ideas for grandkids.
A Virtual Valentine’s Celebration
Like many long-distance grandparents, holidays are typically celebrated virtually. While we’ve always had fun celebrating from afar it is becoming more natural, and more fun all the time.
If you’re new to long-distance grandparenting, hang in there!
We’ve moved from ‘because we can’t be there we’ll do ‘this’ and talking about our celebration being some kind of substitute for ‘the real thing’ to believing it’s the real thing – because it is the real thing!
There’s a great printable Valentine’s resource, filled with notecards, stationery, and a fun pennant. You can access it in the shop – we think your family will love it!
In addition to hanging up that cute decor, we are taking a look at these 5 ways to celebrate.
5 Ways to Celebrate
1. A Family Tree Valentine Hunt.
Copy family pictures and cut them into heart shapes.
Mail them to your grown kids to hide around their house.
Then facetime while the grandkids search for all the family members. They will have so much fun searching!
Follow that up with a snack and have fun talking about all the things you love about our family valentines.
This is also a great way to share stories about a loved one who has passed, or who they have less contact with.
2. Host a Virtual Valentine’s Crafting Time.
There are so many cute ideas online!
Tailor your craft idea to suit your grandkid’s current favorite things.
For example, my four-year-old granddaughter Morgan is really into mermaids and all things ‘ocean’ right now.
So I mailed her a bunch of both plain and patterned heart shapes, and we made some heart fish valentines based on this cute idea from The Mainstreet Mouse.
It’s great to be able to send what is needed so my grown kids aren’t spending their time gathering supplies!
3. Love Notes for Days
Why celebrate just one day?
I used the printable cute stationery to send several days worth of love notes using the following as a guide (great for older grandkids):
- a brief story about how Papa and I met
- the things we love about their parents
- things we love about them
- a card with a ‘coupon’ or several dollars inside (for a treat or to save)
If you love sending snail mail, check out the Mail Membership. I used it to embrace the distance and stop wishing scheduling was easier to having consistent connections every month.
Now I know I can count on my granddaughters receiving something from me every month and not only do I get a reply from them, but I get to sprinkle in the fun “extras” like Valentine’s activities throughout the year!
4. Spread the Love by Volunteering
If you happen to be able to celebrate in person, the days around Valentine’s can be a unique opportunity to volunteer someplace with your grandkids.
This is another great idea for older grandkids.
Purchase or make cards, and deliver or drop them at a senior center or first responder department (make sure to check the current health precautions first).
You could go shopping together and purchase several pairs of socks and donate to a homeless shelter.
Perhaps spend some time outside walking a dog at the local animal shelter.
Check your local listings for opportunities to spread some love in your area.
5. Send a Video Message
Hang up decor, or put on your favorite valentine-colored shirt, and record a quick video message or share a valentine’s joke – they’ll love it!
Here are a couple of silly ones to get you started…
”What did one volcano say to the other?” I lava you!
“What did the farmer give his wife for Valentine’s Day?” Hogs and kisses!
You Can Love Being a Long-Distance Grandparent
For those of you celebrating from afar, we hope that on this special day, and every day, you are able to ‘count the ways you can love being a long-distance grandparent.
I took a quick look back at this post and found some great reminders for myself. What is it that you can love (or learn to love!) as you consider your grandparenting role?
We are always so grateful for all of you – the wonderful grandparents intentionally creating wonderful memories from the moments you share together!