Celebrate Valentine's Day as a Family

Gift Giving Ideas: 

1. Begin with your local BuyNothing group — the motto “well, it’s new to me” applies. These groups are hyper local Facebook groups made up of people that want to give or receive things for free. (Go to Facebook, search for Buy Nothing + your town). The concept of these groups is that you are helping the environment by not purchasing things that someone else has and does not need anymore. Members routinely offer a wide range of toys, activity items, playground structures all the time. Maybe you will luck out. 
2. Visit Your Local Thrift Store - the Women’s League of Roslyn and the Twin Pines Charitable Charitable Community Thrift Shop in Port Washington offers a good selection of toys and books. 
3. Check out Facebook Marketplace for specific goods. One idea: buy a container (sand buckets, radio flyer, toy truck) and fill it with candy, plushes and balloons. Simple, yummy and useful. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these Yummy Treats 

1. Make a Cake with a Valentine’s Day twist by decorating it with red sprinkles, pink frosting and/or strawberries.
2. A perfect and simple Valentine’s Dinner can include a homemade or restaurant bought heart-shaped pizza. 
3. Set the mood - I like to add sparkling cider and clear cocktail-style cups for the kids to our menu to add a real sense of celebration. Want to level up? Add a cherry to their drink, include festive napkins, plates and/or utensils. 
4. Make cute Valentine’s Day Jello cups! All you need is jello, whipped cream, more jello and clear cups. Here is a link to a fairly easy recipe to follow. 

Gifts for a Cause 

1. The Bronx Zoo’s Name a Roach for Your Valentine because roaches are forever just like your love. There are a few packages to choose beginning with a naming certificate at $15 to a full $85 kit that includes a roach stuffy, roach themed socks, making certificate and a virtual visit with their Madagascar hissing cockroach. In case you are wondering, matching couple socks are $50. What is not to love? 
2. Plant a Tree with the Arbor Day Foundation: Packages include planting a forest ($210), a grove ($95), a cluster ($60) or a custom number. 
3. Symbolically Adopt a Wild Animal with the WorldWildlife Fund: Starting at $25 for the digital certificate and poster, you can add 15 inch plush and gift bag ($60). Other price options include a framed certificate, gift box, plush, poster and gift bag ($100).