Hey Photo Besties! As you can imagine, I love celebrating love. I show love all year long, but February always feels like a good excuse to slow down and be more intentional with my family. If I’m being honest, this time of year is usually still a soft climb back from the holidays budget-wise, so over the years I’ve found simple traditions that don’t cost much but create really meaningful memories.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about candy, cards, or doing one more thing. (Though yes, there is always a little chocolate.)
One of my favorite Valentine’s traditions started years ago with my husband. Dinner for two at our favorite restaurant, also known as our house. I make a special meal, and now, as a table for four, it’s become something my kids look forward to every year. Last year we had an epic fondue night that I’m not sure I can top, so if you have ideas… send help.
Another tradition I love is writing love letters. I tell my family all the time how much I love them, but writing it down feels different. I like to write a few sentences about who they are right now, at this exact age. Over the years I’ve just Googled a few prompts and used the same ones for my husband and the kids. I always include a photo so they can one day open these and see themselves in that season of life.
It can be simple. One photo. A few honest words. Something your child can hold onto long after this season has passed.
This idea has very little to do with Valentine’s Day itself. It’s really about pausing long enough to tell your child who they are right now and giving them something they can come back to later. Because while we remember the big milestones, it’s often the small, ordinary seasons that fade the fastest.
A Valentine for Your Child (That They’ll Keep Forever)
One Photo Is Enough
You don’t need a professional session or the “perfect” image. Yes, you have my full permission to print this at Walgreens, or honestly, dare I say… your home printer.
Choose one photo you already love. A recent portrait. A candid from your phone. A moment that feels like them. Print it as a 4×6. Nothing fancy. The power isn’t in the paper. It’s in what you add to it.
Write Them a Note (Keep It Simple)
This doesn’t have to be poetic or polished. Just a few sentences of love. Since I usually Google prompts anyway, this year I made a simple one-page printable you can fill out instead. Fold it around the photo like a little love letter, tuck it away, and let that be enough.
Gift It, Then Tuck It Away
A keepsake box. A memory drawer. A simple envelope with their name on it. You don’t need to do this every year for it to matter. Once is enough to start something meaningful.
A Gentle Photo Bestie Reminder
Printed photos don’t disappear. Handwritten words don’t get lost in a cloud. Together, they become a record of love. Quiet, steady, and real.
Leave A Comment