Say I Love You with Valentine’s Themed Lunches and Snacks!
My daughter’s love language is quality time. Mine is acts of service. These days, I love hanging out in her room listening to her tell stories about school and how her day went. She LOVES when I tell stories about when I was her age and what I went through in middle school. Times have sure changed but the teen struggles are the same!
Whether she’s challenged personally or academically, my goal is to simply relate to her. She doesn’t always need me to solve her problems but just knowing I’m here, listening and sharing brings her comfort. My husband and I cherish every age and stage of her childhood. As tough as parenting teens can be sometimes, we agree it's the most rewarding.
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After traveling for work for so many years, I love being able to share dinner every night, make their lunches and spend time in the kitchen together. Now that lunch is the only meal we don't have together, given any opportunity, I make it special. If you've been following me on Instagram @lunchboxmafia you already know that I like using cookie cutters and veggie cutters to make lunch fun. Heart shaped cutters can be found at craft stores, party stores and Amazon. Here are some tried and tested ideas for Valentine’s Day lunches and snacks.
Two Ingredient Donuts sound too good to true? They're not! Combine your favorite cake mix with 2 cups of applesauce and bake according to the instructions on the box. Let your kids add the icing and sprinkles.
Valentine's Kabobs or “Cupid's Arrows”
Cut rice crispy treats into 2-inch squares and alternate them on a stick with marshmallows and strawberries. In place of rice crispy treats, you can use brownie bites, donut holes or mini muffins.
Create a Red or Pink-Themed Lunch.
I love using hollowed out peppers to serve chicken salad, tuna or hummus inside a lunchbox or on a snack board. Enjoy them with crackers or take a big bite out of your pepper. The crunch and sweetness from the veggies are so satisfying!
For pink, think ham and cheese roll-ups, pink beet hummus with naan dippers and fresh strawberries for a festive touch.
Say it with waffles – and chicken nuggets!
You can say “I love you a waffle lot” by putting their favorite sweet or savory pancake mix into a heart shaped waffle! Find the waffle iron on Amazon or at Target.
Packing heart-shaped chicken nuggets with their favorite dip from Chick-fil-A and a piece of chocolate will surely make their day. You a find these limited-edition nuggets at Aldi.
Charcuterie for Kids – and Galentine's!
Cheers to Galentine’s Day! Here’s a beautiful charcuterie box perfect for moms or older kids to share the love (and snacks). Tip: you can repurpose a heart shaped box of chocolates to really impress the recipient.
For lunchboxes, use smaller heart shaped veggie cutters for cheese and salami. Add colorful food picks and heart shaped doilies for a simple heartfelt touch.
Snacklebox with Valentine’s Treats
Snack goals! This Valentine’s Snacklebox is filled with treats to make hearts (and taste buds) happy. I like to hit the dollar tree or five below to grab a variety of snacks, candy and chocolate to make the perfect Snacklebox with a little something for everyone! You can find heart shaped cutters at craft stores or on Amazon. The Snacklebox and lunch boxes are linked on my page.
Join me on Instagram and Facebook at @lunchboxmafia for video tutorials and more ideas for your entire family. Happy Valentine's Day!
Love, Jenny XOXO
Originally published in the February 2023 & 2025 issues of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.