Grandparents.com columnist Melissa Bernstein is the co-founder and co-CEO (with husband Doug) of Melissa & Doug LLC, a leading designer and manufacturer of educational toys. Started nearly 23 years ago "in a garage" with their combined meager savings, Melissa & Doug has grown to become one of the most trusted names in preschool toys. Melissa lives in Westport, Conn., with her husband, Doug, and their own personal "test market," their six children ages 3 to 17.
Valentine's Day is actually one of the most important holidays for children and families. Although in its purest and historical sense Valentine's Day is a holiday for "romance" and "lovers only," it has expanded to represent a much broader meaning and purpose. We are fortunate that today the holiday offers us one of those rare but perfect occasions to profess our love and appreciation to ALL those special people around us, not just our love interests!
It is not often that we get such a sanctioned opportunity to tell those around us how much they mean to us. And there's no better way to do so than, literally, with a gift from the heart. In this age of high-technology, constant activity, and less quality time spent enjoying our loved ones, we should always look for moments to impress upon children the value of taking a moment to appreciate the special people around them by creating a meaningful gift from the heart.
A gift from the heart is not purchased at a store; it's an expression that they take the time to personally create, and that has a special part of "them" contained within it! Gifts of the hand become some of the most significant gifts of the heart. In fact, if a grandparent wants to make Valentine's Day truly meaningful, they can request that they will only accept handmade gifts from their grandchildren to really reinforce that notion! I know for me personally that it has ONLY been those lopsided, quirky personal creation gifts that have ever moved me to tears, and continue to do so every time I look at them!
 Melissa Bernstein |
The entire process of creating gifts from the heart can be a beneficial exercise for children. The first step is to sit down with them to create with them a list of those people who are most important to them and whom they want to acknowledge on Valentine's Day. These individuals should not be restricted to family members – teachers and coaches and other role models will greatly appreciate a Valentine's Day expression as well!
Once this list is completed, the children can detail which type of creation might be most suitable for each recipient. The more personal and specific to the individual, the better! It must also be made clear to children that gifts from the heart can be created by anyone, not just those with an artistic proclivity. All children have ways of expressing themselves that can be packaged as a gift for someone special! These gifts can be in the form of a heart, but can also take the shape of any creative product that expresses to the recipient how much they mean to the child, and how much they are appreciated. Other Ideas could include a poem, a story, a song played on an instrument, a drawing, a photograph in a handmade frame, a show or dance performance, a special heart cut out like a snowflake, or any other craft item made personally!
It is wonderful to witness the excitement children feel when they create and deliver these sentiments, and the warm response they will receive in return. And the best part: Not only will these gifts be displayed and cherished for years to come, but they are much healthier than chocolate!
Find more great Valentine's Day ideas on Grandparents.com:
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