In the not-so-distant pass, a Valentine was a very sweet little homemade or store-bought paper note just to make someone smile and show friendship, thoughtfulness, or love. Valentines are a sweet and simple custom that senior citizens remember fondly from their youth and Valentine's Day is a sweet time to show love for seniors.
School children, homeschooling children, scouting or other groups, families or individuals can make seniors feel special and remembered in many ways. Ideas below can help seniors or residents of a senior citizen center or adult home to have a cheerful St. Valentine’s Day.
Valentine Ideas for Cheering Seniors
- Make handcrafted Valentines for seniors. A class or group can adopt a group of seniors make cards.
- Hand delivered purchased cards would also be very much appreciated.
- A church choir or singing group could sing Valentine or love songs at a senior home, center, or apartment building. Be sure to make plans to visit ahead of time with the staff.
Valentine's Day Ideas for Older Parents and Grandparents
- The ideas above will work on a one-on-one basis as well.
- Teachers and parents can encourage children to remember the senior citizens in their lives and help them make handmade cards or gifts.
- Of course, the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates is always a loving gift.
- A heart-shaped frame (or paper cut-out) with a photo of a grandchild is a special gift idea.
- Baking treats like Fast & Easy 3 Ingredient Cookies in Valentine colors is sweet in more ways than one.
Give Senior Citizens a Fun and Safe Valentines "Heart Attack"
A fun idea, that sounds a bit odd at first, is to give seniors a “heart attack.” This consists of cutting out loads and loads of hearts, gluing or taping them to craft sticks, and shoving them secretly into the front yard to the "attack-ee".
To add some extra fun, write conversation heart wording like “LUV U,” “BE MINE,” and such.
If the lawn is not possible, sneak in and carefully tape or lay hearts all over the senior’s house, apartment or room. This can also be done for a group home.
Long distance family seniors can be given a "heart attack" in a big manila envelope via mail.
Other articles of interest may be: Last Minute Valentine Gift Ideas. Sweet Love Words: Valentine Quotes, Gift Tips for Less Active Seniors, Girls Valentine Tea Party Ideas, and Valentine Afternoon Tea Party Tips.
Find more Valentine ideas at We Love Valentines.
For more information about senior living, see this Squidoo Seniors page.
Whatever the expression of kindness, senior citizens enjoy and appreciate anything special, no matter the size, on St. Valentine's Day.
Updated 2011
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
