While last years Valentines round up consisted of a multitude of businesses, play cafes, and parks with fun children’s activities, this year the list is more about supporting our local businesses by purchasing from them and enjoying a fun day with the family at home.

I know we are getting sick of being cooped up at home for nearly a year now, BUT if February is about showing the love, let’s show the love to the small businesses that need our support the most!

Edible Treats

• West Town Bakery & Diner
  • Chicago
  • Delicious Valentine Day creations include:
    • Hot Cocoa Love Bombs
    • Heart Pop Tarts
    • Cakeballs
    • Heart donuts
    • Chocolate Smash Hearts
    • Love Bug cakes (premade or decorate yourself)
    • Mini cheesecake conversation hearts
  • MUST preorder by 2/10 at noon.
• Sugargoat by Stephanie Izard
  • Chicago (shipping available through Goldbelly)
  • “Whether you’re treating yourself, your gal-pal or your partner, we’re here to make the day as sweet as can be!”
  • Preorder ASAP
  • Valentine’s Day cookies, cake, cupcakes, and giant cookie hearts.
• Bombobar
  • Their seasonal Valentine’s items launch February 1st!! Stay tuned for some yummy goodies!
• XO Marshmallow
  • Heart shaped marshmallows for your hot cocoa would be perfect!
  • Or how about the S’mores Kit For 2?
• Coffee, Hip Hop, and Mental Health
  • Visit the coffee pop up shop at 3243 N. Broadway and enjoy some “Self-Love” from their coffee menu!
• JoJo’s Shake Bar
  • Make a reservation at the “Love Shack” / JoJos Candyland beginning 2/2.
• Molly’s Cupcakes Rivereast
  • Order before Feb 7th, and receive 10% off Valentines items for pick up or delivery on Valentines Day weekend 2/11-2/14
  • USE “EARLYBIRD” at checkout!
  • Heart shaped chocolate chip cookie or brownie
  • Cupcake assortment of their most valentine filled flavors
  • Valentines cheesecake sampler
  • Chocolate strawberries and truffles
• Vanille Patisserie
  • Spread the love and sweetness for everyone in your life with your favorite Vanille treats!
    • Macarons
    • French pastries
    • Cutie cakes
    • DIY cookie kits
  • Check out this amazing Sweetheart Afternoon Tea Special

• RJK Productions
  • Downers Grove
  • The “beary” cute breakable desserts were the PERFECT way to take this holiday to the next level for the kids. They are really going to get a kick out of this when they wake up to their surprises on the 14th.
  • On top of that, the menu consists of heart shaped chocolate covered oreos, heart hot cocoa bombs, coffee bombs, kid bomb valentines, and teacher gift sets!

• Rebecca’s Cakes By Design
  • Bartlett
  • It has become a new tradition to order “Paint & Eat” cookies for each holiday. It’s a dessert and craft in one!
  • On top of that she will be carrying:
    • Decorate your own cookie kit
    • Conversation heart cookies in mailbox
    • Assorted valentines cookies $3 each
    • Valentines cake pops (vanilla, chocolate and red velvet)
    • Cocoa bombs
    • Chocolate covered strawberries
    • Cupcake bouquets (6 cupcakes)
  • New location set to open February 3rd!!!
  • Baked goods prepared in a nut free kitchen.

• SmorgasBoards
  • Carol Stream
  • Enjoy with the kids or enjoy a quiet night, post bed time, with your significant other!
  • Offerings include:
    • Hot Cocoa Tray
    • Chocolate Fondue Tray
    • Fan Favorite Charcuterie Board
    • Midwestern Charcuterie Board

• Hey Sugar
  • Geneva
  • Besides the over the top hot cocoa creations, you’ll love the Valentine’s Day selections:
    • Strawberry shortcake cupcakes
    • V-day themed hot cocoa bombs
    • Breakable chocolate hearts available for preorder
    • White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes

• Portillo’s
  • “We’re giving our Famous, homemade Chocolate cake a new shape in this Valentine’s Day edition. Single-layer heart shaped chocolate cakes are now available for pre-order at all Portillo’s restaurants. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from every heart shaped cake purchased will benefit an organization close to our heart – The American Red Cross.”
  • “Heart shaped cakes will be available to pick up at your local Portillo’s February 10th-14th. You can pre-order a heart shaped cake now online or by calling 866-YUM-BEEF. Hurry! Pre-order today while supplies last.”
• Lou Malnati’s
  • “What’s better than a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day? A heart-shaped pizza from Lou Malnati’s, of course!”
  • “9″ heart-shaped pizzas are available at all locations starting February 8th through Valentine’s Day.”
• Jeni’s Ice Cream
  • Do you know what makes the perfect valentine?! Jeni’s Cone Coins!
  • “Every Cone Coin is good for one kids cone at a Jeni’s scoop shop. You can also buy Cone Coins in bundles at our scoop shops nationwide.”
  • I plan on buying a bundle to include with the valentine cards for my kids classrooms!
  • And don’t forget the adults! Jeni’s is featuring a “Bouquet of Chocolates for Two.”
    • “A Bouquet of Chocolates for Two! Available in our shops February 4–14, the bouquet includes two trios on a waffle cone—Darkest Chocolate, Cookies in Cream, and Dark Chocolate Truffle—plus two bottles of seltzer, for $15.”

Our wonderful friend @wheresrubytoday has even MORE fantastic suggestions of Valentine’s Day Sweet Treats. Follow her and check out her list!

Fun Packages

• WE Events
  • Balloons fit for every occasion, with proceeds donated to a cause!
  • Purchase a bag of balloons & photo backdrop package for your at home v-day party!
  • Purchase a Be Kind garland to spruce up the mantle or your store front
  • Or purchase a fun valentine wand to surprise your kids on the morning of the 14th!
  • A portion of each package will be donated to One Tail At A Time.

• Flour & Flowers by MK and Kio Creations
  
  • Naperville
  • Preorder now through Feb 10th for pick-up the 7th – 13th.
  • Bring the party home with this awesome collaboration!
  • The party pack includes:
    • 6 cupcakes to eat or 6 cookies to decorate and eat
    • A balloon cluster & banner to decorate your space
    • Coloring and activity pages

• Staycation at The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago
  • The V-day package includes a POP Valentine’s Day kid’s box, DIY cookies to decorate, sparkling juice/wine, and a free movie rental.
• Waterlemon
  • La Grange
  • STAY TUNED! Valentine’s Day balloon bouquets and the Valentine’s Day balloon box will be announced any day!
  • These adorable packages always sell out FAST so make sure to subscribe and order as soon as you get the email!
• Dazzling Divas
  • Downers Grove
  • Dazzling Divas are open for private appointments! Either single appointments or small parties. The perfect way to spoil your little girls for V-day!
  • OR you can order a Diva Valentine Box for a spa day at home!

Clothing

• State of Play Kids
  • Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than showing your love for the city you adore! Super simple, but super cute and a size for every member of the family!

• Makoshey
  • We adore this company for their girl positive clothing. The super soft, comfy, and inspirational clothing is a fan favorite in our household and the perfect tee for February is the Maya Angelou, “Love recognizes no barriers” tee. Order yours today!
  • Use code HELEN20 for a discount!
• Colorful Creations
  • The Valentines Day collection is too cute for words!
  • Hair bows and head bands with the cutest sparkles, characters, and fun colors!
  • There are also bow ties, straw toppers, and other fun items.

Crafts & Gifts

• Fizzy Magic
  • These aren’t just your every day bath bombs people!
  • “Educational Bath Fizzies – Fun, Fizz & Learn!. Pure & Safe Ingredients with essential oils to calm kids before bedtime but best of all – each fizzy contains a surprise, clue to guess and fun fact to learn along with bedtime story relates to the surprise.”
  • The Valentine Limited Edition Box has surprises inside the fizzies to match the included valentines for your kids to color and hand out.
  • The perfect, non-candy, valentine! Use in the tub or use in a sensory table!
• P.S. You’re The Best
  • Valentine’s Day Card Packs ready for kids to color and send to their loved ones!
  • A fantastic opportunity for children to tell their friends and family how much they love them!

• Ljacs and JLaur
  • Northbrook
  • “The Valentine’s Mini Sensory Kits have had rave reviews pouring in of kiddos spending hours exploring with our sensory/open ended kits, all while supporting local!”
• 3D Valentine Card Workshop
  • Chicago Children’s Museum
  • Saturday, February 6th at 3 PM CST
  • “Join Chicago Children’s Museum for a free virtual 3D Valentine’s Day card-making workshop on February 6, 2021. You and your little ones will join Kim Koin, director of CCM’s Tinkering Lab and Art Studio, for a conversation about showing appreciation for loved ones, including parents, friends, teachers, and more. Then, you’ll use your favorite art supplies to create cards that incorporate surprising pop-up features that are sure to make your loved ones smile. Exclusively for Mastercard cardholders.”
• Hopscotch City
  • Hopscotch City can always be counted on for adorable printables and craft ideas and Valentine’s Day is no exception!
  • Check out her etsy shop for a cute Valentines Day Donuts Paper Garland and Valentines Day Mailbox printable.
• Pop of Paper Co.
  • “Looking for a simple and fun Vday craft? Pick up one of our Valentine Mailboxes to decorate and collect love notes all month long!”
  • Kit includes:
    •1 large kraft mailbox
    •Supplies to paint and decorate
    •2 honeycomb Valentines
    •Local drop off or pick up ONLY
  • Email info@popofpaperco.com to order!
  • Pop of Paper Co. will be popping up at Vintage Charm (La Grange) on February 6th selling their kid decor, Valentine’s POP boxes and taking orders for the Feb 14th Paper Balloon Valentine Drops!
• Le Village Cowork
  • “All you need is love…. and our Valentine’s Day Unboxed! This special edition holiday kit comes with 4 adorable activities that are perfect for your kiddo to have fun learning while expressing their love for Valentine’s Day.”
  • “Make Valentine’s Day slime, Create a heart-filled memento, send a  V-Day card, and a create a piece of jewelry Mom might even want to wear!”
• The Colorful Co.
  • Mantra Prints:
    • “Mantras are a powerful way for kids (and grown-ups!) to feel a sense of inner strength and take on whatever comes their way with confidence. Our art prints pair colorful affirmations with fully customizable illustrations of your kiddo: choose a hair style, hair color and skin color, and add their name to any print.”
  • Valentine’s Day Cards
    • Download printable Valentine’s Day cards! Available as an add on for Mantra Print orders or as a customized cards just for Valentine’s Day. (Bonus: custom card orders include a downloadable portrait of your kiddo to print and frame!)
    • Pickup and delivery options available for Chicagoans
• Cozy and Cashmere
  • Hey mamas! Treat yourself to either of these two Valentine’s Day gift sets:
    • A trio of candles whose scents include: Rose, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and Romance
    • 5 piece Valentine’s Day Gift Set: The above three candles as well as a matte black, wick trimmer, and black canvas bag with cheeky saying.
  • Check out her Zoom Candle Making Parties including a Galentines Night!
    • Cozy and Cashmere provides kits for each participant with everything needed to make a candle, including a reusable double boiler.
• Kido Chicago
  • If you are making Valentine gift bags for your littles, I highly recommend purchasing books and toys from Kido!
  • They are currently closed for in store browsing but you can shop online and purchase curbside pick up or have items shipped to you directly.
• Little Babes
  • The cutest surprises for your little girl for V-Day!
  • Choose from the Mommy & Me Sweetheart Bag and Valentines necklaces!
• Stacey M. Design
  • Valentine’s Day is about loving others and also, loving yourself!
  • Her inclusive, guided journals, notebooks, and most importantly, the social emotional learning curriculum, are fantastic tools to help children love each other despite our differences, and also love themselves!

Activities

• The Kids Table
  • “We have a full line-up of virtual cooking classes for kids, teens and families. With interactive instruction from our skilled instructors, young chefs get to chop, mix and roll their way to a different delicious dish in each class – with enough to share with the fam! Kids learn valuable culinary skills and new recipes, enjoy a fun hands-on activity, and are inspired to expand their taste buds to discover that “real food” can be really good.”
  • Winter II Session begins February 8th and the menu includes:
    • Heart shaped sugar cookies
    • Fruit pop tarts
    • Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Berry Coulis
    • Baked Beignets
    • And more!
  • Keep an eye out for the Presidents Day Camp, Feb 15th & 16th!
• Chitown Movies
  • Enjoy a romantic movie the old fashioned way!
  • This Pilsen drive in is showing rom com classics for a date night or family friendly Lady & The Tramp for some family, valentine, fun!
• Ice Art Walk
  • Downtown Wheaton
  • Saturday, February 6th from 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Peruse the custom, carved, ice sculptures
  • (The cocoa crawl portion of the event is sold out already)
  • Winter Sidewalk Sales
  • Enjoy the holiday lighting in Adams Park
• Virtual Enchanted Princess Ball
  • The Enchanted Princess Ball is going virtual!
  • The Princesses will transport you to a palace wonderland, singing & dancing into you hearts!
• Paulette’s Princess Parties
  • Virtual offerings include:
    • Sweetheart Zooms with BeautyBelle
    • Cinderella Valentine Sing-a-Grams
    • Zoom Birthday Parties
• A Fairy Tale Ballet
  • Look out for their Valentine’s Day Camps, celebrating love with Rapunzel’s Wedding!
• Miss Jamies Farm & Nanny Nikki
  • A special team up of two loved, local, children’s performer favorites!
  • The YouTube video premiere will be on February 6th at 10 AM CST
• Nanny Nikki Music
  • Live Valentines Day Sing-A-Long, Sunday Feb 14th at 10 AM CST
• Bubbles Academy
  • Bubbles Academy will be weaving valentines / love content and black history month artist features into their virtual classes throughout the month!
  • Bubbles Academy is also a drop off location for Betsy’s Blankets Valentine Drive! Deliver virtual hugs through warm blankets and bedding for those in need.
    • New blankets, any size
    • New twin size bedding
    • Drop off in the lobby!
• Be Our Valentine
  • Oak Brook Park District
  • Friday, February 12th at 4:30 PM
  • “Bring your family out to the park for a very special night on February 12 and Be Our Valentine! The event runs from 4:30-7:30 pm. Start at Central Park West where Minnie and Mickey Mouse would love to meet you and have a Valentine treat for you! After you meet them you can visit our patio dance party and walk our very special Winter Lights show. Use the camera app on your phone to hover over QR codes throughout the trail, to find special Valentine messages! All children must register to participate. Adults are free.”
  • The cost to participate is $11 for residents and $14 for non-residents
• Candyland Trail
  • Itasca, Springbrook Nature Center
  • Saturday, February 20th at 10 AM
  • “The beloved children’s game is brought to life in this sweet and whimsical event. Participants will walk the path and encounter familiar characters, play interactive games, and find delicious treats. One adult per child. Masks are required. Dress warm for this outdoor event.”
• National Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day is February 6th!
  • Check out your favorite creameries for special offerings that day or just to support their business and purchase a sweet treat!
  • Kimmer’s
    • Wheaton, St.Charles, Batavia
    • “It’s back! Our breakfast flavors will be in house for National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast day on Saturday, February 6th! Our doors will open early, at 9am.
      Things will look a little different this year.
      Our breakfast themed Party Packs will be available for pre-order, both online and in shop, Wednesday, January 27th-Sunday, January 31st.”
• Wauconda Winterfest 2021
  • Save the Date! WinterFest 2021: Feb 5-7
  • Enjoy Wauconda’s winter wonderland for a socially distant celebration that will be fun for the whole family!
  • Events include Hockey Skills Competition, Scavenger Hunt and Hike, Burling Tournament, Free Skate on Lake, Kid activities, Soup Smackdown, Tent Takeout, and more!
• Winterfest Lake Geneva
  • February 3rd – 7th
  • “As the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States, Winterfest welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country. Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures. The snow sculpting competition is open to all and is FREE to attend and view.
  • Also enjoy an array of more wintery fun during Winterfest, including a downtown ice sculpture tour, s’mores and bonfires on the beach, a cocoa crawl, fire & ice bar, hovercraft rides and more for the whole family.”

For The Parents

• Scentcerely Yours
  • Geneva
  • Valentine’s Day Special
    • Two 11oz signature tumbler candles (one red and one white, or one pink and one white), a rose, and a chocolate.
    • Call or book a reservation online for Feb 10th – 14th
  • This is also a fantastic place to visit with the kiddos! The kids and I loved creating our own scents for our candles!

• Girl & The Goat Meal Kits
  • “Experience a meal kit adventure straight from the Goat restaurants to your home kitchen! With James Beard Award-winning chef Stephanie Izard as your sous chef, you’ll be guided through a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.”
  • “Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with your friends, family and loved ones with sweet treats by Sugargoat, Meal Kits by Stephanie Izard and hand-selected beverage packages!”
  • Preorder and pick up in Chicago or select suburb locations.
• Alinea Valentine’s Day Dinner To Go
  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a 5-course tasting menu from Alinea.
  • Pick up your prepaid order in Chicago or various suburban pick up locations.
• Common Good Cocktails
  • Glen Ellyn
  • Let’s face it, most of us are going to order take out for Valentine’s Day so why not pick up “to-go” cocktails as well if you are in the west suburbs!
  • May I recommend, “Partners In Trying,” or “I Love It When You Call Me Big Paw Paw.”
• Justice of the Pies Galentine’s Day Virtual Workshop

  • A Virtual Culinary Workshop to celebrate Galentine’s Day!

  • Gather up your girlfriends and join us for an amazing virtual class where we’ll learn how to make a STRAWBERRY LEMONADE PIE while sipping on STRAWBERRY LEMONADE WHISKEY SOURS.

  • The Workshop will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 4 PM CST/5 PM EST.

  • One week prior to the workshop, you’ll receive a Grocery + Pantry List , a recipe card, and a link for the class.