4 Healthy Valentine’s Day Theme Parties for School (& Home!)

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, and not because of chocolate, roses and romantic dinners (let’s face it, I have three young kids…so not happening!). I’m actually in love with the food! Pink, red and heart shapes lend themselves to fabulously fun and healthy treats for school parties (as well as breakfasts, lunchboxes, snacks and dinners, of course).

To help with your school celebration planning, I put together this round-up of 4 theme parties that will both nourish and excite the kids. Remember: Presentation is key when it comes to making healthy fun. So tap into your creativity and don’t forget decorations! (See A Year of Healthy Class Parties: A Planning Guide for Parents & Teachers for more tips).

#1: Love Potion Smoothie Party

Get a blender (or two, depending on the size of the class), frozen strawberries and/or raspberries, bananas, liquid (milk, unsweetened vanilla hemp milk, coconut milk/water or carrot juice), a splash of beet juice (for color) and blend! Add a touch of honey, maple syrup or pure vanilla extract, if desired. Serve in special Valentine’s paper cups with fun straws. Or, use adorable Lil’ Reds mini cups for a “tasting” party.

Love Potion Smoothie Party activity ideas: Cupid Cottages, Who Do I Love.

#2: “I’m Bananas for You” Banana Split Party

Healthy banana splits are a favorite in my house. And since they qualify as breakfast, they’re perfect for a morning classroom celebration. Simply peel and half ripe bananas and place one half on each plate. For toppings, try heart-shaped strawberries, fresh raspberries, pomegranate seeds, Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey or homemade whipped cream, dye-free sprinkles, chocolate shavings, granola, and a homemade berry sauce. Set up like a “breakfast bar” and let kids serve themselves, or assemble the treats for them.

I’m Bananas for You activity ideas: Cutie Patootie Spoon Races, Matchmaker Game, Hugs & Kisses.

#3: Sweetheart Party

Get a set of heart-shaped cookie cutters, and you have a Valentine’s heart theme party in the making. Think heart-shaped fruits (melon, kiwi and strawberries) and veggies (carrots, cucumbers, peppers and avocado) served solo or with dip. Add a lollipop stick and serve on a plate or in a bouquet. Larger cookie cutters can be used to make tea sandwiches (Sunbutter and jelly or egg salad, for example). For a sweet treat, try heart-shaped homemade graham crackers or raw brownie bites.

Sweetheart Party activity ideas: Heart Hopscotch, Heart Beat, Heart Relay.

#4: Naturally Red Party

What do apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pomegranate seeds, red anjous, blood oranges, red peppers, tomatoes, beet chips, and radishes have in common? They’re all healthy–and red! Consider having kids come up with the menu using their favorite, 100-percent natural red foods for the main spread. Serve with yummy dips such as ranch dressing, honey vanilla yogurt, and homemade whipped cream.

Naturally Red Party activity ideas: Nature’s Valentine’s Necklaces, Valentine’s Story, Heart Stomp.

Want More Inspiration?

Find more Valentine’s food ideas at Healthy Valentine’s Day Treats: 18 Fresh Food Ideas for an All-Natural School Party and 12 (Naturally Sweet) Ideas for a Healthy School Valentine’s Day.

For more healthy party activities, check out 12 Coolest Valentine’s Day School Party Games Part 1 & Part 2.

Say “Yes” to Candy-Free Valentines

Don’t forget to talk to your child’s teacher and/or school principal about having a Candy-Free School Valentine’s Day! Or, simply ask if they can encourage sugarless (but just as special and sweet!) cards like these: 12 Best DIY Candy-Free Valentines.

Let’s #LoveHealthy!

I am very excited to be part of an amazing group of family health bloggers that has banded together to make some healthy noise for Valentine’s Day. Like our #LoveHealthy Facebook page to get our all our fun, heart-healthy ideas, recipes and giveaways. Through February 14, we will have daily giveaways from top brands including Kids Konserve, Laptop Lunches, Thrive Market and more!