Valentines for kids/pets. Why?

[AlternativePerspective]

Admittedly I don’t do valentines for partners either as I think it’s a waste of money, but each to their own on that score, what works for one doesn’t for another and so on.

But increasingly I’m seeing cards/presents in supermarkets etc with valentines for kids and pets. And I can’t help wondering why, especially for pets.

I know why the retailers sell them,because the gullible are prepared to buy them. But why would anyone want to buy a valentine for the dog or even the kids when A, the dog won’t have a clue, and B, valentines was supposed to be about romance so is really not exactly appropriate for the kids either?

@dellacucina - yes! They were called ‘Popples’!! I loved mine! Often appear on ebay and I have to restrain myself from buying one for the nostalgia value...

My dad used to buy me a valentines card every year, it’s one of my fondest memories of him.

Same here and he used to post it to me as well .

It's all harmless, and if it brightens up an otherwise bleak February then why not?

Ah yes, Popples!!!

Incidentally, does anyone else remember the stuffed toy on one of those cards that tucked into itself to create a ball???

Are you referring to a Popple?

I am in the US, so I guess it's a bit different. We always had Valentine's parties at school, and my mom always bought us Valentines. My daughter is off school tomorrow so her class party is today; we made Valentines bags for her class last night. I got each of my kids a small box of chocolates, as I do every year. It's just fun.

@SidsWife I never said Valentine's Day is about sex. It's about romance, in this country at least. I am sorry to hear about your husband. But you only have to look on the thread from a short while ago about taking a baby to dinner on Valentine's Day to see that, for most people who celebrate it, Valentine's Day in the UK is exclusively about romance and romantic love. Though I imagine that card companies will try to bring the American version over here- imagine how lucrative it would be for them if it were the norm for all children to buy every other child in their class a card, and then presents for all their friends?

If you see Valentine's Day as being a celebration of Love in all its forms and varieties, then why not give cards to friends, children, pets, anyone you may have any form of love for? It doesn't have to be about the romantic kind - I love my kids and my dogs and my brother and I'd like them to know it; if that means I send them a message on Valentine's Day just to show that I appreciate having them in my life, then surely that's all right?

Not the dog, though. She already knows I love her utterly, because of the biscuits.

No, for YOU it’s a out romance. I live in this country too, and for me and everyone else I know, it’s about love. And love isn’t exclusive to the person you want to shag.

Haha was just coming on to say popples! We still have one.

No, for YOU it’s a out romance.

Mate, for me it's about takeout. Look, I'm not going to argue further with you on this, you're obviously going through a tough time. I wish you well going forward.

Dh and I used to buy each other a card, chocolates, flowers. Now he's died i shall be saying Happy Valentines to my dds tomorrow and giving them each a £1 bunch of daffs and a box of Ferrero rocher each which they like. I've also bought myself a box of chocolates. Just a bit of fun. It makes light of valentines day just in case as teens they are feeling pressure to get a card and I'm not missing out on flowers and chocolates!

who cares? When the news is not about yet another terrorist attack or murder, it's about healthy panic and killer storm.

Some inoffensive nonsense makes people happy. Good for them. I like it, just found big boxes of chocolate discounted in the supermarket down the road. I wouldn't buy them for a pet obviously

I get a card and a box of Creme Eggs for DH (unconventional but he loves them). I make a little card for both DDs and usually get them some heart shaped chocolates or Lovehearts. My mum has also bought them some valentines cupcakes. I don't think it's weird as they love to get a little treat.

DDs also have a valentines disco at their primary school.

Now in the USA and valentines seems a sweet all class affair here.
I actually think it is nicer than UK way of doing things.

I'd get DS something when he was little. Maybe a bag of heart shaped sweets or sonething.

Wouldn't now he's older.

It's about love. And February is kind of gloomy.

My mum and grandparents always used to give me a card and chocolates! Now I have a 7 year old brother and I will be having a valentines takeaway night with him as well as a card. It’s just about showing love and I think it’s nice to show child it’s normal to show affection

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Valentines for me has just been about love. St. Valentine wasn't the patron saint of 'romantic' love but actually 'courtly' love - which is something very different. So I usually get my DC something like a chocolate heart lolly just to remind them how much I love them. My DD has made cards for her friends at school. I have also made a card for my boyfriend and my best friend - as I love them both! Just a bit of fun and a chance to tell someone how much you love them. Each to their own.

@Hellokittymania - at my DD's school some of the DC give home made Valentine's cards. They also have a Valentine's ball in Y2.

Ha- stupid gullible people buying Valentines for pets. Of course its totally normal that our cats buy my DH and I paw signed cards......

There are Valentine's for pets??? Thanks OP.

My pre school class made cards for their parents/grandparents/siblings/dogs. They love it. I gave a card to my friends who have been beyond kind recently and my husband will obviously get one.

Why not spread some love...

My dh will get my time. I'll watch a film with him when normally I would do housework or sleep. So no consumerism there, but there is a nod to the occasion!
My kids get heart peppermint creams in their lunchboxes. Just to show them again that I love them and spend my time doing little thibga for them. It makes them happy and costs peanuts.

I struggled to get a card for DH because they were all for children and pets, oh and grandmothers! We don't really do valentine's Day usually but I forgot to even get a card for our wedding anniversary a few weeks ago. So he'll get a card, I've been off work today so he's also got home made pastries to go with his morning coffee and I'll probably open a bottle of wine with dinner tomorrow after DS is in bed and we'll probably watch something together

Why not? I used to get a card from my mum on Valentine's Day (and it came in the post for added excitement!). I sent one to my best friend as I found one that would appeal to her sense of humour. I don't do one for the dog, but my dog has received birthday cards and parcels addressed to her before. Valentine's Day is a load of shite anyway, so why not take it and make it your own, fun thing?

Also I was at primary school almost 30 years ago and we made Valentine's cards for our parents! My mum still has some of them. So it's hardly that new.