By Alvina Brown

This Valentine’s Day, try some of these 14 creative and fun activities to tell your nieces and nephews you love them in a creative way - when you're close by - or from a distance!

1. Write them a special note
Write a special note to them like, “Have a great day!” or “A kiss for you XO!” and put it in their school bag, sports bag or coat pocket. It will definitely make them smile!

2. Unleash your inner DJ
Create a playlist full of your favorite songs that describe your nieces and nephews the best or that you guys love to listen to together. Make it easy and accessible by using iTunes or Spotify.

3. Say it in a different language
Saying “I love you” is cool, but saying it in different language is something different. Use programs like Duolingo or Omniglot. Worried about pronunciation? Just fill their Valentine’s Day cards with declarations of love from around the globe. Here’s a head start: Je t’aime (French); Te amo (Spanish); Duset daram (Farsi).

4. Message in a bottle
If you don’t live near your nieces and nephews, send them a message in a bottle. You can go to your local craft store to find the perfect bottle and check out Camille Styles for some inspiration.

5. Give them a kiss
Not just any kiss – but a Hershey’s Kiss! Create a goodie bag their favorite chocolate kisses! Hershey’s has plenty of different flavors, especially for the holiday.

6. Make these perfect M&M cookies
While we’re on the subject of chocolate, try these pink and red M&M cookies. See how No. 2 pencil did it here.

7. Do good
Do you know an elderly or sick neighbor, friend or member of the family who doesn’t have a Valentine? Grab your nieces and nephews and make some Valentine’s day inspired treats and homemade cards to brighten their day.

8. Make homemade Valentines
Store bought Valentines are good – but homemade are better. Grab some red and pink construction paper, glue and scissors, and get crafty. Why not make it a family affair and have everyone make Valentine for each other?

9. Decorate the house
You decorate for Halloween and Christmas, so why not Valentine’s Day?

10. Surprise them with a V-day party
Surprise the kids by inviting friends and family over for a love party! Have Valentine’s Day inspired games, treats and decorations like heart-shaped plates and napkins to make it really festive. Add this yummy sparkling pink punch to tie it all together.

11. Go on a date
Take your nieces and nephews on “date!” Get all dressed up to really get into the spirit. Savvy Auntie Bonus: Go around the table at dinner and say one thing you love about one another.

12. Cozy up for a movie
Bring out all of the fuzzy blankets and overstuffed pillows, and get cozy for a Valentine’s Day favorites like A Charlie Brown Valentine, Gnomeo and Juliet, or some Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Lady and the Tramp.

13. Feel the love with these krispie treats
Krispie treats are simple to make and very festive. They are kid-friendly for nieces and nephews who like to help out in the kitchen. Mel’s Kitchen Café gives you the full breakdown of how to make them!

14. Say it!
It may sound simple enough, but say “I love you!” You can never say it enough and your nieces and nephews will never get tired of hearing it.

Photo: ChasingMoments
Published: February 10, 2016