Second only to Christmas in prettiness, Valentine’s Day is an invitation to express our warm and fuzzy feelings. And we mostly do it with cute sayings and all things heart-themed, pink and maybe frilly! For kids, it can mean creating glittery Valentines cards, heart crafts including the words ‘I love you’, and of course, lots of candies.
But you have to ask, do kids really understand what it is all about? One Valentine’s gift that will help add some depth to this loving 
holiday is the Kimochis Nesting Heart.
The Kimochis Nesting Heart is a set of two plush hearts, one nestled cozily inside the other. The larger has a sweet heart face that is exposed when the small one is removed. Both have a loop so that they can be attached to backpacks, belts, zippers and so on.
Kids understand the hearts instantly. Check out this review from Play at home.com for a lovely example. For a child it can symbolize a safe place to put tender feelings. It invites them to share those feelings with others by offering either the outer or the inner heart, even if only for a while. (We all know that giving away your heart too easily can get you into trouble!)
After Valentine’s Day, your Kimochis Nesting Heart will become a treasured part of your family’s emotional life. It can help children with any of life’s little separations like starting school, sleepovers, going away to camp, Mommy or Daddy going on a trip or if a child must spend time in hospital.
The heart can be quietly tucked into a pocket for private reassurance or hung from their belt for all to see, offering a comforting 
symbol that those who love them are close by.
A playful ritual for separating the hearts when you part and putting your hearts back together when you are reunited will reassure your child (and yourself!) that the nesting heart will keep you connected while you are apart.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the Kimochis Nesting Heart is just for little kids. Older kids love them too. Can you think of a better BFF gift? And teens? Not that hard to imagine, is it? Hiding the heart in unexpected places, can be a great way to break the ice after an argument with your spouse too.
When words are hard to come by the Kimochis Nesting Heart can help you communicate from the heart with every member of the family.
Judi Meade is the owner of Art-enfant, a member of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS) and LearningToys.ca. Her stores are a destination for families looking for unique and fun playthings that sneak a little learning in on unsuspecting kids.
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