Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to channel your child’s creativity into fun, love-filled crafts. Not only do these projects keep little hands busy, but they also foster creativity, patience, and heartfelt expression. From simple paper crafts to keepsakes that will be cherished for years, there’s something here for every young crafter.
Get ready to dive into this delightful list of Valentine’s Day crafts for kids. Each one is designed to be easy, enjoyable, and memorable. So, gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some magic!
1. Heart-Shaped Paper Garland
Paper garlands are a timeless classic, and they’re perfect for little ones to make. This craft lets kids practice cutting and assembling while making something beautiful for the home.
Start by cutting strips of paper into equal lengths. Fold each strip into a heart shape and secure the ends with glue or a stapler. Once the hearts are ready, string them together to form a charming garland. This simple craft is perfect for decorating walls, windows, or even classroom spaces.
2. Love Bug Pencil Toppers
Transform an ordinary pencil into an adorable “love bug” that doubles as a thoughtful gift. Kids will love making these tiny, whimsical characters.
Using foam sheets or craft paper, cut out heart shapes for the body and wings. Add googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae for a fun, bug-like look. Attach the finished “love bug” to the top of a pencil for a cute and functional Valentine’s Day accessory.
3. DIY Valentine’s Cards
Homemade Valentine’s cards are a personal and heartfelt way for kids to share love with friends and family. This project allows for endless creativity and customization.
Start with blank cardstock folded in half as a base. Let kids decorate with markers, stickers, and glitter to their heart’s content. Encourage them to write personal messages inside, making each card unique and special for the recipient.
4. Heart Suncatchers
Heart-shaped suncatchers are a delightful way to brighten up windows during Valentine’s Day. This craft combines color and light for a magical effect.
Cut heart shapes from transparent contact paper and stick torn pieces of colorful tissue paper onto one sticky side. Once finished, seal the design with another piece of contact paper. Hang the completed suncatchers in a sunny spot and watch as they transform sunlight into vibrant patterns.
5. Thumbprint Heart Keychains
Thumbprint heart keychains are not only a fun craft but also a meaningful keepsake. These tiny treasures make perfect gifts for loved ones.
Roll out air-dry clay and cut it into heart shapes. Have kids press their thumbs into the clay to form a heart pattern. Once dry, paint the hearts and attach keychain rings. These make great mementos for parents, grandparents, or friends.
6. Valentine’s Day Mason Jars
Turn plain mason jars into festive Valentine’s Day decorations or thoughtful gift containers. This craft combines painting and decorating for a truly unique result.
Let kids paint the jars in bright Valentine’s colors and add designs like hearts or polka dots. Once dry, tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar for an added touch of charm. Fill the jar with candy, small toys, or handwritten love notes for a sweet finishing touch.
7. Paper Plate Love Birds
Paper plate love birds are a delightful craft for younger kids. This project combines cutting, gluing, and decorating to create adorable bird characters.
Fold a paper plate in half to form the bird’s body. Use construction paper to cut out wings, beaks, and tail feathers, and glue them onto the plate. Add googly eyes for personality, and let the kids decide their birds’ colors and patterns for a personal touch.
8. Heart-Shaped Crayons
Recycling old crayons into colorful, heart-shaped creations is a craft that’s both fun and eco-friendly. These make great Valentine’s gifts for classmates or friends.
Peel the wrappers off broken crayons and place the pieces into silicone heart molds. Bake them in the oven until melted, then let them cool completely before removing them from the mold. The result is a set of vibrant, one-of-a-kind crayons that kids will love to use.
9. Tissue Paper Heart Wreaths
Tissue paper heart wreaths are simple to make and add a festive touch to any door or wall. This craft is ideal for younger kids who love to crumple and glue.
Cut the center out of a paper plate to form a circular wreath base. Let kids crumple pieces of tissue paper and glue them around the plate. Add a ribbon at the top for hanging, creating a cheerful decoration full of Valentine’s charm.
10. Cupid’s Arrows
Cupid’s arrows are a playful craft that’s perfect for pretend play or as table decorations. This project lets kids channel their inner Cupid.
Use craft sticks as the base and decorate them with foam hearts for the arrowheads and feathers for the tails. Kids can personalize their arrows with glitter, markers, or stickers. These are great for fun games or as whimsical additions to Valentine’s displays.
11. Handprint Love Trees
Handprint love trees are a sentimental craft that doubles as a keepsake. This project uses your child’s handprint to create a beautiful piece of art.
Trace your child’s hand and arm onto brown paper to form the tree trunk and branches. Cut out colorful paper hearts to serve as leaves and glue them onto the branches. The finished tree is a sweet reminder of your child’s creativity and love.
12. Felt Heart Bookmarks
Felt heart bookmarks are a practical yet charming craft that encourages a love for reading. These can be gifted to friends or kept as personal treasures.
Cut heart shapes from felt and stitch or glue two pieces together, leaving an opening at the bottom. Add embellishments like buttons or embroidery to make them extra special. These bookmarks are as adorable as they are useful.
13. Valentine’s Day Slime
Valentine’s Day slime puts a festive twist on a kid-favorite activity. It’s gooey, sparkly, and endlessly customizable.
Mix glue and baking soda, then add glitter and red or pink food coloring. Stir in contact lens solution until the mixture becomes slime. Let kids play with and stretch their Valentine’s-themed slime for hours of squishy fun.
14. Heart-Shaped Bird Feeders
Heart-shaped bird feeders are a thoughtful craft that teaches kids about kindness to animals. They’re simple to make and perfect for outdoor Valentine’s decorations.
Thread Cheerios onto a pipe cleaner, shaping it into a heart and twisting the ends together. Add a ribbon for hanging, and place the feeders outside for birds to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to spread love beyond the human world.
15. Heart Crown
A heart crown is the perfect accessory for any Valentine’s Day prince or princess. Kids love wearing their handmade crowns and showing off their creations.
Cut a strip of paper for the crown’s base and decorate it with paper hearts, stickers, or glitter. Once the design is complete, secure the ends together to fit your child’s head. This craft is both easy and rewarding, as kids can proudly wear their creations.
16. Valentine’s Day Puzzle Hearts
Puzzle hearts are a creative way to repurpose old puzzle pieces while making beautiful Valentine’s decorations. This craft is simple yet unique.
Paint puzzle pieces in Valentine’s colors and arrange them into a heart shape. Glue the pieces onto cardstock and add a ribbon for hanging. The mismatched shapes of the puzzle pieces give each heart a distinctive and artistic look.
17. Love Notes Jar
A love notes jar is a heartwarming craft that teaches kids the joy of giving. It’s perfect for sharing kind words and heartfelt messages.
Cut colorful paper into small squares and have kids write or draw sweet notes on each one. Fill a decorated jar with these notes and present it to a loved one. This thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to spread love and positivity.
Wrapping It Up
Valentine’s Day crafts are more than just projects—they’re opportunities to bond, create, and share love. From practical items like bookmarks to keepsakes like thumbprint hearts, these crafts are sure to leave lasting memories.
Now that you have this list of 17 creative ideas, it’s time to get started. Which one will you and your kids make first? Grab your supplies, have fun, and enjoy the season of love!