Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and for many families, it’s a time for love, creativity, and connection. Whether your kids are crafting pros or glue-stick novices, these 13 Valentine’s crafts for kids will spark joy and bring your home to life with a personal touch. Plus, they’re perfect for all ages, from toddlers to elementary-aged kids. Ready to get crafting? Let’s dive in!
Why Valentine’s Day Crafts Are Magical
Crafting isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the memories you make along the way. Whether it’s a toddler proudly stamping their first heart or an older child turning everyday materials into something magical, Valentine’s crafts offer the perfect excuse to pause, create, and connect as a family. And here’s the cherry on top: you don’t need to break the bank. Most of these projects can be whipped up with supplies you already have lying around—because who knew toilet paper rolls and old crayons could spark so much joy?
Valentine’s Craft Ideas for Toddlers
Because patience isn’t their thing, but mess? That’s their masterpiece.
- Footprint Memory Frame
Create a lasting memory with footprint art. Perfect for toddlers just learning to walk. - Heart Stamps
Grab some foam heart stickers and clothespins to make easy-to-hold stampers. Let your toddler stamp their way to a masterpiece! - Handprint Keepsake
Press those chubby little hands into salt dough and bake. Add paint, glitter, or whatever their sticky hands demand. Frame it, and voilà—a gift for Grandma that guarantees tears (the good kind). - Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamp
Bend a toilet paper roll into a heart shape, dip it in paint, and let your toddler go wild. Yes, it’s essentially fancy finger-painting, but hey, it keeps them entertained. - Candy Heart XO
Glue candy hearts onto foam letters to spell “XO.” Sweet, simple, and totally adorable!
Valentine’s Craft Ideas for Preschoolers
Slightly more involved, but still simple enough for little hands to tackle (with a pinch of help from you).
- Heart-Shaped Bird Feeder
Show love to nature by crafting bird feeders out of heart molds and birdseed. A delightful lesson in giving back! - Paper Heart Garland
Have your preschooler practice their cutting skills by making paper hearts. String them together for a festive garland. Pro tip: let them choose the pattern (because you know they will anyway). - Button Heart Frame
Have a stash of buttons? Arrange them into a heart on a canvas or paper for a sweet piece of art. - Coffee Filter Suncatchers
Spray dyed coffee filters with water and watch vibrant patterns emerge. Hang them in a window for a cheery Valentine’s display. - Folded Paper Hearts
Teach folding and cutting skills with this classic craft. It’s simple, sweet, and looks fancy enough for the fridge gallery.
Valentine Craft Ideas for Elementary Kids
Bigger kids, bigger projects—and a lot more glitter (you’ve been warned).
- Recycled Seed Paper Hearts
Make plantable paper hearts by mixing shredded paper with seeds. A Valentine that keeps giving when planted! - Melted Crayon Hearts
Gather all those broken crayons (you know, the ones mocking you from the crayon box). Melt them into heart molds for colorful decorations. Science and art combined—it’s educational, okay? - Secret Message Valentines
Use white crayon to write secret messages on paper hearts. Let kids paint over them with watercolors to reveal the surprise.
The Hidden Perks of Crafting
Sure, these crafts are cute, but they’re also stealthy life lessons. Fine motor skills? Check. Patience? Double-check. Creativity? Absolutely. And let’s not forget the most important part: quality time with your kiddos—because those glue-covered moments are the ones they’ll remember (not the fact that you forgot to fold the laundry for three days).
Tips for Crafting Success
- Let Them Take the Lead: Encourage your kids to make their own creative choices. Their unique touch is what makes the craft special.
- Prepare Materials Ahead: Lay everything out before you begin to avoid mid-project chaos.
- Embrace the Mess: It’s inevitable, so embrace it. A messy kitchen table is a sign of great parenting—or so I tell myself.
Crafting Valentine’s Memories, One Heart at a Time
These Valentine’s Day crafts are more than just decorations—they’re love in physical form. Whether it’s a handprint keepsake, a heartfelt garland, or exploring homemade Valentine’s card ideas together, the joy these creations bring will linger far beyond February 14th. What are your family’s favorite Valentine’s traditions? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories!
This is such a sweet collection of crafts! I love how each one encourages creativity and quality time with kids. Can’t wait to try some of these with my little ones—thank you for the inspiration!