Valentine’s Day is coming, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already dreading the last-minute scramble for crafts. Let’s face it, getting the kids excited about creating something cute without a meltdown is a real challenge. But don’t worry—I’ve got the perfect solution to transform your stress into a fun-filled afternoon with these Valentine’s crafts for kids.
Easy Valentine’s Crafts for Kids That’ll Make You the Coolest Parent Around
It’s time to get creative and leave the stress behind. Here’s a list of my go-to Valentine’s Day crafts that’ll keep the little ones engaged—and leave you with something adorable to hang up or gift. Each one of these is simple to pull off, but the results? Totally Instagram-worthy.
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1. DIY Heart-Shaped Crayons
Let’s kick things off with a craft that’s as practical as it is adorable. You’ve probably got old, broken crayons stashed somewhere—time to put them to good use!
- Gather your old crayons (and honestly, who doesn’t have a pile of them).
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (low and slow).
- Break the crayons into small pieces and arrange them in a silicone heart-shaped mold.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they melt together.
Why it works: Not only is this a great way to reuse something that would otherwise be tossed, but the kids will love using these new heart-shaped crayons for coloring their Valentine’s cards.
Picture This: A plate of rainbow-colored heart-shaped crayons all set for a crafting session. It’s the perfect transition from “meh” to wow.
2. Heart Stamps with Potatoes
Potatoes are not just for dinner—they make great stamps.
- Slice a potato in half and carve out a heart shape on the flat side.
- Dip in washable paint, and stamp away on construction paper.
- Let the kids get creative with different colors and patterns.
Why it works: This is an easy (and super affordable) craft that gives kids room to experiment. Plus, it’s totally mess-friendly!
Picture This: A heart-shaped stamp design splashed across the paper, turning an average afternoon into a masterpiece.
3. Valentine’s Day Salt Dough Ornaments
I love salt dough because it’s like a magic trick: simple ingredients = lasting memories.
- Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, and 1/2 cup water to form a dough.
- Roll out, cut into heart shapes, and create a hole for hanging.
- Bake at 250°F for 2 hours until hard, then decorate with paint or glitter.
Why it works: These ornaments make for a keepsake you can hang up every year, bringing back sweet memories of the kids’ Valentine’s Day crafts.
Picture This: A series of hand-painted salt dough ornaments hanging on a string. It’s a perfect way to celebrate love year after year.
4. Paper Plate Heart Wreath
I’m telling you—paper plates are the unsung hero of crafting.
- Cut a paper plate in the center to create a ring.
- Let the kids decorate the outer edge with stickers, sequins, or markers.
- Punch holes for a ribbon and hang it up for a festive touch.
Why it works: This wreath is an easy way to make something the kids can proudly display—and a perfect craft to get their hearts involved!
Picture This: A cheerful heart wreath hanging on the door, welcoming Valentine’s Day in style.
5. Handprint Heart Cards
Ah, the classic handprint craft. Nothing beats that sentimental feeling!
- Paint your child’s hand and press it onto cardstock to make a handprint.
- Turn the handprint into a heart by adding a little detail to the edges.
- Write a loving note inside.
Why it works: The sentimental factor is high here. These cards will be cherished for years, especially by grandparents.
Picture This: A handprint heart card with a sweet message inside, ready to be gifted.
6. DIY Valentine’s Day Slime
Nothing gets the kids more excited than a little bit of slime!
- Mix together 1/2 cup of white glue, 1/4 cup of water, and food coloring.
- Stir in 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1 tbsp contact solution to activate the slime.
- Add glitter or small heart-shaped confetti for extra fun.
Why it works: Kids love slime—and making it is a hands-on activity that is mess but also so much fun.
Picture This: Glittery slime filled with heart shapes. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s Valentine’s-ready.
7. Tissue Paper Heart Stained Glass
This one’s a bit like making stained glass without the expensive supplies.
- Cut out heart shapes from black construction paper.
- Have the kids tear tissue paper into small pieces and glue them inside the heart outline.
- Hang the finished piece near a window to catch the light.
Why it works: The result is a stunning piece of art that captures light, just like the love you’re celebrating.
Picture This: A colorful tissue-paper heart hanging in the window, glowing with the afternoon sun.
8. Valentine’s Day Friendship Bracelets
Making bracelets is an easy way for kids to give something personal.
- Grab some string and beads in red, pink, and white.
- Have the kids string the beads together to create their own bracelets.
- Tie them off and hand them out as friendship gifts.
Why it works: It’s the ultimate way to celebrate love and friendship in one fell swoop. Plus, who doesn’t love a handmade gift?
Picture This: A handful of colorful friendship bracelets, ready to share with friends or family.
9. Love Bug Craft
This is a cute way to add a little more whimsy to Valentine’s Day.
- Use pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and foam hearts to create little love bugs.
- Let the kids glue everything together and make their own unique love bugs.
Why it works: The best part? The kids get to see their little creations come to life in the most adorable way possible.
Picture This: A row of tiny, colorful love bugs lined up on the table. Cuteness overload.
10. Heart-Shaped Flower Pots
This craft is great for teaching kids a little bit about plants and love.
- Paint small flower pots with heart designs.
- Plant a small flower or succulent inside.
- Gift them to a loved one for a Valentine’s Day surprise.
Why it works: It’s a craft that keeps on giving—a gift that grows with love.
Picture This: A sweet heart-painted flower pot with a tiny plant peeking out. The perfect long-lasting gift.
11. Valentine’s Day Bingo Cards
Create a fun activity for the kids to do with the family.
- Make bingo cards with Valentine’s-themed pictures like hearts, cupcakes, and roses.
- Use candy hearts or coins as markers and play as a family.
Why it works: It’s a simple way to bring everyone together—and bonus points for making the game extra sweet.
Picture This: A set of Valentine’s bingo cards, with kids excitedly marking their spaces with candy hearts.
Why These Strategies Matter
These Valentine’s crafts are more than just fun activities. They create meaningful connections and memories that will last well beyond the holiday. The best part? The process is just as special as the end result. You get to see your kids’ creativity bloom while you all bond over crafting something meaningful.
Final Thoughts
You might not be able to avoid the last-minute crafting panic, but you can turn it into something memorable. With these 11 easy Valentine’s crafts for kids, your stress will transform into joy. So grab those supplies, get ready to craft, and create lasting memories with the little ones in your life.
