5 Fun Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids (That Don’t Require a Trip to the Craft Store)
Ah, Valentine’s Day—the season of glitter, heart-shaped everything, and tiny sticky fingers covered in glue. If you're looking for simple, fun, and meaningful crafts to do with your little ones without breaking the bank, I’ve got you covered. Here are five ideas that use supplies you probably already have at your daycare or home (and won’t make you regret your life choices when cleanup time rolls around).
Paper Plate Love Bugs: Grab some paper plates, markers, and any stickers you have lying around. Let your kiddos create their very own love bug by adding eyes, wings, and antennae. Bonus points for googly eyes—always. For extra fun, help them create a whole family of bugs with different expressions and colors.
Heart Stamping with Toilet Paper Rolls: Bend a toilet paper roll into a heart shape, secure it with tape, and let the stamping fun begin! Use washable paint (because—kids) and let them create heart-themed masterpieces. To switch things up, try layering heart stamps in different colors for a multi-dimensional effect.
Yarn-Wrapped Hearts: Cut out heart shapes from cardboard and wrap them with colorful yarn. It’s great for fine motor skills and makes adorable decorations. Encourage your kiddos to mix yarn colors for a striped effect or even tie small bows onto the wrapped yarn for extra flair.
Thumbprint Heart Cards: Have your kiddos dip their thumb into paint and stamp heart shapes onto card stock. Write “Thumb-body loves you!” for a personal touch. These make fantastic keepsakes for family members and are perfect for practicing fine motor skills and creative expression.
Nature Hearts: Collect leaves, sticks, and flowers from your backyard. Arrange them into heart shapes on paper and glue them down. It’s a sweet way to connect with nature. You can also press some of the leaves and flowers beforehand to create a smoother, more polished look.
Bonus Idea: Friendship Bracelets: Use simple beads and stretchy string to make Valentine’s-themed friendship bracelets. Red, pink, and white beads work perfectly, and your little ones will love handing them out to friends and family.
Cleanup Tip: Keep a wet washcloth handy to wipe hands before paint travels to your walls. You’ll thank me later. Also, lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup. And remember—embracing a little mess is all part of the fun!
