30 Creative Valentines Gifts for Kids From Toddlers to Tweens

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love—it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special children in your life with thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts. Whether you’re shopping for your own little ones, nieces, nephews, or classroom parties, finding creative valentines gifts for kids that go beyond the usual candy and chocolates can make February 14th truly memorable.

At Teebete, we understand that the best valentines gifts for kids combine fun, creativity, and lasting value. Rather than fleeting sugary treats, consider gifts that spark imagination, encourage learning, or simply bring joy long after the heart-shaped decorations come down. From toddlers taking their first steps to tweens developing their own unique interests, we’ve curated 30 exceptional valentines day gifts for children that celebrate friendship, creativity, and the pure delight of childhood.

Why Choose Non-Candy Valentines Gifts for Kids

While candy has traditionally been the go-to option for Valentine’s Day, many parents and educators are now seeking healthier, more sustainable alternatives. Non-candy Valentine options help avoid the sugar rush that can turn classroom celebrations into chaos, making them especially popular for school exchanges and classroom valentines parties. Educational research shows that about 90 percent of preschool children’s play involves toys, demonstrating that thoughtfully selected playthings create far more lasting impact than consumable treats.

Beyond health considerations, creative valentines gifts offer several advantages. They’re more memorable than disposable treats, accommodate children with food allergies or dietary restrictions, and align with many schools’ wellness policies. Plus, when children receive thoughtful, reusable gifts, they learn that showing love doesn’t always require consumables—a valuable lesson for developing mindful habits. For more inspiration on thoughtful gift-giving, explore our collection of great Valentine gifts that celebrate love in meaningful ways.

Valentines Gifts for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

The toddler years are filled with wonder and discovery. The best valentines gift ideas for this age group combine safety, sensory appeal, and that irresistible heart-themed aesthetic that makes Valentine’s Day special.

Red & Pink Heart Plush Toys

Soft, cuddly plush toys in valentine colors provide comfort and companionship. Look for high-quality materials that are machine washable and feature securely attached parts. Research shows that toys stimulate concentration levels and enhance attention span, making these plush companions more than just adorable—they support cognitive development. Plush toys at 12 inches tall made with soft polyester and featuring charming details like floppy ears appeal especially to toddlers, who love tactile experiences.

Heart-Shaped Bubble Machine

Transform ordinary bubble play into a Valentine celebration with a heart-shaped bubble machine. Toddlers are mesmerized by floating bubbles, and this gift combines active outdoor play with February 14th festivity. Choose battery-operated models for easy setup during valentines party ideas gatherings.

Valentine’s Stuffed Animals with Roses

Animals holding roses or hearts make perfect toddler valentines. These themed plushies serve double duty as both Valentine décor and everyday playmates. Opt for characters that can sit independently, making them ideal for pretend play scenarios that promote imaginative development.

Pink Building Blocks Set

Building sets featuring blocks in valentine colors allow children to construct hearts and flowers for the holiday, then create animals and vehicles afterwards. According to educational research, building toys foster critical thinking, spatial awareness, and logical reasoning in young children. This versatility makes them excellent value, extending play well beyond Valentine’s Day with 80 or more bricks that grow with your child.

Heart Stacking Rings

Multi-level stacking toys in gradient pink and red hues help toddlers develop hand-eye coordination while practicing color recognition. The heart shape adds seasonal charm to this developmental classic that teaches spatial relationships and problem-solving.

Cupid Wings Costume Set

Encourage imaginative play with soft cupid wings and a coordinating headband. Research demonstrates that children who engage in complex forms of sociodramatic play have better social skills, more empathy, and greater imagination. Toddlers love dress-up activities, and these accessories are perfect for Valentine’s Day photos and pretend play sessions that support healthy development.

Rose Petal Bath Toys

Make bath time special with floating toys shaped like rose petals. These waterproof additions to tub play come in various shades of pink and red, turning routine cleaning into a valentines-themed adventure that toddlers actually look forward to.

Heart Tambourine

Musical instruments in valentine shapes introduce rhythm and sound exploration. A red heart tambourine is appropriately sized for small hands and creates delightful noise that toddlers adore—parents’ tolerance may vary, but the developmental benefits are real!

Love Bug Finger Puppets

Red and pink finger puppets featuring adorable bug characters foster storytelling and fine motor skill development. These compact toys are perfect for on-the-go entertainment and encouraging parent-child interaction through imaginative narratives.

Pink Heart Shape Sorter

Classic shape-sorting toys with a Valentine twist help toddlers practice problem-solving while celebrating the season. Look for sturdy wooden or plastic versions with smooth edges and vibrant colors that withstand enthusiastic play.

Creative Valentines Gifts for Preschoolers (Ages 5-7)

Preschoolers are developing more sophisticated interests while still embracing the playfulness of early childhood. Their valentines presents should balance fun with emerging skills.

Heart Sunglasses

Nothing says “cool kid” quite like novelty sunglasses. Pink or red heart-shaped frames with UV protection let preschoolers express their personality while keeping their eyes safe during outdoor valentines day activities and playground adventures.

Cupid Bow & Arrow Toy

Foam-based archery sets designed to look like Cupid’s equipment provide active play without safety concerns. These toys encourage gross motor development and imaginative scenarios about spreading love while developing coordination.

Valentine Slime Kit

Slime remains incredibly popular with this age group. Valentine-themed kits featuring pink and red colors with heart-shaped glitter offer sensory play that’s both entertaining and calming. Slime provides tactile therapy for even the most restless children.

Friendship Bracelet Making Kit

Craft kits allowing children to create their own bracelets and necklaces with heart charms foster creativity and fine motor skills. Rose gold components add a trendy, valentine-appropriate aesthetic that kids find appealing while learning about patterns and sequences.

Heart Sidewalk Chalk

Oversized chalk pieces shaped like hearts in various shades of red, pink, and white transform driveways and sidewalks into Valentine canvases. This budget-friendly option encourages outdoor activity and artistic expression while getting kids moving.

Love Letter Writing Set

Introduce preschoolers to the joy of correspondence with special stationery featuring heart motifs, cupid stickers, and simple writing prompts. This gift supports literacy development while teaching thoughtfulness and communication skills.

Pink Unicorn with Hearts

Combining two beloved elements—unicorns and valentines—creates an irresistible gift. Choose plushies with embroidered heart details rather than small attachments to ensure safety while maximizing cuddliness.

Heart Stamp & Sticker Set

Art supplies specifically designed for Valentine’s Day let preschoolers create their own cards and decorations. Sets including various heart sizes and valentine symbols provide hours of creative entertainment and fine motor practice.

Red Tutu & Headband

For children who love dressing up, a valentine costume set inspires dancing, performance, and imaginative play. The red tutu paired with a sparkly heart headband creates photo-worthy moments and encourages physical movement.

Cookie Decorating Kit

DIY baking kits with heart-shaped cookie cutters, frosting, and sprinkles create opportunities for quality time together while developing fine motor skills. The finished treats provide a sense of accomplishment alongside delicious rewards that can be shared with loved ones.

Age-Appropriate Valentines for School-Age Kids (Ages 8-10)

Elementary-aged children are ready for more complex valentines gifts for kids that align with developing hobbies and interests while maintaining that festive February 14th spirit.

Heart Terrarium Kit

Miniature gardens housed in heart-shaped glass containers merge science education with valentine aesthetics. These living gifts teach responsibility and provide long-lasting enjoyment as children watch their plants grow over time.

Rose Gold Art Supplies

Comprehensive art kits in trendy rose gold packaging—including colored pencils, markers, and sketchbooks decorated with hearts—appeal to budding artists. Quality supplies encourage skill development and creative confidence that extends beyond the holiday.

Heart LED String Lights

Room décor allows this age group to personalize their spaces. Battery-operated or plug-in heart lights in warm pink tones add ambiance and can remain as permanent fixtures long after Valentine’s Day, creating cozy reading nooks.

Locket Necklace

A special piece of jewelry with space for photos teaches sentimentality and provides a keepsake for treasured memories. Heart-shaped lockets are classic valentines day gifts for children that feel grown-up and meaningful.

Heart Backpack

Practical gifts with valentine flair serve double purposes. A pink or red backpack adorned with heart details becomes a daily reminder of love while fulfilling functional needs for school supplies and organizational skills.

Valentine’s Puzzle Set

Challenging puzzles featuring romantic imagery—rose gardens, heart patterns, or Valentine scenes—provide screen-free entertainment that develops spatial reasoning and patience. Activities that keep children engaged for extended periods offer both entertainment value and skill development through concentration.

Crystal Growing Kit

Educational valentines gifts that combine science with the holiday’s color palette fascinate curious minds. Growing pink or rose quartz crystals teaches patience and scientific principles while resulting in beautiful keepsakes that spark interest in geology.

Painting Canvas Set

Pre-sketched canvases featuring valentine motifs with accompanying paints allow children to create artwork suitable for gifting or displaying. This combines the satisfaction of completing a project with artistic expression and color theory learning.

Heart Lock Diary

A private journal with a heart-shaped lock provides a safe space for emerging writers to express their thoughts and feelings. The lock and key element adds excitement while respecting growing needs for privacy and independent thought.

Tie-Dye Craft Kit

Hands-on craft projects that yield wearable results are hugely satisfying. Tie-dye kits in valentine colors let kids customize t-shirts, tote bags, or pillowcases while exploring artistic techniques and color mixing principles.

Selecting the Perfect Valentines Day Gifts for Children

When choosing among these 30 options, consider the individual child’s personality, interests, and developmental stage. Active children might prefer outdoor toys like bubble machines or archery sets, while creative souls gravitate toward art supplies and craft kits. Practical parents appreciate items with longevity, such as building blocks that grow with the child or educational toys that support learning objectives.

For classroom valentines, opt for items that are budget-friendly when purchased in bulk, easy to distribute, and universally appealing regardless of gender. Non-candy alternatives like bracelets, pencils, and small craft items make great classroom valentines gifts that every child can enjoy without dietary concerns.

DIY Valentines Gifts for Kids to Make

Sometimes the most meaningful valentines day gifts for children are those they create themselves. Family traditions experts emphasize that children feel most loved when we spend time with them or doing something for them, including making something for them—and the same principle applies when kids make gifts themselves. Simple DIY valentines gifts projects teach generosity while developing crafting skills.

Coffee filter hearts decorated with markers and water create stunning window decorations, while stamped tea towels offer useful gifts with personal touches. Heart-shaped crayons melted in silicone molds transform broken crayon bits into colorful new art supplies. Paper airplane valentines combine origami skills with messages of friendship.

For classroom exchanges, children can assemble simple Valentine cards pairing store-bought designs with small attached toys—bouncy balls, pencils, or stickers—creating personalized gifts that show thoughtfulness without requiring extensive time investment.

At Teebete, we believe homemade valentines gifts demonstrate the true spirit of the holiday: taking time to show people they matter. Whether children spend an afternoon crafting elaborate presents or quickly assemble simple tokens, the effort itself communicates love and appreciation.

Budget-Friendly Valentines Gifts for Multiple Kids

Celebrating Valentine’s Day for entire classrooms or large families requires budget consciousness without sacrificing thoughtfulness. Many creative valentines gifts excel at balancing affordability with appeal.

Heart-shaped sidewalk chalk, small containers of play dough paired with cookie cutters, friendship bracelets, novelty erasers, and valentine-themed pencils can all be purchased in bulk for under two dollars per child. Practical items like pencils and art supplies serve functional purposes while fitting valentine themes, making them welcome additions to home supplies.

Consider organizing craft parties where kids create their own valentine gifts together, splitting material costs while adding social connection to the celebration. Group activities also teach collaboration and sharing—valuable lessons aligned with Valentine’s Day’s themes of love and friendship.

Inclusive Valentine Celebrations for All Children

When planning classroom valentines or gifts for groups, inclusivity ensures every child feels valued. Choose gender-neutral options like sports equipment in valentine colors, building toys, or art supplies that appeal across interests. Avoid assumptions about preferences based on traditional stereotypes.

Be mindful of economic diversity by setting reasonable spending limits for classroom exchanges. Many schools now require that if students bring valentines, they must bring enough for everyone, preventing exclusion. This tradition of classroom valentine exchanges fosters community and teaches children about inclusivity, ensuring no one is left out on love day presents.

For children with sensory sensitivities, avoid gifts with overwhelming scents, loud noises, or irritating textures. Simple, straightforward toys without excessive packaging or complicated assembly instructions work well for diverse populations.

Valentine Storage and Organization Tips

After the excitement of receiving multiple valentines gifts for kids, organization becomes essential. Designate a special valentine memory box where children can store cards, small gifts, and keepsakes from each year. Taking photos of bulkier items before passing them along preserves memories without requiring permanent storage space.

Incorporate new toys into existing organization systems promptly, preventing the post-holiday clutter that can overwhelm homes. At Teebete, we recommend the one-in-one-out rule: when new toys arrive, select older items for donation, teaching children about generosity while maintaining manageable toy collections.

Digital organization also helps. Photograph handmade cards and artwork before recycling, creating digital albums that preserve memories without consuming physical space. This approach honors the giver’s effort while maintaining practicality.

Extending Valentine’s Day Beyond February 14th

The best kids valentines presents transcend their seasonal origins, providing value throughout the year. Building blocks, art supplies, sports equipment, and educational toys purchased for Valentine’s Day continue enriching children’s lives during subsequent months.

Create traditions that extend beyond single-day celebrations. Institute “random acts of kindness weeks” where family members surprise each other with small gestures of love. Encourage children to write thank-you notes for their valentines, practicing gratitude and correspondence skills.

Use valentine-themed items for spring crafts and outdoor play. Heart-shaped cookie cutters work equally well for summer sand play or fall clay projects. LED heart lights transition from february 14th gifts to year-round bedroom décor, serving as nightlights or reading nook illumination.

Sustainable Valentine Celebrations

Increasingly, families seek eco-friendly approaches to holidays. Sustainable creative valentines gifts include wooden toys, organic cotton plushies, recycled art supplies, and plantable seed paper cards that grow into flowers.

Choose quality over quantity—one well-made wooden puzzle provides more value than multiple plastic trinkets destined for landfills. Gifts made from natural materials like beechwood not only look appealing but also align with sustainable practices that teach environmental responsibility.

Support small businesses and artisans when selecting unique valentines gifts for kids. Handmade items often feature superior craftsmanship while supporting individual creators rather than mass production. Many small-scale sellers offer personalized options that add meaningful touches to valentine celebrations.

Creating Valentine Memories That Last

Beyond physical gifts, Valentine’s Day offers opportunities for creating treasured memories. Plan special activities: bake heart-shaped cookies together, create homemade cards for family members, or organize valentine-themed scavenger hunts. According to parenting experts, these experiences often matter more than material items. Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to create more love in your family, not only between parent and child but also between siblings.

Establish family valentine traditions that children anticipate annually. Perhaps Valentine’s Eve includes special pink pancakes, or February 14th means breakfast in bed with heart-shaped toast. Family traditions research shows that when parents make Valentine’s Day about family rather than just romantic love, children never worry about having a Valentine—they know it doesn’t really matter because they’re surrounded by unconditional love. Maybe each family member shares something they love about the others, creating verbal affirmations alongside tangible gifts.

Document celebrations through photos and journaling. Years later, children will treasure images of themselves holding valentine gifts, wearing heart-themed outfits, or displaying their decorated cookies. These captured moments become part of family history, connecting generations through shared celebrations.

At Teebete, we believe the greatest gift isn’t found in stores—it’s the time, attention, and love we give children every day. Valentine’s Day simply provides an excuse to be extra intentional about showing affection, teaching kids that love should be celebrated often, not just annually.

FAQ: Valentines Gifts for Kids

What do you get kids for Valentine’s Day?

The best valentines gifts for kids depend on their age and interests. For toddlers, consider soft plush toys, building blocks, or musical instruments in valentine colors. Preschoolers enjoy craft supplies, dress-up accessories, and interactive toys like slime kits and friendship bracelet makers. School-age children appreciate art kits, books, jewelry, room décor, and educational gifts such as terrariums or crystal growing kits. Tweens often prefer practical items like water bottles, sports equipment, or advanced craft projects that yield usable results. Focus on items that provide lasting value rather than purely disposable treats, ensuring the gifts spark creativity and learning.

What are some non-candy Valentine’s gifts for kids?

Excellent non candy valentines options include play dough with heart-shaped cutters, friendship bracelets, valentine-themed pencils and erasers, small plush toys, stickers and stamps, bubbles, sidewalk chalk in heart shapes, bookmarks, small puzzles, toy cars or figures, craft kits, hair accessories, socks with heart patterns, bouncy balls, and temporary tattoos. These non-food alternatives ensure all children can participate regardless of dietary restrictions or allergies while providing more lasting enjoyment than consumable treats.

Do kids get gifts on Valentine’s Day?

Many families do give children small gifts on Valentine’s Day as a way to celebrate love and affection. The tradition varies by family, with some exchanging modest tokens like books or small toys, while others keep celebrations simple with homemade cards and special activities. In classrooms, children often exchange valentines with classmates, which may include small attached gifts. There’s no requirement to give gifts—what matters most is expressing love and appreciation in ways meaningful to your family, whether through presents, quality time, or acts of service.

What to give a 12 year old boy for Valentine’s Day?

For tween boys, consider age appropriate valentines like sports equipment in red or black (basketballs, soccer balls, or athletic socks), graphic t-shirts with subtle heart designs, room décor like LED lights or posters, craft kits for building models or electronics, gaming accessories in valentine colors, personalized water bottles with their name, baseball caps, books in their favorite genres, or gift cards to preferred stores. Focus on items aligned with their hobbies and interests rather than overtly romantic gifts, as tweens often prefer cool or practical presents over cutesy valentine motifs that might embarrass them.

How can I make Valentine’s Day special for kids on a budget?

Budget-friendly valentine celebrations focus on experiences and creativity over expensive purchases. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, create homemade valentine cards together, organize treasure hunts with clues leading to small treats, bake cookies and decorate them with valentine themes, have a family movie night with valentine-themed films, create art projects with materials you already own, write notes listing things you love about each child and hide them around the house, or plan outdoor activities like heart-themed obstacle courses. The time and attention matter more than money spent, and these activities create memories that last far longer than store-bought gifts.

What are good educational valentines gifts?

Educational valentines day gifts for children include science kits (crystal growing, volcano kits, magnets), puzzles that develop spatial reasoning, building sets like LEGO that encourage engineering skills, art supplies that promote creativity, books on topics matching their interests, musical instruments that develop rhythm and coordination, coding toys or robot kits, geography-related games or globes, math games disguised as fun activities, and nature exploration kits with magnifying glasses and collection jars. Choose items that align with subjects they’re curious about, making learning feel like play rather than work.

Are classroom valentines required to be identical for every student?

Rules vary by school and classroom. Many teachers request that if students bring valentines, they should bring enough for everyone to prevent hurt feelings and exclusion. However, valentines don’t need to be completely identical—you can offer variety packs where each card differs slightly while ensuring equal value and thoughtfulness. Some schools provide class lists to help parents ensure accurate counts. Check with your child’s teacher about specific classroom policies regarding valentine exchanges, as some schools have moved toward whole-class celebrations to simplify the process and ensure inclusivity.

What valentine gifts work well for kids with sensory sensitivities?

For children with sensory sensitivities, choose non candy valentines gifts without strong scents, loud noises, or rough textures. Good options include soft plushies with satin details but no scratchy tags, smooth wooden toys without sharp edges, simple fidget items without mechanical sounds, art supplies like modeling clay or water-based paints, weighted lap pads in heart shapes that provide calming pressure, gentle LED lights without flashing patterns, books with smooth pages, simple puzzles with large pieces, or soft fabric items like blankets or comfortable clothing. Always avoid items with tags, seams in uncomfortable locations, or excessive packaging that creates texture issues or frustration.

Summary Table: Valentine Gift Ideas by Age Group

Conclusion

Selecting creative valentines gifts for kids means looking beyond traditional candy to find presents that spark joy, encourage development, and create lasting memories. Whether you choose plush companions for toddlers, craft supplies for preschoolers, educational kits for school-age children, or practical items for tweens, the thoughtfulness behind your selection matters most.

The 30 valentines day gifts for children we’ve explored offer something for every child, interest, and budget. From heart-themed classics to innovative educational toys, these options celebrate love in its many forms—familial affection, friendship, and the simple joy of childhood wonder.

At Teebete, we believe Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to show children they’re cherished not through expensive gestures, but through thoughtful choices that honor their unique personalities. Whether you’re preparing for classroom exchanges, family celebrations, or simply surprising the special children in your life, let creativity and love guide your selections.

This February 14th, move beyond the expected to give kids valentines presents that truly resonate. After all, the best gift you can give any child is knowing they’re loved exactly as they are—and sometimes, a perfectly chosen heart-shaped something helps express that love in unforgettable ways.

Looking for more inspiration for celebrating special occasions with children? Visit Teebete for additional gift guides, craft ideas, and parenting resources that help you create meaningful moments throughout the year.

Mia Wilson

Hi, I’m Mia Wilson. I’m a journalist and content creator based in New York with over six years of experience covering sports, holidays, fan culture, and community events across the United States. I focus on exploring team histories, traditions, celebrations, and the broader impact of sports and cultural events on local communities. I’m passionate about providing accurate, engaging, and educational content for readers of all ages, helping them understand the stories, experiences, and events that make sports and celebrations so meaningful.