There’s something magical about a kitchen table covered in glitter, glue, and hearts made from paper doilies. The valentines of the store-bought variety have become so commercial. They’re more about characters, and less about extending a gift of friendship. This year, why not spend an afternoon crafting and creating with your kids, making truly unique and special valentines for their friends at school?! Have fun making valentines as you make MEMORIES with your kids!

valentine ideas

1. Butterfly Pops

*from Skip to My Lou

butterfly-valentine

My little girl would LOVE to hand out these adorable valentines to her friends! (And let’s face it…valentines that come with sugar are so much better!)

2. Heart Crayons

*Idea from Chasing Supermom =)

crayons (7 of 7)

The kids and I had a blast a few years ago creating these recycled heart crayons. These are easy to make, and a GREAT way to recycle your broken crayons! Place a few of these heart crayons in a cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon, and voila! Crayon valentines!

3.Valentine Trains

*Idea from Craft Goodies

valentinespreschool trains

Constructed entirely of candy, these little trains will make any child smile. Let someone know you “choo-choose” them to be your valentine this year with these adorable candy trains.

4. Jolly Lollies

*Idea from Spoonful.com

jolly-lollies-valentines-day-craft-photo-420-FF0205VALENA15

I absolutely LOVE these! I can see these being a big hit with kids! (And talk about simple!)

5. You Rock!

*Idea from asmallsnippet.com

poprocks

I will never forget the look on my children’s faces the first time they tried Pop Rocks. If you’ve never given these to your kids…do it! It’s classic. This is a fun valentine for boys or girls, and their classmates will definitely love it!


6. Wheel Fun Valentines

*Idea from spoonful.com

wheel-fun-valentines-day-craft-photo-420-FF0207VALA18It’s hard to find valentines that boys are okay with. Most boys aren’t so into the hearts, flowers, and overwhelming amount of pink. These however, feature adorable car candies, and are sure to be deemed acceptable by your son.

7.Friendship Flowers

*Idea from spoonful.com
friendship-blossoms-valentines-day-craft-photo-420-FF0210VALENW07

These sweet little flowers would be easy to make, and could be done with any style/color of scrapbooking paper…..and who doesn’t love Dum-Dums?!

8. Stained Glass Heart Card

*Idea from Kids Crafts and Activities

valstainglass10

This special card would be perfect for special friends, family members, or teachers!

9. Thumbprint Valentines

*photo courtesy of Glittergoods

valentinethumbs

These sweet little fingerprint valentines are just scrumptious. Must.Make.These.

10. Be My Love Bug

*Idea from KC Parent

lovebugvalentinebyemily

I dare you to look at this valentine and not say, “Awwwww!”

11. Butterfly

*Idea from Crayons and Checkbooks

butterflyRecycle and delight at the same time! Start saving your tp rolls now! These are too cute!

12. Muah!

*Photo from valentinesdayimages.com

muah

We’ve all seen the personalized valentines floating around the web that feature the child offering the sucker to their friend via a picture. I absolutely love this variation of a picture valentine. These are SO cute, and you can find chocolate lips at just about every grocery store right now.

13. Felt Fortune Cookies

*Idea from Martha Stewart

feltFortuneCookies

How fun are these?! After our recent success with fortune cookies, I know my kids would get a kick out of these!

14.Play-doh Valentines

*Idea from Random Thoughts of a Supermom

playdough

I love the idea of passing out play-doh. I would personally choose to make my own labels, as I don’t care for the Simpsons reference. But, I love the idea of creating a personal label for the center of the lid!


15. Butterfly Pencils

*Idea from Our 5th House

pencil

This is a great idea for families who want to give a little extra, but aren’t so wild about the thought of more candy! Kids love special pencils!


16. Gumball Valentines

Idea from Instructables

gum

I love this! And who doesn’t love something that comes with a printable?!

17. Cell Phone

Idea from Dandee Designs

phone

Our kids live in a techno world! I think especially older kids would appreciate the “texting” valentines! (My daughter also thinks button candy is pretty neat!)

18. Friendship Bracelets

Idea from Dandee Designs

braceletThis brings me right back to my childhood! I had a string of these up my arm from 1989-1992.

19. Alligator

Idea from Skip to My Lou

pillow-box-alligator-010If you’re game for quite a bit of cutting and gluing, (or if your child is in a small class), you  just might love these sweet little gators.

20. Printable Candy Covers

Idea from Silly Precious Piggies

valentineprintable9_thumbThis is a great idea for anyone who wants to do something special, but doesn’t have the time (or desire) to craft.