40+ Simple Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids of All Ages (2026 Edition)
Looking for Valentine's Day craft ideas that won't eat up your whole weekend? I've got you covered with 40+ projects I've actually tested with my own kids and in real classrooms.
Whether you're a teacher planning Valentine's Day activities or a parent trying to keep little hands busy during February break, this list has options for every age and skill level – from simple toddler crafts to more involved projects for teens.
What makes these crafts classroom-worthy?
Most use supplies you already have (or can grab at the dollar store)
They're designed for actual kids, not Pinterest perfection
Projects range from 15-minute quickies to full afternoon activities
Many double as classroom Valentines or handmade gifts
Let's jump in!
Valentine Crafts for Teens & Tweens (That They'll Actually Want to Make)
Tweens can smell a "kiddie craft" from a mile away. These projects feel more like DIY home decor or handmade gifts – perfect for middle schoolers who are too cool for construction paper hearts.
1. DIY Lips Planter
Turn a basic terracotta pot into a statement piece! Bring some personality to your DIY Valentine’s Day decor with this fun lip planter.
Fair warning: once you make one rhinestone tumbler, you'll want to make six more. The conversation heart version is perfect for Valentine's Day, but honestly, I've kept mine out year-round.
This is my favorite way to upcycle old sweaters! Older kids love adding these patches to their favorite hoodies or jean jackets. It's thrifty AND trendy.
String art looks harder than it is – I promise. This is perfect for kids who want something that looks impressive but doesn't require advanced crafting skills.
These make adorable classroom Valentines for middle schoolers who are past the candy stage. Way cuter than a store-bought card!
You can make air-dry clay with just cornstarch and glue (seriously!). These pendants are perfect for valentine’s day gifts!
Got fabric scraps lying around? These stuffed hearts are a great stash-buster project. Add a little lavender inside for a sweet-smelling sachet.
These 3D paper hearts look fancy but are super simple. Great for party decorations or hanging in bedroom windows.
If you're a wreath person (I see you!), try making a heart-shaped wreath with Valentine's ribbons. It's easier than a circular wreath and makes a big statement.
10. Painted Heart Clay Necklaces
This fun craft makes a great gift. The end result is so cute!
Making pom-poms is weirdly therapeutic. String them into a heart-shaped garland for bedroom decor or party decorations. Check out how to make your own pom-poms here.
This tissue paper technique creates a full, fluffy wreath that teens can hang on their bedroom door. It's also a great classroom door decoration!
DIY tea towels make thoughtful handmade gifts (especially for teachers or grandparents). Use fabric paint and a heart-shaped stamp – done in under 30 minutes.
This macrame-style wall hanging is perfect for older kids who want to make their own room decor. It's trendy and actually looks store-bought.
Origami is having a moment with tweens! These winged hearts are easier than they look. Grab some origami paper from the dollar store or use any lightweight paper you have.
This card design is beautiful enough for teens to give to their friends without feeling babyish. The paper roses add a nice 3D element.
We tried painting hearts three different ways: with cotton swabs (dot painting), credit cards (for texture), and cling wrap (for marbling). All three turned out gorgeous! Great for experimenting with different techniques.
18. Pom-Pom Monsters
These little guys are ridiculously cute and surprisingly popular with the middle school crowd. Pro tip: add antennae instead of hearts and boom – you've got "love bugs" instead!
If you want to make DIY pom-poms for this craft, check out this post.
These take about 5 minutes to make and are perfect for classroom Valentines. Way more fun than candy!
20. Ribbon Loop Tree
For those of us who have a hard time taking down our Christmas tree... Valentine's trees are definitely a thing now! This ribbon technique is easier than it looks.
21. No Sew Fleece Heart Pillows
I'm always here for no-sew crafts! These fleece pillows are perfect for kids who want to make bedroom decor but don't have sewing skills yet. Also check out this no sew sock snowman for another fun Winter craft!
22. DIY Valentine’s Day Decor from Scrap Wood
Got scrap wood? Let teens create their own Valentine's signs or room decor. These look rustic and can be reused every year.
If you made Christmas gnomes, Valentine gnomes are just as adorable! These are surprisingly easy and make cute gifts.
Soap making is a great craft for teens and makes a practical Valentine’s Day gift! Check out this post for my tips and tricks on making soap.
25. Valentine’s Day Fortune Cookies
These paper fortune cookies are perfect for origami beginners. Fill them with sweet messages or silly jokes!
26. Yarn-Wrapped Pipe Cleaner Heart
This one requires patience and decent fine motor skills, so it's best for older kids. But the result is really pretty!
Easy Valentine Crafts for Younger Kids
27. Jim Dine Heart
This artist study project creates frameable art! It's a great way to introduce kids to mixed media while making something you'd actually want to display.
28. Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Hearts
This is perfect fine motor practice disguised as a craft. Cut hearts from cardboard boxes and let kids wrap them with colorful yarn. Super simple, super cute.
29. Valentine’s Day Salt Dough Conversation Hearts
Salt dough is just flour, salt, and water – ingredients you already have! These conversation hearts can be kept for years as keepsakes.
I love this craft because it teaches kindness. Paint a heart on one side and an encouraging message on the back, then give to a friend who might need it.
Check out my tips and tricks for painting rocks here.
Skip the $5 store-bought cards and make these instead! They fold into a 3D heart shape and are easier than they look.
Another great fine motor activity! Punch holes around the edge of a paper plate heart and let kids "sew" with yarn. This is huge with my kindergarten teacher friends.
You just need your child's handprint, paper, and a glue stick. The "I love you THIS much" message is adorable, and grandparents eat these up.
This is hands-down the most toddler-friendly craft on this list. Put paint in a box with paper, close it, and let kids shake! No-mess splatter painting that works for kids as young as 1 year old.
35. Stained Glass Heart Suncatcher
These tissue paper suncatchers look just like store-bought stained glass when you hang them in a window. The kids will be so proud!
36. Thumbprint Heart Gem Magnets
These thumbprint magnets are the perfect grandparent gift. They're sentimental but actually useful!
If your kids love slime (and what kid doesn't?), add some Valentine's flair with red and pink colors, heart confetti, or conversation heart beads.
38. Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamps
The best part? This craft is basically free! Bend toilet paper rolls into heart shapes, dip in paint, and stamp away. Works great for making cards or wrapping paper.
39. Valentine’s Day Treat Poppers
These are so fun for classroom parties! Wrap up small treats in crepe paper and let kids "pop" them open. Way more exciting than just handing out candy.
40. Paper Heart Fan
Need a last-minute craft? These accordion-folded paper fans take about 10 minutes and look adorable. Perfect for party favors!
FAQ: Valentine's Day Crafts
What are the easiest Valentine's Day crafts for toddlers? The Shake It Up Heart (#34) and Toilet Paper Roll Stamps (#38) are your best bets for toddlers. Both are low-mess, quick, and don't require precision.
What Valentine's Day crafts can I make with classroom supplies? Most of these crafts use basic classroom supplies like construction paper, glue, scissors, and paint. The Paper Plate Sewing Craft (#32), Jim Dine Hearts (#27), and Paper Strip Hearts (#8) are all classroom favorites that don't require special materials.
Which Valentine crafts work as handmade gifts? The Tea Towels (#13), Clay Pendants (#6), Worry Stones (#30), Thumbprint Magnets (#36), and Conversation Heart Soap (#24) all make thoughtful handmade gifts that people will actually use.
How can I make Valentine's Day crafts on a budget? Focus on crafts that use materials you already have! Toilet paper rolls, cardboard from boxes, scrap fabric, and basic construction paper can make dozens of these projects. The Dollar Store is also your friend for paint, glue, and embellishments.
What Valentine crafts are good for a classroom party? Keep it simple and quick! The Paper Heart Fans (#40), Pipe Cleaner Rings (#19), and Heart Stamps (#38) all work well with large groups and take minimal time.
The Bottom Line
You don't need fancy supplies or hours of prep time to make Valentine's Day special. Pick one or two crafts from this list, grab your supplies, and just start making! The messy, imperfect, kid-made versions are always the best anyway.
Need more Valentine's inspiration? Check out my DIY Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Teens for projects that are perfect for older kids!
Happy crafting! 💗
