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12 Creative Valentine's Day Gifts for Kids

Not sure what to buy this year? Discover 12 creative unique Valentine's Day gifts for kids, including personalized keepsakes, DIY crafts, books, tech, and quality time!
mom giving kids valentines day gifts
Updated: January 14, 2025

Valentine's Day is almost here, and between school drop-offs, meal planning, and the endless to-do list of parenting, finding the perfect gift for your child might have slipped your mind. But don't worry, there's still time to delight your little one with a thoughtful surprise! From personalized keepsakes to meaningful experiences, Valentine's Day doesn’t have to be all chocolate and roses. 

This guide shares 12 creative and practical Valentine's Day gift ideas for kids that will bring smiles and sweet moments to your celebrations.  

1. Personalized Gifts

Valentine's Day

Make your child feel extra special with a unique, personalized Valentine’s Day gift. Options like customized storybooks featuring their name or a puzzle with their favorite design are sure to captivate them. For older kids, consider personalized jewelry or keychains engraved with their initials, favorite quotes, or a meaningful date. You'll find great options on websites like Etsy or Shutterfly, with many vendors offering quick shipping for last-minute shoppers.  

Ideas to consider:

  • A custom plush toy embroidered with your child’s name or a heartfelt message.  
  • A personalized water bottle featuring their favorite color and a fun design, like their favorite animal or sport.  
  • A custom-made photo calendar filled with pictures of their favorite memories or family moments.

Why It's a Win  

Personalized gifts show your child that you’ve gone the extra mile, making the moment truly unforgettable.  

Paper Christmas Tree Craft

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2. DIY Crafts

Little ones love gifts that come straight from the heart! Quickly whip up creative crafts using materials you likely already have at home. Here are a few simple ideas to get started:  

  • Hand-painted picture frames with a family photo inside.  
  • Paper Valentine's cards with fun stickers and glitter.  
  • A DIY friendship bracelet kit with colorful threads.  

If you're short on time, involve your kids in the fun so they can create their own crafts to exchange with siblings or classmates.  

Why It's a Win  

DIY crafts don't just save time—they also add a personal, handmade touch to the holiday while doubling as a bonding activity.  

3. Experience Gifts

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about material items. Gift your kids an unforgettable experience instead! Plan a surprise outing, like a trip to the zoo, a mini-golf game, or even an afternoon at the park. Alternatively, create a cozy atmosphere at home for a movie marathon with popcorn or bake heart-shaped cookies together.  

Ideas to consider:

  • Take them to a pottery painting studio to create their own Valentine’s-themed keepsake.  
  • Plan a scavenger hunt around the house or yard with small surprises along the way.  
  • Visit a local science or children’s museum for a fun and educational day out.

Why It's a Win  

Experience gifts create long-lasting memories and offer an opportunity to connect with your child in a meaningful way.  

4. Subscription Boxes

Why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Subscription boxes curated specifically for kids make an excellent Valentine’s gift. Choose one tailored to their interests, whether it's craft kits, STEM projects, books, or snacks. KiwiCo hands-on activity crates or Raddish Kids cooking kits are fantastic choices for children of all ages.  

Ideas to consider:

  • Little Passports: A subscription box that sparks curiosity with geography and culture-themed activities.  
  • Bitsbox: A coding subscription box that teaches kids how to build their own apps in a fun and engaging way.  
  • OwlCrate Jr.: A book subscription box designed for young readers, complete with exclusive goodies and themed surprises.

Why It's a Win  

Subscription boxes are fun, educational, and provide excitement monthly even after Valentine's Day is over.  

5. Educational Gifts

Valentine's Day

Make learning enjoyable this Valentine’s Day by giving a fun, educational gift. STEM building kits, interactive globe toys, or creative board games can entertain and teach at the same time. The best part? You'll be helping them develop essential skills without it feeling like schoolwork!  

Ideas to consider:

  • LEGO Education STEM Kit  
  • Shifu Orboot Interactive Globe  
  • Ticket to Ride: First Journey Board Game  

Why It's a Win  

Educational gifts combine the joy of play with developmental benefits, making them a win-win for kids and parents alike.

6. Books and Reading

If your child loves reading—or if you’d like to encourage a love of books—surprise them with an age-appropriate novel, picture book, or series. For younger kids, titles like The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond are perfect for Valentine’s Day. For older children, explore beloved series such as Percy Jackson or The Baby-Sitters Club. Pair the book with a cozy, heart-themed blanket for an extra thoughtful touch.

Ideas to consider:

  • Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney for a heartfelt story perfect for younger children.  
  • Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery for older kids who enjoy timeless classics with a touch of adventure and friendship.  
  • A personalized book like I Love You This Much by Marianne Richmond, where the child’s name can be included for a unique gift.

Why It's a Win  

Books spark imagination and inspire lifelong learning while giving kids a welcome escape from screens.  

7. Tech and Gadgets

Valentine's Day

For tech-savvy kids, consider Valentine’s gifts that engage their curiosity and creativity. Gadgets like interactive robot toys, kids' smartwatches with activity challenges, or digital drawing pads can keep them entertained for hours. Toys like Osmo kits blend play and learning with advanced technology and are ideal for last-minute online orders.

Ideas to consider:

  • Sphero Mini Robot: A fun, programmable robot that teaches coding.  
  • VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3: Combines games, activity challenges, and a camera.  
  • Kano Coding Kit: Fun, hands-on coding games for tablets or computers.

Why It's a Win  

Tech gifts offer a perfect combination of fun and functionality, inspiring exploration in the digital age.

8. Eco-Friendly Gifts

For environmentally conscious families, eco-friendly gifts are a thoughtful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Choose toys made from sustainable materials, reusable snack bags, or plant-growing kits that teach kids about taking care of the earth. Many toy brands, such as Green Toys, offer a range of eco-friendly options designed for little ones.  

Ideas to consider:

  • Green Toys Tea Set made from recycled plastic  
  • Reusable silicone snack bags for lunchboxes  
  • DIY herb-growing kit to teach kids about plants  

Why It's a Win  

Eco-friendly gifts encourage sustainability while being just as exciting as traditional presents.

9. Snack and Treat Boxes

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without sweet treats! Create a themed snack box filled with your child’s favorite goodies, such as heart-shaped cookies, red and pink candies, and mini chocolates. If you prefer a healthier route, include trail mix, fruit leather, or yogurt-covered pretzels. Want to skip the prep work? Order a pre-made Valentine’s treat box online—many specialty shops offer quick delivery.  

Ideas to consider:

  • Heart-shaped cookie kit with frosting and sprinkles for decorating  
  • Valentine's snack pack featuring red velvet popcorn and chocolate-covered pretzels  
  • Pre-made treat box with assorted candies and personalized messages  

Why It's a Win  

Snack boxes are easy to customize and add an element of surprise that's sure to delight.

10. Personal Time

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is your undivided attention. Dedicate part of your Valentine’s Day to one-on-one time with your child, doing something they love. Whether it’s playing favorite games, cooking their favorite meal, or building a fort in the living room, these moments of connection will make the day truly special.  

Ideas to consider:

  • Have a movie night complete with popcorn and their favorite snacks.  
  • Go on a nature walk and explore the outdoors together.  
  • Work on a creative project like painting or crafting something fun.  

Why It's a Win  

Gifting quality time strengthens family bonds and creates memories far more valuable than physical items.

11. Board Games and Video Games

Valentine's Day

For children who love games, consider incorporating their favorite activities into the day. Board games, card games, or even puzzles can be a fantastic way to bond while having fun and enjoying a little friendly competition. If your child is a fan of video games, join them for a multiplayer session or explore a new game together. Sharing their interests in this way shows them that you value and appreciate what they enjoy.  

Ideas to consider:

  • A classic board game like Candy Land or Monopoly Junior  
  • A family-friendly video game like Mario Kart or Minecraft  
  • A fun puzzle featuring their favorite characters or themes  

Why It's a Win  

Playing games together encourages communication, teamwork, and creative thinking.

12. Artistic Endeavors

Engaging in creative arts with your child is a wonderful way to nurture their imagination and self-expression. Whether it's painting, drawing, crafting, or exploring photography, these activities allow you to connect through the joy of creating something together. You don’t need to be an expert—what matters most is the time spent and the memories made.  

Ideas to consider:

  • A Valentine’s-themed Mad Libs book for a fun, laughter-filled activity
  • A beginner’s watercolor set to paint love-themed art pieces  
  • A DIY photo album kit to decorate and fill with cherished family moments  

Why It's a Win  

Immersing yourselves in artistic activities encourages your child’s curiosity, builds fine motor skills, and helps develop their problem-solving ability.

Small Gestures With a Big Impact

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show love in thoughtful ways, no matter how last-minute your planning may be. Whether it's personalizing a keepsake, sharing a new experience, or spending meaningful moments together, kids value the love and care behind the gesture over the gift itself.  

Need more ideas to make special days memorable? Explore our curated collections and inspirations crafted for every stage of parenting.  

Happy Valentine’s Day—and remember, every moment of love counts!  

For more inspiration check out these popular lists:

Tara Gunn

About Tara

Hailing from Canada, Tara is a graduate of Scotland's University of St. Andrews in creative… Read more

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