Valentine’s Day is one of the most exciting holidays for kids, filled with love, affection, and the joy of exchanging treats with friends and child's classmates. However, as parents, we might hope to steer away from the sugar rush that often accompanies the day.
Luckily, there are plenty of non-candy Valentine ideas that are imaginative, fun, and just as exciting for kiddos. Whether you’re planning for your kid’s class or looking for special Valentine’s Day gifts, here are some ideas for valentines gifts for kids that aren't candy to help you celebrate without the sweets.
Why Choose Non-Candy Valentines?
While candy is a traditional favorite, opting to give valentine’s for Kids that aren’t candy has many benefits:
• Healthier options: Reduce sugar overload while still spreading love.
• Long-lasting fun: Gifts like small toys, stickers, and pencils won’t disappear after a snack.
• Inclusivity: Cater to kids with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Additionally, non-candy gifts can create lasting memories and joy, adding meaningful experiences to a child's life.
10 Valentines Class Gifts That Aren't Candy: Non-Candy Valentine Ideas for Kids
Here’s a list of fun, candy-free ideas to make your kid’s Valentine exchange special and memorable:
1. Play-Doh Creations
Mini jars of Play-Doh are perfect for goodie bags or a kid's class. Add a cute tag like, “You make my world brighter, Valentine!”
I found these cute play doh sets on amazon ready to gift:
2. Crayons and Art Supplies
Kids love crayons, and mini coloring books. These can inspire their artistic side and are easy to include in a classroom gift exchange.
I love these colorful heart crayons from Art 2The Extreme. Also available to download are these super cute printable cards to go with the crayons.
3. Valentine Bracelets
Affordable and fun, bracelets are a great way to show friendship. Girls and boys alike will love wearing something cute from their friends. I found these cute bracelet sets already in a class pack ready to gift:
4. Pencils and Erasers
Practical yet festive, Valentine-themed pencils or erasers are perfect for school and help kids stay excited about learning. These are great non candy valentines ideas.
5. Mini Roads
Giving a roll of road or train tape can give the kids hours of fun as they play cars/ trains or create a whole city on the floor. I also created a free valentines day card to go with the tape that you can download for free here. This is super fun valentines class gifts that aren't candy.
6. Fidget Spinners
Kids love these little fidget spinners to keep their hands busy. They also make great small valentines gifts for the whole class.
8. Stickers: Bright and colorful stickers are a simple yet exciting treat that kids can use to decorate their notebooks, art projects, or even their water bottles.
9. STEM Kits: Mini STEM activity kits are a fantastic way to spark curiosity and learning while giving a gift that keeps little minds engaged and inspired.
10. Croc Charms: Fun and trendy, Croc charms let kids personalize their favorite shoes with playful designs they’ll love showing off to their friends.
DIY Valentine’s Day Crafts
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to get creative with your kids and make some special DIY crafts. Here are some fun ideas that are perfect for children and will add a personal touch to the holiday:
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Handprint Heart Art: Capture a moment in time with handprint heart art. Use paint or markers to create handprints on a piece of paper or canvas, forming a heart shape. Add a sweet message or your child’s name to make it extra special. This craft is not only fun but also a keepsake that you can cherish for years.
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Paper Plate Heart Wreath: Transform simple paper plates into a beautiful heart wreath. Cut out heart shapes from the plates and help your child glue them onto a piece of cardboard or another paper plate. This craft is easy and allows your child to express their creativity while making a lovely decoration for your home.
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Valentine’s Day Card Making: Let your child’s imagination run wild with homemade Valentine’s Day cards. Provide materials like paper, glue, scissors, and markers, and let them create unique cards for their classmates or family members. This activity is not only fun but also teaches children the joy of giving personalized gifts.
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Finger Painting: Get messy and creative with finger painting. Use finger paints to create a beautiful Valentine’s Day art piece. You can add glitter or stickers to make it even more fun. This activity is perfect for younger children who love to explore different textures and colors.
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Popsicle Stick Picture Frame: Help your child create a picture frame using popsicle sticks and glue. They can decorate it with markers, stickers, or paint and add a special photo. This craft is a great way to make a personalized gift that your child can give to a loved one.
Valentine’s Day Activities and Games
Valentine’s Day is a fantastic time to engage in fun activities and games with your kids. Here are some exciting ideas that will make the day memorable:
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Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues and riddles that lead your child to a special Valentine’s Day surprise or gift. This activity is not only fun but also encourages problem-solving and teamwork.
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Heart-themed Bingo: Make a game of bingo with heart-themed images. Create bingo cards and play a fun game with your child. This is a great way to spend quality time together and enjoy some friendly competition.
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Valentine’s Day Charades: Write down Valentine’s Day-themed words or phrases on slips of paper, such as “I love you” or “Be mine,” and have your child act them out for the family to guess. This game is sure to bring lots of laughter and fun to your Valentine’s Day celebration.
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Heart-themed Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course with heart-themed challenges, such as crawling through a tunnel made of hearts or jumping over heart-shaped hurdles. This activity is perfect for burning off some energy and having a blast.
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Valentine’s Day Karaoke: Sing your favorite love songs or Valentine’s Day-themed songs with your child and have a fun karaoke party. This activity is a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
Small Toy and Trinket Valentines
Small toys and trinkets are a fantastic alternative to candy valentines and can be just as fun and exciting for kids. Here are some delightful ideas for small toy and trinket valentines:
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Stuffed Animals: Give your child a small stuffed animal, such as a teddy bear or a heart-shaped pillow, to share with their classmates or friends. These cuddly gifts are sure to be a hit and provide comfort and joy.
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Pencils and Pens: Heart-themed pencils or pens make practical and festive valentines. Your child can give these to their classmates, adding a touch of Valentine’s Day spirit to their school supplies.
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Stickers and Tattoos: Sheets of heart-themed stickers or temporary tattoos are always a favorite among kids. These fun and easy-to-share items make great valentines that children can enjoy long after the holiday.
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Small Toys: Small toys, such as rubber balls or tiny figurines, are perfect for Valentine’s Day goodie bags. These little treasures are sure to bring smiles to your child’s classmates and friends.
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Playdough: A small container of playdough paired with a heart-shaped cookie cutter makes a creative and engaging valentine. Kids will love molding and shaping their own Valentine’s Day creations.
By choosing these non-candy valentine ideas, you can make this Valentine’s Day special and memorable for your child and their classmates. These thoughtful and fun alternatives to candy valentines are sure to be a hit in any classroom.
Making Valentine’s Day Special at Home
For parents wanting to celebrate at home, consider these ideas for non candy valentines ideas to make the day magical:
• Bake Together: Swap out traditional candy with healthier food options like heart-shaped sandwiches or fruit skewers.
• DIY Craft Kits: Let your little ones create their own Valentine's Day gifts for their kid’s classmates with stickers, markers, and glitter.
• Treasure Hunt: Fill a box with small surprises like cute toys, pink accessories, or even a “coupon” for a fun family activity.
Valentine’s Day and Beyond
Non-candy Valentines are not just for this year but can inspire ideas for next year and other holidays. The joy of small toys, practical gifts, and creative activities lasts far longer than the fleeting excitement of a sugary treat.
Why Choose Valentines Gifts For Kids That Aren't Candy
Choosing non-candy Valentines isn’t just about avoiding sweets; it’s about creating moments of joy and creativity that make your child feel special.
Whether it’s sharing love with friends, giving thoughtful gifts, or engaging in fun family activities, this Valentine’s Day can be one for the books.
This year, skip the candy and try something new. From bracelets to Play-Doh, there are endless ways to spread the Valentine spirit. Watch your little ones’ faces light up as they walk into the classroom with thoughtful, filled Valentine’s treats that stand out.
These are also some great ideas to add to kids stockings for Christmas!
How will you celebrate this year? Let us know in the comments and share your favorite ideas for non-candy Valentine treats!
Looking for valentines day gifts? Check out our selection of practical and fun gifts for toddlers and kids here.
Don't forget to download my free valentines cards here:
Check out my other blog posts including Easter Basket Ideas and Travel Toys to bring on vacation