That’ll Keep Them Smiling (and You Sane!)
Valentine’s Day is sneaking up fast! Are you staring at your little ones wondering how to keep them busy without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone? Don’t worry, friend—I’ve got you covered with 10 creative, fun, and (mostly) mess-free Valentine’s crafts for kids that you’ll actually enjoy doing with them. Whether you’re looking for keepsakes, gifts, or just a way to fill a Saturday afternoon, these ideas are perfect for every age and skill level. Bonus? I’ve included links to a few ready-made kits to make life even easier. Let’s dive in!
Crafts for Every Age
1. Heart-Shaped Sun Catchers
Supplies: Tissue paper (assorted colors), contact paper, scissors, string.
Instructions:
- Cut a large heart shape out of contact paper.
- Tear or cut the tissue paper into small pieces.
- Let your child place the tissue paper on the sticky side of the contact paper to create a colorful mosaic.
- Add another layer of contact paper to seal it in. Punch a hole at the top, thread a string through, and hang it in a sunny window.
2. Paper Plate Love Bugs
Supplies: Paper plates, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, paint, glue.
Instructions:
- Paint the paper plate in bright colors and let it dry.
- Glue on googly eyes and pipe cleaners for antennae.
- Add construction paper hearts as wings for the cutest little love bug.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Cupid Arrows
Supplies: Empty toilet paper rolls, construction paper, glue, string.
Instructions:
- Cover the roll with red or pink construction paper.
- Cut arrow shapes from paper for the tip and tail, then glue them to a piece of string.
- Thread the string through the roll and watch your little Cupid’s imagination take flight!
Crafts that Could Be Gifts
4. Handprint Keepsake Cards
Supplies: Cardstock, washable paint, markers.
Instructions:
- Paint your child’s hand and press it onto the cardstock to make a print.
- Use markers to write a sweet Valentine’s message like, “You’ve got my heart!” or “I love you to pieces.”
5. DIY Friendship Bracelets
Supplies: Embroidery thread, beads.
Instructions:
- Show your child how to braid or knot the thread into bracelets.
- Add beads for extra flair.
- Pro Tip: Grab an affordable bracelet-making kit like this one on Amazon for a stress-free setup (literally only ~$9).
Crafts for the Extra-Mile Mama
6. Homemade Love Coupons
Supplies: Index cards, hole punch, ribbon, markers.
Instructions:
- Have your child create “coupons” for acts of kindness, like “Free Hug” or “Help with Chores.”
- Punch a hole in the corner of each card and tie them together with a ribbon to create a sweet little book of love.
7. Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs
Supplies: Baking soda, citric acid, essential oils, heart-shaped molds.
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils together.
- Press the mixture into heart-shaped molds and let them dry overnight.
- Pro Tip: Save time with this bath bomb kit that includes everything you need (only ~$17).
8. Valentine’s Slime
Supplies: Clear glue, glitter, heart confetti, activator.
Instructions:
- Mix glue with a slime activator and stir until it reaches the right consistency.
- Add glitter and heart confetti for a festive Valentine’s touch.
9. Paint-Your-Own Valentine Canvas
Supplies: Small canvases, acrylic paint, brushes.
Instructions:
- Draw a heart outline or message on the canvas with a pencil.
- Let your child paint the design using vibrant Valentine’s colors.
- Pro Tip: Try a paint-your-own kit for a ready-made option! This one has pre-drawn designs on canvas, paint, and paint brushes for ~$12!
10. DIY Candy Bouquets
Supplies: Skewers, candy bars, foam block, ribbon.
Instructions:
- Use skewers to secure candy bars, attaching them with tape or glue dots.
- Stick the skewers into a foam block and wrap the block in colorful tissue paper.
- Add ribbon for a polished touch.
See, mama? Valentine’s Day crafts for kids don’t have to be stressful! It’s all about making memories and letting your kids’ creativity shine. Whether you’re into quick and easy or ready to dive into a full-on project, these ideas have you covered. Ready to get crafting? Grab your supplies, try out these ideas, and tag me in your creations—I’d love to see them!
Looking for other do-at-home ideas? Check out this blog post for 10 at-home activities for kids!
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