Creative (And Easy!) Valentine’s Day Crafts To Share With Your Kids
For many parents, the idea of crafting with their kids causes more angst than excitement. I refer to it as the “Pinterest Phenomenon”— pressure from Pinterest-inspired crafts requiring an art degree and a craft cabinet of expensive supplies along with the dread of overwhelming messes. But fret no more and say goodbye to the artsy angst. Just gather your kids around the family table and share in a fun afternoon of crafting that your kids (and you) will love. These craft ideas are fun, easy, inexpensive, and create minimal mess. So jump into the Valentine’s Day spirit and bond with your kiddos over a few crafts anyone can pull off!
Paint Chip Bookmarks
Paint chip bookmarks are the perfect craft for kids who are into books or can make and give to friends. And the best part is they are super simple and inexpensive to make. That’s a win-win in my book! Stop by your favorite paint store and grab a few paint chips (I love the reds and pinks for Valentine’s Day), punch a hole in the top and string with ribbon. Add a few hearts if you have a small heart punch (available at Target for $2). Personalize the bookmark by adding a special message on the back.
Melted Crayon Hearts
This cool craft may look new to you, but I bet you pulled off one of these projects as a kid. The best part about the melted crayon craft is the simplicity of the materials. Collect some waxed paper, crayons, a handheld pencil sharpener, an iron, scissors and craft string (I like multi-colored baker’s twine best). Simply take a sheet of wax paper and fold it in half. Inside the wax paper spread crayon shavings. On a low heat setting, run the iron over the folded wax paper until the shavings melt. When cooled, trace different sized heart shapes and cut out. Thread with string and hang. They look like stained glass when the sun hits them!
Painted Newspaper Hearts
Painted newspaper hearts are one of the coolest, simplest crafts—ever! Cover your table with newspaper (words are better than photos). Get out the washable watercolor paints and brushes. Then set your kids to work painting away on the newspaper. Hang the newspaper to dry. When dried, use a heart template and cut out lots of hearts. Glue onto postcards, construction paper or cardstock to make into Valentine’s Day cards for classmates or friends. This craft is especially great for younger children.
Salt Dough Heart Necklaces
You don’t have to be a master baker to make these cute little salt dough heart necklaces. Simply mix together flour, salt and water and you’ve got your salt dough recipe ready to roll out and cut. You can use a small heart cookie cutter or a butter knife to create the heart shape. Don’t forget to make a hole in the heart with a pencil for threading the ribbon before you bake. Once baked, they are ready to paint. These sweet little necklaces make great gifts for friends, grandparents, teachers or for yourself and kids! The best part about this craft is it lasts all year long, for years to come.
Valentine’s Day Heart Tree
The Valentine’s Day Heart Tree only requires construction paper, glue and scissors and you’ve got the perfect Valentine’s Day card for a grandparent or teacher. Simply trace your child’s hand and cut/punch out a bunch of hearts and glue to a piece of colored construction paper or cardstock. Write a sweet message, add a photo and make someone’s day!
Crafting with your kids can be a fun way to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. No matter the craft, your kids are guaranteed to love you for the time and energy you put into a crafting day together. And always remember, sometimes the simplest, most inexpensive ideas are the best. Enjoy!
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.