Valentine's Day as a child rocks. Before the teenage angst sets in, before we start worrying about having someone to call our own on February 14th (and what to get them, if we do), Valentine's Day is a pure, fun holiday that's all about sharing sugar and small trinkets with classmates during an epic classroom party. We all remember coloring a shoebox or brown paper bag with red and pink hearts and excitedly opening it up on the way home to see all the ways our friends showed their love that year.
Grabbing store-made cards themed to a favorite cartoon character or movie franchise is always a good option for busy moms and dads. But for those looking for a super special valentine that will stand out from the bunch and have kids reminiscing on the playground long into March, an easy homemade valentine is the way to go.
We've rounded up 20 DIY valentines that are perfect for spreading love and good feelings to the whole class. These DIY valentines are distinctive and cool, but also won't leave parents and kids sobbing over the kitchen table long after bedtime on February 13 (we've all been there!).
From sweet treats featuring Smarties, Starbursts, and store-bought cookies to non-food options like glowsticks, lip balms, and rulers, there's sure to be a Valentine's Day item in this bunch that even the most selective kids will be excited to bring to school. Click through to see them all, and get ready to spread the love!
You Make My Heart Glow Valentine
The Teacher Wife offers a free printable for these easy glow stick valentines that are sure to be a huge hit.
I Wheelie Like You
First Grade with a Cherry on Top came up with this fun toy car valentine that makes a food-free option. Print the template here.
Ring Pop Valentines
For kids who are known for their love of bling, check out this ring pop valentine free printable from The Gracious Wife.
Easy Heart Lollipop Valentines
For master mini crafters, cutting and labeling these simple lollipop valentines from It Happens in a Blink makes a fun after-school project. Use this handy Cricut template to make the job go faster.
Butterfly Pencils
These quick and easy butterfly pencil holders from Buggy and Buddy make a fun weekend project. Try patterned cardstock if there's no time for glitter paint.
Smarty Pants Valentine
Kids will love helping put together these fun Smarty Pants Valentines from Alexis Creates. Use her free template for a perfect pair of slacks everytime.
Candy Airplanes
Engineering-obsessed kiddos will get a kick out of these fun candy airplanes with the help of this tutorial from The Krazy Coupon Lady.
Water Bottle Flipping Valentine
For tweens obsessed with that flipping water bottle craze, these printable valentines tags from Books and Giggles paired with a silly straw are sure to be a huge hit with the class.
DIY Valentine's Day Necklace Kits
Simple class supplies are all it takes to put together these cool Valentine's Day necklace kits from Non-Toy Gifts.
You Blow Me Away Bubble Valentines
Another great non-food option, any small bubbles will work for this valentine. Just add the free printable tag from Smashed Peas and Carrots and let them sign their name.
You're the Balm Valentine
This lip balm free printable from Busy Being Jennifer helps make a valentine that's both fun and useful during the dry winter months.
Space-Themed Valentine
A free printable from Mom Spark helps these space-themed valentines come together in no time. Use a lip balm for older kids, or try a bouncy ball for the little ones.
Slime Valentine
Say "Slime yours" to all the kids in the class with some small containers of slime (try the dollar store!) and this free printable from Smashed Peas and Carrots.
Starburst Valentines
Everyone's favorite chewy candy becomes the perfect valentine with the help of this free printable from Yellow Bliss Road.
Melted Heart Crayons Valentine
Before going all Marie Kondo on the kids' craft supplies, use old, broken crayons to make these useful heart-shaped crayon valentines from The Nerd's Wife.
You're a Cutie Valentine
With the help of these Cutie tags from It's Always Autumn, parents can feel good about sending kids a sweet but healthy Valentine's Day snack.
You Rule Valentines
Sweet Paper Trail shows how construction paper and heart stickers can be transformed into this useful Valentine's Day gift for the class.
Popcorn Valentines
Savory microwave bags of popcorn make an unusual Valentine's Day treat with help of these labels form Crazy Little Projects.
Bear Hugs Valentine
Short on time this February? Snag this free printable from Living with Lady and some bear-shaped cookies or gummy bears to make this easy valentine that looks like it took all night.
Goldfish Valentines
Preschoolers will flip for these valentines from Simple 2 Something that feature their all-time favorite snack.
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Add this graphic to your Pinterest boards for saving ideas of DIY Valentine's Day Card for the class
