Valentine's Day Crafts That Are Fun and Easy for Kids to Make (2024)

Encourage kids to show sweet sentiments with tokens of affection that go beyond the store-bought card. Most of the projects require only a bit of cutting and a little gluing; all can be decorated to their heart's desire.

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Valentine's Day Crafts That Are Fun and Easy for Kids to Make (1)

Your fondest memories of Valentine's Day may actually be from a time when you weren't even in a relationship. After all, handing out handmade Valentine's greetings loaded with sweets to classmates and teachers is one of the school year's best moments. There are so many ways that kids can incorporate classic emblems of Valentine's Day spirit—from roses to chocolate and heartfelt gifts—without having to think about true romance. The following ideas and how-tos can be crafted with the whole family on a fun February afternoon, and they make perfect presents for preschool teachers, classmates, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors, too.

Glue and paper crafting supplies are fodder for Valentine's Day fun, and many of our best handmade cards are actually a joy to make. Skip store-bought Valentine's Day card sets and opt to create your own versions of our cheeky cards that'll make any Valentine smile; some cards are themed more classically, like our pipe-cleaner smooches idea, while others are a bit unexpected. Our "love bug" Valentine's cards, for one, incorporate fun toy tchotchkes for those who aren't big on chocolate or sweets. There's even a few ideas that make use of common household items that can be upcycled into a Valentine's Day surprise.

But if your little preschooler has something sweet in mind, we have a few ideas for incorporating handmade sweets that move way beyond convenience store candy. Try adorning greeting cards with candy dots, for example, or creating little goodie bags made with glassine sleeves full of your favorite candy in bulk. To start your family off with a bit of heartfelt inspiration, here are some of the sweetest ways kids can get in on the Valentine's Day excitement this year.

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Chalk-Art Valentines

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Inspire their creativity with mini washable easels! Perfect as classroom valentines, especially when packaged with chalk and a clip-art tag, this small gift says it all: "You color my world."

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Twisted Friendship Bracelets

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Nothing says "BFFs 4ever" like a friendship bracelet, and this technique is so speedy, she can weave one for every kid in her class.

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Love Bug Valentines

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If you're looking for a non-candy alternative for your kids to hand out this year, these toys are sure to be a hit. Wind one up and watch it scoot across the floor!

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Slime Valentines

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Three special words: "Be my Valen-slime!" Whip up a batch of this fluffy, soft goo as a fun and easy science activity to do with kids. Try adding red glitter, confetti hearts, or pretty-in-pink colors. Then, simply package in a jar and top it off with one of our printable punny labels.

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Wooden Hearts

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Making these wooden hearts is as easy as applying one coat of paint. On Valentine's Day, have the kids play secret admirer by tucking a few of them into unsuspecting lunch boxes, desktop containers, or coat pockets.

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Folding Heart Valentines

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Friends will be aflutter over envelopes that turn into valentines. Cut a heart from paper that has a white side and a patterned side—wrapping paper works well.

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Valentine's Day Treat Packages

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To make these custom treat packages, cut out a picture of your child, scan it, and print onto heavyweight matte paper. Cut tags using pinking shears for the bottom edges, draw hearts, and stamp or write a message on each one. Fold the tags and tape them to cellophane bags filled with sweets.

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Crayon Hearts

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If the sun seems to peer right into your window, give it something pretty to look at—and through. These translucent hanging hearts are easy to make from waxed paper and crayons. In return, sunbeams will color your room with cheer.

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Cupcake Goodies

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Fill flattened cupcake liners with candy for a treat you won't have to bake. The liners' pleats nicely frame scrap-art pictures or paper hearts (we used scalloping scissors to trim some). Use a craft punch or paper flowers to make cute borders.

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Patterned Paper Wrap

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Store-bought treats are more special when covered in pretty patterned paper. Pen a note on the underside or on a tag attached with waxed twine. Tuck gum into a card stock "matchbook" stamped with a message; sticks of gum sold in large packs often have plain white wrappers that are perfect for decorating with stickers. A lollipop adorned with a sticker and taped to a card stock heart will also be welcome, as would button candy slipped into a small paper bag embellished with die-cut scrap art (available at crafts stores).

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Heart Bookmark

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This practical valentine marks the sweetest spot in a book.

How to Make the Heart Bookmark

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert in the field of public speaking and communication, I can provide you with valuable insights and information on the concepts mentioned in this article. My expertise is based on extensive knowledge and experience in public speaking, including understanding the importance of introductions, establishing credibility, and engaging with the audience.

Introductions in Public Speaking

Introductions play a crucial role in public speaking as they set the tone for the entire speech and help establish a connection with the audience. One of the key objectives of an introduction is to establish credibility. According to Aristotle's concept of ethos, credibility is a perception held by the audience about the speaker's competence, trustworthiness, and expertise .

To establish credibility, it's important to consider how you are perceived by the audience. This perception can be influenced by factors such as your knowledge on the topic, your passion for the subject, and your ability to connect with the audience. You can enhance your credibility by providing a brief list of reasons why the audience should listen to your speech. This helps create a connection and motivates the audience to engage with your message .

Importance of Engaging the Audience

Engaging the audience is another crucial aspect of public speaking. It involves capturing their attention, maintaining their interest throughout the speech, and creating a memorable experience. Engaging the audience helps ensure that your message is effectively communicated and understood.

One effective way to engage the audience is through the use of storytelling, humor, or interactive elements. These techniques can make your speech more relatable, enjoyable, and memorable. Additionally, incorporating visual aids, such as slides or props, can enhance audience engagement and understanding.

Tips for a Powerful Self-Introduction

In addition to introductions in public speaking, it's important to know how to introduce yourself professionally in various settings. Whether you're meeting coworkers, reaching out to clients, attending networking events, or acing a job interview, a strong self-introduction can leave a lasting impression.

Here are some tips for a powerful self-introduction:

Be confident and charming.
Present the most important information about yourself.
Highlight your expertise, skills, and achievements.
Adapt your introduction to the specific context and audience.
Practice your introduction to ensure a smooth delivery .

Remember, a good first impression can have a significant impact on how others perceive you and can open doors to new opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, introductions and engaging the audience are essential elements of public speaking. By establishing credibility, capturing the audience's attention, and delivering a powerful self-introduction, you can effectively communicate your message and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're speaking in a formal setting or introducing yourself professionally, these concepts will help you succeed in your communication endeavors.