Valentine’s Day is a holiday that children can look forward to as they exchange cute cards, chocolates, and other small gifts with their classmates, friends, and family members. However, finding the right present can be challenging, especially if you want to avoid the usual store-bought items or have a tight budget. Here are some creative DIY gift ideas that your kids will love to make and receive:
Handmade Heart Necklace
Kids will enjoy creating this simple yet charming necklace using craft wire, colorful beads or buttons in different sizes and shapes.
Materials:
– Craft wire (18 gauge)
– Beads/buttons of various colors
– Wire cutters
– Pliers
Instructions:
1. Cut the craft wire into 12 inches long.
2. Bend one end of the wire into a loop.
3. Slide on enough beads until it measures about 9 inches.
4. Create another loop at the opposite end.
5. Twist both loops together to form a heart shape.
6. Adjust the shape by gently bending it with pliers.
Love Bug Magnets
This fun project is perfect for young kids who love bugs! They can paint pre-made wood shapes in any color combinations they like and turn them into whimsical magnets.
Materials:
– Pre-cut wooden bug shapes (available online or at craft stores)
– Paints & brushes
– Self-adhesive magnet strips
– Hot glue gun (adult supervision required)
Instructions:
1. Choose which bug shape(s) you’d like to use.
2. Paint your chosen bug(s) in any design you fancy – stripes dots etc…
3.Once dry attach self adhesive magnet strips onto back of painted bug shapes
4.Use hot glue gun on top of magnetic strips for extra hold
Customized Photo Frame
This easy-to-do photo frame makeover allows kids to personalize an ordinary wooden frame with their unique designs using acrylic paints or markers.
Materials:
– Wooden photo frame
– Acrylic paints /markers
– Paint brushes
Instructions:
1. Remove the glass and paper insert from the frame.
2. Use paintbrushes to decorate outside of frame with your own design in various colors
3. Allow paint/markers to dry fully before inserting picture
Hand-painted Mason Jars
Kids will get a kick out of turning ordinary mason jars into lovely vases or candle holders that make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for family members or friends.
Materials:
– Mason jars
– Acrylic paints & brushes
– Paint pens (optional)
Instructions:
1.Wash and completely dry empty mason jar(s)
2.Paint each jar color of choice (or mix and match!).
3.Allow jars to completely dry
4.Use paint pens for additional decoration like hearts, messages, or designs if you wish!
Personalized Keychains
Keychains are practical and useful items that can be decorated with different shapes, patterns, initials, names based on child’s preferences!.
Materials:
-Wooden discs (available at craft stores)
-Acrylic Paints & Brushes
-Keyrings
Instructions:
1.Paint wood slices any way you’d like – adding polka dots; stripes; stars etc…
2.Once dried attach keyring onto wooden slice by attaching a loop on top using string/twine/ribbon
Heart-Shaped Soap Bars
Making soap bars can be both fun and practical as kids learn how to melt ingredients together and shape them into heart-forms!
Materials:
-Glycerin melt-and-pour soap base (available at craft stores)
-Oil-based liquid coloring in red/pink shades
-Small silicone heart molds(usually found in baking supplies sections)
Instructions:
1.Chop up glycerine base into small pieces.
2.Melt it down according to instruction on packet
3.Add a few drops of coloring (more or less depending on desired shade)
4.Pour melted soap mixture into silicone mold.
5.Let the soap cool and harden for an hour or two, then pop out your heart-shaped bars.
Heart-Shaped Pizza
Kids will love helping you prepare this lovely pizza using heart-shaped cookie cutters. A perfect treat for Valentine’s dinner party!
Ingredients:
-Pizza crust dough
-Tomato sauce
-Your choice of toppings (such as mozzarella cheese, olives, peppers, mushrooms etc.)
-Olive oil
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C.
2.Roll out the pizza dough and use cookie cutter to create heart shape(s).
3.Place each shaped pizza onto baking sheet.
4.Add toppings starting with tomato sauce in the middle and spreading it around edges then add other ingredients
5.A quick drizzle of olive oil over top before popping in oven is always nice!
6.Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly – usually about 12-15 mins
Cupid’s Arrow Pencils
Transform regular pencils into darling arrows that kids can use at school. Quick & easy!
Materials:
-Regular number 2 pencil / wooden dowel
-Craft feathers (red/orange/pink colors are great!)
-Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Instructions:
1.Start by trimming down one end of feather so it’s more manageable size
2.Apply a dab hot glue close to top; attach one small piece at first while holding end firmly against pencil until secure apply another layer over top covering any gaps,
3.Once dry trim excess if needed
Tissue Paper Flowers
A simple idea that makes quite an impact! Keep things colorful with a range of shades from same color family.
Materials:
-Tissue paper sheets(wide variety optional)
-Green chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
-Fine wire cutter
Instructions:
1.Unfold tissue paper sheets and lay flat, stack several pieces together.
2.Along side of the paper stack start folding accordion style; fan fold 3-4 inches in width
3.Secure all layers together in the center by wrapping a green chenille stem around it tightly
4.Use scissors to trim both ends of folded bundle
5.Carefully separate each layer one at a time starting from top up gently pulling them away from center until reach last layer – you will have your final flower shape!
6.Adjust petals & arrange into desired position.
Heart-shaped Personalized Bookmarks
These delightful bookmarks are lovely gifts for young bookworms who appreciate unique handmade items.
Materials:
-Thin craft foam sheet(or card stock works too!)
-Glue or glue stick
-Sticker letters/ stickers with glittery hearts(optional)
Instructions:
- Cut square shapes out of thin craft foam sheet or cardstock.
2.Fold it in half vertically(lengthwise).
3.Draw diagonal line going through the center point created when folded (reverse on each side)
4.Cut along lines made; now have two heart bookmarks!
5.Decorate both sides with your favourite colors with additional decorations such as stickers, lettering etc…
DIY Felt Heart Hair Clips
A perfect Valentine’s day accessory!
Materials:
-Colored felt sheets(assorted pink/red shades)
-Hair clips
-Patterned paper
Instructions:
1.Draw hearts onto patterned paper then cut out these templates.
2.Trace template shapes onto colored felt of choice. Cut out two identical shapes per clip needed.
3.Apply hot glue to bottom half hairclip using a small amount only on inside portion(not outside). Press hairclip down onto backside one fabric heart piece holding securely until glue dries then repeat process for other fabric piece.
4.Next attach both fabric heart layers together with hot glue around the edges enough to cover underneath layer.
5.Now you’ve made some lovely hair clips for your child or as a gift for friends and family!
Love Notes Jar
Children can get creative by writing inspirational messages, love notes, or funny quotes on small pieces of paper that are stored in a decorated jar.
Materials:
-An empty glass jar
-Colorful craft papers
-Ribbon /twine
Instructions:
1.Write down various phrases/notes of love on sheets of colorful paper e.g “You’re my best friend”, “I think your amazing” etc..
2.Cut each piece out into a strip shape put them inside empty jar.
3.Decorate outside of glass with ribbon/twine
Heart Print T-Shirt
Kids will enjoy creating this cool DIY shirt that makes an adorable Valentine’s Day outfit.
Materials:
-Plain white cotton t-shirt
-Fabric paint in pink and red colors
-Paper plate
-Sponge brush
Instructions:
1.Squeeze dollops of each paint color onto separate wells/cups on paper plate .
2.Press your child’s hand onto paint (one color at time); reapply as needed until covered evenly( if desired).
3.Place painted handprint(s) right side up over front chest area t-shirt; press firmly all around.
4.Repeat process again using opposite colored paint – this way it appears like interlocking hearts once finished!
5.Allow to dry completely before washing.
FAQs
Q1: What are some easy DIY Valentine’s Day gifts for kids?
A1: Some easy DIY Valentine’s Day gifts for kids include homemade heart-shaped chocolates, hand-drawn cards, painted picture frames with photos of loved ones inside, and personalized friendship bracelets.
Q2: Can I involve my child in making the DIY Valentine’s Day gift?
A2: Yes, involving your child in making the DIY Valentine’s Day gift is a great way to spend quality time together. Let them help with cutting out hearts or choosing colors for painting. This will also allow them to feel proud and accomplished when giving their handmade gift.
Q3: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of while making these gifts with my child?
A3: When making any DIY project with children it is important to supervise closely and ensure they are using safe tools such as kid-safe scissors or washable markers. Also keep small pieces away from young children who may put things in their mouth. Always use non-toxic materials when possible.
