7 easy Valentine’s Day DIY crafts for kids

Encourage your kids to show off their artistic side this month by planning some creative Valentine’s Day DIY projects. From homemade cookies to personalized cards to fun party decor, these family-friendly Valentine’s crafts will help you spread the love on February 14.

[Photo Credit: Yulia]

Building your own Instagram-worthy photo booth is an imaginative Valentine’s Day activity for younger children and social-media-obsessed tweens alike. Set the stage for a family photoshoot (or a solo selfie session) by designing an interactive Valentine’s Day backdrop using red, pink, and white balloons, decorative streamers and tassels, paper heart garlands, and fake flowers. You can even include hand-crafted photo booth props like pouting red lips and “Kiss Me” signs made with craft paper and Popsicle sticks.

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some edible treats to share with your sweetheart. Made-from-scratch Valentine’s cookies are a simple and delicious way to share your affection with family, friends, and neighbours. For something simple, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make a batch of classic sugar cookies decorated with colourful icing or red and pink sprinkles. If you want to level up your baking skills, try a more complex Valentine’s cookie recipe like jam-filled Linzer cookies, red velvet cookies, or rich double-chocolate cookies topped with Hershey’s Kisses.

Want to craft a thoughtful gift for a special someone who needs a little rest and relaxation? Aromatic bath bombs are surprisingly easy to recreate at home and can be made with aromatic oils and a few pantry staples. Most bath bomb recipes feature a mix of baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, cornstarch, water, and food colouring. Recreate a spa-like experience by adding a couple of teaspoons of essential oils that will release fragrant scents like eucalyptus or lavender as the bomb dissolves in water.

There’s just something special about receiving a homemade Valentine. Skip the mass-produced Hallmark greeting cards this year and make your own DIY Valentine’s Day cards featuring heartfelt messages for extended family, friends, and classmates. Whether you want to be sentimental, spicy, or silly – plain card paper can be transformed into a beautiful custom Valentine with illustrations, glitter, buttons, stickers, feathers, and other artsy touches.

Replace your worn-out holiday wreath with some romantic home decor this February. Designing your own over-the-door wreath is a great way to express your creativity and show off your Valentine’s Day spirit. Start with a circular or heart-shaped wire frame as a base, then style your wreath with multi-coloured art supplies and accessories. Use yarn to create fuzzy pompoms, make a statement with paper and fabric ribbons, or recreate a natural look using faux-greenery and red, pink, and white roses.

Personalized picture frames are a cute way to showcase family photos, and they make a great gift idea for grandparents. Try making your own handcrafted DIY Valentine’s Day photo frames using unfinished wooden frames, which can be ordered online or purchased at your neighbourhood craft shop. Preschoolers can decorate their frames with craft paint, glitter, Washi tape, or stickers while older kids can use a glue gun to embellish their projects with sparkling jewels, Scrabble tiles, or colourful Valentine’s candies like Conversation Hearts, red licorice, and SweeTARTS.

If you’re planning an at-home Valentine’s Day party this February, a sweet-filled Valentine’s Day piñata will be a big hit (pun intended) with kids of all ages. To build the shell of your handcrafted piñata, cut out pieces of cardboard using an online template and decorate the outside with colourful art supplies. Fill the vessel with chocolates, candies, and confetti before sealing the cardboard on all sides and hanging it up with string. On February 14, take turns whacking your custom piñata and watch as the colourful treats spill out from inside.