26 Toddler Valentine's Daycare & Preschool Craft Ideas
Toddler Valentine's Daycare & Preschool Craft Ideas
Looking for fun and easy Valentine's Day craft ideas for toddlers in daycare or preschool? Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with the kids. It's full of love, cute cards, DIY gifts and cute party favors. Check out these adorable and creative crafts (many of which I found on Pinterest!) that will help develop their fine motor skills while having a blast!
I'm a firm believer in keeping kids busy and having fun, which is why I've rounded up 20 toddler Valentine's Day activities. They are sure to keep your little one busy. Plus, there are cute ideas to save their little finger and footprints.I love crafts with Emmie's hands and feet because it preserves her little size forever.
Want to outsource it? Check out Learning with Kelsey’s boxes — her sensory boxes in particular are adorable! This post may contain affiliate links.
How can I create a Valentine's Day celebration for toddlers in a daycare?
Valentine's Day is such a fun holiday, and it's the perfect opportunity to create a special celebration for toddlers in a daycare setting. With a little planning and some fun ideas, you can make Valentine's Day memorable for the little ones. Here are some easy ways to create a Valentine's Day celebration for toddlers in a daycare:
Valentine's Day Crafts:
Set up a craft station with simple and age-appropriate valentine crafts. Tissue paper heart suncatchers, construction paper valentines cards, and handprint crafts are all great ideas. You can find lots of adorable Valentine's Day craft ideas online, like on Red Ted Art or Good Housekeeping. Make sure to provide child-safe scissors and different colors of paper and materials for the little ones to get creative with.
Sensory Play:
Create a sensory bin filled with red and pink objects like heart-shaped pasta, little note hearts, and different shades of pink and red sensory materials. This will not only provide a fun sensory experience for the toddlers but also a great opportunity for them to practice their fine motor skills.
Valentine's Day Games:
Plan some fun interactive games that toddlers can enjoy. For example, you can have a heart-shaped object hunt, where the children search for heart-shaped objects hidden around the room. Another idea is to play a variation of “Duck, Duck, Goose” called “Cupid, Cupid, Heart” where the children pass around a heart-shaped object instead.
What crafts can I make with toddlers for Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by making adorable crafts with your little ones? Crafting with toddlers not only helps develop their fine motor skills, it also creates lasting memories and keepsakes. Whether you're a parent or a preschool teacher, here are some fun and easy ideas for Valentine's Day crafts that are perfect for little hands.
What are some fun & age-appropriate Valentine's Day ideas for toddlers in daycare?
I scoured Pinterest for adorable Valentine's Day crafts that are a great way to diy toddler gifts. Some of the ideas are an easy way for older children to get involved, too! Whether it's a Valentine's Day Party or just a fun way to say Happy Valentine's Day, I love these clever ideas for kids of all ages.
1. Valentine's Day Collage
Emmie absolutely loves gluing right now. Collages are a great way to let kids' imaginations run wild. My Bored Toddler posted an activity here that would be super fun to follow.You can easily create it with computer paper and red & white items you have around the house.
2. Love Bug Name Craft
I love educational crafts that are also fun to do. Learning the alphabet and how to spell your name are two key activities, which is why I love this love bug craft from ABCs to ACTs.
3. Love You Berry Much
How cute and easy is this I love you berry much print. All you need is red paint, black paint and either green paper or green paint. This is a great print for mom and dad or the grandparents.
4. Pipecleaner Heart Painting
How cute is this?! I'd actually love to frame it and turn it into a print for Emmie's playroom. It's so easy to create this craft with pipe cleaners and paint. You can find the instructions here.
5. Stuck on You Cactus Print
We have family that lives in Arizona and this would be the perfect craft for them! The stuck on you print is adorable. With green paint, you can easily make it with supplies that are already in the house. Find the details for it here.
6. Toddler Art Activities for Valentine's Day
This Sweet Happy Life rounded up a handful of Valetine's Day toddler activities that you can easily create with supplies from the dollar store. Genius, right?! I often find myself at Target's dollar section looking for fun things to do. Find her four crafts here.
7. Toddler Valentine's Day Love Bug
Another love bug print for the win! There are 17 other crafts linked on this page as well, but I think the love bug is the cutest by far. I keep googly eyes on my toddler supply list because they always come in handy and they last forever!
8. Giant Alphabet Heart Matching Game
We are all about the alphabet lately learning our letters. I love this activity because it feels holiday, but it's a simple, educational toddler activity. To create your own alphabet match game, click here.
9. ABC Hearts Match & Cover
If creating a big alphabet match game with individual cut-outs feels like too much work, skip and use this printable for your fridge with letter magnets.
10. Heart Shaped Dog Valentine's Day Craft
OK, how cute is this dog heart?!?! This was one of the first crafts I found and instantly fell in love. It's so easy to make with construction paper, poms, and googly eyes. You can find the details for it here from Crafty Morning. Last year, we made this red heart craft and it is still one of my favorite crafts to hang up on the wall! It's the perfect addition to our play room wall.
Related: How to Throw a Galentine's Day Brunch Party
11. Heart Color Walk
Remember the game red light, green light? I feel like this is the Valentine's Day version of it. It's easy to make and a great way to get kids moving inside the house. Click here for the instructions.
12. Valentine's Day Play-Doh
We are all about sensory these days. Fun little trinkets that can be sorted, stenciled, and reused again are a hit at our house. You can easily get a sorting tray from Amazon and then either make your own play-doh or buy red play-doh here.
13. Easy Heart Windsock Valentine's Day Toddler Activity
I think these windsocks would be fun for a toddler to make, but I can honestly see any kid making it under 10. Older kids would find it so fun to write their own heart messages and create something that can hang in their room.
14. Coffee Filter Water Color Heart Garland
This is a two-part toddler Valentine's Day activity, which I love. I find that Emmie can focus for small chunks of time, which is why two-part crafts are often times great for us.Toddlers can easily make this or bigger kids can do it on their own. Draw hearts and spray to let the colors bleed together. Then, cut them out and string them together for some fun garland. All of the instructions are here.
15. Montessori Valentine's Day Trays
I often gravitate towards Montessori learning and love these trays. You can buy your own trays here, and I also highly recommend this sensory set with tongs and other tools. The Stay At Home Educator has great ideas for counting activities that tap into gross motor as well. Find all of the details here.
16. Balloon Craft Artwork for DIY Valentine's Day Cards for Toddlers
This might be the cutest thing I've found. If I had the time (and energy!) to make all of Emmie's Valentine's Day cards, I would do this project. It's just adorable, and I love the little photo! I also think this makes a great gift for a parent or a grandparent.
17. Valentine's Day Toddler Activity Sensory Painting
Do you ever find toddler activities that you actually want to do yourself? For me, it's this sensory painting activity. It looks mesmerizing. Emmie really loves painting and touching the texture of things, so it's a must-have in our book!
18. Valentines Day Sensory Tub for Toddlers
Sensory tubs are all the rage at our house, and the more we can vary them the better. This Valentine's Day tub is super easy to create. The tubs from Walmart are my go-to for organizing or creating sensory bins I want to store. Find all of the details here.
19. Kids Valentine's Day Craft Unicorn Paper Plate
Are you still in love with unicorns? I am. These fun creatures are always the best for crafts. Here you can find all of the details for the unicorn paper plate craft.It's great for a toddler if you precut all materials or an older kid who can do it themselves!
20. Valentine's Day Toddler Sensory Bin Activity
Colored noodles? Yes, please! This toddler sensory bin activity is a fun one for kids with the noodles being red. Find all of the details here to make your own.
21. Heart Suncatchers
Photo via Toddler Approved
Create beautiful heart-shaped suncatchers using tissue paper and construction paper. Cut out a big heart shape from construction paper and let your toddler glue small pieces of tissue paper onto it. Hang them on the windows and let the sunlight shine through, creating a colorful display. Toddler Approved has a great step by step guide here.
22. Handprint Craft
Get messy and sentimental with a handprint craft. Dip your toddler's hand in washable paint and press it onto a piece of paper or cardstock. Let them decorate their handprint with glitter, stickers, or markers. Add a cute saying like “I love you a ton” or “You're hands down the best” for an extra special touch.
23. Bubble Wrap Painting & Printing
Photo by Messy Little Monster
Turn ordinary bubble wrap into a fun and textured Valentine's Day card or picture frame. Messy Little Monster has a great step by step guide here. Cut out a heart shape from a piece of cardboard and tape a small piece of bubble wrap onto it. Dip it in paint and let your toddler stamp it onto construction paper. The textured bubbles create a unique and fun design.
24. Love Poster
Photo by Busy Blooming Joy
Help your toddler create a love poster by cutting out big block lettersthat spell out “LOVE” from construction paper. Let them decorate each letter with different materials like glitter, pom-poms, or sequins. Hang up the poster in their room or give it as a gift to a loved one.
There are also so many great printables that you can buy on Etsy or this download from Busy Blooming Joy.
25. Cookie Cutter Stamps
Photo by Messy Little Monster
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters as stamps to create valentine-themed artwork. Dip the cookie cutter in paint and let your toddler stamp it onto paper or cardstock. They can experiment with different colors and create their own unique designs.
I love the design above from Messy Little Monster for a mini Valentines Day bag.
26. Monster Valentines
Photo credit: The Mama Notes
Get creative with valentine cards by making cute and silly monster-themed cards. Cut out heart shapes from construction paper and let your toddler decorate them with googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and markers. Write fun sayings like “You're monstrously awesome” or “I'm wild about you” to make them extra special.What are some good Valentine's Day gift ideas for toddlers?If you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your toddler, there are plenty of options that are both fun and educational.
Here are some great Valentine's Day gift ideas for toddlers:
1. Stuffed Animals
Toddlers love cuddly toys, and a cute stuffed animal is a classic gift idea. Look for one in the shape of a heart or a love-themed character.
2. Board Books
Reading with your toddler is a great way to bond, and there are many Valentine's Day-themed board books available. Look for ones with simple rhymes and colorful illustrations.
3. Puzzles
Puzzles are not only fun but also help develop problem-solving skills. Look for puzzles with heart shapes or love-themed designs.
4. Musical Toys
Toddlers love making noise, so why not give them a musical toy? Look for instruments like drums, xylophones, or shakers that are safe for little hands.
5. Playdough Sets
Playdough is always a hit with toddlers, and there are Valentine's Day-themed sets available. Look for ones with heart-shaped cutters and different shades of pink and red.
6. Building Blocks
Building blocks are a classic toy that helps develop fine motor skills and creativity. Look for blocks in different shapes and colors.
7. Art Supplies
Toddlers love to get creative, so why not give them some art supplies? Look for washable markers, crayons, and finger paints that are safe for little ones.
8. Dress-Up Clothes
Toddlers love to pretend, so dress-up clothes are a great gift idea.
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What books about Valentine's Day can I read to toddlers in daycare?
I think books make the best Valentine's Day gifts. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by reading some adorable books to your little ones in daycare? Reading is not only a great way to bond with your toddlers, but it also helps to develop their language skills and imagination. So, grab a cozy spot, cuddle up with your little ones, and let's dive into some heartwarming Valentine's Day books!
1. “Llama Llama I Love You” by Anna Dewdney
This charming book follows Llama Llama as he celebrates Valentine's Day with his friends and family. It's a sweet story about love and friendship that your toddlers will adore.
2. "Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!" by Laura Numeroff
If your little ones are fans of the classic book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," they'll love this Valentine's Day edition. Mouse makes valentines for all of his friends, and your toddlers will enjoy seeing who he gives each one to.
3. “Love Monster” by Rachel Bright
This adorable book tells the story of a not-so-scary monster who is searching for someone to love him just the way he is. It's a heartwarming tale about embracing our differences and finding love in unexpected places.
4. “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney
This timeless classic is perfect for Valentine's Day. It's a tender tale of a little hare and his parent, trying to express theirlove for each other. Your toddlers will enjoy the sweet illustrations and the heartfelt message of love.
5. “The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond
This imaginative book follows a little girl named Cornelia as she collects hearts that rain from the sky and uses them to make special valentines for her friends. It's a creative and fun story that will inspire your toddlers to get crafty with their own valentine cards.
6. “Love Is” by Diane Adams
This beautiful book explores the many ways love is expressed and felt. It's a gentle and poetic story that will warm your toddlers' hearts and teach them about the power of love.
7. “The Biggest Valentine Ever” by Steven Kroll
This adorable story follows two mice, Clayton and Desmond, as they work together to create the biggest valentine ever. It's a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork that your toddlers will enjoy.
These books are perfect for reading aloud in daycare and will create a fun and cozy atmosphere for your little ones. They can also inspire craft activities related to the stories, like making heart-shaped valentines or creating heart-themed artwork.
Valentine's Day is a fun holiday to celebrate with toddlers and preschoolers. Whether you're creating crafts, giving gifts, or reading books about love, there are so many ways to make the day extra special for your little ones. Remember to keep the activities age-appropriate and choose materials that are safe for young children.
This blog post provides a collection of fun and easy Valentine's Day craft ideas for toddlers in daycare or preschool. These crafts not only engage their little hands and develop fine motor skills, but also create adorable gifts and decorations for the holiday.
