Skip to main content

5 DIY gifts a child can give their parents this Valentine’s Day

Parents sure do sacrifice a lot for their children, especially around holidays like Valentine’s Day — all because they love their kids. If you ask us, moms and dads are just as deserving of a Valentine’s Day treat, especially from their kids.

Some kids might get help from Grandma or Grandpa when it comes to buying gifts, while others might make something special in art class. If you’re still in need of some inspiration for adorable, homemade Valentine’s Day gifts for parents, you’re in the right place. These five DIY gifts for parents are kid-friendly, oh-so-cute, and chock-full of love. OK, kids — this one’s up to you!

two boys make Valentine's cards at a table full of paper, hearts, and art supplies
Olga Bogatyrenko / Shutterstock

Decorate a special place for parents

Do your parents like to read? Do they eat breakfast together? If there’s a place where they tend to spend time with one another, take half an hour or so to surprise them with a romantic makeover of their favorite spot.

Decorating with fairy lights is a fun way to brighten the room, though you may already have Christmas lights somewhere in your house. Put on their favorite music, clean up around the space, and make sure they don’t have any chores to worry about during or after their date. Some special decor, like handmade paper hearts tied together on strings, is sure to make your parents smile. There are hundreds of ways you can use (and even make!) paper hearts, but do be sure to ask for help when using scissors or the internet if you’re younger.

Make your parents a handmade card — with a poem inside!

The stereotype is actually true: Moms love when their kids make them anything, especially cards. You can decorate it in any way you like — whatever inspires you most and helps express your message of love and appreciation.

There’s no better way to express this than in a letter, or even a poem, to your parents. For centuries, poetry has been used as a means of confessing and exploring love of all kinds, even with our parents. What does your heart want to say? And no, it doesn’t have to rhyme.

A child drawing a heart
Ayrat Gabdrakhmanov/Shutterfly

Make your own photo wall to take V-Day photos

You can build your own studio right at home with just a few tools: Paint (and something to hold it in), a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll, an old bedsheet or lots of paper, and some kind of light source. Even a cell phone can create amazing lighting when used the right way — as long as you don’t need the phone to take the pictures, of course!

Decorate your backdrop material, whether it be sheets of fabric or paper, by using the cardboard roll as a stamp. Housing A Forest better explains how to bend the circular shape into a heart, but it should be easy enough for little hands to do, as well.

Now it’s time for photos! Make sure to take lots of test shots or to have a mirror handy — it’ll likely take a few shots before you find one you all can agree on! Setting up the photos together is all part of the fun, especially if the little ones agree to clean up after the photo shoot, too (hint, hint).

Use your hands as art

Handprint art is a favorite among moms, especially those with young children, since they show how you grow up over time. Because you’ll be using your hands, though, you might need another pair of hands to help you out, no matter which project you pick.

You can never go wrong with paper crafts, whether you create a card or a whole masterpiece. Give the Thanksgiving hand-turkey a run for his money with a beautiful handprint tree of love. For parents who appreciate home decor, a handprint sun catcher will be just the thing. Just be careful working around glass!

Treat your folks to a day of relaxation

This one might require a little help from someone you trust (other than your parents, of course). Having a family member lend a hand will be especially helpful because they might know what exactly your parents like to do to relax.

For Mom who’s been on her feet all day, a pedicure might do the trick! If Dad’s been stressed, perhaps a temple massage? Lotions, scrubs, makeup, and shoulder rubs are just a few of the nearly endless relaxing responsibilities. Ask around, gather what you need, and spend some time together to relax. What could be better?

Whether you use your hands, your creativity, or your phone — have fun! We hope some of these suggestions sparked an idea or two — whether or not they’re on this page. This is the time to get creative in DIY gift-giving, because who loves that more than parents? Absolutely no one, that’s who.

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
5 amazing Father’s Day activities every dad will want to do
Need an idea for Dad's Day? Try one of these cool Father's Day activities
Little girl and her dad celebrating

Father's Day might not drive up flower sales or be as huge a brunch draw to area restaurants for brunch like Mother's Day, but the day is a special commemoration as kids young and young at heart take the time to celebrate their dad. Instead of a tie or breakfast in bed to mark Father's Day, how about an activity that gets your dad out and doing something he loves?

There are a lot of cool Father's Day activities that can be a lot of fun for the whole family or just one-on-one with Dad for teens and grown kids. If you're looking for exciting things to do on Dad's Day, we've got some awesome ideas.

Read more
8 great Father’s Day gift ideas for every kind of dad
Shopping for awesome Father's Day gifts? Here's what dads love!
Little girl with dad holding a wrapped gift

If you're shopping for your dad or helping your kids shop for theirs, skip the tie and sock section because he doesn't need more of those. We've got awesome Father's Day gift ideas for those dads who seem to have everything. The key to finding the ideal Father's Day gift is to stick to those hobbies Dad loves best, whether it's sports, backyard grilling, or Star Wars collectibles. Pair that special gift with a cool outing, and you've got the perfect Father's Day present.

Best Father's Day gifts
Before heading out to the mall or going online to order a Father's Day gift, take a moment to think. Focus on what your dad really enjoys doing. Is he a weekend sports dad going to games or is he the resident grill master? We've got awesome Father's Day gifts for all types of super cool dads.
Baseball dad
If the dad you're shopping for is the ultimate baseball fan and has patiently stood on the sidelines or been watching you play since T-ball, a personalized baseball mount will be a treasured gift. The baseball-themed block mount is available in different sizes. All the kids' names can be printed on the baseballs. This will look great next to all of the kids' baseball trophies.
Soccer dad
Soccer dads have been on the sidelines through all kinds of weather. Make his time at games and those long tournament days extra cozy with an ALPHA CAMP sturdy canopy lounge chair. Dad will truly appreciate the sunshade on sunny and rainy days. This chair features a cup holder and is great for the beach and camping trips, too.
Star Wars dad
Okay, so May the Fourth has passed, and Darth Vader certainly would never have been voted Father of the Year, but you can celebrate your Star Wars-loving dad with a Darth Vader Father of the Year shirt. It's available in an array of colors and comes in different designs featuring the best father in the galaxy.
Hockey dad
If the dad you're shopping for faithfully gets up with your rink rats to get that early morning, late evening, or whenever there's ice time, he deserves something super cozy to keep himself warm in those subzero rinks. CQR's thermal fleece pullover is sure to keep Dad warm and snuggly all year long, whether he's coaching from the bench or watching behind the glass.
Tech dad
Is your dad online for the newest Apple devices? Okay, so you are shopping for a tech dad. Chances are he's got all the hot and trendy tech stuff hot off the presses. So, how about a binary clock from CafePress? Binary is the language computers speak, and wouldn't a binary clock make a unique gift for your technology-loving dad?
Grill master dad
You've been chopped! Well, no, not really, but if Dad is addicted to the Food Network and would love to have Guy Fieri on speed dial, then a grill-related gift is in order. The Cuisinart CGS-W13 set is sure to please. The set comes complete with 13 pieces, and the grilling tools feature wooden handles. Personalize the handles with a special message for Dad using paint markers.
Fisherman dad
Would Dad rather be fishing? Then he will thank you every time he uses Swiss Ascent's fishing multitool. This multipurpose tool works as a hook remover, scale scraper, tape measure, bait cutter, flashlight, knife, scissors, weight scale, bottle opener, and foldable stand. Now, how cool is that?
Outdoor dad
Does your dad love being in the great outdoors? Do most vacations revolve around a national park or a new hiking trail? Then, he will really love a copy of America's Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States. Be prepared though! He'll definitely be planning some fun family road trips after reading this.

Read more
Family fun: 5 amazing Memorial Day weekend getaway destinations that are off the beaten path
Skip the crowds and check out these Memorial Day getaway ideas instead
An American flag on a deserted beach signifying Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. Depending on where you live, the kiddos may be finished with school or about to wrap up the academic year. Even if the kids still have a few weeks left, many families are itching to kick off summer when the calendar hits the end of May.

The problem with most Memorial Day weekend getaway spots is the crowds. People typically head to the seaside, a lake, a national park, or amusement park destinations to celebrate the impending arrival of summer. Others yearn to savor the long weekend by avoiding traffic jams, parking issues, and long wait times. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path getaway this May, think about these Memorial Day vacation ideas.
Memorial Day weekend getaways
If considering heading to the shore on Memorial Day weekend or a Six Flags amusement park gives you anxiety, you may want to consider Memorial Day vacation ideas that don't attract as many people. Here are five Memorial Day weekend destinations that won't be as hectic as the usual spots, but are just as much fun.
Boston, Massachusetts
Steeped in history, Boston is a wonderful place to spend a long weekend with the family. There are loads of kid-friendly activities to do, such as walking the Freedom Trail, exploring the New England Aquarium, or taking part in the Boston Tea Party. While many people exit major cities like Boston on Memorial Day weekend, visitors will find them less crowded and more inviting. Other cities to consider exploring on Memorial Day weekend are NYC, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is one of the oldest cities in the United States, nestled in Pennsylvania in the heart of Amish Country. It's a lovely spot to take the family on a Memorial Day weekend getaway. There are lots of fun things to do, like taking a ride on the Strasburg Railroad, exploring the National Toy and Train Museum, and seeing a working Amish farm. Be sure to leave time to take a horse and buggy ride. The kiddos will love it.
Annapolis, Maryland
If you're looking to spend Memorial Day somewhere the family can appreciate the history of it, head to Annapolis, Maryland. This is another historic gem located along the Severn River, which sits at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is a family-friendly city that offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Take a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy and enjoy kayaking in Quiet Waters Park. There's also a Memorial Day Parade down Main Street to remind visitors what the holiday is about.
Stowe, Vermont
Vermont is, of course, stunning in the fall and a wonderland for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Why not experience the beauty and peacefulness of Vermont on Memorial Day when it is much less crowded? Stowe is a quintessential Vermont small town with plenty to enjoy outdoors, along with nearby excursions like the Von Trapp Family Lodge and the Ben and Jerry's production facility. A tour is quite yummy.
Yellowstone National Park
It may sound odd, but spring is actually Yellowstone's least crowded season. Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park can still be pretty chilly in May and the crowds don't typically start rolling in until school is out for summer. Memorial Day weekend will attract visitors, but not as many as when the calendar officially says summer.

Read more