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Fun gift ideas for kids and teens for Valentine’s Day that aren’t heart-shaped chocolate boxes

Spread the love on Valentine's Day with these gifts kids and even teens will like

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valentines day gifts for kids valentine candy hearts
Jill Wellington / Pexels

Valentine’s Day is all about the love, but it isn’t just for sweethearts. Kids and teens enjoy getting gifts on Valentine’s Day, too, but the difference is they don’t need or want overpriced roses. You also don’t have to make dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant. February 14 isn’t Christmas or their birthday, either. So, the fun thing about Valentine’s Day is getting your kids something that marks the day in a simple way, showing how much you care.

Valentine’s Day gifts for kids don’t have to be extravagant or pricey. Don’t feel like you have to be confined to those heart-shaped chocolates on the grocery food aisle, though. Kids mostly pinch each chocolate to find out if there is one they actually want to eat. Instead, get Valentine’s Day gifts for kids and teens that they’ll appreciate. We’ve got some cool ideas to help celebrate this special day of love with your kiddos.

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Valentine’s Day gift ideas for kids

Cookie cutouts for Valentine's Day
alleksana / Pexels

Sure, flowers and candy are the top gift suggestions for Valentine’s Day, but that won’t necessarily make your kiddo’s day. You want to get them a little something that brightens up their day and isn’t a waste of money. Remember, a Valentine’s Day gift for your kiddo doesn’t have to be big or expensive. Here are some Valentine’s Day-themed presents that think outside of that box of chocolates.

LEGO roses

A dozen of fresh roses can really set you back on Valentine’s Day, but these LEGO roses won’t break the bank and will last for more than a week. If you have a LEGO lover in the house, what’s better than a set of LEGO roses or a LEGO heart ornament? These small sets are ideal for kids ages 8 and up or any LEGO enthusiast.

LEGO love bears

Another fun LEGO set is these adorable love bears. This is a fun set kids can put together on Valentine’s Day by themselves or with a bit of assistance.

Jigsaw puzzle

Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a parent is quite different from when you were dating. You and your significant other aren’t always heading out for a date night, which means you may be celebrating with the kiddos. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift to unite the family, try a heart-themed jigsaw puzzle. Doing puzzles together is a great way to get everyone off their devices and spend some quality time together. Choose a puzzle that’s tailored to the age of your kids. Younger kids can do harder puzzles, but they will need to be paired with a parent or older sibling.

Squishmallow

Squishmallows are still big with kids and tweens. So, for a heartwarming Valentine’s Day gift that keeps on giving, think squishmallow. There are several earmarked for Valentine’s Day that make for a perfect gift.

Books

If you have a reader in the family, a new book is a fabulous way to show the love on Valentine’s Day. For older kids, choose a book in a genre you know they enjoy. Another great pick is a new book from an author they always read. With younger kids, choose a Valentine’s Day-themed picture book. It will make for a perfect read before bedtime. Some awesome Valentine’s Day titles include:

Valentine’s Day gifts for older tweens and teens

Love is love spelled out in Scrabble tiles
Shamia Casiano / Pexels

A holiday centered on love and couples can be an awkward time for older tweens and teens. Some may have a significant other while others don’t. Middle and high school is a strange and confusing time for tweens and teens. So, getting a little gift on Valentine’s Day just may brighten up their day. Here are some can’t-miss ideas for older tweens and teens.

Bracelet making kit

If there’s a Swiftie in the house, chances are that making those beaded friendship bracelets is already a thing. An easy and much-appreciated gift would be a Valentine’s Day-themed bracelet making kit.

Yarn

Many tweens and teens are into crocheting. There’s lots of fun inspiration online. So, if your tween or teen is into crocheting, some new yarn colors would be a sweet Valentine’s Day gift. For teens who have talked about learning, a crochet kit for beginners will be much appreciated. If there isn’t anyone in the house to show them how, check out your local library. Many offer free crochet classes.

Gift card

Never underestimate the power of those gift cards. Tweens and teens do love them. A gift card to Starbucks, Amazon, Dunkin, or one of their favorite hot spots will certainly bring a smile.

Bracelet

For teens who don’t enjoy making bracelets but love them, a new bracelet with a Valentine’s Day twist is ideal.

Books

Books are a perfect pick for teens, too. The trick here is knowing what they read. Whenever you’re not sure, get a gift card to Barnes & Noble. Popular titles for teens include:

Sweet treats

Valentine's Day cookies on a table with a bowl
Jill Wellington / Pexels

Of course, Valentine’s Day is earmarked for a tasty treat. Baking or bringing home something sweet and yummy from the bakery is always appreciated by kids and teens. Can’t-miss desserts for February 14 include Valentine’s Day-themed cookies, cupcakes, ice cream cakes, cake pops, and heart-shaped cakes. For a treat that’s outside the standard chocolate box, try Peace Pies. Peace Pies are delish ice cream sandwiches that come in all different flavor combos. There are local shops, but the company ships their delectable ice cream sandwiches, too. This is a much-appreciated Valentine’s Day gift the whole family enjoys in my house.

Many feel Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday, which may be. It’s also a fun-filled holiday, celebrating love that falls in the middle of winter when most people need something to look forward to. Remember those days of Valentine’s Day parties in school with red cupcakes and little cards. Keep the smiles going at home with Valentine’s Day gifts for kids and teens. These Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be extravagant or pricey. Just something small and thoughtful. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for sweethearts.

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