30 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love to Cuddle, Create, Read, and Laugh
by Sabrina Rojas Weiss and Bethany Braun-Silva
Image Credits: Carter's, Amazon
These budget-friendly gifts show them your love.
No matter how romantic we once were, parenthood makes many of us think more about our kids on Valentine’s Day than our partners. Sure, we may want to get or give flowers, chocolates, and nice dinners out to our significant others, but let’s face it: It’s a lot more fun to come up with Valentine’s Day gifts for kids than it is for adults. And it’s definitely less tricky.
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Still, you may be stuck on ideas for your kids’ V-day gifts this year—especially if you just spent all your gift-giving creativity on the holidays. Some of us also have winter birthdays to contend with, making these early months a goldmine for the kids and a materialistic trap for their parents. But that’s no excuse to deprive them.
The truth is, you can always take the easy way out and buy heart-shaped candies for your kids. They’ll love it. But if you’re hoping to make this holiday a little more meaningful, we get that too. It’s a time to celebrate love, after all, and those little people have made your heart grow a million sizes since they came into this world. That’s why we came up with this list of Valentine’s gift ideas for kids that includes cuddly toys, kits that inspire creativity, and presents that reflect your child’s specific interests, all to show your love in ways that make sense for your family. We also made sure none of these gifts is very expensive, because yeah, our accounts are still reeling from the holidays too.
Below, you’ll find the best Valentine’s Day gifts for kids of all ages, guaranteed to make your little sweethearts feel special. And don’t forget to get something for yourself while you’re at it!
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 30 Image Credits: Carter's
Carter’s Baby Valentine's Booties
Though babies have no idea what Valentine’s Day is, getting them a pair of cute V-day themed socks will put a smile on the face of anyone lucky enough to see those little feet.
2 of 30 Image Credits: Loulou Lollipop
Loulou Lollipop Bubble Silicone and Wood Teether
Again, your baby won’t notice what day it is when you give this gift to them, but they’ll appreciate it nonetheless. The combination of harder wood and softer silicone lets them switch up their teething, and it also doubles as a pretty rattle.
3 of 30 Image Credits: Maisonette
'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' Love Magna-Tiles
This 16-tile set spells out “I Love You” and shows the ravenous Eric Carle character. Or your kid can build an entirely different creature/structure from their own imagination.
4 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
'Nosotros Means Us: Un Cuento Bilingüe,' by Paloma Valdivia
This book has been compared to Runaway Bunny as a mother speaks to her child in Spanish and English about the strength of their love for each other. It’s touching and beautiful to look at, too.
5 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Demdaco Giving Bear
Not only is this the absolute softest teddy bear we’ve ever encountered, it comes with a tag that expresses so much of what we want to tell our kids: “Sometimes you can feel so small in a great big world. Sometimes you might feel like a giant who can climb a beanstalk. However you are feeling, I want you to know how important YOU are. Whenever you need a little comfort, a little safe, a little brave, just whisper in my ear and hold me tight. I’ll be here for you.”
6 of 30 Image Credits: Target
A+X Submarine Kids' Jigsaw Puzzle
The 45-piece puzzles from Black-owned company A+X come with a story about characters Zoey, Isabella, Isaiah, and Brandon and the magical land depicted in the picture kids put together.
7 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Squishmallow Strawberry-Scented Scarlet (14 inches)
If your kid is already a fan of Squishmallows, squishy plush toys that double as pillows, we don’t need to tell you that this strawberry would make an excellent Valentine’s Day addition to their collection. And if they aren’t yet into them, they’ll still love snuggling with this cutie.
8 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
TickleMe Plant Valentine’s Day Gift Box
Growing a plant from seeds is its own reward for some, but can be a bit boring for others, which is where the concept of a TickleMe Plant comes in. Once they’ve sprouted leaves, the Mimosa Pudica plants respond to your touch by closing up, acting like something shrinking away from being tickled, so it’s like a pet-and-plant in one!
9 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Cubidi Original Rainbowball 3-D Puzzle
This toy offers the tactile satisfaction of a pop fidget toy with a mildly challenging color puzzle. It’s small enough to fit into any bag to entertain kids on car trips and errands.
10 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Plus Plus I Love You Hearts Mini Maker Tube
Open-ended Plus Plus blocks are very satisfying to put together, and they’re all the more meaningful when you can build red, pink, and white hearts with them!
11 of 30 Image Credits: Baketivity
Baketivity Subscription Boxes
Why give one small gift when instead, you can give an experience—and your time—that they’ll remember forever? Baketivity boxes come with dry ingredients, recipes, lessons, and access to online baking classes. If you’re not ready for a monthly subscription, try out a one-time box like the Valentine’s Day Blondies Deluxe kit ($39.95).
12 of 30 Image Credits: Walmart
Lego 'Jurassic World' Dr. Wu's Lab: Baby Dinosaurs Breakout
Give your kids the gift of a harmless lab hatching baby Lego dinosaurs. What’s the worst that could happen?
13 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
'Instructions for Dancing,' by Nicola Yoon
In this young adult romance novel by the author of Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also a Star, disillusioned romantic Evie develops the unwelcome power to see a couple’s love story from start to finish any time she witnesses them kissing. Following her as she ponders the question of whether love is ever worth it if it ends—while she also learns to ballroom dance with very cool rock musician X and tries to forgive her dad for cheating on her mother and breaking up the family—is an excellent way for any teen (or adult) to pass a Valentine’s Day.
14 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party
Your little one will be a charming hostess serving up tea and sweet treats to their special guests with this adorable tea set. This colorful collection comes with a magical teapot that lights up, plays songs, and makes fun sounds along with 10 play pieces—including a puzzle cake tray to teach your tot colors. Recommended for toddlers ages 18-36 months.
15 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
HiUnicorn Jewelry Craft Making Kit
Looking for a charming gift to make your child feel magical on Valentine’s Day? This sweet jewelry making kit is a perfect pick! This set comes with 67 pieces for kids to use to create the charm bracelet of their dreams!
16 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Lego Creator 3-in-1 Sports Car Toy Building Kit
Jump in the driver’s seat and start building an amazing Lego collection with this hot new 3-in-1 Sports Car Toy Building Kit. This set features 134 pieces to create a sleek racer, cool muscle car or an old-fashioned airplane for hours of creative fun. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
17 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
'The I Love You Book,' by Todd Parr
This sweet storybook shares all of the ways that parents adore their little one. The I Love You Book by Todd Parr is filled with colorful pictures of tiny tots getting loads of love, whether they are happy or sad or sick or in need of hugs. The best lesson of all is teaching your sweetheart that they will always be cherished.
18 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
'The Try Not to Laugh Challenge Joke Book: Valentine's Day Edition'
“What did the painter say to her sweetheart? I love you with all of my art.” Your comical cutie will get a kick out of this joke book. This super silly book will tickle your kid’s funny bone with goofy jokes and games to play with friends and family. Recommended for little comedians ages six and up. Get ready for some serious, side-splitting fun!
19 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
MemorySweets Chocolate Gift Box Game Controller
OK, so we know it would be sweeeetttt to get your favorite gamer a cool video game console for Valentine’s Day, but if that’s out of the budget, this MemorySweets Chocolate Gift Box Game Controller is a winner with chocolate lovers. No doubt, your sweet-toothed sweetheart will be game to enjoy this special treat!
20 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Wooden Heart Magnets Craft Kit
This Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Wooden Heart Magnets Craft Kit is a special surprise for the creative cutie you love most. This set comes with four heart-shaped wooden magnets ready for decorating with four fabulous paint colors, a paintbrush, 12 gem stickers, and glitter glue all enclosed in the kit.
21 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
'Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!,' by Laura Numeroff
This book is the Valentine’s Day version of the classic If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series. Kids will recognize the beloved mouse and will love the V-day theme.
22 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Joyin 28-Pack Valentine Cards with Animal Jigsaw Puzzle Set
These adorable puzzles make great gifts for kids. Your child can even send them out to their class. The puzzles are easy for young kids to put together, and each features a sweet animal and an even sweeter saying.
23 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Kid Made Modern Valentine's Craft Kit
A handmade gift is always more special than a store-bought one. This craft kit contains everything kids need to make customized Valentine’s cards or artwork and makes for a great at-home activity.
24 of 30 Image Credits: Pottery Barn Kids
Disney Mickey Mouse Valentine's Heart Shaped Plates
Whether you’re using them for a V-day themed bash (no matter how small) or to store trinkets on your child’s dresser, these heart-shaped plates from Pottery Barn Kids make for a delicious gift.
25 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Expressions Girl 7-Piece Lip Gloss Set
This set includes seven shimmery lip glosses in gift-ready packaging. The glosses are also flavored to match their colors, like cherry red and lemon yellow.
26 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Cubcoats Uki the Unicorn Zip-Up Hoodie
Gift your kids a soft plush toy and a hoodie for Valentine’s Day this year. This two-in-one set can be turned into your child’s favorite toy or a stylish hoodie that they can wear anywhere. Choose from dozens of adorable characters.
27 of 30 Image Credits: Baublebar
Baublebar x Disney Amore Earrings
These Daisy Duck and Donald Duck Disney mismatched earrings are symbolic of love. Baublebar has an entire Disney collection filled with adorable earrings and bracelets that are perfect for the Disney lover in your life.
28 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
L.O.L. Surprise! Color Your Own Water Bottle
Kids will love decorating their own L.O.L. Surprise water bottle with glitter stickers and markers to fill in the pre-drawn characters. The water bottle can hold 13 ounces of fluid and has a handy tether for easy carrying
29 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Real Cooking Chocolate Pen
This chocolate pen makes it easy to decorate cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. It comes with four colors: blue, pink, brown, and white. The pen is easy to fill up and use and comes with molds for making yummy chocolate creations.
30 of 30 Image Credits: Amazon
Laevo Unicorn Slime Making Kit
Say it with slime! Kids love this gooey stuff, and this pack comes in with everything you need to make eight different types of slime. It’s a great activity to keep kids busy for hours.
