Here are 9 Valentine day crafts for kids at school that are engaging, educational, and sure to fill the room with smiles. Each one can be adapted for different ages, from kindergarten to upper elementary, and most take under an hour.
Tissue Paper Stained Glass Hearts
Here are 9 Valentine day crafts for kids at school that are engaging, educational, and sure to fill the room with smiles.
Transform ordinary windows into vibrant displays with this light-catching craft. Kids cut heart shapes from black construction paper, then tape colorful tissue paper scraps behind them to create a “stained glass” effect. Hang them in windows for a glowing classroom decoration that brightens even the gloomiest winter day. This project teaches layering, color blending, and patience as the light shines through—perfect for discussing how colors mix or the science of light.
Supplies: Black construction paper, tissue paper in reds/pinks, scissors, glue or tape.
Heart Wreaths from Paper Plates
A classic group craft that doubles as decor! Cut the center from paper plates to form rings, then let kids glue on hearts cut from colored paper in various sizes and shades. Add glitter, stickers, or messages for personalization. These wreaths look adorable hung on classroom doors or bulletin boards and promote patterns, symmetry, and fine motor gluing skills.
Supplies: Paper plates, construction paper, glue, optional glitter or foam hearts.
For more home-inspired decor ideas, check out our guide to funkier home decor that can spark creativity beyond the classroom.
DIY Valentine Cards with Secret Messages
Handmade cards never go out of style! Provide cardstock folded in half, then let kids decorate with hearts, drawings, and markers. For a fun twist, add secret messages using white crayon “invisible ink” that reveals when colored over with marker. This encourages writing practice, kindness, and creativity—ideal for exchanging during a class party.
Supplies: Cardstock, markers, crayons, heart stickers.
Paper Heart Chain Garlands
String together a chain of linked paper hearts in red, pink, and white for festive classroom bunting. Kids cut strips, form loops, and link them—practicing measurement and repeating patterns. Hang them across the room or from the ceiling for an instant party vibe that grows longer as more kids contribute.
Supplies: Colored paper strips, glue or staples.
Handprint Heart Love Bugs
Turn those little hands into adorable creatures! Trace hands to form heart-shaped wings, add a body from construction paper, googly eyes, and pipe cleaner antennae. These “love bugs” make sweet take-home gifts or desk decorations, while teaching body parts, symmetry, and imaginative play.
Supplies: Construction paper, glue, googly eyes, pipe cleaners.
Conversation Heart Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix up simple salt dough (flour, salt, water), cut heart shapes, and let kids press in words like “Be Mine” or “Love” with alphabet stamps or toothpicks. Bake or air-dry, then paint in pastel colors. These keep as lasting mementos or classroom ornaments, blending art with literacy and sensory play.
Supplies: Flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, paint.
Pop-Up Heart Cards
Add wow factor with pop-up elements! Fold a card base, cut slits for hearts to “pop” when opened, and decorate with messages or drawings. This engineering twist teaches basic mechanics and folding techniques—great for older elementary kids to experiment with designs.
Supplies: Cardstock, scissors, glue.
Valentine Mailbox from a Shoebox
A must-have for card exchanges! Decorate a shoebox with paper hearts, doilies, and markers to create personalized mailboxes. Cut a slot in the top for cards, and kids can collect their Valentine’s goodies. This craft builds excitement for the holiday while practicing cutting, gluing, and personalization.
Supplies: Shoebox or similar, construction paper, markers, glue.
If you’re into more seasonal home projects, explore our DIY pantry shelves for organizing all those craft supplies!
Fingerprint Heart Tree
Create a “tree of love” on paper by dipping thumbs in paint to make heart leaves on drawn branches. Add messages or names on each heart for a collaborative class tree. This fingerprint art is mess-contained (use washable paint!) and emphasizes community, growth, and affection—perfect for a bulletin board display.
Supplies: Paper, washable paint, markers.
