NON-CANDY VALENTINES FOR KIDS
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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're like me, you want to give your kids and their friends something fun and unique—without all the sugar overload. Sure, candy is a classic, but there’s something so special about giving a gift that’s not only sweet but also thoughtful and practical. This year, I’m ditching the sugary treats and opting for non-candy Valentine’s gifts that are sure to bring joy to any little one—and you can easily customize them with your Cricut!
Here are six fun, creative, and non-candy Valentine’s gift ideas for kids that are perfect for school parties, playdates, or just because. Bonus: They’re all easy to personalize, so your kids can feel like little gift-givers this Valentine’s Day.
MULTI-COLOR PENS WITH ANIMAL TOPPERS
Who says pens can’t be fun? These retractable pens come with adorable characters on top (think cute animals, mini superheroes, or fun monsters), and they’re the perfect non-candy gift for little hands to hold. Kids love having their own colorful pens for doodling, writing, or just adding a little flair to their notebooks.
How to personalize: Use your Cricut to create fun little heart-shaped tags that say “You’re INK-redible!” or “You’re Write for Me!”. Attach the pen to the tag and you’re good to go!
HEART-SHAPED SLIME
Who doesn’t love slime? It’s the perfect sensory experience for kids and can provide hours of squishy, gooey fun. The heart-shaped packaging makes it extra festive for Valentine’s Day!
How to personalize: Print a “You’re Slime-tastic!” tag on your Cricut and tie it to the slime with a cute string. You can also create custom labels for the slime containers to make them uniquely yours.
HEART POP-ITS
These little pop-its have taken the world by storm, and for good reason! They’re a hit with kids of all ages, and their satisfying “pop” sound is enough to keep them entertained for ages. Bonus: They’re a great stress reliever!
How to personalize: Cut out fun heart-shaped tags on your Cricut and add a simple message like “Have a POPPIN’ Valentine’s”. You can even print your child’s name on the back of the tag for that extra personalized touch.
HEART-SHAPED SCENTED SILLY SCENTS DOH
This scented dough is like a stress ball and playdough in one. Each color has a different scent, and the heart shape makes it extra cute for Valentine’s Day. Kids can mold it, squish it, and use their imagination to create fun shapes and designs.
How to personalize: Cut a cute heart tag that reads, “You are a-DOH-able!” or “You’re Dough-lightful!” If you have a Cricut, you can even add your child's name to the tag for an extra personal touch.
CRAYOLA LIP SMACKERS
While this one is technically for the lip-loving crowd, Crayola Lip Smackers make a great Valentine’s gift for kids who want to add a pop of color or a yummy scent to their lips. Available in fun fruity flavors, they’ll feel just as sweet as a candy treat—without all the sugar!
How to personalize: You can create a Cricut tag that says “You Color My World” - so cute! Attach the lip balm to the cart, and you’ve got a Valentine’s gift that’s both fun and functional.
HEART BUBBLES
Bubbles never go out of style. Kids can blow them in the backyard, at the park, or anywhere they want to spread a little love. The heart-shaped bubble containers make them perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
How to personalize: Print out a tag that says, “You Make My Heart Bubble Over!” or “You Blow Me Away!” and attach it to the bubble bottle with some cute twine or ribbon.
BEST TIPS FOR YOUR DIY VALENTINES:
Use your Cricut to cut out fun, themed shapes—hearts, arrows, and cupids are all classic and easy to create. You can also make custom vinyl labels for the items themselves if you want to take it up a notch!
Tag it with puns: Little phrases like “You’re Un-bead-lievable!” for the pens or “You’re Poppin’!” for the pop-its are always a hit.
Customize with kids’ names: Personalize each tag with the child’s name or a fun little message. Kids will love receiving something that feels unique just for them.
Go the extra mile with presentation: Use clear gift bags, fun boxes, or mini baskets to give everything an extra festive feel. Add a bit of tissue paper or confetti for that “wow” factor!
This Valentine’s Day, let’s skip the sugar rush and give our little ones something that’s both fun and functional! These non-candy Valentine’s gifts are the perfect way to show your love without the sugar overload. Whether you’re crafting with your Cricut or simply adding a fun little tag, these gifts are guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter, and plenty of memories. After all, the best way to show someone you care is through creativity—and a little heart-shaped fun. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Let the non-candy gifting begin!
