33 Cute Valentine's Day Gifts for Kids 2023

One of the Best Valentines Day Gifts for Kids, the FABLER BJÖRN bear on a pink dotted background — Real Simple / David Hattan

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about your significant other—it’s also a fun holiday to show your kids (or grandchildren, nieces, and nephews) how much you love them. Even though you likely do this year-round, celebrating the holiday with a Valentine’s Day gift for kids can feel extra special.

But what exactly should we be giving our children on February 14? “The first thing you’ll want to find is something age-appropriate,” says Ciara Flood, co-founder and chief gifting officer at &Open. “The next thing is to find something that shows you put thought into the gift. The holiday is all about showing love and appreciation, so the thought is the most important part of it.”

To come up with this list, we thoroughly researched the most popular gift ideas for kids based on type, price, and recommended age. We also interviewed two gifting pros—Flood, as well as Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, interior designer and lifestyle expert. Our list of cute Valentine’s Day gifts for kids includes toys, crafts, books, and stuffed animals that will make your little ones feel loved.

What I Love About You Fill-in-the-Love Book

Amazon

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For a more personalized gift to give your child this Valentine’s Day that will be a little more meaningful than simply adding an item to your cart and handing it over, opt for this adorable and thoughtful book. What I Love About You is a fill-in-the-blank book with a hardback cover that, with simple yet helpful prompts, allows you to fill in everything you like, love, adore, and admire about your children. (There’s also a more specific What I Love About Being Your Mom option.) Prepare for the waterworks with this sentimental item that can be referred to in the future whenever your kid needs a little pick-me-up.

Price at time of publish: $11

Squishmallows Valentineâs Day Xander the Gray T-Rex Dinosaur Plush Toy

Target

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This huggable plush toy is one they'll want to snuggle with all year long, whether that's while sleeping, on a long car ride, or any time they need a little extra comfort. Xander the Gray T-Rex Dinosaur comes with a special heart design exclusively for Valentine's Day.

Price at time of publish: $25

Amazon

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Love is a wonderfully written and illustrated book that celebrates the universal bond that connects us all—love! Though it’s stated as being suitable for children from 3 to 5 years old, it is a book that can be appreciated by kids of all ages (and even adults).

Price at time of publish: $18

Plus Plus I Love You Hearts Mini Maker Tube

Amazon

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For a twist on the classic jigsaw puzzle, this 3D 70-piece option is a great gift for your little one this Valentine’s Day. It’s affordable and fun to play with, and it even comes in a narrow tube that keeps all the pieces together. All pieces are made from BPA-free plastic, and they come in three colors—white, pink, and red. The tube also comes with instructions on how to build a heart, a spinning top, or a robot. Since the pieces are quite small, this toy is suggested for ages 5 and up.

Price at time of publish: $8

Amazon

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Incredibly soft and reasonably priced, the 14-inch Love-A-Lot Care Bear is cute and extremely huggable. You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who won’t want to snuggle with this fluffy little bear. This version comes in a peachy-pink shade and features two love hearts on its belly, but it’s also available in a couple of other heart-adorned options that are equally appropriate for Valentine’s Day. (These include the purple Share Bear, the rainbow-colored Togetherness Bear, or the orange Tenderheart Bear.)

Price at time of publish: $15

Amazon

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This affordable gift for kids is a cute way to show your love and appreciation for your little ones this Valentine’s Day. The 62-page activity book has practically everything, including mazes, sudoku, spot the difference, word searches, and of course, a lot of coloring pages. The large print is simple enough for even younger kids to easily get through. And at such an accessible price, this book makes a great addition to a Valentine’s Day gift basket for kids—but it can also serve as a standalone gift if you’re after something small yet thoughtful.

Price at time of publish: $6

Amazon

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Made from 100 percent cotton, these cute pajamas from Disney are a fabulous and practical way to tell your kids they are your one true Valentine. Adorned with a selection of everyone’s favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy (who is holding up a heart sign that reads, “Happy Valentine’s Day”), these jammies are comfortable and machine washable. The red pajama bottoms feature a pattern of Mickey Mouse heads and can be worn at any time—even after Valentine’s Day—ensuring your little one will get plenty of use out of them.

Price at time of publish: From $11

Target

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From the famous toy makers at FAO Schwarz, this soft and plush Husky toy is sure to make a great cuddle companion all year long. Plus, the sparkly red heart headband can be taken off and worn as a Valentine’s Day accessory. It’s also available as a pug, a poodle, and a sheep dog.

Price at time of publish: $15

See's

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This trio of kid-friendly candies from See’s features four lollipops, 10 milk chocolate hearts, and one bag of sour jelly beans, all of which are packaged in an owl-themed gift box. And if your recipient lives out of town, you can have it shipped right to their door.

Price at time of publish: $12

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land The World of Sweets Game

Amazon

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This classic board game is particularly appropriate on Valentine's Day, and unlike candy, it can be enjoyed long after the holiday is over. Plus, it can be played by young kids who haven’t yet learned how to read.

Price at time of publish: $12

Amazon

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You can’t go wrong with a classic Pez dispenser—it’s both a toy and a treat in one. Help them start (or grow) their own collection with this set of two heart-shaped Pez dispensers and six candy refills.

Price at time of publish: $9

Bombas

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These festive and colorful gripper socks help prevent little ones from slipping, making them just as much of a gift to the parents as they are to the accident-prone toddler.

Price at time of publish: $30

Babiators

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These 1970s-inspired, heart-shaped glasses will protect their eyes no matter the time of year. The glasses come in three different sizes that fit babies, toddlers, and kids from ages three months to over six years old. Choose from a variety of colors and styles, including polarized versions that help improve your child’s visibility in the sun (not to mention make them look super cool).

Price at time of publish: $26

Amazon

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Know a kid who loves to cook? This mini waffle maker creates heart-shaped waffles and hash browns—all they have to do is plug it in. Its cute and compact size makes it easy to store and use just about anywhere.

Price at time of publish: $10

Amazon

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Designed with kids in mind, these bath bombs are sure to put a smile on your little one’s face. Each one comes with a surprise Valentine squishy toy inside that will be revealed as the bath bomb fizzes, releasing bubbles, scent, and color into the water.

Price at time of publish: $33

Amazon

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For the manicurist in the making, Piggy Paint makes kid-friendly, water-based nail polish that’s free of harsh chemicals. The “All the Heart Eyes” kit comes with three red and pink shades, all of which air dry in just 60 seconds for mess-free manis.

Price at time of publish: $14

Amazon

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A great gift for an older kid or preteen, this heart-shaped neon sign makes for a stylish nightlight. The sign is powered using either the USB cord or batteries and can be hung on a wall or propped on a shelf.

Price at time of publish: $20

Amazon

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From the beloved Love Monster series comes Love Monster and the Last Chocolate, written and illustrated by Rachel Bright. Love Monster is a hairy, googly-eyed love-bug who tries to fit in with the rest of the more cuddly residents of Cutesville. After learning to love himself and finding friends who love him just the way he is in the first installment, he now faces the dilemma of wanting to share a box of chocolates with his friends but worrying that he’ll have to go without. Sharing is caring in this book about love, friendship, and acceptance.

Price at time of publish: $22

Amazon

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If you don’t want to go the toy route (we get it; they already have way too many), buy them something useful yet love-themed, like this heart-patterned water bottle from Klean Kanteen. Ideal for school, sports, playtime, and after-school activities, this 12-ounce bottle is insulated and narrow enough for even little hands to grip. Plus, it doesn’t retain odors or flavors and it’s dishwasher safe, making it a practical Valentine’s Day gift that they can use year-round.

Price at time of publish: $30

Creativity for Kids String Art Heart Light

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For something the kids can have fun building on Valentine’s Day and keep thereafter, opt for this String Art Heart Light by Creativity for Kids. The kit has everything required to create a heart-shaped lantern, including glowing string, the inflatable heart, glue, gloves, a tassel tool, twist ties, and 15 LED string lights. What’s more, when you switch the lights off, the string makes the heart glow in the dark. (There’s also a blue star-shaped version that can be just as fun.) It’s recommended for kids ages 8 and up, but younger ones can easily craft this along with their parents.

Price at time of publish: $20

Chocolate Pen Real Cooking Crafting Baking Kit

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Suitable for ages 6 and up, this Chocolate Pen kit is a fun way to bring the classic chocolatey element into the Valentine’s Day mix, without resorting to a grocery store box of candy. With this set, your kids can create their own freehand chocolate designs, choose from one of the 40 mold designs that come in the kit, or decorate cookies and other baked goods you’ve made together. There are four colors that can be loaded in the pen for more imaginative creations, and the chocolate hardens and cools quickly, meaning it’s ready to eat in just a few minutes.

Price at time of publish: $30

H&M

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Let your kids adorn their personal space with a little memento of your love for them with this super cute and soft heart-shaped cushion from H&M. Covered in faux fur in a pale pink shade, this almost 14-inch high cushion can even be thrown in the wash on cool if it gets dirty. As well as being adored by younger kids, this fluffy cushion can be enjoyed by your older children, too, and can even be put in a car or dorm room if your little one is not so little anymore.

Price at time of publish: $20

Kennedy Claire Couture Candy Hearts Mommy and Me T-Shirts

Etsy

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Handmade in a small boutique in Delaware, these adorable mommy and me T-shirts are an ideal way for you and your little one to showcase just how much you’re feeling the love this Valentine’s Day. They’re available in either white or pink and impressively come in a large array of adult sizes (XS to 5XL), and children’s sizes (three to six months up to youth XL).

Price at time of publish: From $17

Etsy

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If you’re looking for something small and economical, this handmade bracelet is the perfect pick. Available in three children’s sizes, from toddler to big kid (and also an adult version if you’d like to match with your little ones), this bracelet can be personalized with letter beads to spell your child’s name or a word of your choosing. It features red heart-shaped beads all the way around on an elastic string, making it easy to put on and take off. In addition to the bright red option, there’s also a multicolored pastel version.

Price at time of publish: From $12

Amazon

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When thinking of loving animals, otters—with their cute little hand holding so they don’t drift apart while floating—often come to mind. (Well, otters and dogs, that is.) I Love You Like No Otter is an adorable little board book, full of animal puns that will have both little ones and adults chuckling away. With colorful illustrations and funny storytelling, this book makes an excellent Valentine’s Day gift for kids—and a much-revisited bedtime story for little bookworms.

Price at time of publish: $9

Bepuzzled Peanuts Snoopy Loves Woodstock 3D Crystal Puzzle

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Everyone loves Snoopy, and Snoopy Loves Woodstock in this 3D crystal puzzle that’s designed to entertain slightly older kids. The puzzle has 35 pieces that, when put together, create this cute keepsake that features Snoopy and Woodstock each holding a red heart. It can also be taken apart and built again, time after time. It’s designed for children ages 12 and up as it can prove a little tricky for smaller ones. The final masterpiece can be showcased on a bookshelf or side table and will thrill anyone who is a fan of Snoopy or the classic Peanuts comic strip.

Price at time of publish: $20

H&M

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With a large heart on the front that can be swiped to show different colors and patterns, this pink and yellow “Happy Times” hoodie from H&M is sure to be a winner with the kids in your house. It’s available for children from ages 3 to 10 and is made from a cotton and polyester blend. The hoodie has a relaxed fit and is great for use as an extra layer to keep warm when spending time outdoors or cozying up at home.

Price at time of publish: $20

Ikea

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Whether you’re a grandparent with a lot of grandkids, an aunt or uncle with several nieces and nephews, or just looking for something cute and affordable for Valentine’s Day, look no further than this teddy bear from Ikea. Incredibly soft and with a bright red heart right in the middle of its torso, this toy is suitable for all ages. Despite its low price, the teddy bear is good quality and pretty sizable at 8.25 inches in height—perfect for hugging, playing, or sleeping with. It’s even machine washable (but don’t bleach or tumble dry).

Price at time of publish: $2

Melissa & Doug Butterfly and Heart Wooden Stamp Set

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With eight wooden stamps and two stamp pad colors (pink and purple), this butterflies-and-hearts set from Melissa & Doug makes a lovely Valentine’s Day gift for kids ages 4 and up. Some papers come included to get your kid started, and the whole thing packs away neatly and compactly in a wooden storage box.

Price at time of publish: $10

The Kids' Book of Paper Love: Write. Craft. Play. Share.

Amazon

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It may look like a simple book, but this paperback is chock-full of hours and hours of fun and entertainment for kids around the ages of 7 to 11. It consists of 180 extremely colorful pages, each of which has a different activity for kids to get their hands on. These include photo booth props, a DIY storybook, games, spot the difference, craft cutouts like pencil toppers and decorative paper loops, and so much more. Also included are extra bonuses like glitter stickers, a paper doll, and a poster.

Price at time of publish: $11

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Though it was written as a tool for parents to help their children deal with separation anxiety (as well as other important and rather difficult issues surrounding grief, loneliness, and loss), this book focuses on the connection between a mother and her children. In the book, this connection is described as “an invisible string made of love”—something you can’t see with your eyes but can feel in your heart. It’s heartwarming, moving, and amusingly illustrated, and it’s one of those memorable books that your kids will want you to read to them over and over again.

Price at time of publish: $17

In Season Jewelry Girls' CZ Border Heart Sterling Silver Locket Necklace

Target

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For something a little more special for your tween or teen this Valentine’s Day, you might want to have a look at this dainty heart locket. The sterling silver is hypoallergenic, and it’s available with either clear or pink cubic zirconia stones. This necklace has a versatile design that can get plenty of wear, meaning it doesn’t have to be saved for special occasions. To add an extra meaningful touch, you can add a sentimental photo to the locket before wrapping it up and gifting it.

Price at time of publish: $47

Ikea

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Another Valentine’s Day gift for kids that covers practicality, the Barndröm Heart Pattern Duvet Cover and Pillowcase set from Ikea is affordable and sure to get plenty of use. Its white color with pale pink hearts can add a touch of love to your child’s bedroom, and it’s made from 100 percent cotton.

Price at time of publish: $20

Questions You Might Ask

How much should you spend on a Valentine’s Day gift for kids?

Valentine’s Day gifts for kids can range from a couple of bucks to around $20–$30, and Malarkey says it depends on your budget. However, there isn’t a set rule for how much you should spend on Valentine’s Day gifts for your children.

“It’s a holiday all about love, which means it’s really about the thought,” Flood says. “You want to make sure the gift you’re sending has meaning and shows that you care about the person you’re sending it to more than how much you spend on it.”

Should you give your kids chocolates or something non-edible for Valentine’s Day?

Whether you settle on giving your kids chocolates, candy, or other non-edible goodies on Valentine’s Day is always a matter of personal preference. Chocolates, just like the holiday itself, are sweet and can be a symbolic gesture.

“Chocolates are a Valentine’s Day classic and I’m sure most kids will be excited to get a box all to themselves,” says Flood. “If you want to give chocolates, do it in a way they’ll remember like creating a scavenger hunt to find the box.”

Non-edible gifts, on the other hand, have the added perk of lasting longer and could be kept as a keepsake forever. “I’d recommend giving them something that creates a memory so that for years to come, your kids will look back on Valentine’s Day and remember the loving day they had with their parents through memorable experiences,” Flood adds.

Can’t decide? You can always give them a box of chocolate along with a non-edible gift. “One year, in addition to chocolates, I got the kids mugs with their initials on them,” Malarkey says. “It was really sweet, personalized, and cute.”

What are some last-minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas for kids?

With next-day shipping available from some major online retailers like Amazon, it’s easier than ever to get last-minute gifts in time for Valentine’s Day. Malarkey recommends creating a Valentine’s Day basket with a few items (think: chocolates, candies, socks, and a cute piece of jewelry or a pair of sunglasses).

If you’re a parent shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift for kids at the last minute, Flood suggests looking for something that you can do together with the children, “like a fun puzzle or a coloring set, which you can then set up at home for a Valentine’s Day family activity night.”

Malarkey also enjoys activity-based gifts that create memories, which can be simple to plan at the last minute. ”Traditionally, we always make together heart-shaped sugar cookies with a delicious frosting glaze on top. They’re so yummy, and the kids love it,” she says.

What are some other cool Valentine’s Day ideas for kids?

The most important thing about having a successful Valentine’s Day celebration for your kids is to make it fun and memorable. “Valentine’s Day is a day meant for love, appreciation, and care,” says Flood. “It’s easy to get hung up on trying to find the perfect gift, but don’t lose sight of what the day is all about. Remember that the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that people will appreciate the most and remember year after year.”

To make February 14 extra special, you can decorate the house in the days leading up to it and get the kids involved with crafts. “I cut out hearts in different shades of red, pink, and white, and just hang them from the ceiling in the kitchen, surprising the kids in the morning,” says Malarkey. “It’s super simple and sweet. I always write a special card to each of my children with a special message that lets them know how much I love them and that they’re my Valentine.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple Valentine’s Day gifts for kids, and researched and considered factors such as each item’s price, suitability for children, and value for money. She also spoke to Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, interior designer, home chef, and lifestyle expert; and Ciara Flood, the co-founder and chief gifting officer at &Open.