Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Valentine's Day The 30 Cutest Valentine's Day Gifts for Kids of 2023 From DIY chocolate bars to personalized teddy bears, these adorable gift ideas are great for children of all ages. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, and mother based in the UK. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 12, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Plus Plus I Love You Hearts Mini Maker Tube Amazon View On Amazon View On Plusplususa.com 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 Care Bears Love-A-Lot Bear Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 Love Monster and the Last Chocolate Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Barnesandnoble.com 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 The 20 Best Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets of 2023 Lego Valentine’s Brown Bear 40462 Building Kit Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com With 245 pieces that make a cute brown bear with heart-shaped balloons and flowers, this Valentine’s Day Lego building kit will keep the little ones entertained for quite a while. It’s also something you can build together to spend some quality time on this special day. When fully built, the bear stands four inches tall and makes a lovely decorative item for a shelf, mantle, or bookcase. As with all classic Lego bricks, the game has small pieces so it’s not suitable for kids under 3 (and it’s recommended for children 8 and up). Price at time of publish: $30 Klean Kanteen Insulated Kid Classic 12 oz Bottle Amazon View On Amazon View On Kleankanteen.com 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 The 32 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts of 2023 Creativity for Kids String Art Heart Light Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target 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 Real Cooking Chocolate Pen Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 Studio Laine CC Personalized Valentine’s Day Bear Etsy View On Etsy To give your child a more classic Valentine’s Day experience, a teddy bear and some chocolates in a heart-shaped box are the way to go. To avoid buying a bear that looks like all the others, get this personalized Valentine’s Day bear that can feature your child’s name and the current year—which is optional, but a nice touch—on its paws. This fluffy, handmade teddy bear is available in either red or white in three different sizes and is suitable for kids ages 3 and up. Price at time of publish: From $10 What I Love About You Fill-in-the-Love Book Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com 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 Kennedy Claire Couture Candy Hearts Mommy and Me T-Shirts Etsy View On Etsy 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 Fun Express Rubber Valentine Whoopee Cushions Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Orientaltrading.com Let’s face it: Teens and tweens might not find the thought of their parents giving them a Valentine’s Day gift all that appealing, but don’t let that stop you from giving them something to show your love for them. For a gift that they’ll surely get a kick out of, whatever their age, give them these rubber Valentine whoopee cushions from Fun Express. Whether you choose to play a prank on them or give it to them to trick their friends, this is one Valentine’s Day gift that will be a hit. Price at time of publish: $19 Disney Valentine’s Day Cotton Pajamas Amazon View On Amazon 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 San Diego Bead Shop Kids Heart Bracelet Etsy View On Etsy 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 Valentine’s Day Coloring Activity Book Amazon View On Amazon 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 Gap Factory Kids Valentine's Day Crew Socks Gap Factory View On Gapfactory.com You don’t need to go all out this Valentine’s Day to show your little ones how much you love them, especially if the idea of heart-shaped confetti and balloons makes them cringe. If a subtle touch is what you’re after, why not go for this two-pack of Valentine’s Day-themed crew socks from Gap Factory? These reasonably-priced socks have a ribbed top and reinforced toe and heel sections to avoid holes (well, for as long as possible for children). Plus, the heart graphic is right at the top so it can be perfectly hidden under pants. Price at time of publish: $9 Easy Chef Moose Toys Chocolate Bar Maker Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sears.com Sure, a box of chocolates is nice and all, but have you ever tried making your own? Your children are way more likely to appreciate this Easy Chef Chocolate Bar Maker than a standard box of candy, as it allows them to get creative and keeps them entertained. Plus, the whole kit, which includes chocolate molds, a decorating pen, stamps, and even wrappers, costs about as much as a box of chocolates does anyway. Just note that you’ll have to buy your own chocolate and fillings, and little ones might need some adult help and supervision to melt it in the microwave before pouring it into the molds. Price at time of publish: $10 The Invisible String View On Amazon View On Booksamillion.com View On Bookshop.org 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 Melissa & Doug Wooden Heart Magnets Craft Kit Melissa & Doug View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Melissaanddoug.com Melissa & Doug is a toy brand known for its wooden and sustainable toys that steer clear of plastics, and this set of DIY heart magnets is no different. The set comes with four 3D heart-shaped wooden magnets that are ready to be decorated with the included paint, glitter glue, and 12 gem stickers. It’s designed for children ages 4 and up, and it will keep them busy for hours. The items can be used as keepsakes or turned into keyrings, fridge magnets, and even ornaments. They can also be gifted to your children’s Valentines! Price at time of publish: $15 Love Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target 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). It’s poetically written by Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña who has also penned other classics such as Last Stop on Market Street, and Milo Imagines the World, and beautifully illustrated by Loren Long, who is known for illustrating Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings and Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters. Price at time of publish: $18 Play-Doh Valentine’s Modeling Compound Bag Amazon View On Amazon Play-Doh is notoriously one of the most beloved children’s activities—kids are incredibly happy to play with it for hours on end, and no matter how many times they get gifted with a fresh batch, the reaction is always the same: sheer joy. This Valentine’s Day, give your children this Valentine’s modeling compound bag from Play-Doh that includes 15 different 1-ounce putty cans for them to make hearts, flowers, and anything else they desire. Price at time of publish: $14 Bright Creations Heart Shape Blank Jigsaw Puzzles Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target This set of 12 blank heart-shaped puzzles is a creative way to spend time with your children this Valentine’s Day. The kids can each create a hand-drawn puzzle to keep for future playdates or gift to their little Valentines. The puzzles have 40 pieces each, making them suitable for almost all ages after toddlerhood. They can be decorated with paint, coloring pencils, markers, glitter, and even crafting supplies like sequins. The puzzles do not come with individual storage, so you’ll have to keep them in separate bags or put them in little organza bags for gifting. Price at time of publish: $13 I Love You Like No Otter Amazon View On Amazon 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 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 Heart Printed Hoodie H&M View On Hm.com 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 Fabler Björn Soft Toy Ikea View On Ikea 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 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Melissaanddoug.com 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 View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Workman.com 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 In Season Jewelry Girls' CZ Border Heart Sterling Silver Locket Necklace Target View On Target View On Inseasonjewelry.com 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 The 15 Best Places to Buy Affordable Quality Jewelry Online H&M Heart-Shaped Cushion H&M View On Hm.com 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 Ikea Barndröm Heart Pattern Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Ikea View On Ikea 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.” The 10 Best Gift Baskets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed 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. 50 Impressive Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts From Amazon—All Under $55 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. 48 Creative, Cool Gifts for Kids They're Sure to Love Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit