Our Favourite Valentine's Day Arts and Crafts

Over time Valentine's day has become more corporate than romantic, but there are still ways to celebrate the day with arts and crafts activities both children and adults will enjoy.

We've pulled together a few crafts that children of all ages can participate in, whether you wish to make some decorations for the house or give your children the opportunity to make a present.

Crafts for Children at Valentine's

Beaded Necklace

Instead of wearing your heart on your sleeve this valentines, why not wear it around your neck?

We know the children love dressing up and raiding your jewellery drawer is likely to take place on a regular basis. Instead of trusting them with your most valuable jewels (or the costume jewellery you pretend is real) have them make their own jewellery this Valentine's day.

You never know, you may just find yourself borrowing their jewellery next time.

Why not use pipe cleaners to shape into hearts if you'd rather avoid the mess of polymer clay, or add personalised messages with alphabet beads.

Strawberry Valentine's Lollipops

It goes without saying that all children love sugar and with all the heart-shaped goodies filling shops this month, we know it can be hard to say no when your children are pleading for sweets.

So why not satisfy sugar cravings with these homemade lollipops? Your children will love making these as much as eating them. 

Feel free to use different flavours and colours to add some variety, or even sugar-free sweets if you'd prefer.

Felt Heart Decorations

This craft is so simple and can be adapted for different ages.

It's perfect for younger children to experiment creatively, and for older ones to learn how to stitch.

If you leave the top of the heart open, it turns into a purse which your children can use for pocket money or small toys and they'll feel just like mum!

String Heart Ornament

With this craft, your children will truly feel like an artist or sculptor as they make their own creative decisions.

Whilst this design does require help from an adult (careful with the nails and hammer!), it can become a household ornament if done well.

To add more pizzazz, include some decorations such as glitter or jewels, especially if you plan to hang it in the children's bedrooms. If not, the rustic look may well blend in nicely with your home decor.

Hand Valentines

This craft is very easy to do and fun for all ages - all you need is colourful card (and for your child to hold their hand still). Encourage the children to write sweet notes to family and friends.

They're so easy to make and can be handed around to the whole class at school to make them all feel special this Valentine's day.

To create a full-on valentine's card, cut out two hand shapes next to each other and write a longer message before folding it together like a card.

Magic Ink in a Bottle

This craft brings a Valentine's twist to a favourite magic trick and is sure to enchant children of all ages.

Let the children write notes and watch as they write and the letters disappear like magic!

Or, If you have an aspiring spy in your family, allow them to uncover the hidden messages.

Maybe they'll want to write secret messages and open them later for a surprise, or even include them in a time capsule for decades to come (or when they next play in the garden).

Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs 

These bath bombs are fun to make and relaxing to use. Add colouring or confetti to enhance the ambience (but be careful it doesn't stain your skin!).

Use lavender essential oil to encourage the kids to feel sleepy after bathtime, or a citrus essential oil to energize them.

You can even use them yourself as an excuse to have some alone-time.