5 Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids

Ah Valentine’s Day, the day of love. While it’s a great excuse to get out for a night and have some adult chat away from the kiddos, it’s also a great day to show the kids a little extra love. We don’t have to go all out with gifts. But it can be fun to give the kids something small and simple that sends the message “I love you today and every day!” Here are 5 unique Valentine’s Day gifts for kids to help you send that message loud and clear with connection that lasts much longer than a tasty chocolate. (Although, include the chocolate as well by all means!)

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Here are 5 unique and budget-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts for kids.

1. Cereal!

This is my mom’s unique Valentine’s Day gift idea for kids. Each Valentine’s Day, we’d wake up to a box of our favorite sugar cereal (Lucky Charms here!) at the bottom of the bed. The box would usually have a cut out heart on it with our name and a sweet message from Mom and Dad.

Maybe it’s a big family thing, but there’s something exhilarating about having a whole box of cereal with your name on it. 😉

We’d read the message for days as we savored our cereal (possibly months for some of us! 🙂 ).

If cereal’s not your thing, you could give your child their own case of strawberries or their favorite snack. Just be sure to write their name on it so everyone knows. And that little paper heart was pretty special too.

2. Friendship Bracelet

Did you ever braid or twist bracelets? A friendship bracelet is a constant reminder that the one who gave me this cares about me and wants to be my friend. 🙂 Make a bracelet for your child or give them the embroidery floss and make this simple craft together.

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3. Love in a Book

Gift a book with a love or friendship theme for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a board book for a smaller child or a chapter book, consider reading it together for extra bonding time. We love reading a book together and then watching the movie adaptation, with popcorn of course!

Here are some favorite books that are good for Valentine’s Day in order from younger audience to older.

Picture Books for Valentine’s Day

Love Monster by Rachel Bright

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This delightful, furry monster doesn’t quite fit in, but he’s determined to find someone who loves him just as he is.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

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This is one of our all-time favorite books all about a parent’s unconditional love. My big kids still like reading it together.

I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas

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This simple story is about Owen, a pig who’s a little worried about going to school and being away from home. But he hears from his mother that no matter where he is or what he’s doing, mom loves him. The pictures tell their own story, and Owen’s little personality is endearing, as is the message.

Chapter Books for Valentine’s Day

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

I guess we like pigs around here! This classic story follows Wilbur as he learns his way around the barnyard and makes friends, particularly with the Charlotte, the spider, who helps him come up with a plan that proves he’s too special of a pig to let go of. It’s an emotional story that helps kids feel the importance of friendship, and that not everything lasts forever. It also has a couple great movie adaptations.

Friends: The Series Boxed Set

Real Friends, Best Friends, Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

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I heartily recommend all of the books we’ve read by Shannon Hale. She’s an entertaining storyteller and the message comes through without being preachy. This fun series is inspired by Shannon’s real life and follows her through the middle school years as she figures out friendship and how to be true to herself.

Holes by Louis Sachar

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Stanley Yelnats ends up in a work camp digging holes in the dessert because of a family curse. But in the camp, he finds true friendship, which might end up saving them both. My kids love this unique story. It also has a well-casted movie adaptation with a young Shia LaBeouf and others.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

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By the time I learned about this book, my daughter had already read it twice. And if you haven’t read it or watched the movie, this is a must-do! Auggie Pullman has Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic condition that has required extreme medical attention and given him a deformed face. Told with authenticity from different perspectives, Auggie, his family, and his classmates learn about friendship and family, acceptance, love, and how to stand out in all the best ways.

4. A Family Game

Family games make for fun Valentine’s Day gifts for kids as they promise fun time together. Add a classic to your collection like Chess (our ten-year-old just got super into Chess) or UNO. Uno is great for all ages and can be played pretty quickly if you want a little fun before bedtime.

Another one of our family favorites in Codenames. Get your teammate to choose the correct word cards by giving a one-word clue. This game is good for kids and adults ages about ten and older.

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Alternately, go all in with the Valentine’s Day theme with a Valentine’s Party Bundle! This pack includes ten family-friendly games that you can play in person or virtually with up to ten people. Whether you invite your kids’ friends over for a party or play as a family, these games are a memory maker that you can enjoy for years to come.

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5. Heart of Fun

Kids of all ages love getting time with dad and/or mom, so gift an experience. You could go to the aquarium or a local concert, visit a children’s museum or go to the movies. Make it Valentiney by cutting out a paper heart or crafting a handmade Valentine to announce the gift. (Everything’s cooler written on a heart!)

Here’s a little ditty to get you started…

I hope these unique Valentine’s Day gifts for kids have given you ideas to create more connection with your children and show your love. Of course, it doesn’t take a holiday for us to love our kiddos, but it’s awfully fun to celebrate together!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your Littles!

Which of these Valentine’s Day gift ideas would your kids enjoy? Do you have any fun Valentine’s Day traditions with your family? Did you have them growing up? Share in the comments!

Want More Valentine’s Day Fun for Kids?

• Activities about Love for Kids: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Preschool, or Family Time
• 5+ Simple Valentine’s Day Ideas for Families in Friday’s Fast Five 25th Edition
• 101 Best Indoor Activities for Families [Simple Boredom Busters & Bonding Ideas]

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