Looking for a Valentine’s Day gifts for kids? I’ve rounded up gifts for your little love to that they’ll love and won’t collect dust.
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I’ll be honest, I love any opportunity to give a gift. It’s such a small way to make your little ones feel special.
My sweet Amelia beams with pure joy when I give her a gift and is so thankful. Day made!
But, I also live a simple life and don’t enjoy holding on to things with no purpose. Over the years and as I started Simple & Sage my goal became to only have things in our home we truly love and that are useful. I don’t traditionally find Valentine’s Day gifts for kids to be useful AND something they’ll love.
Rest assured, mama. You can make your child beam while opening a thoughtful gift without bringing unnecessary things into your home.
The History of Valentine’s Day
Anyone know? Outside of the Hallmark story, I seriously couldn’t have told you. Truth be told, the origin is murky at best. But, let’s learn a little something together.
Alas, Valentine’s Day historically is the celebration of St. Valentine. Who? I had no idea either.
St. Valentine, a Roman Catholic priest, is honoured on February 14th, the day his beheading occurred. Legend has it he performed marriages when the Emperor banned the marrying of young men who made better soldiers. It is believed that he left a farewell for the jailer’s daughter who he had become friends with signed “from your Valentine”.
But, this is all according to legend. There are in fact THREE St. Valentines so who actually knows. To add to that, it could be recognizing the pagan fertility festival Lupercalia. Then, there is the Middle Age where possibly February 14th is the beginning of bird’s mating season.
Finally, by the 18th century our declaration of love through sentimental trinkets and cards began.
Is Valentine’s Day for Kids?
The common thread that runs through that complex history lesson is that Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and friendship. So, yes!
I’ve always thought valentines from teeny children to their friends and family was so cute. There is nothing more honest than the affection of a child.
I think Valentine’s Day gifts for kids is an opportunity to make them feel special, as you feel when you’re given one. So celebrate away, mama!
What Should I Give my Kids for Valentine’s Day?
Ah, yes, the reason for this post!
I’ve got you covered! I have rounded up some really cute and useful gifts for your littlest valentines right here. Let’s get going!
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids
Things to Wear
Clothes, pajamas, and socks are always useful when you have kids. My tip for making gifts you wear go the distance is to buy items that aren’t specifically holiday themed. In my Christmas Eve Traditions post you’ll know my love of buying matching pajamas but I buy patterns that aren’t specific to Christmas and choose gender neutral colours – but pink and unicorns is gender neutral for us.
One of my personal favourites I have given my kids is this adorable leather heart purse from Might Mocs.
I’m also a sucker for a crewneck and love the simplicity of this organic cotton Be Mine sweatshirt from Petit Lem, one of my favourite Canadian brand.
Things They Need
Not to suck the fun out of gift giving but is there anything wrong with coupling it with the things you’ll need to buy your kids anyways? I think not! Cute water bottles and things for the bath are a win for me!
For me, emotional support is something they need and I loved giving the kids the Love Powered Co Little I AM Affirmations Cards for Kids. Every morning each of the kids chooses a Love Powered Co card from the Littles Deck and we read them out loud. It’s become a nice part of our morning routine to help the kids build their confidence and vocabulary about emotional wellness.
Things to Play With
We’re talking about gifts for kids so play is kind of important! I’ve made a big shift to encourage open ended play that both my kids at different ages can enjoy. Our favourite: Play Dough!!
Let me start by saying the great thing about play dough is you don’t NEED to buy it – short on time? conscious of your spending? You can make your own and it will still be new & fun for your kids! I love to make up little gifts for the kids friends & a small jar of homemade play dough we made together was an easy and unique gift!
If you are looking to purchase, I love Little Larch Play Dough which is free from synthetic dyes and artificial scents. Instead it is made from veggies, minerals, and essential oils. They are also packaged in glass jars making them a better choice for the environment.
Things to Read
Building a library for my kids has been something I love doing. I love choosing books to help them learn how to talk about their feelings and to learn about different cultures. Our favourite series is Little People, BIG Dreams. There is no holiday I don’t enjoy adding a book to their libraries!
Things to Eat
I try to keep Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids primarily useful but a little something yummy is needed too!
Yummy doesn’t need to be candy though. If your kids are small or you’re not big on sugar Love Child Organics have always been my go to. I like to strike a balance and include a sweet treat and something I can add to their lunches!
Looking for cards for your Valentines or valentines for classmates? Carly at Paperscript has created THE most beautiful Valentine’s Day Collection.
Need more ideas? Check out my Giving Guide for Kids! Comment below if you’re doing Valentine’s Day gifts for Kids and what you’re doing!
