With Valentines Day right around the corner, I figured where my wife and I love doing crafty stuff you might be the same. I know we always look at the last minute on what to create this year and these are the top of our list of ones we either have done or want to do.
If it’s your baby’s first valentine or second or third it doesn’t matter you want to make it memorable and there is no better way than some DIY Valentine’s Day crafts. The best part is most of these are easy Valentine crafts and something you will keep forever.
A few tips before you get started.
- Washable paints and markers are HIGHLY suggested. You will be shocked on how your sweet baby will turn into a messy little monster.
- Washable glue sticks. Just buy in bulk you’ll be surprised how quickly you can use them especially when your kids get ahold of them. Elmers stick that start purple and dryes clear is one we prefer.
- Leave the paint brushes in the box they won’t need them. They are more into finger painting.
- Have a roll of dry paper towels or a few Coral fleece cleaning cloths near by. Side note if you want a parents DREAM cleaning cloth look for coral Fleece it’s super absorbent and cleans better then anything I’ve ever used.
- Wash their hands when it’s still wet paint because dry paint is a pIan to get off, especially on delicate skin.
Warning: Always supervise babies during crafts &activities and choose materials that are safe for their age and developmental stage.
Cards
One easy craft is to create baby footprint heart or baby handprint heart Valentine’s Day cards with non-toxic washable pink or red paint, white paper, or a small blank canvas. That way you have a reminder and keepsake of how small they were.
Sensory Bottle
Have them help you choose Valentine’s themed items like pink watercolor and beads to make a simple sensory bottle by filling a clear plastic bottle and cap it as a great way to make a sensory item for tactile exploration.
Some ideas on what to put in the bottle are
- Oil, water, and food coloring
- Water, food coloring, and beads
- Mini hearts, water, and glitter
- Feathers, beads, buttons, Pom poms, ect. Different weighted items so the fall and roll differently.
Salt Dough
Make heart-shaped salt dough ornaments as a fun and easy DIY project for little hands. As they are playing with it they are developing fine motor skills as well as having fun. After they are done playing with it you can use a heart-shaped cookie cutter and get a hand print or foot print int he center of the heart to keep.
After baking and cooling (if you go the baking route) you can also have them paint it. I always suggest using washable paint. No matter how much you try to keep paint to the table area, it will get on everything.
Paper Hearts
Cut a paper heart out of construction paper and using baby-friendly materials like colorful tissue paper or fabric scraps have/help them decorate it.
Sensory Play Mat
Design a sensory play mat with different textures and patterns, incorporating heart shapes for added Valentine’s charm.
Clothes
Personalize a baby onesie or bib with fabric markers or non-toxic paint, adding cute Valentine’s Day designs.
Paint
Use washable, baby-friendly paint to create heart-shaped art on a large piece of paper or canvas for collaborative fun. This is a pretty easy thing to expand on. it can be paint markers, dot markers (AKA bingo daubers), or even just water with food coloring for a simple water color.
If you want to make it a piece of art you can tape of the border, a heart shape, or the word love and remove it for a clean finish.
Another Idea is a footprint flower bouquet by stamping baby’s footprints as flower petals on paper. This is cute for Mother’s Day too.
Love Garland
Craft a heart garland using soft, child-friendly materials like felt or fabric, creating a charming decoration for the nursery.
Baby Sensory Book
Craft a love-themed soft baby book using fabric scraps, incorporating different textures and patterns for a sensory experience.
Love Sign
Create a heart-shaped “I Love You” sign with baby’s handprints using non-toxic paint on a piece of wood. You can paint it or leave it as a natural wood sign both look great.
Baby Blanket
Personalize a baby blanket with fabric paint or markers, adding cute heart-shaped designs or by sewing heart-shaped fabric patches onto a soft fabric.
Footprint Rug
Create a heart-shaped footprint rug using fabric paint on a plain rug, turning baby’s footprints into a charming decoration. This one could be really cute if you can get them to do it every year so it’s as though their foot prints grow as they walked across it.
For the slightly older children
Love Bug
Pom poms, pipe cleaners, and Googly eyes are are fun way to make love bugs. Due to choking hazards I only suggest this for older kids. I have seen them use these under close adult supervision when my kids were in daycare.
I hope you find these easy Valentine‘s Day crafts fun and something you enjoy doing with your little one. Let me know in the comments what other fun things you do for and with your baby.
