Valentine's Day is a lovely excuse to do something a little special with your toddler. It doesn't need to be elaborate. Here are simple, low-mess ideas, plus a few sweet small gifts. Always supervise, and keep small craft pieces away from children under 3.
Heart crafts
- Sticker hearts: cut big hearts from card and let your toddler cover them in stickers.
- Handprint hearts: two painted handprints, turned toward each other, make a heart.
- Tear-and-stick collage: torn pink and red paper glued onto a heart shape.
A child-size table keeps crafts in one place. The Pebble table and chairs wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap afterward.
A pink and red sensory bin
Fill a tray with large red and pink pom-poms, fabric scraps and scoops. Watch closely so nothing goes in the mouth, and skip small pieces for younger toddlers.
Cards for the people they love
Make a card for grandparents, a favorite teacher or a neighbor, then deliver it together. Toddlers love giving.
Love-themed stories
Read books about love, friendship and family. Snuggle up in a reading corner or a blanket fort.
Heart-shaped snacks
Use a cookie cutter on toast, pancakes or fruit slices. Cut food into small, safe pieces for little ones, and skip choking risks like whole grapes and hard candy.
A little dance party
Put on some happy songs and dance together. Freeze dance always gets giggles.
Sweet small gifts
- A cuddly friend: the Capy breathing plush comes in pink, brown or cream capybara styles, plus a bunny and koala, with a gently rising belly, a soft glow and music. Batteries aren't included, and it stays out of the sleep space for babies under 12 months.
- A cozy knit: the Bow knit hat and scarf set comes in dusty pink and burgundy, among other colors. Remove the scarf for car seats, naps and playgrounds.
- A new board book with a note written inside the cover.
Keep it simple
Pick one or two activities, not all of them. The best part for a toddler is simply doing something special with you.
Questions parents ask
What Valentine's activities can a toddler do?
Sticker hearts, handprint cards, a simple sensory bin and dancing to music.
What's a good Valentine's gift for a toddler?
A soft toy, a new book or something cozy to wear, rather than candy.
Is Valentine's candy safe for toddlers?
Many candies are choking risks for young children. Small, soft treats in tiny amounts, or no candy at all, is best.
More seasonal ideas in Holidays.
