Preschool Valentines Crafts Tips

preschool crafts · Glueseason

Preschool Valentines Crafts Tips

By Glueseason Editorial Team · Preschool Crafts · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Making Heart-Shaped Cards with Felt and Markers
Creating Friendship Bracelets with Yarn
Making a ‘Love Jar’ with Notes and Photos
Creating a ‘Valentine’s Tree’ with Handprints
Making a ‘Love Bag’ with Stickers and Notes
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions
The Printable Activity Plan

There’s something magical about the first time a preschooler hands you a heart-shaped card with their clumsy, crayon-scrawled message: ‘I love you, Teacher!’ As a teacher with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that Valentine’s Day in preschool is more than just a holiday—it’s a chance to spark creativity, build confidence. Create lasting memories. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a childcare provider, the right preschool Valentine’s crafts can turn a simple day into an unforgettable celebration for both kids and adults. The key is to make it meaningful, safe, and fun, using materials that are accessible and affordable.^[1]

At a glance · Focus: Preschool Valentines Crafts Tips · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: August 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

When I first started teaching, I had no idea how much a good craft could do for a child’s self-esteem. One year, we made paper hearts with felt and markers, and I watched in awe as a shy little boy proudly showed his creation to the class. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that even the simplest crafts can have a profound impact. The right preschool Valentine’s crafts tips can help teachers and parents alike create activities that are not only visually appealing but also educational and emotionally rewarding for children.^[2]

Valentine’s Day in preschool is also a great opportunity to integrate learning into play. Crafts like making friendship bracelets or creating a ‘love jar’ with small notes of appreciation from each child can help teach kids about kindness, cooperation, and emotional expression. With the right preschool Valentine’s crafts tips, you can guide children through activities that are both engaging and developmentally appropriate, without any of the stress or mess that often comes with holiday projects. The goal is to make the day fun, not overwhelming.^[3]

Why You'll Love This Preschool Valentine’s Craft Guide

Simple materials and easy-to-follow instructions make these crafts accessible for all ages and skill levels.
Each project is designed to enhance fine motor skills, color recognition, and creativity through hands-on learning.
The activities are safe, non-toxic, and designed for preschoolers with minimal supervision.
Many of the crafts can be personalized with names, photos, or handprints, making them perfect for keeping as keepsakes.

20m

Total time

$0–25

Est. cost

Pan

Ingredients

Making Heart-Shaped Cards with Felt and Markers

As of August 2026, Heart-shaped cards are a classic Valentine’s Day craft, and with a few simple materials, you can turn a basic paper card into a personalized masterpiece. I’ve made these with my class using felt, markers, and glue. The kids love choosing their favorite colors and adding their own messages.^[4]

One of the best parts of this project is that it can be customized for each child. I’ve had parents bring in photos of their child’s favorite things, like their pet or a favorite toy, and we’ve added those to the cards. It makes the project even more special and personal.^[5]

I’ve noticed that the kids get really excited when they see their finished cards. One year, we even had a ‘card exchange’ where each child gave their card to someone else. It was a heartwarming way to spread kindness and celebrate friendship.

👩‍🍳 Use a Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter

If your child is struggling with cutting out a heart, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter. It makes the process easier and ensures that each heart is the same size.

Part of our Preschool crafts guide.

Creating Friendship Bracelets with Yarn

preschool valentines crafts tips — Preschool Valentines Crafts Tips (step by step) — Step By Step

Friendship bracelets are a fun and interactive craft that allows preschoolers to explore different colors and patterns. I’ve used this activity with my class, and the kids absolutely love it. We use thick yarn, which is easier for small hands to handle.

I usually start by showing the kids how to make a basic knot and then let them experiment with their own designs. It’s amazing to see how creative they get. Some of them make simple single-color bracelets, while others try to combine colors in more complex ways.

One of the best things about this activity is that the bracelets can be personalized with the child’s name or the name of the person they’re making it for. I’ve also seen kids give bracelets to their friends as a gift, which has been a great way to encourage kindness and social interaction.

‘Friendship bracelets are more than just a craft—they’re a way for kids to express their feelings and connect with others.’

Related: Easy preschool crafts

Related: Modern Preschool Crafts Tips

Related: Cheap preschool crafts

Related: Simple preschool craft kits

Related: Preschool craft kits

Related: Preschool curriculum kit

Related: Halloween costumes for kids

Making a ‘Love Jar’ with Notes and Photos

A ‘love jar’ is a great way to help preschoolers express their feelings in a safe and creative way. I’ve used this activity with my class, and it’s always been a hit. We fill a small jar with small notes and photos that the kids write or draw. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate love and friendship.

I’ve had some of the kids write messages like ‘I love my teacher’ or ‘I love my brother’ and then put them in the jar. Others have drawn pictures of their favorite things and added them to the jar. It’s a wonderful way for kids to express their feelings in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.

I’ve noticed that the kids get very excited when they see the jar filled with notes and photos. It’s a great way to encourage them to think about the people they love and to express their gratitude in a tangible way.

💡 Use a Clear Jar for Visibility

Using a clear jar allows the kids to see all the notes and photos inside. It makes the activity more interactive and helps the kids feel proud of their contributions.

“There’s something magical about the first time a preschooler hands you a heart-shaped card with their clumsy, crayon-scrawled message: ‘I love you, Teacher”— Glueseason editors

Related: Natural preschool crafts

Related: Craft ideas for preschoolers

Related: Simple preschool crafts

Related: Easy kids crafts

Related: Arts and crafts supplies

Related: Easy crafts for kids at home

Creating a ‘Valentine’s Tree’ with Handprints

preschool valentines crafts tips — Preschool Valentines Crafts Tips (the finished result) — The Finished Result

A ‘Valentine’s Tree’ is a great way to involve the whole class in a collaborative project. I’ve used this activity with my class, and it’s been a lot of fun. We use a large piece of cardboard or poster board and hang it on the wall. The kids then use their hands to make heart-shaped handprints on the board.

I’ve had the kids paint their hands with different colors and then press them onto the board. It creates a beautiful and colorful display of love and friendship. Some of the kids like to add their names to their handprints, while others like to add small hearts or stars around their prints.

I’ve noticed that the kids get really excited when they see their handprints on the board. It’s a great way to help them feel proud of their work and to see how their contributions add to the overall project.

Related: Preschool craft kits tips

Related: Preschool crafts ideas

Related: Arts and crafts

Related: Crafts for kids

Related: Crafts for kids ages 4 8

Making a ‘Love Bag’ with Stickers and Notes

A ‘love bag’ is a great way for preschoolers to express their feelings in a fun and interactive way. I’ve used this activity with my class, and it’s been a lot of fun. We use small paper bags and let the kids fill them with stickers, notes, and other small items that they love.

I’ve had some of the kids write messages like ‘I love my teacher’ or ‘I love my family’ and then put them in the bags. Others have added stickers of their favorite things, like their favorite animal or their favorite toy. It’s a wonderful way for the kids to express their feelings in a tangible way.

I’ve noticed that the kids get very excited when they see the love bags filled with stickers and notes. It’s a great way to encourage them to think about the people they love and to express their gratitude in a fun and creative way.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

⭐ Classic

Use standard cardstock and glue for a simple, no-frills version.

💰 Budget

Use recycled materials like cardboard and paper to cut costs.

⚡ Extra-Fast

Skip the glue and use pre-cut shapes for a quicker project.

✨ Depth

Add layers of color and textures for a more complex craft.

🥗 Light

Use minimal materials for a simple and easy project.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

What materials do I need for the heart-shaped card project?

You’ll need cardstock, glue, markers, and optionally, glitter or stickers. All of these materials are easy to find and affordable.

Can I do this activity with very young children?

Yes! The heart-shaped card project is perfect for preschoolers. You can use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make it easier for small hands to handle.

How long does the project take?

The project typically takes around 20 minutes, but you can adjust the time based on the complexity of the craft.

Can I personalize the cards?

Absolutely! You can let the kids write messages or add photos to make the cards more personal.

Is this activity safe for preschoolers?

Yes, as long as you use non-toxic glue and markers. Always supervise the kids to ensure they’re using the materials safely.

What if the kids don’t know how to write?

That’s okay! They can draw pictures or use stickers to express their feelings instead of writing messages.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Using scissors that are too small for the children’s hands.	Small scissors can be difficult for preschoolers to use and may lead to frustration or even injury.	Use larger, child-safe scissors that are easier for small hands to handle.
Not supervising the kids closely enough.	Young children may not understand the dangers of using glue, markers, or scissors without proper guidance.	Always supervise the kids and provide clear instructions on how to use the materials safely.
Using materials that are not non-toxic.	Preschoolers often put materials in their mouths, so it’s important to use safe, non-toxic products.	Always use child-safe glue, markers, and other materials that are labeled as non-toxic.
Trying to do too much at once.	Preschoolers have short attention spans, and trying to do too much at once can overwhelm them.	Break the project into smaller steps and let the kids work at their own pace.

✏️ DIY Heart-Shaped Card Kit

Servings:

Diet:

The recipe as written.

What You'll Need tap to check off

1 lb Cardstock
½ cup Glue
Markers to taste

Method tap a step when done

Cut the cardstock into hearts using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a template.
Use markers to draw or write messages on the hearts.
Glue the hearts onto cardstock or cardboard to create a card.
Add additional decorations, such as stickers or glitter, if desired.
Allow the glue to dry completely before handing out the cards.
Encourage the kids to give their cards to someone they love.

Key Facts

510

Calories

32g

Protein

28g

Carbs

26g

Fat

Fiber

680mg

Sodium

Related: Natural preschool craft kits

Related: Preschool crafts comparison

Related: Crafts with preschoolers