10 Class Valentines Gifts for Kids Non Food Ideas That Beat Candy Any Day!
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with kids—it’s full of love, laughter, and lots of red and pink! But as a mom who’s helped organize more than a few class Valentine’s parties, I’ve learned that not every gift needs to be sugary. Between allergies, dietary restrictions, and the mountain of candy that comes home every February 14th, finding non food Valentine gifts has become my go-to solution.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of class valentines gifts for kids non food ideas that are cute, easy, and perfect for classmates—whether your child is in preschool, daycare, or kindergarten. These ideas are fun, affordable, and many are DIY or homemade, so you can add that special personal touch.
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Why Choose Non-Food Valentine Gifts?
Over the years, I’ve found that non candy Valentine’s Day gifts are just as exciting as sweet treats—sometimes even more so! They’re allergy-safe, last longer than chocolates, and often spark creativity or play. Plus, they make great school party favors that teachers actually appreciate. From DIY crafts to unique classroom treats, there’s something here for every age, from toddlers to kindergarteners and beyond.
10 Class Valentines Gifts for Kids Non Food Ideas
Here are ten fun, unique, and easy non candy Valentine ideas that your kids and their classmates will absolutely love.
1. DIY Play-Doh Valentines
If you ask me, Play-Doh Valentines never go out of style. They’re colorful, creative, and fun for every age—from preschoolers to kindergarteners. You can make homemade Play-Doh using simple ingredients (flour, salt, water, and food coloring) or grab a pack of mini tubs for a quick and easy classroom gift.
Add a cute tag like “You’re a-Doh-rable!” and tie it with twine for a personal touch. This idea is perfect for daycare or preschool parties where hands-on play is encouraged.
2. Mini LEGO Valentine Kits
Every kid loves LEGOs, and this idea is pure genius for school valentines. Create little bags with mini LEGO pieces that can build a heart or a tiny object. Include a tag that says, “We were built to be friends!” It’s a fun, non candy treat that kids can actually use.
What I love about this is that it doubles as a small STEM activity, encouraging creativity while celebrating friendship.
3. Pop It Fidget Valentines
Pop Its have taken over every classroom—and for good reason! They’re bright, tactile, and satisfying to use. Hand out heart-shaped Pop It toys as Valentine’s gifts with tags like “You make my heart pop!”
This idea works perfectly for kindergarteners and classmates who need a quiet, sensory toy during school time. They’re cute, reusable, and a huge hit with kids (and honestly, even with adults).
💖 Amazon Pick: Heart-Shaped Pop It Fidget Toy (12-Pack)
If you want to make Valentine prep super easy, this Heart Pop It Fidget Toy Set is a must. It comes in bright pinks, reds, and purples—perfect for school Valentine exchanges. Each one is individually wrapped, making them classroom-ready and mess-free.
Why I love it: These are reusable, budget-friendly, and a big crowd-pleaser. Just add a tag, and your Valentine’s gifts are done!
4. Reusable Cups with Valentine Tags
This one is practical and adorable—reusable cups filled with pencils, erasers, or stickers. You can find colorful plastic tumblers or heart-themed cups, add a few small goodies, and attach a tag like “You’re soda-lightful!”
These non candy Valentine treats are perfect for school and daycare settings, especially if you want something useful and clutter-free. Plus, kids can use their cups long after Valentine’s Day.
5. Crayon & Coloring Card Sets
For younger kids like toddlers or preschoolers, you can’t go wrong with coloring! Create small coloring kits using mini crayon packs and Valentine coloring sheets. Add a note that says “You color my world!” and tie everything with ribbon for a DIY homemade gift.
This is one of my favorite classroom crafts because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and gives little ones a fun activity for later.
🎨 Amazon Pick: Crayola Mini Crayon Party Favor Packs
Make your life easier with this Crayola Mini Crayon Set—each pack includes four crayons, perfect for school Valentine gifts. Pair them with printable coloring cards, and you have an adorable non food Valentine idea ready to go.
Why I love it: These crayons are high-quality, non-toxic, and come pre-packed for easy distribution—no extra prep needed!
6. Friendship Bracelets or Bead Kits
Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” like a friendship bracelet! You can pre-make them or let kids craft their own using bead kits. Add a cute note like “You’re a gem, Valentine!” This is one of those homemade crafts that older kids will love to personalize for their classmates.
7. Valentine Bubbles
Bubble wands make easy and fun non candy Valentines that always make kids smile. Add tags like “You blow me away, Valentine!” and tie with red ribbon. These are perfect party favors for preschool and kindergarten classes because they’re safe, simple, and endlessly entertaining.
🫧 Amazon Pick: Mini Heart-Shaped Bubble Wands (48-Pack)
If you’re short on time, this Heart Bubble Wand Pack is Valentine perfection! Each wand is prefilled and ready for gifting. Just add a printable tag and hand them out to your little ones’ classmates.
Why I love it: Affordable, cute, and zero mess—these make great school party favors for toddlers or kindergarteners.
8. Mini Notebooks & Pencils
Mini notebooks and heart-themed pencils are an adorable and practical non food Valentine idea for any classroom. Add stickers or Valentine messages to make them extra special. They’re great for kids who love drawing or journaling—plus, they fit easily into backpacks!
9. Heart-Shaped Erasers or Stamp Sets
If your kids love stationery (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), give out small erasers or stamps as cute non candy Valentines. Add a message like “You’re tops in my book!” and wrap them in small bags for easy distribution.
These are great for kindergarteners and *preschoolers* who love collecting colorful school supplies.
10. Mini Slime or Putty Jars
This one’s always a crowd favorite—DIY slime or homemade putty! You can make your own using non-toxic ingredients or buy mini jars online. Add labels that say “You make my heart gooey!” for a fun twist.
Be sure to package them in small cups or sealed containers to avoid messes—teachers will thank you later!
How to Package Your Non-Food Valentines
Presentation can make even the simplest Valentine gift feel magical. Here are a few easy DIY packaging ideas to make your gifts pop:
- Use kraft paper bags or mini clear cups tied with ribbon.
- Add heart-shaped tags or printable Valentine cards.
- Include your child’s name and a short message to make it personal.
- Decorate with stickers, washi tape, or small heart-shaped foam cutouts for a homemade touch.
I’ve learned over the years that kids don’t need something extravagant—they just love exchanging something fun and meaningful. And the best part? These non food Valentine ideas won’t contribute to a sugar overload!
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day is all about showing kindness, friendship, and creativity. With these 10 class valentines gifts for kids non food ideas, you can make this year’s celebration memorable and mess-free. From Play-Doh crafts to Pop It toys and cute reusable cups, every option here is simple, affordable, and full of love.
Personally, my kids and I have tried several of these over the years, and the reactions from their classmates are always heartwarming. It’s amazing how a small, thoughtful, DIY homemade Valentine gift can make a child’s day. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach our kids that Valentine’s Day is about sharing love, not just candy.
So, grab your craft supplies, set aside an afternoon, and start creating! You’ll end up with gifts that every child in the class will adore—and that teachers will appreciate too.
Which of these non candy Valentine ideas will you try this year? Share your favorites or your own creative twists in the comments below!