Kid-friendly Valentine's Day gift ideas that are fun and affordable

• This year, Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, February 14.
• Gift recommendations for kids include themed books, toys, clothing, and crafts.
• Popular gift ideas for tweens range from Stanley cups and LEGO sets to skincare and Squishmallows.
• Sweet treats like chocolates, gourmet candy, and baked goods are also suggested gift options.

It’s that time of year when everyone is rushing to show a little extra love. With Valentine’s Day falling this Saturday, Feb. 14, this year, the pressure is definitely on. If you have kids, you know the drill: the last-minute dash for chocolates, treats and enough classroom cards to fill a mailbox.

Even though most of us are spending a bit more this year on everyone from our partners to our pets, I’m trying to be more intentional with my shopping. Personally, I love putting together themed gift baskets for my five-year-old. I try to find small, meaningful things that will actually last, rather than the cheap plastic fillers that usually end up in the trash by the end of the day.

If you're looking for something better than a grocery store toy, I’ve put together some of my favorite gift ideas for kids of all ages below.

Here's a preview of Valentine's Day gift ideas by age:

• Valentine’s Day gifts for toddlers
• Valentine’s Day gifts for tweens
• Sweet treats and fun extras for kids

Valentine’s Day gifts for toddlers

Little Blue Truck has the perfect Valentine's Day-themed book

Little Blue Truck's Valentine: A Heartwarming Farm Adventure

This book series has been a household favorite since my son was little, and they have a themed version for just about everything—including Valentine’s Day. Shop at Amazon

Grab a cup they'll use all year long with this cute Owala Tumbler

Owala Kids Tumbler with Spill-Resistant Flexible Straw

My little one loves to copy everything I do—especially having a 'special' cup to drink from. Even though this one isn't pink or covered in hearts, it still fits the Valentine's theme perfectly. Shop at Amazon

Add some holiday-themed clothing or pajamas

Monster Truck 2-Pieces Jammies Set

Since my kid is obsessed with monster trucks and fire trucks, these pajamas are an easy win. Shop at Amazon

The VTech KidiZoom helps kids capture their own picture-perfect moments

VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus

Getting my son a camera has been such a cute experience, he gets all excited when he's gotten a photo of his cat or himself. Shop at Amazon

Shop Valentine's Day crafts you can do together, like this Dot Markers Activity Book

Valentine's Day Dot Markers Activity Book

Nothing says 'I love you' like time spent together, so I always make sure to include an activity, craft or project to do with my little one. Shop at Amazon

Valentine’s Day gifts for tweens

Stanley's Valentine's Day collection is too cute to pass up

Valentine’s Day Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Find a wide range of Stanley options in their Valentine's Day collection featuring pink and red velvet. Shop at Stanley

Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid Building Set

Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid Building Set

Lego has a great collection of botanical-themed building set which really fits the mold for a Valentine's Day gift that doubles as decor or just a fun activity. Shop at Amazon

Stock up on their favorite skincare essentials like this Peach & Lily gift set

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Discovery Kit

Whether they've been begging for a skincare routine or they already have favorites, shop perfect Valentine's Day gifts at Ulta. Shop at Ulta

Squishmallow Caparinne The Valentine's Day Pink Bigfoot Plush

Squishmallow Caparinne The Valentine's Day Pink Bigfoot Plush

Squishmallow and Jellycat both released Valentine's Day collections, so grab a trendy plush! Shop at Amazon

Mondo Llama Bath Bomb Making Kit

Mondo Llama Bath Bomb Making Kit

Crafts don't have to be limited to the little ones, try this bath bomb making kit from Target. Shop at Target

Sweet treats and fun extras for kids

Ghirardelli Valentine's Day Sweetheart Gift Box 

Ghirardelli Heart-Shaped Gift Box 

What is Valentine's Day without chocolate? This heart-shaped gift box is ready in as little as two hours at Target. Shop at Target

Send a Cupidgram with Sugarwish

Send a Cupidgram from Sugarwish

You can pick a gift size that fits your budget—starting at just $27—and then let your recipient choose exactly which treat they want! Send a Sugarwish

Pick a sweet treat from Milk Bar

Milk Bar Assorted Cookie Tin

Grab a cookie tin, cake or truffles from Milk Bar for the sweetest, deliverable desserts. Shop at Milk Bar

Try a gourmet candy gift for kids from Sugarfina

Sugarfina

From a Peanuts themed candy collection to gourmet gummies and chocolate, shop Sugarfina for kids. Shop at Sugarfina

Shop chocolate-covered fruits, desserts and candy baskets at From You Flowers

From You Flowers

Ladybug chocolate-covered oreos? Chocolate-covered strawberries? Candy baskets full of their favorites? Find them all at From You Flowers. Shop at From Your Flowers

When is Valentine's Day 2026?

Valentine's Day is on Saturday, Feb. 14.

What are the best Valentine’s Day gifts for kids?

The best Valentine's Day gits for kids are fun, age-appropriate and easy to enjoy. Classic picks include books with a love or friendship theme, plush toys in Valentine colors and options are always a hit for younger kiddos, craft kits or activities that can give kids something to do and sweet treats like heart-shaped cookies or candy assortments. I like to mix and match for a little Valentine's Day bundle.

Are Valentine’s Day gifts for kids expensive?

Not at all! Valentine's Day gifts for kids can be extremely affordable. Many great gift options fall well under $25. Think about puzzles, activity books, art supplies or even small accessories like a reusable Valentine's Day tumbler. You don't have to spend big to make Valentine's Day feel fun and festive.

What age-appropriate Valentine’s Day gifts can I buy?

Choosing age-appropriate Valentine's Day gifts means thinking about how kids play at different stages.

• For toddlers and preschoolers: soft plush toys, board books and chunky puzzles are best
• For elementary-aged kids: Interactive craft kits like Lego building sets and activity books that match their interests
• For tweens: Personalized accessories, small tech-adjacent accessories like headphones or an LED desk light, or you can lean into DIY crafts

What are shipping deadlines for Valentine's Day delivery?

As we approach Valentine's Day this weekend, it's important to note retailer deadlines to ensure your orders arrive in time for Valentine's Day.

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you place your orders:

• Amazon: Using standard shipping, you will want to order by Feb. 12 for a guaranteed delivery by Feb. 14. Prime members get Free One-Day or Two-Day Shipping on millions of items. In select cities, you can even order as late as the morning of Feb. 14 for Same-Day Delivery.
• Walmart: On the safe side, standard shipping orders should have been placed by Feb. 10. For expedited shipping, you have until Feb. 12. Walmart+ members get free next-day and two-day shipping with no order minimum. You also get free same-day delivery from your local store on groceries and gifts if you order by Feb. 14 at 1 PM local time.
• Target: When ordering with standard shipping, you needed to place your order by Feb. 10. Target Circle 360 members get free same-day delivery via Shipt on orders over $35. You can also use Drive Up or Order Pickup. Most items are ready within 2 hours, and you can place these orders right up until the evening of Feb. 14.

Also, don't forget about in-store pickup options at Target and Walmart, where you can opt for free curbside pickup, which is usually ready the same day you order!