The Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Young Children

Valentine's Day is often marketed towards adults. Roses, chocolates, and romance are the things we most associate with this holiday of love. Yet, parents should not forget their children this time of year either. Giving Valentine's Day gifts to young children can be a fun way to show your love.

Toddlers and preschoolers are easy to give gifts to at Valentine's Day. They are beginning to understand the joy of giving gifts, and often are eager to give and share with the ones they love. Simple paper valentines can light up the eyes of any toddler or preschooler. Small stuffed animals, coloring books, and special trips are also great gifts to give children at this age.

Making valentines together can be the best gift to give. Spending time with loved ones doing crafts can bring endless joy to a child's day. An added bonus is letting them give their creations to family and friends that they choose. Giving can be just as rewarding as getting at this age.

Early elementary aged children love gifts that reflect their personality. You do not need to spend a lot of money on Valentine's Day gifts if you can make the gifts fit the child. Arts and crafts sets, stuffed toys from a favorite cartoon or movie, or fun decorations are all appreciated gifts that will be loved.

Children at this age and also help create more complex crafts, including beading simple jewelry or painting clothing, that they can give to friends. At this age they are old enough to help with volunteering and giving to the community. Baking cookies to take to a local retirement center or helping in a food kitchen are great ways they can share the love on Valentine's Day.

Upper elementary aged children are often very opinionated about what they like and do not like. Gifts that fit their blooming personal style can be simple pieces of clothing, such as a headband or iron-on clothing patch, can be the perfect gifts to give. Spending time together one on one is also a great way to share Valentine's Day together.

At this age children can make many crafts unsupervised to give as gifts. However, many may prefer to purchase simple gifts and cards for their friends. You should still encourage your older child to help others in the spirit of love on Valentine's Day. Donating time and energy can be a wonderful family tradition that makes Valentine's Day even more special.

Young children may not be the target demographic for Valentine's Day merchandise, yet should not be over looked on this holiday of love. Give your child special gifts that comes from the heart, and help him or her create gifts to give to others to spread the love around.