Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day Gifts (Without the Junk)

Every year around Valentine’s Day, I get the same question:

“What are you making for your kids’ classrooms?”

I know candy is the easy answer but I try to avoid it when I can and lean toward gifts that are more eco-friendly, reusable, and thoughtful. I also love anything that doesn’t end up as clutter or trash by the end of the day.

Before we get into classroom ideas, I want to share a few things I do when candy or store-bought gifts make sense

Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Books

Books are one of my favorite Valentine’s Day gifts especially for younger kids. They last, they get reread, and they shift the focus from sugar to connection.

👉 You can find all of our favorite Valentine’s Day books linked in my Amazon shop here:

Cleaner, Less-Toxic Valentine’s Day Candy

If you are sending candy to school (or want something easy to add to a gift), I always look for options without artificial dyes and with simpler ingredients.

👉 I’ve linked the organic, less-toxic candy options I like and use.

Also, I also usually get my kids a pair of pajamas. I love the ones from 1212 linked here.

If you’re feeling creative—or just want something different—here are a few simple, reusable classroom gift ideas we’ve done over the years.

5 Easy, Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Day Classroom Gifts

I repurpose glass jars we already have at home and reuse them year after year. These ideas are simple, inexpensive, and easy for kids to help with.

1. Homemade Granola Jars

I take a ball canning mason jar and fill it with my homemade nut-free granola.

We tie it off with a paper heart that my child decorates or draws on—it makes it feel personal and sweet. See the granola blog linked above for details.

2. Lip Balm with a Valentine Note

A Primally Pure chapstick paired with a simple Valentine note is always a hit and actually gets used.

3. “I Love You to the Ocean and Back” Jar

A mason jar filled with seashells and a note that reads:

“I love you to the ocean and back.”

This one is especially sweet if you live near the beach or have shells from past trips.

4. Necklace-Making Kit

A mason jar with beads and string so kids can make a necklace, paired with a note that says:

“I’m always around your heart.”

5. Seeds That Grow

A packet of seeds in a small potting jar with a note that says:

“My love for you grows every day.”

It’s simple, meaningful, and turns into something lasting.

A Quick Cost-Saving Tip

I used larger jars for photos, but in real life I use 4-ounce jars for classroom gifts. They’re much more economical and a better size for little hands.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be overcomplicated or filled with junk. A little thought, a reusable container, and something meaningful goes a long way.