This year, let’s get creative and made unique reusable and consumable classroom valentine ideas!
Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also ensures the kids don’t end up with too much candy in the classroom. Instead, they can get small gifts they can use for a long time, or slightly healthier treats along with their candy! It’s a win-win for everyone!
I love the tradition of classroom Valentines, and I love adding a little “treat” alongside the card… but I always am wracking my brain to think of something that will get consumed or re-used instead of an item that’s just tossed quickly in the trash.
Of course, classrooms can have lots of kids so I try to be budget-conscious too! Today I rounded up a list of ideas for reusable and consumable classroom Valentines, from edible treats to craft supplies and more!
Reusable Items to Use for Classroom Valentines
Each of these valentines ideas include a small gift along with the message that are kid-friendly and reusable. The best part? No candy involved!
Crayons or Mini Colored Pencils
Save up old/broken crayons and melt them down in molds to turn them into new ones! Or buy bulk mini colored pencils or crayons and divide them up, a few for each person! Pair with a rainbow themed Valentine!
Washi Tape
Look for sets of washi tape that you can break up and hand out individually! Washi tape comes in all kinds of designs and colors, and you can even find Valentine’s day themed designs.
Legos
Legos are an entertaining reusable valentine idea that elementary-school aged kids would love to receive on Valentine’s day! Wrap them in little bags and attach a printed valentines message.
Photo source and idea from Abby Organizes
Pencils
Everyone could always use a pencil (we misplace them and area always digging around for one!) and you can even turn them into flowers!
Or, write a heartfelt message and pair it with a Valentine’s themed pencil that is useful for kids of all ages!
Stickers
Stickers can always be a hit! While technically not reusable, the kids can place them on their notebooks or water bottles and always remember their special day. Try these customizable ones that match these classroom Valentines!
Toy Cars
I know my child would be so happy to receive a toy car on Valentine’s day! This is a classroom valentine idea that the kids will go crazy for.
Photo source and idea from Hey Let’s Make Stuff
Clay or Playdoh
Perfect for the toddler and preschooler kiddos! You can buy mini playdoh containers and make unique homemade valentines out of them.
Photo source and idea from Just Add Confetti
Silicone Straws
Reusable silicone straws get a lot of use at our house, and you can have a lot of fun with “exSTRAWdinary” puns! Ditch the plastic straws and encourage your kids to use their Valentine’s day silicone straws instead.
Seed Packets
Give a gift that can be replanted! This can turn into a home experiment where kids can grow their own little plant and be reminded of their classroom Valentine’s day party!
Spoons
How about a melamine or wood spoon, paired with an ice cream or cereal themed Valentine!? They can take the spoon home and reuse it forever!
Cookie Cutters
A big set of cookie cutters, divided up and given out individually is a great little gift! It is always fun to have heart-shaped cookies around this time of year!
Kinetic Sand
Not only is this classroom valentine idea super easy, but it is also great for younger kids! Simply buy the individual packages of kinetic sand, take off the label, and replace the label with a valentine message.
Photo source and idea from Kimspired DIY
Pop Its
What kid doesn’t love pop its?! These popular fidget toys make a great option to give out in the classroom on Valentine’s day.
Photo source and idea from The Letter Vee
Consumable Classroom Valentines Ideas
These classroom valentines ideas are consumable, but they don’t always have to do with candy! Sometimes a sweet treat is the best option, but it is good to balance out the valentines with healthier consumable ideas, too!
Mandarin Oranges
Turn oranges into planets and suns! This idea is so cute and promotes the consumption of fruit instead of candy. It is an especially wonderful idea for toddlers!
Popcorn
Every kid loves popcorn, right? Bring the perfect snack for movie night into the classroom with adorable popcorn valentines!
Photo source and idea from High Peaks Studios
Bananas, Apples & Other Fruit
Simply add a cute sticker to some fruit, BOOM! Done. Perhaps the easiest of all the classroom valentines ideas, and definitely a favorite!
Sprinkles
Put together a mini packet of sprinkles and add it to one of these printable Valentines! Instead of donuts you can write “sprinkles” instead!
Bath Bombs
Definitely not edible, but technically consumable! Make bath bombs at home or buy them in bulk for your child’s pals! Be sure to add a note including the ingredients, for any possible allergy concerns. Pack them up in some adorable You’re the Bomb Bags!
Photo source and idea from PostedFete
Cereal
Turn snack-size packages of cereal into a classroom valentine with printable cereal themed tags! Kids of all ages can enjoy this consumable valentines idea!
Photo source and idea from Party Gloss
Lollipops
If your kiddo is old enough for lollipops, I love the idea of turning them into cherries! This is a creative way to hand out candy and your child can add a little message on the leaves.
Photo source and idea from The House that Lars Built
Snack Packs
Any sort of individual snack (like crackers or popcorn) makes a great consumable gift when paired with a pun-y valentine! Or, pack the snacks into an adorable printable valentines bag!
Gummy Worms
Individually wrapped gummy worms with a Valentine’s day themed joke are a simple yet delicious classroom valentine idea!
Photo source and idea from Exclamation Bird
These classroom valentine ideas are sure to be a hit at school this year! You can find ideas that are appropriate for any age group, and make this year’s Valentine’s day party a little extra special!
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JANA MCLEAN says
Great ideas, thanks for sharing