Valentine’s Day ideas for kids may not be so sexy. They may not be all about the grocery-store flowers and heart-shaped meat. (I’ve seen it!) But it doesn’t have to be stressful or boring. Make it fun!!

This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When looking for Valentine’s Day ideas for kids, you have a great opportunity to teach lessons about gratitude and appreciation. Learning how to be grateful for those around them is one of the most important things kids can learn.

Let me be honest though, some of these Valentine’s Day ideas for kids can be super involved. It can make the holiday overwhelming and stressful, especially if you have four children. I have spent hours creating tiny cards decorated with tiny hearts and sticking tiny lollipops onto them.

By the end of 100+ Valentine’s Day cards I was definitely NOT feeling the love. The key, I’ve found, is keeping things as simple and special as possible. Try to make sure your Valentine’s Day is memorable for all the right reasons. Below are some rules I try to follow to help everyone share the love.

DIY Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids

1. You only HELP with the cards.

I used to wait until the kids went to bed and then grab a glass of whatever white wine is in the refrigerator and write out all the Valentine’s Day cards by myself. Ugh. That was tedious! Now, we make it a project we can do together! Everyone should feel part of the Valentine’s Day love fest.

2. Don’t feel obligated to make homemade cards.

Making Valentine’s cards can be a fast, easy and fun way to get your little ones in the spirit. Honestly, they aren’t hard. Some heart-shaped card stock and candies go a long way. However, stop the madness if it stresses you out! Got better things to do? Just plain tired? Skip it. You can always just help your kids decorate store-bought cards as much (or as little) as you’d like.

3. Choose a craft your kids can do themselves.

Why not do some crafts instead of making 3600 cards for the classroom (give or take)? This robot made out of a Juicy Juice box is super cute and easy! You will still be there and will supervise of course, but don’t choose something your kids can’t possibly do. Who cares what it looks like?

4. Decorate the house.

Maybe cutting construction paper isn’t your thing, but buying some throw pillows and hanging some hearts about the house is right up your alley. Then go for it! And make the kids help! Did you know one in four parents (23%) plan to show their love by decorating for Valentine’s Day? Yup. The most recent Juicy Juice Family Occasion Survey showed that one in four parents (23%) will show their love by decorating for Valentine’s Day. And I heard they binge watch Love It Or List It afterward. That’s a Valentine’s Day with kids I can get behind!

5. Don’t forget the teacher.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about love, it’s also about letting people know that you appreciate them. It’s about being grateful for their kindness and the many ways they contribute to your life. Let your little ones’ teacher know that you care with something from the heart. The teacher gift does not need to be over the top. A small box of candy, a Chick-fil-A giftcard, or simply a heartfelt note can go a long way. With teachers, it is my opinion that you don’t have to go overboard. It is the thought that counts!

6. Include food or drinks in the Valentine’s Day card.

Nothing says I love and appreciate you quite like something that can doubke as an afternoon snack. I LOVE the idea of using things like Juicy Juice juice boxes to embellish the generic cards you bought at CVS the night before. (I won’t tell.) Wow your kids’ friends at their Valentine’s Day parties by pasting the cards right onto the boxes. It looks super cute and is literally the easiest, cheapest craft you can do. It’s sure to return as much love to your little one as they have to give!

7. Give back.

Try practicing gratitude by warming some one’s heart you don’t know. Help out an elderly neighbor. Visit a new mom. You can even just make a donation. If you donate to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital you will be helping sick kids get better. At St. Jude, no one ever sees a bill so they can concentrate on beating their disease. (Check out my visit to this esteemed hospital ans research facility.) You can make a donation in your Valentine’s name. St. Jude sends a card (by email or postal mail) to whomever you name. Go to stjude.org and search “gift cards.”

Valentine’s Day ideas for kids don’t have to make you crazy. Make sure to check out JuicyJuice.com for fun, easy, family friendly activities and recipes even I can do.