If you are putting on or assisting with a Valentine’s Day class party this year, we have some ideas to help you make things fun and interesting, and help everyone end up with a happy heart.  Check out all of our ideas for kids on Valentine’s Day.

The Younger Set

For elementary school aged kids, the key is to keep things simple.

• The broken heart game gives kids a chance to take a “sad” heart and make it “happy” again. Using card stock, cut out heart shapes, then cut those shapes into large puzzle pieces. Form teams of three or four and let them piece the puzzle hearts together again. The team who puts their broken heart together first wins. Gumball Valentines filled with gumballs make great prizes!
• Recycle mini candy canes from Christmas into chocolate–covered hearts for Valentine’s Day. Arrange two mini candy canes into a heart shape. Knead a Tootsie Roll until it’s pliable and use bits of it to join the candy canes together at the top and bottom. Dip the hearts in melted white, milk, or dark chocolate, place them on waxed paper and put in the refrigerator to harden. Use small vellum envelopes (or make your own with waxed paper) and send the kids home with a sweet memento.

The Tweens

For the kids in the middle, try an activity that takes a little more thought.

• Valentine Coloring Cards. These cards require a little more time and effort, allowing the tweens to show off their creative skills and still have fun. Scented glitter gel pens can add a little extra fun to the task.
• Have the kids participate in making a batch of Valentine’s Day fun by providing a snack station. Have bowls full of multi-colored mini marshmallows, Hershey’s kisses, M&Ms, yogurt-covered nuts or mini pretzels, and dried fruit. Add a heart-shaped pizza and heart-shaped cupcakes, and your guests are sure to leave happy and full.

The Older Kids

Teenagers may act like they don’t care, but they will still enjoy these party ideas, whether they admit it or not!

• Valentine Bingo. This classic party game is great fun for classroom parties – kids will have a blast playing the Valentine bingo game. This set of bingo cards comes with 34 caller pieces. Use your own conversation hearts candy or pennies for markers.
• Try this fruity Valentine’s Day punch for your older kids’ class party. You can make this ahead and put together in the classroom:
  • 2-1/2 cups of sugar
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 three ounce packages strawberry Jello
  • 1 can of pineapple juice (46 ounces)
  • ½ cup of lemon juice
  • 1 quart of orange juice
  • 2 bottles of lemon-lime soda (2 liters each)

Mix sugar, water, and Jello in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for three minutes and then stir in juices. Divide mixture into two separate containers and freeze. When ready to serve, combine the contents of one of the containers with 1 bottle of the lemon-lime soda in a punch bowl. Stir until the punch becomes slushy. Repeat with remaining portions when needed.