Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is still very much a classroom tradition. We did them once, in Kindergarten, and making 50 valentines was more stress than fun, and we've opted out ever since. Instead of exchanging valentines, our current school has a "cozy learning day" sponsored by the parent's association. BUT, I know were are in the minority, and there are many kids and parents that love putting classroom Valentine's Day cards together. So, before you order a grab bag of plastic toys that will break in a week, consider something kids will love—without adding more waste to the planet.
Below are creative, mostly low-waste Valentine’s ideas that are easy to share, fun to receive, and far less likely to end up in the trash by the end of the month. Many of these are items we already have and love at home. For the ones we don’t own personally, I spent time reading reviews to make sure they’re genuinely well-made and kid-approved.
Here are thoughtful classroom Valentine’s Day options that balance fun, durability, and sustainability—no last-minute panic required.
from the top left:
gnomes with heart erasers / butterfly lollipop holders / astronaut pop spinner fidgets / bendable robots and aliens / fortune cookie bracelets / axolotl charms / scratch-off joke cards / multi-ink pens / slang valentines cards / valentine joke cards / heart shaped gems and crystals / animal fact bookmarks / mini composition books kawaii 4-color pens / word search with pen / animal squishy with card / pink heart sunglasses / glittery gummyworm bookmarks / bendable hearts / pom pom monster keychains
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean disposable toys and instant clutter. With a little intention, you can choose classroom valentines that kids enjoy and that don’t create unnecessary waste.
Your Classroom Valentine’s Day Questions, Answered
Are low-waste Valentine’s Day ideas still fun for kids?
Yes. Many low-waste valentines focus on creativity, usability or sensory play, making them just as exciting—if not more fun—than disposable plastic toys.
What are good non-candy Valentine’s Day ideas for classrooms?
Reusable items like pencils, bookmarks, seed paper, temporary tattoos or small fidgets are popular non-candy Valentine’s Day options that work well in classrooms.
How can I make Valentine’s Day more sustainable at school?
Choose reusable or biodegradable items, avoid individually wrapped plastic toys, and focus on experiences, creativity or practical items kids can use again.
Are eco-friendly valentines more expensive?
Not necessarily. Many low-waste Valentine’s Day ideas are comparable in price to traditional classroom valentines, especially when bought in bulk or made at home.
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