66+ Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts For 3rd Graders

Valentine’s Day Cupcake Toppers

These adorable cupcake toppers are easy for students to make and add a special touch to any Valentine’s celebration.

Materials Used:

• Red, pink, and white construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Wooden skewers or toothpicks

Steps:

1. Cut out small heart shapes from colored construction paper.
2. Glue the hearts onto the end of wooden skewers or toothpicks.
3. Let the glue dry, then stick the toppers into cupcakes or treats for a Valentine’s Day celebration.

Heart-Shaped Paper Flowers

This craft uses heart shapes to create a beautiful, colorful flower bouquet. It’s a simple way for kids to express love through art, and it doubles as a fun, decorative piece for Valentine’s Day.

Materials Used:

• Colored construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Pencil
• Green paper for stems

Steps:

1. Start by cutting out 5-7 heart shapes from colored construction paper.
2. Arrange the hearts in a flower-like shape by gluing the pointed ends toward the center, overlapping slightly.
3. Cut out a small circle for the flower’s center and glue it in place.
4. For the stem, cut a strip of green paper and glue it to the back of the flower.
5. Once all parts are assembled, display the flowers in a vase or give them as gifts.

DIY Valentine’s Day Cards

Hand-making cards allows students to be creative while expressing heartfelt messages. This simple craft is perfect for giving to friends or family on Valentine’s Day.

Materials Used:

• Blank cards or folded construction paper
• Markers, stickers, or glitter
• Glue
• Ribbon or lace (optional)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Begin by folding a piece of construction paper to form a card.
2. Use markers to draw designs such as hearts, flowers, or any other Valentine’s symbols.
3. Add stickers or glitter to make the design extra special.
4. Write a personal message inside the card.
5. Optionally, decorate the edges with lace or ribbon for an elegant finish.

Pop-Up Valentine’s Card

This card is a fun twist on traditional greeting cards. The pop-up element adds a surprise, making the card feel more special.

Materials Used:

• Cardstock paper
• Markers
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Ruler

Steps:

1. Fold a piece of cardstock in half to form the base of the card.
2. Cut two slits in the center of the fold to create a small tab.
3. Fold the tabs inwards, then decorate the front with Valentine’s Day drawings.
4. On the inside of the card, draw a heart or a Valentine’s scene.
5. When the card is opened, the tab pops up, revealing your design.

Cute Paper Plate Heart Wreath

This wreath is a lovely Valentine’s decoration for any classroom or home. By using paper plates, students can create their own unique designs.

Materials Used:

• Paper plates
• Red, pink, and white construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Steps:

1. Cut the center out of a paper plate to form a ring shape.
2. Cut various heart shapes out of red, pink, and white paper.
3. Glue the hearts onto the wreath, layering them for a fuller look.
4. Once the wreath is complete, attach a piece of ribbon at the top for hanging.

Personalized Valentine’s Day Slime

This fun, hands-on craft allows kids to create their own Valentine’s-themed slime. It’s not only a craft but also a sensory experience!

Materials Used:

• White school glue
• Baking soda
• Contact solution
• Red or pink food coloring
• Glitter (optional)

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix ½ cup of glue with a few drops of red or pink food coloring.
2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
3. Slowly add 1 tablespoon of contact solution while stirring until the slime begins to form.
4. Knead the slime for a few minutes.
5. Optionally, add glitter for extra sparkle.

Paper Bag Valentine’s Envelope

This craft is a fun way for kids to create a personalized envelope to collect Valentine’s cards and gifts. It’s practical and festive.

Materials Used:

• Brown paper bags
• Red and pink construction paper
• Stickers, markers, or paint
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a paper bag to form an envelope shape.
2. Decorate the outside of the bag with Valentine’s Day designs such as hearts, flowers, or love notes.
3. Glue construction paper hearts or flowers to the front for added detail.
4. Write “Valentine’s Day” on the front with markers or paint.
5. Use the envelope to store all the Valentine’s cards from classmates.

Heart-Shaped Rock Design

This simple craft uses rocks as canvases to create colorful and unique Valentine’s Day designs. It’s a great outdoor activity and can be used as a keepsake.

Materials Used:

• Small, smooth rocks
• Red, pink, white paint
• Paintbrushes
• Markers

Steps:

1. Start by cleaning the rocks thoroughly.
2. Paint the rocks with a base coat of red or pink.
3. Once dry, decorate the rocks with hearts or other Valentine’s Day symbols.
4. Use markers to add small details like glitter or patterns.
5. Let the rocks dry and display them as decorations.

Valentine’s Day Bracelets

These bracelets are a sweet and wearable craft. Perfect for a classroom Valentine’s exchange or as a gift to a friend.

Materials Used:

• Elastic cord
• Red, pink, and white beads
• Scissors
• Clasps (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of elastic cord to fit around the wrist.
2. String beads onto the cord in a pattern of hearts, letters, and Valentine’s colors.
3. Tie a knot at each end of the bracelet, securing the beads in place.
4. Optionally, add a clasp for easier fastening.

Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter Prints

A fun craft for 3rd graders who enjoy baking or working with textures. This craft combines Valentine’s Day fun with creativity.

Materials Used:

• Heart-shaped cookie cutters
• Red and pink paint
• Construction paper
• Paintbrushes

Steps:

1. Dip a heart-shaped cookie cutter into red or pink paint.
2. Press the cutter onto the construction paper to make a print.
3. Continue stamping the hearts in various positions across the paper.
4. Let the paper dry, then add additional details with markers or glitter.

Valentine’s Day Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a meaningful way for students to show appreciation for their friends on Valentine’s Day. These colorful creations are simple and fun to make.

Materials Used:

• Embroidery floss or yarn in pink, red, and white
• Scissors
• Tape

Steps:

1. Cut three strands of embroidery floss, each about 12 inches long.
2. Tape the ends of the strands to a table or clipboard to keep them secure.
3. Begin braiding the strands together, leaving space at the end for a knot.
4. Once the braid is complete, tie a knot at the end and trim any excess floss.
5. Tie the bracelet around a friend’s wrist.

Love Bug Craft

This craft creates cute “love bugs” using paper and pom-poms. It’s a great way to bring a little insect charm into the Valentine’s Day theme.

Materials Used:

• Construction paper
• Pom-poms (red or pink)
• Pipe cleaners
• Markers
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut a heart shape from construction paper.
2. Glue a large red or pink pom-pom in the center of the heart for the bug’s body.
3. Use pipe cleaners to create antennae and glue them to the top of the pom-pom.
4. Add small pom-poms or markers for eyes and a smile.
5. Decorate the wings with markers or additional hearts.

Heart Handprint Craft

A touching craft where students can capture a handprint in the shape of a heart. It’s a sentimental project that can be framed as a keepsake.

Materials Used:

• Red, pink, or white paint
• Paper
• Paintbrushes

Steps:

1. Dip a child’s hand into the paint and press it onto a piece of paper.
2. Using a brush, extend the sides of the handprint to form the shape of a heart.
3. Let the paint dry completely.
4. Write a Valentine’s message inside the heart to personalize the handprint.

Valentine’s Day Pencil Toppers

This craft turns ordinary pencils into fun, festive Valentine’s Day accessories. It’s a fun way for students to show their holiday spirit.

Materials Used:

• Pencils
• Foam hearts
• Stickers
• Tape or glue

Steps:

1. Decorate the top of a pencil with foam hearts or Valentine-themed stickers.
2. Attach the decorations securely with glue or tape.
3. Allow the pencil toppers to dry before using them or giving them to friends.

DIY Heart Magnets

These heart magnets are simple to make and perfect for decorating refrigerators with Valentine’s flair.

Materials Used:

• Small heart-shaped wooden or foam pieces
• Magnets
• Paint
• Glue
• Markers or stickers

Steps:

1. Paint the heart shapes with red or pink paint.
2. Once dry, decorate the hearts with designs such as glitter or stickers.
3. Glue a small magnet to the back of each heart.
4. Let the magnets dry and display them on a magnetic surface.

Cupid’s Arrow Craft

This Valentine’s Day craft involves making a simple yet fun Cupid’s arrow using basic craft materials. It’s great for children to practice their crafting skills.

Materials Used:

• Popsicle sticks
• Red, pink, or white construction paper
• Markers
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Color a popsicle stick using markers or paint.
2. Cut out small triangle shapes from construction paper to form arrowheads.
3. Attach the arrowhead to one end of the popsicle stick.
4. For the tail of the arrow, glue a small piece of construction paper at the other end to resemble feathers.

Valentine’s Day Love Notes

Creating little love notes is a great way for kids to practice kindness and share messages of love with others.

Materials Used:

• Small cards or pieces of paper
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers

Steps:

1. Cut small cards from paper or use pre-made small cards.
2. Write a kind or loving message on the card.
3. Decorate the card with hearts, stickers, or drawings.
4. Give the notes to classmates, teachers, or family members.

Cupid Mask Craft

A fun craft for kids to make and wear! This Cupid mask is perfect for acting out scenes of love and excitement.

Materials Used:

• Paper plates
• Scissors
• Elastic string
• Markers
• Feathers (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut out the center of a paper plate to create the face opening.
2. Decorate the outside of the plate with Cupid’s hair, face, and bow and arrow designs.
3. Attach feathers to the top of the plate for Cupid’s hair.
4. Punch holes on either side of the plate and tie elastic string to hold the mask in place.

Valentine’s Day Collage

This craft allows students to create a beautiful, colorful collage filled with hearts, love symbols, and Valentine’s Day colors.

Materials Used:

• Magazines
• Construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut out heart shapes, love symbols, and Valentine’s images from magazines.
2. Arrange the cutouts on a piece of construction paper to form a collage.
3. Glue the cutouts in place and let dry.
4. Display the completed collage for Valentine’s Day.

Paper Heart Banners

Create a beautiful, hanging banner made entirely of paper hearts. This is an easy and fun decoration project for students.

Materials Used:

• Red, pink, and white construction paper
• Scissors
• String or yarn
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out several heart shapes from construction paper.
2. Arrange the hearts along a length of string or yarn.
3. Glue the hearts onto the string, spacing them evenly.
4. Once dry, hang the banner in the classroom or at home for a festive decoration.

Valentine’s Day Puzzles

Making personalized Valentine’s Day puzzles is a fun activity that helps children work on their problem-solving skills while celebrating the holiday.

Materials Used:

• Red, pink, or white cardstock
• Markers
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Draw a Valentine’s image on the cardstock, like a heart or Cupid.
2. Cut the image into puzzle pieces, making sure they’re easy for young children to assemble.
3. Mix up the pieces and have students solve the puzzle.
4. Optional: Decorate the back with colorful patterns or Valentine’s messages.

Heart-Shaped Sunglasses

These funky, heart-shaped sunglasses are a fun and fashionable Valentine’s Day accessory that students can wear to celebrate the holiday.

Materials Used:

• Cardstock paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Stickers or markers

Steps:

1. Draw heart shapes onto cardstock and cut them out to create the lenses.
2. Cut out two small strips of paper for the sides of the glasses.
3. Glue the strips to the sides of the hearts to form the frame of the glasses.
4. Decorate the glasses with stickers or drawings.
5. Let the glue dry, then wear the glasses with pride!

Heart-Shaped Pinatas

Kids will love this craft that brings Valentine’s Day excitement and fun! It’s perfect for a class Valentine’s party or as a gift.

Materials Used:

• Cardboard
• Tissue paper in Valentine’s colors
• Scissors
• Glue
• String

Steps:

1. Cut out a large heart shape from cardboard.
2. Use strips of tissue paper to cover the heart, layering the pieces.
3. Glue the tissue paper in place, leaving an opening for stuffing.
4. Add small candies or treats inside the heart-shaped piñata.
5. Hang the piñata with a piece of string and let the fun begin!

Ice Lanterns

Create stunning ice lanterns that glow beautifully in the winter night. These lanterns are perfect for outdoor decorations during the holiday season.

Materials Used:

• Balloons
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Tea light candles

Steps:

1. Fill a balloon with water and tie it securely.
2. Place the balloon in the freezer for several hours or overnight until the water has frozen solid.
3. Once frozen, carefully pop the balloon and remove it.
4. Optionally, add food coloring before freezing to create colored ice lanterns.
5. Place a small tea light candle inside the ice lantern to light it up.

Snowy Sensory Bottles

These sensory bottles filled with “snow” are great for calming down and giving kids a fun, winter-themed activity to engage with.

Materials Used:

• Clear plastic bottle
• Glitter or fake snow
• Water
• Glycerin (optional, to slow the glitter down)
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. Fill a clear plastic bottle with water, leaving some space at the top.
2. Add glitter or fake snow to create the snowy effect.
3. Optionally, add glycerin to slow the glitter’s movement inside the bottle.
4. Seal the bottle with the cap and use a hot glue gun to ensure it doesn’t come off.
5. Shake the bottle and watch the snow glitter swirl around.

Marshmallow Snowmen

A deliciously fun and easy craft, kids can make their own snowmen using marshmallows and edible decorations.

Materials Used:

• Large marshmallows
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips or candy eyes
• Orange candy or fondant (for the nose)
• Pretzel sticks or candy for arms
• Toothpicks

Steps:

1. Stack three large marshmallows on top of each other using a toothpick to secure them.
2. Attach mini marshmallows for buttons using toothpicks.
3. Use chocolate chips or candy eyes and an orange piece for the nose.
4. Insert pretzel sticks on the sides for arms.
5. Optional: Use icing or fondant to add scarves or hats to the snowman.

Cotton Ball Snowflakes

Cotton balls are perfect for creating soft, fluffy snowflakes that resemble the real thing.

Materials Used:

• Cotton balls
• Construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut out snowflake shapes from construction paper.
2. Apply glue to the edges of the snowflake shape.
3. Stick cotton balls along the edges to form a snowy, textured look.
4. Continue to glue the cotton balls until the snowflake shape is covered.
5. Let it dry before hanging the snowflake on a wall or window.

Winter Animal Finger Puppets

Craft little winter animals with finger puppets that kids can use for imaginative play and storytelling.

Materials Used:

• Felt or construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Googly eyes
• Pom-poms

Steps:

1. Cut out animal shapes from felt or construction paper, like a penguin, bear, or snow fox.
2. Glue the pieces together, making sure to leave space for a finger to fit.
3. Attach googly eyes and add small pom-poms or fabric to make hats or scarves.
4. Allow the glue to dry, and then kids can slip their fingers into the puppets to play.

Snowy Handprint Art

Turn your child’s handprint into a unique snow scene with this creative and personal craft.

Materials Used:

• White paint
• Blue or black construction paper
• Glitter
• Markers or crayons

Steps:

1. Paint your child’s hand with white paint.
2. Have them press their hand firmly onto the construction paper to make a print.
3. Use the handprint to create a snowman, adding arms, eyes, and a nose.
4. Add glitter to make it sparkle like snow.
5. Let it dry before displaying the artwork.

Winter Wonderland Salt Paintings

Salt paintings create a magical, textured winter scene with the help of salt and watercolor paint.

Materials Used:

• Watercolor paints
• Salt
• Black construction paper
• Water

Steps:

1. Paint a winter scene (like a snowy landscape) on black construction paper using watercolors.
2. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle salt on the artwork.
3. Watch as the salt absorbs the paint, creating a textured, snow-like effect.
4. Allow the painting to dry and admire the magical winter wonderland.

Snowman T-shirt Design

A wearable winter craft, kids can create their own snowman designs on a t-shirt, perfect for gifting or personalizing their wardrobe.

Materials Used:

• Plain t-shirt
• Fabric paint or fabric markers
• Sponges or brushes

Steps:

1. Lay a plain t-shirt flat and prepare fabric paints.
2. Use a sponge or brush to paint a snowman design on the t-shirt, such as a snowman face or full-body snowman.
3. Let the paint dry according to the fabric paint instructions.
4. Once dried, wear the shirt or gift it as a fun winter craft.

Pine Cone Snowmen

Turn pine cones into cute snowmen for a rustic winter decoration. This craft is perfect for nature lovers.

Materials Used:

• Pine cones
• White paint
• Googly eyes
• Orange paper or foam (for the nose)
• Buttons or beads
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. Paint the pine cone white to represent snow.
2. Attach googly eyes and glue on an orange paper or foam piece for the snowman’s nose.
3. Glue buttons or beads onto the pine cone for the snowman’s body.
4. Optional: Add a small fabric hat or scarf for extra decoration.

Winter Scrapbook

A winter scrapbook is a fun way to document memories, photos, and special moments from the cold season.

Materials Used:

• Scrapbook
• Stickers
• Colored markers or pens
• Glue
• Winter-themed paper

Steps:

1. Start by decorating the pages of the scrapbook with winter-themed paper and stickers.
2. Add photographs of winter activities, like playing in the snow, making snow angels, or decorating the tree.
3. Use markers to write captions and add drawings.
4. Continue to fill the scrapbook with winter memories and creativity.

Paper Plate Snow Globe

Make a paper plate snow globe, capturing the essence of winter in a colorful and imaginative way.

Materials Used:

• Paper plates
• Clear plastic wrap
• Cotton balls
• Glitter
• Glue
• Winter-themed stickers or figurines

Steps:

1. Cut a smaller circle out of the center of a paper plate.
2. Cover the back of the plate with clear plastic wrap to create the “glass” of the snow globe.
3. Glue cotton balls around the edges of the plate to form the snowy base.
4. Add glitter for the snow effect.
5. Place winter-themed stickers or figurines inside the globe.

Snowman Rock Painting

Turn smooth rocks into snowman art for a fun and simple craft that can be used as holiday decorations or gifts.

Materials Used:

• Smooth rocks
• White, black, orange, and other paint colors
• Paintbrushes
• Small fabric scraps (for scarves)

Steps:

1. Paint the entire rock white to create the snowman’s body.
2. Use black paint for the snowman’s eyes, buttons, and hat.
3. Paint an orange nose and use fabric scraps to create a tiny scarf around the neck.
4. Allow the rocks to dry before displaying them as part of your holiday decor.

Snowball Fight Cupcakes

Bake and decorate cupcakes to look like snowballs for a winter-themed snack!

Materials Used:

• Cupcake mix
• White frosting
• Mini marshmallows
• Sprinkles

Steps:

1. Bake cupcakes according to the instructions on the cupcake mix.
2. Once cooled, spread white frosting on top to create a snowy look.
3. Decorate with mini marshmallows to represent snowballs and add sprinkles for extra shimmer.
4. Let kids enjoy the snowy treat!

Winter-Themed Dream Catchers

A relaxing craft that helps bring peaceful winter vibes to the room, perfect for a cozy and creative activity.

Materials Used:

• Embroidery hoop
• String or yarn
• Feathers
• Beads
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Start by wrapping yarn around the embroidery hoop to create a wintery base.
2. Weave yarn across the hoop to form a web pattern.
3. Attach beads or small winter-themed decorations to the yarn.
4. Hang feathers from the bottom of the hoop.
5. Display the dream catcher as a cozy decoration.