Welcome to a Valentine’s Day celebration that goes beyond the sweet treats! As parents, we understand the joy that this day brings to our kiddo’s classrooms, so why not up the ante to embrace inclusivity for every child. In this blog post, we explore creative ways to make Valentine’s Day about more than the candy, ensuring that the celebration is inclusive and meaningful for all children. Let’s dive into 7 non-candy options to help make Valentine’s Day a day of love and acceptance for even more children at school.

Why Inclusivity Matters on Valentine’s Day

As we continue our journey of fostering inclusivity, it’s important to acknowledge the diversity within our children’s classrooms. Among their peers, there may be kiddos with hidden disabilities, such as sensory processing issues (affecting as many as 1 in 6 children), developmental delays, and feeding challenges. Additionally, some children face food allergies, while others adhere to dietary restrictions that rule out certain ingredients common in candies. This Valentine’s Day, let’s broaden our perspective beyond traditional sweets, considering the myriad reasons that call for a more inclusive approach.

I am a mother of a child with a disability, so you won’t find time consuming or elaborate DIY Valentine ideas here! Instead, we’ve compiled a list of delightful alternatives that will accommodate as many kids as possible, helping to foster a more inclusive Valentine’s Day.

7 Non-Candy Valentine’s Day Options

1. Stickers

Stickers make for a delightful, budget-friendly Valentine's handout. With their widespread availability, endless design options, and the convenience of pre-packaged sets in Valentine's Day card boxes, they're a fun and hassle-free choice for spreading the love.

While kiddos with dexterity issues may encounter challenges with stickers, a caretaker or peer can often help them partake in the sticker fun.

2. Mini Arts & Crafts

Mini arts and crafts are a perfect choice for inclusive Valentine’s handouts. They’re packed with fun and creativity, and they come in an abundance of options. Here are four of our favorites:

3. Bubbles

Bubbles are the ultimate versatile choice—affordable, fun for both indoor and outdoor play, and, for those in the know, an effective therapy tool for certain oral motor and mouth skills.

4. Bracelets

Bracelets are the perfect choice for an inclusive Valentine's celebration. While we really like the friendship rope bracelets, the excitement of a snap bracelet is a kiddo favorite! These fun accessories add a touch of joy to the occasion.

5. Pop Its

Who doesn’t love a pop it? This year, we've chosen the sensory-friendly route, incorporating the Valentine's Day Pop It from Target into the cards we're sharing. Get ready for a poppin' good time!

6. Pencils

Think of it as more than just a writing utensil – it's a tool for endless creativity, a pointer, a magical wand in the hands of kiddos whose imaginations know no bounds. Plus, many options come with a card, keeping it simple and adding a dose of fun to this inclusive Valentine's gift.

7. Temporary Tattoos

My son's Paw Patrol obsession led us straight to the Paw Patrol cards with tattoos – a clear winner for us this year. Whether it's a set with cards or standalone sheets, temporary tattoos are a hit with many kids, making them a fantastic choice for an inclusive Valentine.

As we wrap up our journey into crafting a more inclusive Valentine's Day, remember that these non-candy options not only cater to various preferences but also extend a warm invitation for every child to join in the celebration. By embracing alternatives beyond traditional treats, we're not just redefining the way we celebrate but fostering an environment of acceptance and joy for all. From stickers to temporary tattoos, each choice carries the potential to create lasting memories and inclusive moments. So, let's make this Valentine's Day not just sweet but truly special for every child in our kiddo's classroom. Spread the love, celebrate diversity, and make this day an unforgettable experience for all!

We'd love to hear your thoughts too! Share your inclusive Valentine's ideas in the comments below!