Classroom Valentines Ideas Cheap: Candy, Cards & More

• Discover new and affordable ideas for classroom Valentines.

• Find cheap, school-friendly Valentine's candy and non-food Valentine’s Day ideas. 

• Don’t forget to include teachers as Valentine’s recipients this year!

Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, the kids at school are looking to feel loved this Valentine’s Day! Help your kid feel like everybody’s best friend when they give out the coolest Valentine’s cards, treats, and trinkets. We’ve got some awesome and affordable ideas for the best classroom Valentine gifts.

Delicious & Cheap Valentine’s Candy

When you think of classic Valentine’s Day candies, those chalky little conversation hearts surely come to mind. But if you’re tired of the same old thing year after year, our shelves are jam-packed with sweet treats from Hershey's, M&Ms, Reese's, Zachary, Charms, Twizzlers, Life Savers, Sour Patch Kids, Peeps, Skittles, and more brands kids love! We’ve got lots of bulk packs of fun-sized chocolates and candies that are perfect for sharing with the entire classroom.

Peanut-Free Classroom Valentine's Ideas

With 1 in 10 kids having some form of peanut allergy, always be sure to check ingredient labels on any food that you want to share in the classroom. To be safe, stick to candies like Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy bears, lollipops & other nut-free options!

Some of the most popular chocolates that are completely peanut-free and made on peanut-free equipment include milk chocolate Hershey Kisses (some of the specialty Hershey Kisses may contain nuts), milk chocolate Hershey bars, and unwrapped KitKat minis (no KitKats that are individually wrapped). When in doubt, always read the label thoroughly!

Tiny Toys

Of course, if you want to be completely in the safe zone when it comes to children’s allergies, skip the chocolate and candy and opt for tiny toys as your non-food classroom Valentine’s idea instead! Parents will always appreciate items that don’t send their kids into a crazy sugar rush. 

Our toy aisles are the best places to find small, affordable toys that are the perfect size for Valentine’s Day. Think Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, mini surprise eggs, keychains, and collectible figures.   

Arts & Craft Supplies

Parents and teachers are always thinking of ways to lessen screen time and help grow a child’s mind. Arts and crafts supplies are an important way for kids to expand their creativity and imagination. Packs of crayons or markers, watercolor sets, fun-shaped pencil erasers, and even stickers make a great non-candy gift to hand out in the classroom.  

You’ll find plenty of great deals on arts and crafts supplies for your classroom Valentine’s Day ideas at Ollie’s.

Books for Kids

A good book is just what young, developing minds need to expand their imagination and early reading skills. With kids' books for as little as $2, it’s still an affordable non-food Valentine's idea for a whole classroom of kids. Ollie’s has quality kids' books that feature popular characters, like Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, Marvel Superheroes & more!

You’ll also find interactive storybooks that help keep kids’ attention at great prices. 

Coloring & Activity Books

Parents and teachers always appreciate activities that can keep kids occupied without too much fuss. Coloring books are always a good classroom Valentine’s Day idea ‘cause who doesn’t love a bit of creative relaxing fun? Ollie’s also carries activity books that can help occupy older children with craft ideas, sticker activities, and scratch art.

Personalized Cookies

Baking your own cookies is affordable, and adding the personal touch of each child’s name will be a hit with all the kids. But before attempting to make your own personalized cookies as a cheap yet thoughtful alternative to Valentine’s candy, be sure to check with your school to see that homemade goodies are allowed. Don’t forget to include the teachers! 

Use clear cookie bags and a red or pink ribbon to make a great presentation. Check out Ollie’s kitchen supplies aisle for any baking items you need, like cookie sheet pans and cooling racks.

Health & Hygiene

Kids love playing in the bath or shower! Scented bubble bath, colorful soaps and bath paints, and bath toys make getting clean super fun. Kids’ personal care items can be the perfect non-food Valentine’s idea for the classroom and a thoughtful way to show love to anyone in need. 

Teacher Appreciation

Don’t forget about teachers on Valentine’s Day! They are always advocating for your child and making sure your child brings home a lovely handcrafted gift for you on holidays. And while they may appreciate a nice mug or a shiny apple, you can always be sure they’ll really appreciate a gift card! 

Grab a gift card from your local Ollie’s or send an e-gift card online. They’ll love a chance to shop for items they need at great deals.

Your local Ollie’s is a treasure trove of great Valentine’s ideas for the classroom. You never know what amazing finds you’ll discover, from delicious foods to useful gifts, and everything you need for the home. Check out our current flyer, or stop by your local Ollie’s!