Kids Valentine’s Day Gifts: Avoiding Sugar and Toxins
While Valentine’s Day is a beautiful way to teach kids about love and friendship, sugar-fuelled meltdowns can certainly put a damper on an otherwise happy occasion. To help save your sanity, your tot’s health and the emotional well-being of their teacher, here are our non-toxic and sugar-free Valentine’s Day Gift picks that are perfect for both home and school!
There’s a lot to love about Valentine’s Day. From sweet notes to sweet treats, it’s a memorable time in a kid’s life that introduces them to the idea of love, friendship and companionship.
Unfortunately, it also teaches them a bit too much about the array of candy that’s available on the market. As parents ourselves, we know exactly the kind of meltdown that can occur after ingesting nothing but chocolate, gummies and sugar coated sugar, which is why we were rather desperate to find some sugar and toxin-free alternative this year.
While sugar is bad enough on its own, when you factor in the chemical dyes and additives, your child’s ability to focus, manage their emotions and get adequate sleep is highly compromised. (Not to mention their risk of developing childhood obesity, heart disease and gastrointestinal problems.)
If you MUST go the candy route, be sure to read the ingredients list and try to find the cleanest options available.
Chemicals you should avoid in candy:
- Anything and everything artificial including colors and sweeteners
- ‘Natural Flavours’ which are not natural at all
- Dyes – especially Blue #1 & #2, Green #3, Red #3 & #40, Yellow #5 & #6
- Preservatives like sodium benzoate, sulfites, nitrites, TBHQ, and BHT/BHA
- Modified food starch
- Caramel coloring or flavoring
The negative impact of consuming Valentine’s Day candy on a child’s health (and the environment) is something we shouldn’t ignore. However, we know just how hard it is for a kid to say no to something so deliciously sweet and readily available. That’s why, we really tried to think outside the box to find some healthy alternatives.
Lucky for us, the brands we love have some fantastic options.
Alternatives to Mainstream Valentine’s Day Candy and Gifts:
- Non-toxic play dough
- Note cards
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
- Cupcake decorating kit
- Pima cotton pajamas
- Chalkboard t-shirts
- Dresses
- Sweatshirts
- Blocks
- Accessories like purses and bracelets
- Teethers
- Books
- Plush toys
Scroll down to see the options we’ve pulled for each of these gift ideas and shop below!
From 10 packs of single portioned non-toxic play dough to adorable temporary tattoos to pima cotton heart PJs for the whole family, these gifts are perfect for classroom treats, family gifts and even your secret admirer.
Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Classroom
Peeps Paper Products Valentine’s Day Note Cards (10 Pack)
$32
EXCLUSIVE
Meri Meri Winking Hearts Love Notes
$13
Meri Meri Shark Tattoo Love Notes
$18
Meri Meri Love Stickers
$8
Meri Meri Love Cupcake Kit
$13
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids
January Moon Sensory Bracelet
$25
Dough Parlour Valentine’s Day Gift Set
$40
Dough Parlour Valentine’s Day Individual Gift Set
$9
Dough Parlour Valentine’s Day Gift Set – 10 pack
$90
HART + LAND Pima Cotton PJ Set – Cherry Hearts
$50
EXCLUSIVE
Sizing available for family matching
Stella and Bow Big Kid Bracelet – Love
$41
iloveplum Camilla Tutu Dress
$72
Sizing available for family matching
Brokedown Kids Hearts Sweatshirt
$57
Sizing available for family matching
Gul Hurgel Hearts Dress
$275
Sizing available for family matching
Little Mashers Chalkboard T-Shirt
$30
Little Mashers Chalkboard Sweatshirt
$37
Lorena Canals Heart Cushion
$55
Maison Deux Wool Love Rug
$149
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Little Ones
Mori Baby Hearts Organic Zip Up Sleepsuit
$42.50
HART + LAND Pima Cotton Footed Bodysuit – Cherry Hearts
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Sizing available for family matching
Loulou Lollipop Heart Love Silicone Teether
$10
Tiny Bee Gift Co. Guess How Much I Love You Pop-Up Book
$37
Modern Blocks Heart XOXO – Set of 4
Ranging from $8 – $72
EXCLUSIVE
Modern Blocks XOXO Block Set of 4
$30
Senger Naturwelt Floppy Animal Bear
$55.67
Continue exploring
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