The stretch of winter following the holiday season can be rough. Grey days, cold nights, and no days off to look forward to until the Emperor's birthday in late February. There is at least one bright spot on the horizon, however:

Valentine's Day!

It's the time of year to flex your creative muscles in showcasing your love and appreciation. And it's the perfect excuse to craft with your children! Store-bought Valentines are easy to come by in stationery-loving Japan, but isn't it always so much sweeter to receive a homemade declaration of admiration instead?

CareFinder has rounded up a few of our favorite Valentine's Day crafts for kids of all ages (and adults, too!). Check them out below.

Pre-School Craft Ideas

For the littlest crafters, we love activities that combine "cute" with education. Activities that help toddlers strengthen fine motor skills, numbers, colors, and letters result in Valentines made with love — and learning!

This themed "busy bag" is less expensive, and more charming, than the traditional dozen red roses. This simple, but adorable, Valentine craft hones scissor and measurement skills. And this heart puzzle acts as both a lesson on matching and a lovely Valentine's Day picture once complete.

Elementary School Craft Ideas

Valentine's Day crafts for bigger kids can also sneak in some lessons, as well! As children mature and build relationships with their peers — and maybe start testing relationships with their parents — the holiday can serve as a great excuse to explore social-emotional learning concepts.

Set up "Acts of Kindness" bingo, encouraging your child to keep track of the nice things they do leading up to, on, or following Valentine's Day. Teach your children to recognize and celebrate their own positive attributes with this heart garland. And a converting your Valentine holder into a gratitude box can be a fun, colorful way to help your child think critically about the things they have to be thankful for.

Middle and High School Craft Ideas

Pre-teens and teens might not be too interested in crafting — not for Valentine's Day or in general! But there are actually some "cool" DIY projects that align with some of their other interests. And as an added bonus, some are also mini-math and science lessons!

These fleece heart pillows not only let your kid's creative side shine, they're also comfy accessories to have around the house. They can also show off their fashion sense with a one-of-a-kind tie-dyed heart t-shirt. And keep the heart theme going with these fun and functional marbled heart soap bars. 

Grown-Up Craft Ideas

Your children aren't the only ones who should have all the fun crafting for Valentine's Day! Research shows that creative activities can keep your mind sharp, reduce stress, and increase happiness.

This heart-string art is a great activity for keeping your hands busy and will look great on your wall! Create a space to leave love letters every day with this DIY magnetic chalkboard. And we love this heart-pocket pillow for sharing sweet nothings!