There’s nothing quite like Valentine’s Day in grade school. Friends exchange small gifts and there are classroom parties with festive decorations. One of the first holidays since late December, it’s an excuse to let people know you care. And maybe eat a candy heart or five.

The B.ig day is only a week away. Are you still searching for creative ideas about what your wee ones can bring to school on February 14? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve combed the internet to come up with these suggestions just for you.

For many, Valentine’s Day is all about candy. The options are endless: there are heart-shaped boxes full of chocolate, lollipops wrapped in red, and conversation hearts printed with sweet sayings.

• Personalized matchboxes from inchmark are adorable—and hold a perfectly petite portion of your favorite sweet treat.
• Gabrielle Blair, better known as Design Mom, always has ingenious Valentine’s ideas. We’re blown away by these portraits-turned-lollipop-holders. (Bet they’d work with pencils too!)
• These See-Through Valentines (made by Kelli Wilson) are elegant enough to bring to a big kid’s party—or gift to your sweetheart.

Maybe you prefer to think outside the (candy) box? Lots of schools have started enforcing sugar-free celebrations. We love the idea of Valentines that last a little longer than a candy stash.

• Mer Mag’s color theory cards make our designer hearts sing. We’re considering making a set for every holiday this year.
• Simply wrapped, bouncy balls become a unique and very boy-friendly treat. Thanks to Super Mom Moments for the super idea.
• These beautiful painted rocks from Aesthetic Outburst are a fun craft and a sweet memento. There’s no better way to say ‘you rock!’
• Do you have a drawer full of crayon nubs? Cottoncandycastle’s heart-shaped mishmash crayons look soooo cool, are fun to use, and can teach a valuable lesson in recycling.
• Little ones will feel like the head zookeeper with these wild cards from Design Mom. Don’t miss the free printable!
• Food coloring and shaving cream come together to make these awesomely crafty cards from Modern Parents Messy Kids. Our recommendation? Put the kids on shaving cream duty, keep the food coloring in adult hands, and have a camera close by!

Valentine’s Day can also be the perfect time to teach your little ones about the importance of helping others. What better way to show your compassion than by providing opportunities to people who might not have them otherwise?

• Me to We has many Artisan-made gifts that would be just right to give to your loved ones. Our favorite? The mood elevator!
• Bee mine? A gift of honey bees via Free The Children can be life changing for families in need. If you ask us, that’s sweeter than any box of chocolates.

And if you’re looking for a gift for the loved ones in your life who have graduated from the days of pencil cases and milk in mini cartons, we suggest sharing the wisdom of your wee ones with our online quote maker. Quotes can be downloaded, emailed, tweeted, printed, and framed. The incredible insight of the most precious little people in your life is truly one of the greatest gifts around.

—Carly

PS- This year I’m sending Valentines from tattly—makers of awesomely design-y temporary tattoos—to my friends near and far. You’re never too old for a little treat!