Sharing Love the Messy Play Way: A Valentine’s Hug to Hold Onto

Written by Claire from Messy play Derbyshire East

Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance to celebrate all the special people in our children’s lives — from parents and grandparents to family friends and siblings who make them giggle every day. And there’s nothing little ones love more than getting stuck into paint, glue, and a whole lot of sensory fun.

Messy play isn’t just about getting hands dirty (although that’s definitely part of the joy!). It’s an incredible way for children to explore textures, strengthen small hand muscles, and express themselves freely. Every squish of paint, every careful snip, every splash of glitter helps build confidence and creativity.

This Valentine’s activity captures all of that — while creating a keepsake that literally stretches their love across the distance.

Handprint Hug Hearts

This sweet craft turns your child’s handprints into a hug that someone special can keep forever.

You’ll need:

• Washable paint

• Card or sturdy paper

• Ribbon, yarn or string (approx. arm-span length)

• Scissors

• Glue or sticky tape

• Hole punch (optional)

• A printed poem tag or handwritten message

• Table covering — for all the happy mess!

How to do it:

1️⃣ Paint & print

Paint your child’s hands and help them press two handprints 

onto card. Let them explore the squishy feeling — it’s great for sensory development.

2️⃣ Cut out the handprints

Once dry, carefully cut around each hand. Don’t worry about perfection 

— the little bumps and wiggles make it truly theirs.

3️⃣ Measure their hug

Stretch their arms wide to measure a piece of ribbon from fingertip 

to fingertip. This big movement supports shoulder strength and early 

pre-writing skills.

4️⃣ Attach the hug

Stick one end of the ribbon to the back of each handprint, so the 

hands “open out” into a hug.

5️⃣ Add a heartfelt poem

Punch a hole or simply glue a tag on with this sweet message:

Here’s a hug with a handmade touch, Just to remind you I love you this much

Children can decorate around the poem with scribbles, stickers, hearts or drawings. It gives them the freedom to add their own voice and personality to the gift.

Why This Activity Matters

Handprint crafts are wonderfully meaningful — they capture a moment in time, literally showing how small (and how loved) your child is right now.

But behind the cuteness, this activity also supports:

✨ Sensory learning through paint exploration

🖐 Fine motor control from cutting and sticking

🧠 Problem-solving and independence

💬 Emotional development — expressing love creatively

Most importantly, there is no right or wrong way to make a hug. Each one is unique because each child is unique.

A Hug That Lasts

Sleeves rolled up, smiles on, wipes nearby — and you’re ready! This is the kind of Valentine’s keepsake that gets saved forever in memory boxes and tucked into drawers for years to come.

So this Valentine’s Day, embrace the mess, embrace the giggles, and embrace the biggest hugs — even the ones made of paint and ribbon. 

Because love, especially in childhood, is beautifully messy. ❤️

For more crafts like this, that you don’t have to tidy up - follow Claire on Instagram @messyplayderbyeast