Valentine’s Day always seems to sneak up on me. One week we’re putting away the last of Christmas, and the next there are little paper hearts scattered all over my kitchen table.
I like to use this season as a simple reason to talk with my little ones about Jesus and how much He loves them. At their age, big ideas don’t really land through long explanations. They land through something small they can hold in their hands.
That’s why I love this little Jesus Loves Me craft. It’s gentle and simple, and it keeps the focus right where I want it — on Jesus and His love for us.
why this little craft matters
Toddlers are just beginning to learn who Jesus is, and faith at this age grows slowly.
It comes through repetition, short and simple words, and the steady feeling of being loved.
This craft gives them that in a way they can see and touch. While we color and cut and glue, we get to say the same gentle truth over and over: Jesus loves you.
It’s a small thing. But these small, ordinary moments are often right where faith takes root.
- Jesus loves them, deeply and personally
- God’s Word is full of love and care for them
- faith is something safe and woven into everyday life
I keep coming back to this simple verse while we work: “We love because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19
If you’d like a few more ideas along these lines, take a look at my adorable Jesus Loves Me Valentines crafts for more toddler-friendly inspiration.
what you’ll need
You probably have most of this tucked in a drawer already:
- the free printable (you’ll find it near the end of this post)
- crayons or colored pencils
- scissors (a grown-up should help the little ones)
- a glue stick
Keeping it simple helps the little ones stay focused on the craft and the message instead of the setup. And honestly, it keeps the mess a little more manageable too.
If you’d like a few more options, here’s a cute Valentines craft for kids.
how to make the jesus loves me craft
Here are the simple steps for making your Jesus and the hearts craft.
1. color the pictures
Let your little ones color Jesus and the hearts however they like. Mine tend to reach for the same two or three crayons every time, and that’s just fine.
2. cut out the hearts
Cut out the pieces. The littlest ones can help by holding the paper steady while you do the cutting.
3. fold each heart in half
Fold each heart down the middle so the Bible verses tuck inside.
4. glue the hearts together
Line the folded hearts up side by side and glue them along the edges so they form a little heart booklet.
Let the glue dry for a minute. This is usually right when sticky fingers find their way to everything around here.
5. glue the booklet onto Jesus
Glue the finished booklet onto the picture of Jesus so it looks like He’s holding the hearts.
I love this part. It’s such a simple picture of something true — Jesus holds our love close, and His love holds us.
Looking for another Scripture craft? Here’s a Days of Creation craft for kids for another simple afternoon.
talking with your little ones about Jesus
As you work together, keep the talking simple and gentle. Toddlers take in far more through short, repeated phrases than through long explanations.
You might play the “Jesus Loves Me” song by the Cedarmont Kids while you craft:
You can point to the hearts and say, “These remind us of Jesus’ love.”
If they ask questions, keep your answers short and warm. And if they’re quiet, that’s okay too. Sometimes they’re listening more than we realize.
A little tip: come back to this craft, or just the words, over a few days. The repeating is how the truth settles in.
If you’d like more seasonal ideas, you might enjoy these easy Christian Valentines crafts for kids.
a sweet moment to share
Friend, you don’t need anything elaborate to point your children toward Jesus. A few paper hearts, some crayons, and a little time together at the kitchen table is plenty.
When your little one colors those hearts and sees Jesus holding them, they’re learning that faith is gentle and safe and full of love. That’s a good thing to plant early.
If you make this one at home, in a classroom, or with a little group, I’d love to hear how it went. Leave a comment below and tell me how your little ones liked it.
With love,
Betty
Grab Your FREE Jesus Loves Me Craft for Kids
If you’re looking for an easy, meaningful way to talk about Jesus’ love with toddlers and young children, this free Jesus Loves Me Craft is for you.
This hands-on activity includes a simple Jesus illustration and a heart-themed Bible verse activity kids can color, trace, and interact with.
The craft features a “Jesus Loves Me” theme with Bible verses such as John 3:16, Romans 5:8, John 15:13, and Isaiah 43:4. Children can color the pages and connect with the message in a simple, visual way.
You can use it as a coloring activity, a cut-and-paste craft, or a paper display project.
This printable helps turn Scripture into something children can see, color, and revisit, making it easier for them to begin understanding how deeply they are loved.
a few questions you might have
what age is this craft best for?
It works well for toddlers through the early elementary years. The little ones will need more help with cutting and folding, while preschoolers and kindergartners can usually do most of it with a bit of guidance.
can I use this in a classroom or church setting?
Yes, it’s a lovely fit for Sunday school, homeschool groups, or a church nursery. The simple steps and short supply list make it easy to prep for a group or set up as a station.
how long does it take?
Most children finish in about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on their age and how long they linger over coloring. It stands on its own or pairs nicely with a Bible story or song.
what if my child can’t read the verses yet?
That’s perfectly okay. You can read the verses aloud, or just talk about them in your own words. Hearing Scripture spoken gently still helps little ones grow familiar with God’s Word.
how can I keep or display the finished craft?
It looks sweet on the fridge or taped to a wall, tucked into a Valentine display, or saved in a little memory box.
