Valentine’s Day is a sweet holiday, but let’s be real—between the candy, cards, and little trinkets that come home from school, it can quickly turn into a mountain of clutter and waste. While the thought behind those Valentine’s is always appreciated, the sheer volume of tiny tchotchkes can feel overwhelming (and a bit cringeworthy for anyone trying to keep things simple and sustainable).

If you’re navigating what to do with all those random goodies—or looking for thoughtful, low-waste ways to celebrate—this post is for you. Here are a few practical tips to handle the influx of Valentine’s Day treasures and some ideas to celebrate the holiday in a way that truly spreads the love. ❤️

If your kids come home with an assortment of random goodies, don’t stress! Here are a few ways to handle the influx without letting it take over your home:

Let Them Enjoy for a Day
Give your kids the freedom to enjoy their Valentine’s loot for a day or two. After that, it’s time to decide what stays and what goes.
Pick a Few Favorites
Have your kids choose 5 items to keep—whether it’s their favorite stickers, a small toy, or a treat they love. The rest can be tossed or donated without guilt.
Sort & Organize
Incorporate the practical items into your home: snacks into the pantry, stickers into the craft bin, and Play-Doh with the rest of your collection. Let the random items go.
Donate Unused Items
If the trinkets are still in their packaging, consider donating them to your child’s school for treasure boxes or other incentives.
Tidy as You Go
As you find stray items around the house or in the car, don’t hesitate to quietly toss them. A clutter-free home is a happy home!

Simple Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

If you’re giving Valentine’s this year, keep it simple! We grabbed $4 boxes of Bluey Valentine’s for my kids to hand out, each with a sticker included. Since my daughter has a broken arm, I’ll be addressing all 45 of them myself—talk about love in action!

When it comes to your own children, consider celebrating with meaningful moments instead of “stuff.”

Write a heartfelt, homemade card with lots of hearts.
Share a small piece of chocolate as a sweet treat.
Plan a special outing, like a trip to Gelati Celesti or Shyndigz for dessert.

What to Avoid
While they may be adorable, our kids don’t need another stuffed animal, a Valentine’s-themed book you’ll only read once a year, or a piece of jewelry that won’t last. Focus on creating memories rather than accumulating more “things.”

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Remember, it’s all about spreading love—not clutter. Here’s to celebrating simply, joyfully, and maybe with a little less waste this year. ❤️