If you’re hunting for a classroom Valentine that’s cheap, quick, and more memorable than a paper card, “I Dig You” Valentine shovels check every box. This craft pairs a small plastic shovel with a bag of treats and a punny “I Dig You!” note. It’s the kind of gift preschool and kindergarten kids love to hand out and, better yet, keep.
What makes these Valentine’s Day shovels so appealing is their flexibility. Swap the candy for a non-candy treat, change up the colors, or add a printable tag, and the craft still works as a fast, low-prep option for a full class exchange. It’s a craft project for kids that even the little ones can help assemble.
Below, you’ll find the complete supply list, step-by-step instructions, creative variations, and answers to the questions teachers ask most. Looking to plan ahead? AlphabetU’s Crafts collection has plenty more ideas for classroom projects throughout the year.
What You Need For “I Dig You” Valentine Shovels
This project uses inexpensive, easy-to-find supplies. Most of it can be picked up at a craft store, dollar store, or ordered in bulk online ahead of time:
- Small plastic shovels (any color – classroom colors are a nice touch, and buying an assorted pack keeps costs down for a full class set)
- Clear cellophane cut into 10″ squares, or small plastic treat bags, to hold the candy or treat
- Valentine candy such as conversation hearts, jelly beans, or gummy worms – or non-candy treats like erasers, stickers, or mini toys for allergy-aware classrooms
- Ribbon or curling ribbon to tie the filled bag to the shovel handle
- A paint pen or permanent marker (in a color that shows up well against the shovel) to write “I Dig You!” on each one
- Optional: heart stickers, washi tape, or other Valentine’s Day decorations for extra flair
Buying shovels and treats in bulk ahead of time, rather than picking up single packs, is usually the cheapest way to outfit an entire class. It also leaves room to make a few extras for staff or siblings. For more ways to celebrate with your class beyond Valentine’s Day, see AlphabetU’s Happy Holiday Ideas for Teachers.
How to Make “I Dig You” Valentine Shovels
Once your supplies are gathered, each shovel takes only a few minutes to put together:
Step 1: Write “I Dig You!” on each shovel with the paint pen or marker (or use a sticker), then let it dry fully before handling. Decorate with stickers or washi tape if you like.
Step 2: Cut cellophane into 10″ squares (or use pre-made treat bags) and wrap a small amount of candy or non-candy treats in each one.
Step 3: Tie the filled bag to the handle of the shovel with ribbon, leaving enough length to make a bow or simple knot.
Step 4: If you’re making a full class set, set up an assembly line – one person writing, one filling bags, one tying ribbon – to move through the batch quickly.
Most classrooms can assemble a set of 20–25 shovel Valentines in well under an hour once the assembly line is running. That makes this a realistic option even for teachers short on prep time.
Fun Ways to Personalize Your Valentine Shovels
The basic format is simple to build on, so it’s easy to make each batch feel a little different from year to year:
- Play with color: Pink and red aren’t required. Try classroom colors, a rainbow assortment, or a single bold color for a cohesive look.
- Swap the treat: Candy hearts, jelly beans, and gummy worms are classic, but a non-sugar option like erasers, stickers, or small trinkets works just as well and sidesteps food-allergy concerns.
- Add a printable gift tag alongside the handwritten shovel for an extra personal touch, especially if students are signing their own names.
- Let older students help: Preschool or kindergarten kids can decorate their own shovels as a small fine-motor activity.
If this style of hands-on project works well for your class, AlphabetU’s Fall Craft Projects post has a similar lineup of easy, low-cost ideas to try later in the year.
Creative Packaging and Gifting Ideas
How the shovels are packaged and handed out can turn the activity into more of an event:
- Bundle them in a basket or bin for a classroom exchange, so every student can pick one on the way out.
- Pair each shovel with a printable tag for gifting to individual classmates by name.
- Coordinate shovel colors and ribbon with a broader classroom Valentine’s Day party theme, so the craft doubles as a decoration until it’s handed out.
Because the supplies are inexpensive, this also works well as a take-home project. Send students home with the pieces and instructions, and families can assemble their own at the kitchen table. AlphabetU’s Holidays and Celebrations collection has more ideas along these lines if you’re planning a bigger celebration.
Why Are Shovel Valentines a Classroom Favorite?
A few practical reasons this craft has stayed popular with teachers year after year:
- The gift outlasts the treat. The small-toy element means the shovel Valentine has a life beyond the candy inside. Kids can keep and reuse the shovel long after February 14th.
- It’s easy to make allergy-friendly. Swapping in a non-candy treat works for classrooms with food restrictions, without changing the core idea.
- It’s quick, cheap, and kid-friendly. The craft is simple enough for kids to help assemble, which makes it a good fit for a short activity block.
If you’re looking for another craft with the same easy, high-payoff feel, AlphabetU’s Turkey Cup Craft for Kids post is a class favorite for the fall.
Bring a Little Extra Fun to Valentine’s Day
I Dig You Valentine’s Shovels are a simple, punny classroom craft that stands out from typical store-bought Valentines without costing much time or money. With just a few inexpensive supplies and a handful of minutes per shovel, kids can help assemble a gift their classmates will actually want to keep.
Whether you stick with the classic candy-filled version or swap in a non-candy treat, this shovel Valentine is a low-prep way to add fun to Valentine’s Day in any preschool or kindergarten classroom.
Looking for more easy, budget-friendly classroom projects? Browse AlphabetU’s Crafts collection for more ideas your class can make together all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to make I Dig You Valentine shovels?
You only need a few supplies: small plastic shovels, clear cellophane or small treat bags, ribbon, a Valentine treat, and a paint pen or permanent marker to write “I Dig You!” on each shovel. Heart stickers or other decorations are optional extras. Most of these materials are inexpensive and easy to find at a craft or dollar store, which makes this a budget-friendly project for a full class.
What can you put in an I Dig You Valentine shovel?
Classic choices include candy hearts, jelly beans, or gummy worms tucked into the cellophane bag tied to the shovel handle. If your classroom has food allergies or a no-candy policy, swap in small erasers, stickers, or trinkets instead. The shovel itself is the standout part of the gift, so the filling can flex to fit your group’s needs.
Are shovel valentines safe for young kids?
Shovel Valentines are generally safe, but the small plastic shovel and any candy inside can be a choking hazard for very young children, so adult supervision during assembly and handout is a good idea. Choosing non-candy fillings like erasers or stickers also sidesteps most classroom allergy concerns, and it’s worth keeping an extra eye on toddlers who still mouth small objects.