Charlene DeLoach on CT Live!: Valentine’s Day Card Ideas for Classmates

By Charlene DeLoach, Chief Play Officer, Playroom Chronicles

 TV APPEARANCE DISCLOSURE: I am not compensated for TV appearances. My time is my own, and products featured are purchased by myself or provided for demonstration and donation.

I recently appeared on CT Live! to share creative Valentine’s Day card ideas for classmates by focusing on using everyday toys instead of disposable trinkets.

During the TV segment, I talked about a growing trend in classroom exchanges: pairing cards with small toys or activities. Rather than buying “Valentine toys,” I showed how parents can repurpose toys kids already love so you can make Valentines more playful, interactive, and memorable.

As Chief Play Officer of Playroom Chronicles, my work centers on helping families make smarter toy choices that support creativity, connection, and real play. Both at home and in the classroom!

Valentine Toy Ideas Featured on the Show

During my CT Live segment, I shared a handful of everyday toys that work especially well as classroom Valentine pairings, including:

Made By Me Create Your Own Window Art Suncatchers (Horizon Group)
Mini Brands Books Advent Calendar (ZURU)
Bug Mash Up Game (Talking Tables)
Squish-A-Longs (Jazwares)
What Do You Meme? Family Edition (Relatable)

👉 For the full breakdown—including where to buy each item, classroom “toy math,” and printable Valentine card ideas—read the complete post here:

Classroom Valentine Toy Ideas That Aren’t Candy (or Trashy)

If you want more ideas like this, listen to the Playroom Chronicles Podcast, where I help parents make smarter toy choices that support independent play.

👉 Listen to the podcast
👉 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more play ideas, or on my Amazon storefront with my curated toy picks all year!