Charlene DeLoach on Great Day Connecticut: Smarter Classroom Valentine Ideas

By , Chief Play Officer, Playroom Chronicles
Image Credit: 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 Great Day Connecticut to share a smarter approach to Valentine’s Day classroom exchanges so parents can skip candy overload and plastic clutter.

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During the TV segment, I talked about a growing trend: pairing Valentine’s Day cards with small trinkets or toys. Instead of buying “Valentine toys” that are often used once and tossed, I showed how everyday toys can be used in a clever, intentional way, so classroom Valentines are playful, reusable, and actually enjoyed after February 14.

As the founder of Playroom Chronicles, my focus is always on helping parents make smarter toy choices that support play, creativity, and independent engagement. Both at home and in the classroom.

Valentine Toy Ideas Featured on the Show

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

New and hot!
You’re a smart cookie to have these
We just click together valentine!
I wouldn’t trade our friendship!
You’ll be un-FUR-gettable with these!
  • Furby Minis (Hasbro)
  • Disney Lorcana Trading Cards (Ravensburger)
  • LEGO Classic Bricks (The LEGO Group)
  • ORB Gooze Cookie Goo Slime (ORB Toys)
  • KPop Demon Hunters Valentine Cards & Shaker Stickers (Horizon Group)

👉 For the full breakdown—why each one works, how to divide them for a classroom, where to buy, and free printable Valentine cards—visit the complete list here:

Classroom Valentine Toy Ideas That Aren’t Candy or Trash

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!

Big Toyween Toy Giveaway. Enter by October 31 to win a curated box of toys chosen for real play value.

Kids Toy Expert

Charlene DeLoach is a toy industry expert, consumer advocate, and founder of Playroom Chronicles. With over 15 years of experience in the toy industry, 200+ television appearances, and 350+ published articles on play and child development, she helps parents make smarter toy choices that support independent play and reduce screen time. A former attorney and mother of two with expertise in neurodivergent play, Charlene brings both professional credibility and real parenting experience to every recommendation.

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