There's a reason Valentine's Day is one of the world's most popular holidays. After all, who doesn't like chocolates and little notes from loved ones?

Now that you've got a toddler, spread your love further by including him or her in this typically romantic holiday. Try crafting - an activity that all little ones love. Each of these crafts feature a heart stencil, which you can make as big or small as you want.

Making your heart stencil

Toddlers can have heavy hands, so make your stencil out of something more durable than construction paper. Try cardstock or, if reusing old material is more your thing, scraps from a thin cardboard box. 

1. Fold your cardstock in half.
2. Draw one half of a heart so that the middle aligns with the folded crease.
3. Cut along the outline.
4. Unfold to reveal your heart stencil.

Let's get crafting!

Cupcake toppers

These are a fun addition to a very sweet treat! Here's what you need:

• Heart stencil.
• Construction paper.
• Toothpicks.
• Glue.
• Pencil.
• Scissors.

Here's how to make it:

1. Trace two hearts for every cupcake on the construction paper, then cut them out.
2. Lay one heart face down and add glue to the top side.
3. Lay the toothpick in the middle of the heart so that at least half sticks down from the bottom.
4. Place the other heart on top so it aligns evenly.
5. Wait for the glue to dry, then stick the exposed toothpick end in a cupcake.

Reverse heart with dots

This craft makes an adorable piece of art that you can frame or hang on the refrigerator. All you need is:

• Heart stencil.
• Finger paint in pink and red.
• Cardstock or other thin paper durable enough for paint.
• Disposable plate.
• Painter's tape.
• Old newspaper.

Here's how to make it:

1. Find a clean area to craft and lay the newspaper down.
2. Place your cardstock on the newspaper.
3. Loop small bands of painter's tape, then adhere them to the back of your stencil. 
4. Place the stencil in the middle of your cardstock, tape side down. 
5. Pour small puddles of paint onto the plate.
6. Have your child dip his or her finger into the paint, then onto the paper.
7. Cover the area around the stencil in colorful finger prints. Make sure you include enough so that an imprint of the heart will be left behind.
8. Wait for the paint to dry, then remove the stencil. The unpainted area should show the shape of a heart!
9. Get a matching frame or a nice magnet and show off your child's art!

Rainbow heart window light clings

These beautiful pieces of art look stunning attached to a sunny window. Here's what you need:

• Heart stencil.
• Squares of tissue paper.
• Mod Podge.
• Clear sheet protectors or other form of plastic sheet.
• Pen.
• Foam paint brushes.
• Scissors.

Here's how to make it:

1. Use the foam paint brushes to spread a thick layer of Mod Podge on the clear plastic sheet. 
2. Press the tissue paper squares onto the Mod Podge.
3. Add another layer of Mod Podge on top of the squares to decoupage them.
4. Let the sheet dry completely. 
5. Once dry, gently peel the decoupaged tissue paper from the plastic sheet.
6. Use the pen to trace the heart on the tissue paper, then cut it out.
7. Attach the heart to a sunny window and watch the light shine through!

Pompom valentine

This 3-D card doubles as a lovely valentine and a great sensory experience. Your materials are:

• Heart stencil.
• A piece of construction paper or cardstock measuring 8.5 by 11 inches.
• Glue.
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• A bag of pompoms.

Here's how to make it:

1. Cut the construction paper in half, then fold in half. This will be your valentine.
2. Choose your front, then trace the heart stencil on it.
3. Outline and fill in the traced heart with glue.
4. Place your pompoms onto the glue before it dries!

Heart wreath

This is a Valentine's Day twist on a traditional Christmas decoration! Here's what you need:

• Decorative paper.
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• Large wooden embroidery hoop.
• Glue.

Here's how to make it:

1. Trace several hearts on the back of your decorative paper, making sure they don't overlap.
2. Cut the hearts out and flip the paper over.
3. Place the embroidery hoop on a flat surface.
4. Put a dab of glue to each heart, then press onto the hoop.
5. Wait for the glue to dry, then hang your wreath!

Heart garland

After you're done with this craft, string it up in your kitchen, children's room or wherever else feels appropriate! Before getting started, collect the following:

• Heart stencil.
• Yarn.
• Pencil.
• Scissors
• Colored straws.
• Single-hole punch.
• Lots of construction paper.
• Two large beads.

Here's how to make it:

1. Cut the yarn to whatever length you want your garland to be.
2. Trace several hearts on your construction paper (make sure they don't overlap!), then cut each of them out. 
3. Punch a single hole in the middle of each heart.
4. Take your straws, and use the scissors to cut them lengthwise into pieces of even length.
5. Take one end of your yarn and pass it through one of the beads. Loop the yarn around the bead and tie securely.
6. Thread your straws and hearts onto the garland, alternating each. 
7. Once you get to the end of the yarn, tie on the other large bead.