Keiki-Friendly Gift Ideas and Events for Valentine’s Day 2023

There are just a few more days until Valentine’s Day. And though you may have already gotten your kids’ classroom Valentine’s Day cards or goodie bags (does it ever end?!), have you gotten them a gift? No, of course you don’t have to, but if you are looking for something sweet—literally—we’ve rounded up some treats and special items perfect to show them some extra love. Plus, we’re highlighting a few activities you and your whole ‘ohana can enjoy.

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Kids

Photo: Robbie Dingeman

Chocolate for Keiki

Chocolate maker/founder Dylan Butterbaugh’s eyes sparkle as he quickly selects which Mānoa Chocolate creation will make a great gift for the children on our Valentine’s Day lists. He grabs a jar of Chocolate Macadamia spread ($15).  “This one,” he says. One mom buys four 9-ounce jars each visit because her 8-year-old daughter likes the creamy nutty spread that much. “She eats it with a spoon,” he says. With ingredients that consist primarily of macadamia nuts and dark chocolate, it’s a tasty and pretty nutritious snack. —Robbie Dingeman, Editor at Large HONOLULU Magazine

Mānoa Chocolate, 333 Uluniu St., Kailua, manoachocolate.com, @manoachocolate

Photo: Courtesy of A Cake Life

Valentine’s Day Cookie Cards

Give your little love an oh-so-cute cookie cards. There’s three to choose from, including a s’more designed sugar cookie, chocolate kiss and a sweet little honey bee.

A Cake Life, 2320 South King St., acakelife.com, @acakelife

Photo: Courtesy of Via Gelato

Heart Sprinkles (!) at Via Gelato

Via Gelato’s flavor of the month is a decadent Strawberry Tuxedo Cake, but we think keiki will be most interested in the sprinkles! For the entire month of February, heart sprinkles will be available, and *free* on Valentine’s Day!

Via Gelato, 1142 12th Ave., viagelatohawaii.com, @viagelatohawaii

Photo: Courtesy of Paradise Monarchs

Paradise Monarchs Valentine’s Day Chrysalis Box

These meaningful and unique gifts are great for little ones to experience the transformation of their very own monarch butterfly. The magical metamorphosis symbolizes happiness, beauty, hope and renewal. Watching the release is not only beautiful—it also helps promote the wild monarch butterfly population in Hawai‘i. How sweet is that?

paradisemonarchs.com, @paradisemonarchs

Photo: Stacey Makiya

Choco le‘a Bear Hug Bundle

Nothing is more snuggly than a teddy bear and the only way to sweeten this gift is to give it with gummy bears. Dark chocolate-covered gummy bears, that is!

Choco Le‘a, 2909 Lowrey Ave., chocolea.com, @chocoleahawaii

Photo: Stacey Makiya

Sweet Somethings at SoHa Keiki

As you probably already know, SoHa Keiki has the cutest assortment of kids’ home decor, accessories and toys. Every time we step into the cheery boutique there’s something new to discover, but the playful products and home items on display during the holidays make it an especially exciting time to visit. Pillows with sweet sentiments like “All We Need is Aloha,” confetti heart stickers and customizable love notes are just some examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that would delight your little loved ones.

SoHa Keiki, 600 Kailua Rd., Suite 117, Kailua and Kāhala Mall, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., sohaliving.com, @sohakeiki

SEE ALSO: ❤️ Amazing Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas From Local Businesses and Designers

2023 Keiki-Friendly Valentine’s Day Experiences on O‘ahu

Free Valentine’s Day Photos with The Lei Bus

You and your loved ones can capture a Valentine’s Day photo in a vintage VW bus decked out in sweet V-day decor. fun picture with friends. Bring your own phone or camera to capture the moment. The “Lei Bus” staff will also be onsite to take a photo for you. “The Lei Bus” is a vintage VW bus that will be decked-out with beautiful Valentine’s Day themed décor and set-up near Macy’Bring your own camera or camera phone.

Saturday, Feb. 11, noon to 3 p.m.; near Macy’s, Kāhala Mall, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., kahalamallcenter.com, @theleibus

Free Photos with Theo the Bus Hawai‘i

Bring your keiki and snap a pic with Theo the Bus. BYOC (bring your own camera), but know that staff can assist you with the photography.

Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 to 7 p.m.; Kapolei Commons, 4450 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, theothebus.com, @theothebushawaii

Valentine’s Day Fun at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center

Celebrate love day with your little sweethearts. Keiki can explore the Valentine’s Day activities.

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center, 11 Ohe St., discoverycenterhawaii.org, @hawaiichildrensdiscoverycenter

“Love Takes Flight” at Sea Life Park

Surprise your kiddos with the gift of a special event. “Love Takes Flight,” at Sea Life Park is a celebration of Love Birds. Aside from learning about these birds and other feathered friends, keiki can flock (ha) to the themed crafts, games, shave ice, local vendors and more.

Admission for up to two keiki (12 and under) is free with every paid adult admission, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, Sea Life Park, 41-202 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, sealifeparkhawaii.com, @sealifepark