A dinosaur Valentine craft idea that’s perfect for kids to make! It’s an easy DIY idea to create for Valentine’s Day or your galentines. Get your supplies at the dollar store and create this simple craft.

If you’ve been here from the beginning, you might remember that Ryan and I used to make each other gifts for Valentine’s day. Nothing fancy, but the point is that we create something for each other, usually out of stuff that we have around the house.

You also may or may not remember that he has smashed me to a pulp for the last two years (see evidence here and here). Well, I created this DIY Valentine project after being tired of getting out-Valentined, so I brought out my best game: humor.

Friends, I give you the Dinosaur Valentine.

While you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, be sure to also peek at these emoji crafts, our Valentine resin craft idea, and a DIY Valentine garland that’s super easy to make!

And sign up below for our VIP group, where I’ll send more of my very best ideas straight to ya!

A Dinosaur Valentine craft

I love this dinosaur Valentine craft idea because there’s a DIY element to it but it’s so simple you can’t go wrong!

It might not be the most romantic thing you’ve ever seen, but it’s almost guaranteed to make your Valentine laugh, and that’s what I’m all about.

This little dino is great for kid Valentines, class or teacher gifts, or even as a silly joke gift to your adult Valentine (or Galentine!).

You can add a little tag depending on who you’re giving it to. Check out our ideas for dinosaur Valentine puns at the end of this post!

Ways to Customize Your Dinosaur

Another thing to love about this project? There are so many ways to customize it!

Dinosaur Size – Use a larger dinosaur like we did, or choose lots of mini dinos if you’re handing them out as class Valentines.
Color – I love how the dinos look painted gold, but you could chose your favorite colors or use a Valentine’s Day color palette.
Extra Items – This dinosaur Valentine is holding some mini hearts, but you could have them hold any number of things! Other small toys, some sweets – be creative.

How to Organize A Class Dinosaur Valentine Project

If you’d like to organize this to create in a classroom, there are a few ways to switch up our process.

First, instead of spray paint (like we used), use a nontoxic or craft paint with paintbrushes. Simply place each dinosaur on a disposable paper plate or sheet of cardboard to catch any paint drips.

Next, if you’re working with children to glue the items onto your dinosaur Valentine, be sure to use a low-temp glue gun. They’re much safer and will help protect from burns (although not completely, so always monitor kids with glue guns!).

Best Supplies for valentine Dinos

Plastic Dinosaurs – I find the best dinosaurs at either a dollar store, or in the Target dollar aisle. Try to find a dinosaur that has arms or hands to hold the extra items that you attach.
Paint – This gold dinosaur Valentine was made with Montana Gold Spray Paint.
Wooden Hearts – The tiny wooden hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Craft Paint – Paint the wooden hearts with this.
Paintbrushes
Low Temp Glue Gun – The low temp glue adheres well but reduces finger burns.

Craft Paint Vs. Spray Paint

When considering the type of paint you’d like to use on your dinosaur Valentine, it’s smart to do a test patch of paint on your specific dinosaur to see what works best.

If you have kids who want to help paint, brush-on paint like craft paint is definitely safer than spray paint.

If you do use spray paint, I always recommend painting outside in a well-ventilated area.

How to Make Dinosaur Valentines

Start by spray painting your dinosaur gold, and your hearts a Valentine-y color of your choice (using the craft paint). Be sure to use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
Let all pieces dry thoroughly, and heat up your glue gun. Starting with one heart, hot glue it to one of your dinosaur’s hands.
Continue gluing hearts, forming a small pile, until you’re satisfied.
The crowning glory is the heart that the dinosaur just couldn’t resist eating. Hot glue one right into his mouth.

Funny Valentine Puns to Add To Your Dino

If you like, you can add a gift tag or a little ribbon with a funny Valentine’s Day pun on it! Here are some of our fun dinosaur Valentine puns that you could use:

Our friendship will never go extinct!
Valentine, you’re RAWRsome.
Stegosaurme + stegosauryou = stegosaurus.
You’re dino-mite!
Valentine, you’re the tricera-tops!
You’ve got me raptor around your little finger.

Printable Valentines for Your Whole Crew

Also, be sure to snag some free printable Valentines from our library!

That’s it! Hope you love this project. If you try this dinosaur Valentine craft, be sure to rate our DIY and show some love! xoxo