DIY Heart Magnets with Kids: Easy Step-by-Step Craft
By Melissa & Doug: #1 Preschool Brand For Wooden Toys | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Follow this simple guide to make colorful heart magnets with your preschooler. Use a wooden craft kit for all-in-one fun, or gather basic supplies for a budget-friendly Valentine craft.
Quick answer
Start with a wooden heart craft kit that includes paint, glue, and magnets, or gather your own supplies. Follow the steps below to create personalized fridge magnets your child will love.
Why choose a wooden craft kit?
A wooden craft kit saves you from hunting down individual supplies. The Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Heart Magnets Wooden Craft Kit, for example, comes with four pre-shaped wooden hearts, paint, a brush, gem stickers, and glitter glue. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick afternoon project with minimal setup.
If you prefer to use your own materials, you can buy plain wooden hearts from a craft store and pair them with acrylic paint and craft magnets. The trade-off is more prep time, but you can customize colors and sizes exactly how you want.
What age is this craft suitable for?
This craft is designed for children ages 4 and up. Younger kids may need help with small parts like gem stickers and magnets. Always supervise glue and paint use, and keep magnets away from children who still put things in their mouths.
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your workspace: Cover the table with newspaper or a plastic mat. Set out the wooden hearts, paint pots, brush, gem stickers, and glitter glue. Have a cup of water and paper towels handy for cleaning the brush between colors. Lay down a washable mat to catch spills—paint can stain surfaces.
- Step 2: Paint the wooden hearts: Let your child choose a color for each heart. Dip the brush in water, then into the paint, and apply a thin, even coat. Paint one side first, let it dry for about 15 minutes, then flip and paint the other side. For a solid look, apply a second coat. Thin coats dry faster and prevent drips. Avoid thick layers that can take hours to dry.
- Step 3: Add decorations: Once the paint is completely dry, use the glitter glue to draw patterns or write names. Press the gem stickers onto the hearts for extra sparkle. Let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes before handling. Place gem stickers while the glitter glue is still wet so they stick firmly.
- Step 4: Attach the magnets: Apply a small dab of strong craft glue to the back of each heart and press a round magnet onto it. Hold for 20 seconds to ensure a good bond. Let the glue cure for 24 hours before placing the magnets on the fridge. Use neodymium or ceramic disc magnets for a strong hold. Avoid thin flexible magnets that may not support the weight of the wood.
- Step 5: Display and enjoy: After the glue has fully cured, your child can arrange the heart magnets on the refrigerator, a magnetic board, or a locker. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts for grandparents or teachers. Check the magnets occasionally to make sure they haven't loosened, especially if kids move them often.
Product spotlight
- Created by Me! Heart Magnets Wooden Craft Kit: The kit includes four three-dimensional heart magnets, four pots of paint, a paintbrush, 12 gem stickers, and glitter glue. Everything you need is in one box, so you can start crafting immediately without extra shopping trips.
Created by Me! Heart Magnets Wooden Craft Kit
