Need to figure out where to find Valentines last minute? If Target is out of Valentine’s, try this list of off-the-beaten-path places that still have Valentines, along with other no-stress ways to get the job done!
We’ve all been there- we make plans to get Valentine’s early. We say we’ll do it this weekend…which turns into next weekend…which turns into OH-MY-GOSH-VALENTINE’S-DAY-IS-IN-TWO-DAYS.
And you end up being the mom that sends in ding dongs or bags of microwave popcorn for your kid to pass out.
(Which, by the way, do go over surprisingly well in a pinch. We know from experience).
But those take effort. We just want to grab a box of Valentines last minute, slap some names on them, and call it a day.
So if you, too, have missed the boat and need to find places that still have Valentines at the last minute, never fear. We’ve got you covered with this list of places that still have Valentines near you.
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What to Do If You Can’t Find Valentine’s
Okay, so you’re in Target, and there is not one box of Valentine’s to be found. You start to panic, and are trying not to lose it in front of the kids.
First up, here’s what to do if you can’t find Valentines: take a deep breath. You’ve got this. There are about a thousand options to consider.
Your options from here fall into a few major categories:
- Find other places that still have Valentines.
- Find printable Valentines online.
- Go for a unique (aka non-Valeninesy) Valentine’s idea.
- Give up.
Let’s break down each category so you can see which one works best for you.
Places That Still Have Valentines
Okay, first up, if you’re looking for last minute Valentines, do not go to Target. The other mamas probably cleared the place out back in January as soon as Christmas stuff got taken down.
You need to go somewhere else to find last minute Valentines. If you want to go the boxed-Valentine’s route, there are many other stores to consider.
Here are some places that might still have Valentines near you:
- Drugstores. Think Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, etc. They have solid seasonal sections, but aren’t as popular for parents because they’re less of a one-stop shop.
- Grocery stores. My local grocery store almost always has one end cap or aisle with boxed Valentines. And if not, you’re in a good spot to consider our options from another category of last minute Valentine ideas (going off the beaten path).
- Dollar Stores. These often have Valentines when other places don’t!
- Fast Food Places. I once found a 12 pack of Valentine’s-themed Frosty coupons at Wendy’s and gave those out for Valentine’s day. They were a smash hit. Same for Slurpee coupons at 7-11. This varies by year, but it’s worth calling or stopping by.
- Buy Valentines from Amazon. You might pay an arm and a leg for these, but there’s bound to be something on there that can be delivered last minute.
Printable Valentine’s Day Options
Okay, now you’ve gone to a thousand stores and still can’t find Valentines (OR the idea of schlepping around looking for Valentines is not reasonable for you.
There are still tons of printable, at-home solutions you can pursue:
- Check out this round-up of free, printable Valentines.
- Grab a set of emoji keychains and then head over to get these printable Valentines from Paper Heart Family.
- Find more printable Valentines (and other creative ideas) in this unique Valentine’s post, full of last-minute Valentines ideas.
Find a Unique Valentine’s Ideas (When You Can’t Find Valentines)
Okay, so the other two options don’t work for you- you’re going to have to go renegade.
I’ve done several of these ideas out of desperation (when we got last minute requests for class gifts, as well as for Valentine’s day and birthdays), and I have to say, they have actually been huge hits.
Kids ABSOLUTELY go bananas over non-Valentinesy Valentines. And most of these can be found at the grocery store!
So if you’re willing to go off the beaten path, here are some unique Valentines ideas:
- Hostess cupcakes or Ding Dongs, with a printable topper. (Grab the free printable Valentine’s Day Hostess toppers).
- A bag of microwave popcorn with a printable topper (snag the printable popcorn bag topper here)
- A bag of chips with a printable topper (you can print one for free here)
- A crazy straw with -you guessed it!- a printable topper.
Seeing a trend here? You can find a printable Valentine’s topper for just about anything with a quick google search. It’s pretty easy, and you get that crafty-mom credit without going to a ton of effort.
Last Option: Give Up on Valentines
Your last option in the hunt for last minute Valentine’s is to just good old fashioned throw in the towel. This is a small-potatoes problem, but most importantly, it’s not necessarily your problem.
If your kid wants to pass out Valentine’s to the class, it is ultimately on them.
Set out paper or index cards, along with markers, stickers, crayons, glitter (strike that- glitter is the devil) – give them the supplies and let them have at it.
It can be a wonderful chance for them to get creative, be thoughtful, and work hard. All of which are just fine in our book.
Refuse to get upset about the quality of something that will undoubtedly be thrown in the trash by February 15th, and move on with your life.
So there you have it, our quick guide to places that still have Valentines (along with alternatives for when you can’t find Valentine’s). It’s one quick day, not the big deal we’ve been conditioned to think it is. The world will keep turning whether or not your kid gets the baby Yoda Valentines they hoped for.
Looking for more Valentine’s ideas? Head here next-