The Story of Valentines

The Lovely Tradition of Valentine’s Cards and Letters: A Heartfelt History

Soon it’s February, and love is in the air.
But have you ever wondered why we still write Valentine’s cards? Why we take the time to pour our thoughts onto paper and share them with someone dear?

Let’s take a brief walk through the history of this warm-hearted tradition—and rediscover the timeless joy of words wrapped in feeling.

Where It All Began: A Letter from the Heart
Legend has it that Saint Valentine—yes, the very one—was imprisoned in 3rd-century Rome for performing secret marriages. Before his execution, he wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter and signed it “From your Valentine.”

That small gesture became the spark for centuries of handwritten affection. A simple note. A big impact.

From Medieval Lovebirds to Modern Romantics
By the Middle Ages, love letters were in full bloom. In 1415, the imprisoned Duke of Orléans wrote a letter to his wife from the Tower of London—the oldest surviving Valentine’s message we know.

Fast-forward to the 1600s and beyond, and handwritten Valentines became a tradition in England. Poetry, delicate drawings, and heartfelt words became tokens of affection shared between sweethearts.

The Victorian Era: Cupid Gets Creative
With printing technology blossoming, Valentine’s cards turned ornate and poetic. Lace, floral prints, and detailed designs found their way into millions of hands. And it wasn’t just romantic love—friends and family joined the card exchange, too.

In a world before texts and emojis, these cards were the message—and they were treasured.

Why Send a Valentine’s Card Today?
It’s easy to send a message. But writing one? That’s special.
A Valentine’s card is more than ink on paper—it’s time, care, and thought wrapped in an envelope. It’s showing someone they matter, even just for a moment.

Whether it’s love, friendship, or appreciation, these little notes remind us: sometimes, the most powerful words are the simplest.

Wrap It with Love

And if your letter happens to come with a gift, we’ve got just the thing.
Explore our printable DIY gift bags—they make every card and present feel extra personal.

💌 Feeling inspired to send a card?
Grab a pen, craft your words, and if you need some charming gift tags—well, we’ve got a free set waiting for you below.