The first Valentine’s greeting: While the practice of sending love messages dates back centuries, the oldest known Valentine’s greeting still in existence today is a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Hallmark – or Hall Bros. as it was then called - sold its first Valentine’s Day cards in 1913. Those initial postcard designs were purchased from another company, and in 1916 the company began producing its own Valentine’s Day card designs. The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day. In the mid-19th century the Valentine’s card travelled across the Atlantic. Cards rapidly gained popularity in America, where they were initially advertised as a British fashion. Advanced American technologies meant that more elaborate cards were produced cheaply, encouraging their popularity yet Valentine’s Day greetings became popular in 15th century France with an annual feast day of food, singing and dancing to mark the romantic occasion. The first Valentine’s cards were made in the 18th century and were handmade and decorated with romantic symbols and poetry. The Evolution of Valentine’s Day Cards. By the 19th century, Valentine’s Day had evolved significantly, with one of the most notable changes being the rise of Valentine’s Day cards. What began as handwritten notes exchanged between lovers in the medieval era gradually transformed into a commercial enterprise during the Victorian period. The company (then called Hall Bros.) sold its first Valentine’s Day cards in 1913, and today the name Hallmark is synonymous with the cards. Valentine’s Day cards continue to be a popular tradition to this day – in fact, it is estimated that over 145 million cards are sold each year! Contrary to popular belief, Hallmark did not invent Valentine’s Day. Initially, Hallmark’s founder, J.C. Hall, began selling Valentine’s Day postcards in 1910. As greeting cards gained popularity, Hallmark began printing its very own greeting cards. By 1916, the very first Hallmark Valentine’s Day cards appeared on store shelves. The first known Valentine’s Day card was sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in the early 15th century. However, the tradition of exchanging cards became more widespread in the 18th century. When did Valentine’s Day cards become commercially produced? Valentine’s Day cards started Hallmark, the famed greeting card company, (initially Hall Brothers) first offered Valentine’s Day cards in 1913 and began producing them in 1916. According to Hallmark, 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year and this does not include all the packaged Valentines kids share in their classrooms. So, there you have it. By the end of the 1800's, Valentines were being made entirely by machine. In 1850, Esther Howland, an American printer and artist was among the first to publish and sell Valentines in the United States. In the early 1900's a card company named Norcross became one of the first companies to manufacture Valentines. Making Every Valentine’s Day Message Count. As Valentine's Day approaches remember that the best messages come from the heart. Whether you're sharing a sweet note with a partner, a funny text with a friend or a meaningful sentiment with a family member, it's the thought and care behind your words that make all the difference. Today, according to Hallmark, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (more cards are sent Happy First Valentines Day As My Daddy Card, New Dad Valentine's Day Card for Husband, Daddy 1st Valentines Day Card from Baby, First Valentine's Day Card Gifts for New Dad $5.99 $ 5 . 99 FREE delivery Sun, Feb 2 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon By the 18th century, commercially printed Valentine’s Day cards began to appear, making it easier for people to express their sentiments. In Victorian England, the practice of sending elaborate and ornate Valentine’s Day cards became popular. These cards were often adorned with lace, ribbons, and intricate designs. Valentine’s Day is the holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. It may have had beginnings in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming of spring and included fertility rites and other activities, but the origin of the holiday is vague at best. Baby's First Valentine's Day Card 2025, Baby's 1st Valentine's Day Gift, Son Daughter Grandson Granddaughter, Niece Nephew Little Boy Girl (2.3k) $ 4.04. Add to Bewoow Funny First Valentines Day Card for Him Her, Sarcastic 1st Valentine Card for Husband Wife, Happy Valentines Day Card for Boyfriend Girlfriend, It's Our First Valentines Day 1 offer from $499 $ 4 99 4. The First Valentine’s Day Cards & Commercialization. By the 1700s and 1800s, Valentine’s Day had become a widely recognized celebration of love. People exchanged handwritten love letters, poems, and small tokens of affection. However, the modern Valentine’s Day industry didn’t take off until the 19th century, thanks to two major Teddy Bear Car Baby's First Valentine's Day Holiday Card. Sale Price $1.96. $1.96 Original Price $2.61. $2.61 Comp. value. i Cute Valentine’s Day characters; Cupid (classic little love angel) Cute animal couples celebrating February 14th; Cartoon and game characters striking a pose with their special someone “I Love You” cards you can color; Flower-themed Valentine’s Day pages; Printable Valentine’s Day cards and so much more.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |