25 Valentine's Day Cards Through the Years

By Erika Berlin |
Not every Valentine’s Day card was romantic.
Not every Valentine’s Day card was romantic. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

Giving romantic Valentine's Day cards slowly came into fashion during the 18th century, but they were mostly DIY affairs at the time. By the end of that century, pre-printed cards began to appear, and once the printing and manufacturing technologies of Victorian Britain picked up, the Valentine card industry boomed. Not all sentiments were romantic—some were downright rude—but the tradition of giving friends and loved ones cards has only continued to grow (Americans will spend more than $1 billion on cards each year). Below are 25 cards from years past.

1. "My Only Love"

A vintage Valentine circa 1860.
A vintage Valentine circa 1860. / Heritage Archive/Getty Images

For the couple who fancies themselves a Victorian-era Romeo and Juliet.

2. "Despair"

Circa 1840.
Circa 1840. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

This one comes across a bit needy.

3. "Dearest Tis Sweet To Loving Hearts"

Circa 1840–1860.
Circa 1840–1860. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

If only February 14 were so sunny and green.

4. "O Birdie, Pray Lead Us"

A 1874 valentine by Catherine Greenaway.
A 1874 valentine by Catherine Greenaway. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

How, and why, did these two young lovers harness a bird?

5. "I Found the Traitor Petal"

A 1874 valentine by Catherine Greenaway.
A 1874 valentine by Catherine Greenaway. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

This person cheated at the old "he loves me, he loves me not" game.

6. "Cupid Hides"

Circa 1875.
Circa 1875. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

Opening the heart revealed a cherubic surprise.

7. "I Know Your Name"

Circa 1874.
Circa 1874. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

Secret admirer, or stalker?

8. "MY Heart's Been Teed By You"

Circa 1910s–1920s.
Circa 1910s–1920s. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

For the pun-loving golfer in your life.

9. "To My Valentine"

From the 1910s.
From the 1910s. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

Better hope the recipient likes winged babies.

10. "Morning Glory"

Circa 1840.
Circa 1840. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

For the valentine who knows pictures are worth 1000 words.

11. "I Am Thirsty"

Not every Valentine’s Day card was romantic.
Not every Valentine’s Day card was romantic. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

The thirst is real.

12. "My Life Will Be an Awful Flop"

Candy valentine, 20th century.
Candy valentine, 20th century. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't make this valentine any less desperate.

13. "I Believe in Freedom of the Press"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

A double entendre for the staunch First Amendment supporter in your life.

14. "Big Boy"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

Let's hope she's made up her mind and given her valentine a new nickname.

15. "Valentine"

Circa 1876.
Circa 1876. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

She does not look impressed.

16. "I Believe in Womens' Rights"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

For your favorite feminist.

17. "Faithful as Ever"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

Why is she riding a deer? We'll never know.

18. "A Bear for Punishment"

20th-century Valentine.
20th-century Valentine. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

Seems like they have a complex relationship.

19. "Peek-a-Boo"

From 1913.
From 1913. / Heritage Images/Getty Images

The child looks hauntingly ghostly.

20. "Just Peekin in"

Circa 1950s.
Circa 1950s. / Joe Haupt, Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0

Here's one for the pun-loving Pekingese owner in your life.

21. "Pardner"

Circa 20th century.
Circa 20th century. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

Hey there yourself, cowboy.

22. "Be a Little Lamb"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

This sheep looks utterly unwell.

23. "Don't Juggle My Heart"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

Creepy clowns are unlikely to win many hearts.

24. "Nuts"

From the 1900s.
From the 1900s. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

The squirrel looks oddly angry.

25. Please Be 'Frank'"

20th-century card.
20th-century card. / Dave, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

The hot dog pun almost makes up for the kid's bad haircut.

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