12 Vintage Valentine's Day Cards That Will Send Your Heart Aflutter
If you’re passionate about making the perfect hand-made Valentine’s Day card or determined to find that special one that speaks to you and needs some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best vintage Valentine’s Day cards for historical reference.
After all, what better way to spark creativity than turning to the past? Even if you’re not into making DIY cards with construction paper or looking for inspiration, this visual trip back in time is a great way to celebrate the love-filled holiday.
From delicate pink and red details to Cupid-inspired designs, Valentine’s Day cards have featured a variety of sweet and endearing sentiments for centuries. While artistic styles have changed over the years, one thing remains: heartfelt messages are always front and center.
'To My Love' Valentine's Day Card Circa 1860s
This two-dimensional Valentine's Day Card circa 1860s depicts a floating Cupid-like figure adjusting a red ribbon. The real, bow-tied ribbon holding baskets of flowers adds unexpected depth to the card, making it a standout for its time.
'Hearts on Deck' Valentine's Day Card Circa 1890
Intricate and delicate, this Victorian-era card features hand-cut designs accompanied by a hand-written script on white and pink paper. The floral and bow details bordering the king of hearts motif create a striking juxtaposition.
'Cupid's Bow' Valentine's Day Card, Circa 1905
An angelic Cupid shoots an arrow into a floral heart in this celestial card. White doves hover around, creating a romantic yet dreamy scene for the card's recipient.
'Broken Hearted' Valentine's Day Card, 1909
Posted in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, this card depicts Cupid mending a broken heart. It conveys the message of never giving up on love because you always have a shot at a fresh start.
'Playing for Keeps' Valentine's Day Card, 1910
In this heart-shaped illustration, a girl and boy are playing a game of baseball. Unlike the traditional sport, the ball is substituted with a heart that conveys a sweet and innocent message of taking a swing at love. It also includes a short poem that references the beloved pastime.
Fun fact: The same year this card was made, Hallmark founder J.C. Hall began selling Valentine's Day postcards. As postcards declined in popularity, greeting cards were added to the line a couple of years later. The following year, 1913, Valentines were added to the company's inventory.
'Straight to the Heart' Valentine's Day Card, Circa 1930s
Classic designs can stand the test of time. Although this card was made in the 1930s, it has an undeniable modern and timeless flair. The fabric die-cut designs make it even more eye-catching.
'The Purr-fect Pair' Valentine's Day Card, Circa 1930s
Perfect for cat lovers, this vibrant illustration features two dressed kittens who are clearly smitten. It also includes a clever poem for that special someone.
'The Love of Friendship' Valentine's Day Card, 1935
This colorful die-cut illustration shows a young boy pushing a little girl on a swing. Playful and innocent, this would've been the perfect card for children to exchange in school.
'Birds of a Feather' Valentine's Day Card, Circa 1930
This lovely card shows two birds, two strings of hearts and an inset riverside scene. Inside the card (not shown) is a drawing of a little girl reading a Valentine's Day card and the text: 'When you get a Valentine from a friend you know. It's meant to be a gentle hint that he wants to be your beau'.
'Please Be Mine,' Valentine's Day Card, Circa 1930s
On this cutesy retro card, an adorable little boy holds a heart-shaped box that asks a girl sitting next to him if she'd be his Valentine.
'Pretty as a Petal' Valentine's Day Card, Date Unknown
This hand-painted, watercolor card features a young gentleman bestowing a beautiful bouquet of flowers upon a young woman wearing a pretty pink dress.
'Poetic Bouquet' Valentine's Day Card, Circa 1934
A cute and simple poem is at the center of the heart of this die-cut illustration. It features a young boy donning a topcoat, and gifting a young girl a gorgeous bouquet of flowers topped with a heart.
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