Which Valentine’s Day cards are best?
Some people prefer to give gifts on Valentine’s Day, while others like to focus on experiences. Even people who shun the idea of expensive gift-giving and classic gifts like chocolate or flowers can prepare a thoughtful card for that special someone.
Valentine’s Day cards are personal and let that special someone know you love them.
What to know before you buy a Valentine’s Day card
Personalized cards always beat generic cards
Generic cards are fine for certain events and relationships, but when it comes to that special someone, it’s best to send them a more personalized card. Of course, generic cards can be dressed up with a well-written message, a photograph or other creative ideas, but the card itself is the first thing someone will see when they open the envelope.
Many people are OK with having a store-bought card. Still, there is a big difference between a card with a generic message written inside and a card that someone buys based on that person’s personality, interests and relationship with the card-giver.
Professional handmade cards vs. DIY cards
DIY cards are popular, but not everyone has the time or skills to make a great-looking DIY card. In this case, you can still find a great handmade card locally or even online. Some private sellers and small stores specialize in handmade cards for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. These cards are charming and feel much more personal than mass-produced cards.
Not everyone feels the same way about cards
Valentine’s Day is starting to shift away from products and more toward experiences and individual expressions of love. However, cards are timeless, and a well-made card is something everyone can appreciate, but some people are less enthralled with the idea of receiving a card than others. Try to understand how that special someone feels about cards and what kind of card would bring a smile to their face.
What to look for in a quality Valentine’s Day card
A card that matches their personality
The most important aspect of a good Valentine’s Day card is that it matches the receiver’s personality. If your relationship is centered around hiking and adventure, a pink card with a heart on it might not match the style of your relationship. Try to think about the color of the card, the image on the front and the message. All of these should match the style of your relationship.
Enough space to write your message
The meat of a good card is the message written inside of it. While you can always write on a separate piece of paper and put it inside the card, it’s nice to have a card with ample writing space. This allows you to express yourself freely without worrying about the size of your writing and whether or not you will be abruptly cut off by the limitations of the writing space.
Materials and styles
Materials and style matter to a lot of people.
- Recyclable cards are great. Paper is recyclable, but is the company you are buying it from concerned about sustainability? You can also see if the card is tree-free and made from recycled materials.
- 3D cards are becoming incredibly popular. There are pop-up cards and cards with 3D images that bring the card to life.
- Handmade cards tend to feel a little more personal than mass-produced cards.
- Photograph cards that feature a photograph of you with your special someone will be a hit for Valentine’s Day.
How much you can expect to spend on Valentine’s Day cards
Valentine’s Day cards are relatively inexpensive. The cheaper cards tend to cost just a couple of dollars, while the more expensive cards can run up to $15.
Valentine’s Day cards FAQ
What should you write inside a Valentine’s Day card?
A. You’ll probably want to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” first. After that, write a personalized message from the heart explaining how the other person makes you feel. You can talk about special memories or plans for the future. Personal and unique is what you are striving for. End the card with a closing term of endearment that fits the status of you and your Valentine’s relationship.
What are the best colors for Valentine’s Day cards?
A. White, pink and red are the traditional Valentine’s Day colors. Red is typically associated with love, the heart and strong feelings. White is generally associated with purity and holiness. Pink is a blend of the two. Feel free to use other colors if your partner is OK with it.
What’s the best Valentine’s Day card to buy?
Top Valentine’s Day card
Della Stella Wooden Romantic Valentine’s Day Card
What you need to know: This wooden card offers something more lasting than an average Valentine’s Day card.
What you’ll love: There are two designs to choose from, and it’s laser cut for a smooth finish. There’s room for you to write something inside to make it personalized.
What you should consider: It costs more than some might want to spend on a card.
Top Valentine’s Day card for the money
Hallmark Mini Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids
What you need to know: These whimsical mini-cards featuring tacos, doughnuts and pizza are perfect for kids wanting to share a happy message with their friends.
What you’ll love: You get 18 small cards with three designs for the price, which is a great deal. The cards also come with envelopes.
What you should consider: They’re smaller than a normal card.
Worth checking out
Lovepop Disney “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Valentine’s Day Card
What you need to know: It’s the perfect card for your spooky valentine.
What you’ll love: Lovers of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be stoked to receive this card. There are several designs to choose from.
What you should consider: It’s pretty niche, so not everyone will like it.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
