What to write in a Valentines card

Valentine's card messages

You actually didn’t ask for a history lesson, but we’ll give you one anyway. The first known ‘Valentine’s card’ was sent all the way back in 1415 from some guy called the Duke of Orleans who was imprisoned in The Tower of London. But it was only until the 19th Century that Valentine’s cards hit the mainstream with the introduction of a cheaper postal service. 

And, while these days you could just send a text to say how you feel, it says a lot that we still love giving cards to each other. After all, nothing says “I love you” like taking the time to pick out a card and write out a heartfelt message. Bonus points if you also support a small brand, too.

Valentine's messages by theme

Whether you’re aiming for something low-key or romantic, we’ve written out our best message ideas to help get you started. Pens at the ready… 

Cute Valentine's messages

These cute messages are perfect if you want something more on the lighthearted side, whether you’re in the honeymoon phase or been together for years. And, if you want to really impress your Valentine, write your message in one of our alternative cards.

• I love us 

• You’re the Posh to my Becks 

• No one gets me like you do 

• You’re so lucky to have me 

• Thanks for always letting me have the last chip

• You’re my happily ever after 

• I really fancy you

• Life is better with you in it 

• You’re my BEST friend

• I never believed in luck until I found you

Funny Valentine's messages

A funny message always goes down well especially when paired with one of our hilarious Valentine’s cards. Get ready to make them belly laugh. 

• I love you almost as much as the cat/dog 

• You live in my head rent free

• If I was a Traitor, I’d never banish you 

• Nothing says love like a piece of card folded in half 

• Besides chocolate, you are my favourite thing ever 

Simple Valentine's messages

If you want to keep it short but sweet, here are some heartfelt message ideas. Top tip: These can also be used on personalised Valentine’s gifts if you need a phrase on the shorter side. 

• You’re my person

• Only you 

• Love you always 

• You are my home

• I like your face

Romantic Valentine's messages

This is where stuff gets really soppy. Here are some words that will really make them feel loved. You old romantic, you. Top tip: Make it even more heartfelt by getting them a personalised card.

• No matter how much I say I love you, I will always love you more than that 

• Even now I still get butterflies 

• It was always you

• With you, I finally feel at home

• Suddenly all the love songs are about you

Cheeky Valentine's messages

Want a message that’s on the cheekier side? We’ve got you.

• I’m so glad I’ve found someone as weird as me!

• I didn’t just pick you for your good looks (but you are very fit) 

• Roses are red, violets are blue, you snore too much but I still love you! 

• I can’t wait to annoy you for the rest of our lives

• I can’t believe we found each other when you can’t even find your keys

• Congratulations! You have the best Valentine ever 

• There’s no one I’d rather do nothing with

• Happy Valentine’s! Btw, can you make me a cup of tea? Thanks

• I love you even though you annoy me EVERY DAY 

• Thank you for always taking out the bins 

Valentine's messages by recipient

Whether you’re hyping up your bestie, trying not to scare off a brand-new boyfriend or toasting to ten years of marriage, we’ve here to help you find the perfect words. 

For new relationships

Before you write a whole sonnet about how wonderful they are, step back and consider how early the relationship is. If this is a brand-new partner, you’ll want to show you care without making them redownload Hinge. 

Playful puns are a nice way to keep things light, whether it’s saying they’re the egg to your bacon, marmite to your toast, or bleach to your toilet? Umm, maybe don’t use that last one. But you get the idea. 

Lighthearted but cheeky phrases are also your friend here. Think:

• I’m so glad I swiped right!

• I guess you’ll do

• Of all the weirdos on (insert dating app), you were my favourite

• I’m sorry, you’re stuck with me! 

• I really love where this is going 

For your boyfriend

From playful messages to ones on the sweeter side, here are some message ideas for your main man. Need a card for him? We can help with that, too.

• Thank you for letting me be the passenger princess 

• Thank you for always saying we should order dessert 

• It’s only been xx months? It feels like it’s been a MILLION years! 

• I never knew nice guys like you actually existed

• You make me so happy

For your girlfriend

And, here are some more ideas for the wonderful woman in your life. We’ll just leave a link to our Valentine’s cards for her here. 

• If you were a library book, I’d check you out

• I love you almost as much as you love matcha lattes

• You’re the woman of my dreams

• I still love you even if you always leave hair in the drain

• Loving you is just easy!

For your husband

Whether it’s his sonic-boom snoring or the fact your hubby is actually the best guy you know, here are some ideas to put in your Valentine’s card for him.

• I can’t wait to make even more memories with you

• Happy Valentine’s Day to my emergency contact 

• There’s nobody else I’d rather warm my cold feet on

• I love you even though you never load the dishwasher properly

• Marrying you was the best decision I ever made 

For your wife

Whether you’re the couple who is always cracking jokes or love a chance to be a bit soppy, a Valentine’s card is a lovely excuse to remind them just how great they are. Think about fun memories you have together, silly things they’ve done in the past or the future you can’t wait to have with them. 

• Thank you for always laughing at my terrible jokes

• You’re my favourite duvet snatcher 

• There’s no one I’d rather watch murder documentaries with 

• You’re my favourite wife 

• I can’t wait for a lifetime of memories with you 

For your friend

Of course Valentine’s Day isn’t just a chance for couples to be soppy. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate your wonderful friends, too! And there’s even a whole day for it – Palentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day which is celebrated on the 13th. 

• Thanks for supporting all my bad decisions

• Who needs a boyfriend/girlfriend when I have you? 

• You’re more than a friend, you’re family 

• Happy Galentine’s to my unpaid therapist 

• There’s no one I would rather yap with 

Valentine's Day quotes

If you want to add a Valentine’s quote to your card, we recommend choosing one from their favourite film or book so it feels really meaningful to you as a couple. Here are a few of the classics to jog your memory: 

“You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso on it and pull it down.” 

It’s a Wonderful Life 

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.” 

Moulin Rouge

“To me, you are perfect.”

Love Actually

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

When Harry Met Sally

“I like you very much. Just as you are.”

Bridget Jones’s Diary

"I think I'd miss you even if we never met."

The Wedding Date

Now you’ve got ideas for the card, have a browse of our Valentine’s edit. It’s filled with gifts made with love by the UK’s best small brands.