While not an official public holiday, Valentine’s Day is celebrated all around the world every year, with couples and romantic singles giving cards and gifts to their loved ones.
Deciding what to write in a Valentine’s card can be tricky for some people, after all, you need to get the tone right. What might be acceptable for couples who’ve been together for a long time can be totally inappropriate for new relationships.
If you want to declare your undying love but don’t know how, Gathered is here to help!
Show you care with craft
Want to make the perfect gift to go with your card? The check out our list of DIY Valentine's Day gifts.
Choosing the perfect Valentine's card message
When deciding what to write in a Valentine’s Day card, by far the most important factor is who you’re sending it to!
Remember that receiving a Valentine’s day card is supposed to be a nice and complimentary experience. For new (or prospective) relationships it’s wise not to be too serious – don’t go straight in with a marriage proposal! Equally, you should avoid rude jokes or anything that could embarrass or put off your recipient.
If you’re in a long-term relationship, you probably know your partner pretty well already. But if you’re sending a Valentine’s card to someone you like but aren’t in a relationship with, you need to think carefully about your message.
Anonymous cards may seem like a good idea, especially if you’re shy, but in reality they can make the recipient feel awkward.
It might be scary, but it’s better to put yourself out there and politely communicate your feelings – it might hurt if they’re not reciprocated, but it’s better than silently holding out for unrequited love.
Never send a Valentines card as a joke – that’s just mean!
What to say in a Valentines day card
Whatever the status of your relationship, the most important part of any Valentine’s card message is honesty… within reason.
If you’re in a new relationship or sending a Valentine’s card to someone you have a crush on, stating that you like someone and would like to spend more time with them is absolutely fine. However, telling them that you’re madly in love with them and want to be with them forever might come on a bit strong.
For those of you in committed and long term relationships, your Valentine’s card message is an opportunity to really say how much your partner means to you. It’s a great chance to say how much you appreciate your partner, describing how they make your life better, and recapturing those feelings that made you fall in love with them in the first place.
And remember it doesn’t have to be all about romance! Many people use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to show friends how important they are – often referred to as Galentine’s or Palentine’s day.
Here’s some ideas for what to say in a Valentine’s card that will help to bring out your soppy side.
Sweet Valentine's message ideas
Here are some general ideas for what to write in a Valentine’s day card that are suitable for friends, crushes or new relationships.
- Will you be my Valentine?
- You’re my favourite person
- The best days are days spent with you
- Seeing you always makes me smile
- I’m always happy when I’m with you
- You’re my best friend
- My world revolves around you
- You brighten my day
- My life is so much better with you in it
- You’re as sweet as sugar
What to write as a valentine's message for a new relationship
If you’re sending a card to someone you have a crush on and want to take things further or see how they feel, you could try these ideas.
- Will you be my Valentine? Yes or no (circle to tell me how you feel)
- I think you’re cool and I’d like to get to know you better
- Would you like to go on a date with me?
- I enjoy talking with you, maybe we could meet up some time?
- We seem to have a lot in common, could we go for a coffee and talk some more?
- I really like you, do you feel the same?
- I think we could make each other laugh a lot – let’s find out?
What to write in a Valentine's card for long-term couples
When you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, it can sometimes get a bit tricky thinking of a new and unique way to communicate how you feel. Here are some ideas that couples can use.
- You’re the sunshine in my life, I’d be in darkness without you
- You’re more than just my partner, you’re also my best friend
- We may not be perfect, but I wouldn’t want it any other way
- I’m so grateful that I get to spend my life with you
- You complete me
- I don’t know what the future holds, but with you by my side I can face anything
- If I could go back in time, I’d still choose you and do this all over again
- Thank you for bringing out the best in me
- Some would say we’ve grown old, I’d say we’ve grown a life together
- The best part of my day is waking up next to you
What to write in a Valentine's card for him
Men have feelings too (even if they try to hide them). But it’s time to end that toxic masculinity! Here’s some ideas for what to write in a Valentine's card for your fella that will have him welling up… and that’s ok!
- Together we’re my favourite team, and I’m so glad you’re on my side
- I knew you were trouble when you stole my heart
- I love that you’re you
- You may be a mess, but you’re my kind of mess
- You’re the best ever handyman, because you fixed me
- I like my man like I like my steak – tender
- Home is wherever you are
- You’re my lighthouse in a stormy sea
- We’re like a tag team, with you I never feel alone
- You’re my strength and my comfort all at the same time
What to write in a Valentine's card for her
If you’re looking for a special message for the lady in your life, here’s 10 super-sweet ideas for what to write in a Valentine’s Day card for women.
- I never believed in true love until I met you
- You’re the most amazing woman I know
- Everyday I love you more and more
- Your beauty never fails to amaze me
- I’m so lucky to be loved by you
- I feel like I can do anything with you by my side
- Your love and support means everything to me
- Nothing makes me happier than making you happy
- You make me want to live forever, because I never want this to end
- You inspire me every single day
How to write a personalised Valentine's card message
One of the best things about being in a relationship is finding out and enjoying all the things you have in common.
A personalised message is a great way of putting a smile on your partner's face, and maybe even getting a giggle out of them. Here’s some inspiration to help you make your own personalised Valentine's card message.
- Reference a memorable event or time
- Use cute couple/pet names for each other
- Compare yourselves to couples on a shared favourite show, film or book (for example, you’re the Romeo to my Juliet)
- Joke about a shared commonality (for example, we’re both messy, but at least we’re messy together)
- List the times that your partner has amazed you in the past year
- Think of things that you couldn’t do without your partners help (this could be anything from combined parenting to getting rid of spiders)
- List the attributes that you find most attractive in your partner
- Make a promise… and stick to it! (for example, tonight I will cook you the meal we had on our honeymoon)
- Mention times that you have felt grateful for your partner’s support
- Use any jokes that you’ve enjoyed/laughed at or developed together
Super-cute crafts
Why not use your crafty skills to treat your Valentine this year? Check out our free Valentine’s Day printables that you can use to make cards, gift boxes and more.
Write a Valentine’s card message that comes from the heart
At the end of the day, you know your partner better than we do, so don’t be afraid to make your message personal.
A heart-felt Valentine's card message shows that you took the time to think about your partner which means so much more than a generic message.
Nothing beats a handmade Valentine’s card
Nothing shows your love more than taking the time to make something by hand, so check out these handmade Valentine’s card ideas on Gathered
