Valentine's card messages: what to write in a Valentine's card

Valentine's cards are the hardest ones to write, because anything too sincere feels exposing and anything too jokey feels like a cop out. The trick is one honest line and one that makes them laugh.

Below are Valentine's messages grouped by tone: romantic for the ones who want it said properly, funny and rude for couples who take the mickey out of each other, and short lines for when the card does most of the talking.

If you've been together a while, name something ordinary rather than something grand — the way they make tea, the fact they always drive home. Specific beats poetic every time.

Romantic Valentine's messages

• Of everyone I could be sat on a sofa with, it's still you. Happy Valentine's Day. Shop this card
• You make the ordinary days good ones. That's the whole thing, really. Shop this card
• Still choosing you, every single time. Happy Valentine's. Shop this card
• Thank you for being kind on the days I wasn't. I love you. Shop this card
• You are my favourite person and my favourite habit. Shop this card
• Happy Valentine's Day to the one who makes home feel like home. Shop this card
• I'd do all of it again with you, the boring bits included. Shop this card
• You're the best decision I've ever made. Happy Valentine's. Shop this card
• Loving you is the easiest thing I do all day. Shop this card
• Here's to us, and to many more Februarys together. Shop this card

Funny Valentine's card messages

• Happy Valentine's Day. You're the reason I share my chips, and that's serious. Shop this card
• I love you almost as much as I love going to bed early. Nearly. Shop this card
• Roses are red, this card cost money, please act surprised. Shop this card
• You're the only person whose snoring I'd tolerate long term. Shop this card
• Happy Valentine's. I'd fight a stranger for you, within reason. Shop this card
• You put up with me, which is frankly heroic. Be my Valentine. Shop this card
• I bought a card instead of cooking. We both win. Shop this card
• Happy Valentine's Day to my favourite inconvenience. Shop this card
• You still make me laugh, mostly on purpose. Shop this card
• Marrying you would be a great idea, if I hadn't already. Shop this card

Rude Valentine's messages for couples

• Happy Valentine's. You're weirdly attractive for someone who behaves like that. Shop this card
• I fancy you rotten and it's becoming a problem. Shop this card
• Be my Valentine, or at least be in the house later. Shop this card
• You're filthy and I like it. Happy Valentine's Day. Shop this card
• Valentine's Day: the one night the phones go away. Deal? Shop this card
• Still would. Obviously. Happy Valentine's. Shop this card

Short Valentine's card messages

• Happy Valentine's Day. Love you. Shop this card
• It's still you. Always you. Shop this card
• Be mine, be daft, be here. Shop this card
• Happy Valentine's to my favourite human. Shop this card
• Love you more than I let on. Shop this card
• You. That's it. That's the card. Shop this card

Valentine's messages for a new relationship

• Early days, but I'm very glad you're in them. Happy Valentine's. Shop this card
• This is a low-pressure card with high-key feelings. Shop this card
• Happy Valentine's Day — I'm enjoying whatever this is. Shop this card
• Here's to a first Valentine's and hopefully a few more. Shop this card
• You've made the last few months a lot better. Happy Valentine's. Shop this card

Rude and funny cards for the one you love

For couples who show affection by taking the mickey.

How to write it so it lands

• Name one ordinary thing rather than writing a love poem.
• Match the card to the relationship — rude cards land badly in a new one.
• Sign it properly; initials look like an afterthought on Valentine's.

Where to shop next

• Valentine's card messages hub
• Buy Valentine's cards online
• All Valentine's cards
• Scented soy candles

Frequently asked questions

What do you write in a Valentine's card?

One honest line and one that sounds like you. Name a small everyday thing you love about them, then finish simply — "still you, always you" does more work than a long verse.

What do you write in a Valentine's card for a new relationship?

Keep it light and warm without overcommitting. Something like "early days, but I'm very glad you're in them" says enough without landing heavy in month three.

When should I post a Valentine's card in the UK?

Post first class two to three working days before 14 February, or second class the week before. If it's going to a work address, allow an extra day.