Vintage Valentine’s Day surprises for adults
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Valentine’s Day traditions had a strong social element. Rather than simply exchanging cards, people gathered for parties where they played themed games, recited rhymes and even took part in lighthearted fortune-telling. Some of these activities, like “Cupid’s Post Office,” where guests would exchange witty, anonymous notes, added a bit of mystery and excitement to the holiday. Others, such as matchmaking games, reflected the era’s view of romance as both entertainment and tradition.
Cards were a big part of the celebration, but they were more than just sweet messages. Some were playful, featuring puns and riddles that required the recipient to decode a hidden meaning. Others leaned into humor, with “vinegar valentines” delivering sarcastic or even insulting messages to less-favored admirers. Handcrafted paper lace and intricate pop-up designs also made their way into many greetings, showing that a personal touch was valued.
While modern Valentine’s Day leans heavily on store-bought gifts, the vintage version had a more interactive, social feel. People put effort into both the messages they sent and the time they spent with one another, making the holiday more than just an exchange of gifts. It was a time for creativity, community and a little bit of romance — whether serious or just for fun.
Below, we’ve reprinted an article from 1904 showcasing some suggestions for adapting “ideas and games” suitable for a Valentine’s Day that overflows with wit and charm.
Valentine’s Day: The day when hearts are stars (1904)
Cleverly adapted timely ideas and games to suit the tradition of Valentine’s Day
The season of St Valentine is always full of novel ideas for the hostess, and some women have been clever enough to take advantage of it. There will be card parties galore at which hearts will be played in every way that a bright woman can devise.
One of the girls has adapted the ubiquitous game of “pit” for her valentine entertainment. She will use ordinary packs of cards and the players will endeavor to fill suits by trading as in “pit.”
Anyone who can draw a handful of hearts will make 500 points, diamonds count 200, spades 150, and clubs 100. As the game is for only 500 points, it may be won in one hand if anyone is lucky enough to gather in the hearts.
The prizes will be suggestive of the season, so will the refreshments and the hostess is already at work, making strings of paper hearts with which to decorate her rooms.
Play at making valentines
Not everyone approves of cards, and a local Methodist maid has invited a dozen guests for a valentine-making. She has ruthlessly cut the heads off magazine pictures of men and women and provided dozens of odd-shaped bits of colored paper which will be divided among the guests who will each make a valentine out of their scraps by pasting them in the semblance of a picture on a card in a limited time.
Another period will be given in which to write the accompanying verse or sentiment, and later a vote will be taken on the most beautiful, the most sentimental and the most humorous.
Hearts as your central theme
All the appointments of a valentine party should be suggestive of hearts, and a frame with a heart-shaped opening has been prepared by another hostess. It will be slipped into a curtained doorway and one by one the girls will hold their hands, stripped of rings, in the opening, and the man will bid for the company of the owners in the games that follow.
To each guest will be given an arrow with a card attached, upon which his or her name is written. A large square of white cloth will be pinned upon the wall, and near the center of the square will be a small red velvet heart.
Each guest will be blindfolded and attempt to pierce the heart with their arrow. The person planting the arrow in or nearest the heart will be awarded the first prize of a small bisque Cupid; to the owner of the arrow farthest from the mark, a penwiper made of heart-shaped leaves of felt will be presented.
The arrows, which make pretty souvenirs, may be made from large turkey feathers. Strip the quill bare within two inches of the tip. Cut off the end of the quill and split the merest fraction of an inch.
Insert a small, round piece of cork with a pin thrust thru it. Secure the cork in the quill by wrapping tightly with thread. Gild the entire quill pen and thread, and spatter the feathered part with gilt paint.
Partner up
Partners may be found for supper by filling a tissue paper bag with hearts, each bearing the name of a girl. One of the girls will be blinded and with a cane will break the tissue covering. The hearts will fall in a shower and the men will scramble for them and a partner.
The fortune cake has been stolen bodily from Halloween, but the silver heart baked in it will foretell a marriage for love, the thimble doom the finder to spinsterhood, and the silver coin a marriage for money.
Modern-day Valentines
- SPREAD THE VALENTINE VIBES - Light up hearts with this 8-pack of elegant Valentines cards! These Valentine cards with envelopes features a timeless elegance of dazzling red foil accents, making them...
- ALL-IN-ONE VALENTINE’S CARD SET - Share the love with Valentines cards for adults! This set includes 8 cards in 4 designs with red foil accents, 8 envelopes in 4 styles with printed inner linings...
- SHARE THE LOVE IN STYLE - Make Valentine’s Day unforgettable with these 4x6in Valentine day cards! Each card in this Valentine cards pack feature a heartfelt message inside, perfect for spreading...
- BRING ON THE VALENTINE VIBES - Make your greetings shine with 24 pack Valentines cards for adults or kids! Choose from a variety of stylish designs, from simple elegance to shimmering gold foil...
- COMPLETE VALENTINES CARD SET – Spread the love with these Valentine cards for adults & kids! This set includes 24 cards in 12 designs, 24 envelopes with printed inner linings and gum closures in 4...
- CELEBRATE LOVE IN STYLE - Make Valentine’s Day unforgettable with these Valentine's day cards! Each 4x6in Valentine day cards are thoughtfully designed & include a thoughtful message inside that is...
- Send a valentine to all your favorite people with a sweet set of Valentine's Day cards everyone will love.
- Cover features watercolor hearts, accented with gold foil. Inside reads: "Wishing you a day filled with everything good."
- Buy in bulk to spread the love to all your friends and family. Cheerful design is perfect for anyone.
- All-in-one card assortment makes it easy to send Valentine's Day cards to kids, coworkers, friends, family, romantic partners and more
- Card variety pack includes 12 unique cards with foil accents, attachments, designs and sentiments specifically designed for adults, kids, friends, family, caregiver, and romantic partner
- Assortment of Valentines makes it easy to send cards to all the special people in your life this Valentine's Day
- Send a laugh and a, ahem, cheeky compliment to your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend with this funny Valentine's Day card for adults.
- Front of card features a red background with bold purple and pink lettering that reads, "Nice ass" with tiny heart and star accents
- Inside reads: "You know, I usually have such a hard time finding the right card for you, but this one really nailed it."
