History of Classic Valentines Gifts

Conversation hearts, chocolate covered strawberries, heart-shaped boxes of truffles – all iconic symbols for the holiday of love, Valentine’s Day. While it didn’t start out as a day to exchange gifts and treats, for the modern romantic, February 14th is a day to woo your beau. But where did these sweet traditions come from?

Paper Valentines

In 1849, the first mass-produced valentines were sold in the United States by Esther Howland and her father, who owned a book and stationary shop. When Esther received a valentine from her father’s English associate, she was inspired to make her own premade valentine cards. Featuring intricate embosses designs and paper lace, the idea took off and returned $5,000 to their business.

Boxes of Chocolates

Seeing the success of a mass-produced valentine, Richard Cadbury was inspired. In 1868, after discovering how to extract pure cocoa butter from whole beans, Cadbury was left with an excess of cocoa butter and began creating a variety of chocolates. He started selling his chocolate in ornate boxes which could be used as artful storage after the chocolate was consumed.

Conversation Hearts

Daniel and Oliver Chase capitalized off the holiday in the early 1900s. The brothers, who owned a candy company, invented a machine in 1866 that could print words onto their candies, like an edible stamp. These candies were originally used at weddings, and it wasn’t until 35 years later that they realized their product could turn a profit on Valentine’s Day if they made them heart shaped.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

There’s not any historical link between chocolate covered strawberries and Valentine’s Day, but there might be a reason to give them to your sweetheart… they symbolize the goddess of love! Romans are responsible for the romanticized mythos of strawberries, believing their sweet taste and vibrant color to be a representation of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Dipping them in chocolate is just a bonus and a delectable combo!

So whether you’re indulging in chocolate from a heart shaped box or candies that say KISS ME, let’s take time to appreciate the history and creativity that have shaped Valentine’s Day into the celebration of love that it is today!

Need some more treat inspiration to impress your valentine? Check out some love-inspired recipes from our archives! These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies or our Strawberry Brownie Skewers are sure to sweeten up your celebration!