Valentine's Greeting Card Trivia

An estimated 190 million people all around the world will send greeting cards today to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A tradition dating back to the third century, Americans didn’t start celebrating Valentine’s Day until much later.

Esther Howland, a resident of Massachusetts, is credited with creating the first American Valentine’s cards in 1847. By the end of the century, mass production and improved commercial printing helped store bought cards replace hand-made notes. The holiday is now celebrated by showing love, affection and appreciation for others.

As researched by the Greeting Card Association, here are some facts about the cards you send on Valentine’s Day.

-Approximately one-third of all valentine cards are sent to significant others. Nearly half are sent to family members – primarily children.
-Cards are the most popular gift in the United States ranking ahead of candy, flowers, gifts or a romantic dinner.
-One fourth of valentine cards are humorous. Adults in the 35 and under age bracket send the most humorous cards.
-In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Italy and Australia.
-Men buy more cards for Valentine’s Day than for any other holiday. However, women account for 85 percent of all Valentine’s Day purchases.
-Traditional paper valentines are significantly more popular than E-valentines.
-Cards with a handmade look, often embellished with ribbons and bows, are the most popular in the United States.

Completely useless information on Valentine's greeting cards. Though I did like that thenearly half of all valentines cards are sent to children. :D