What to write in a Valentine's Day card - 59 phrases to copy and ideas for kids to use too

When it comes to figuring out what to write in a Valentine's Day card there really is no need to over-think it. But, we do know that modeling to kids just what and how to write a card can be a tad trickier. Here are our handy tips and templates to help figure it out.

When it comes to writing the ultimate Valentine's Day card message that perfectly conveys your feelings, channelling your inner wordsmith can be a daunting task. You might find the perfect Valentine's Day quote from an existing Valentine's Day poem that truly tells your beau just how mad you are about them and use these words in your card. Or you might be looking for a more personal touch, but don't know where to start. When your kids ask for words of wisdom about what to write in a Valentine's card, navigating this can be really tricky. 

BACP registered therapist Ashley Duncan is also a mother of young children. When it comes to what children should write in Valentine's Day cards, Ashley said "Valentine’s cards can be a fun way to express affection and care, but they can also be potential sources of misunderstanding, embarrassment, or even hurt - so it's important to be thoughtful about how they're done. If children decide they want to write Valentine’s cards, parents can help them think about respectful boundaries and appropriate language.  This will look different depending on the age and understanding of the children."

In this article we've shared some our top tips to spur your inner creativity into action when choosing the best words for your beloved. You'll also find some generic Valentine's Day wishes that you can put your own stamp on, and some helpful advice on what kids can write in their own Valentine's Day messages.

What to write in a Valentine's Day card

First, make it personal. Address the card recipient by name, and share your favourite qualities about them or some of your best-loved memories of them.

Honesty and humour are two other great things to consider in your Valentine's card. Shout about how they make you feel - do you feel loved, supported, and excited for the future? Are they always there if you're ever in need?

Sex and Relationship Therapist Tatyana Dyachenko agrees honesty is the best policy: "Without good communication, your wants, needs and desires can go unnoticed. Your partner isn't a mind reader and it helps both you and them if you can talk about your feelings and needs with them."

According to Dyachenko, a Valentine's Day card allows both parties in a relationship to "really listen to what each other has to say. The more a couple talks to each other the stronger their bond is."

As for adding something funny to a Valentine's Card, include an in-joke you share with the person, a funny anecdote the two of you experienced together or charm them with a joke that you know suits their humour.

Finally, if you're struggling with what to say - just keep it short and simple: "I love you today and always".

What to write in a Valentine's Day card for a romantic partner

1. "You're my Valentine today, tomorrow and forever."
2. "Anything I do is better with you."
3. "You and me were meant to be."
4. "You’re my favourite person."
5. "I love you to the moon and back."
6. "My heart belongs to you today and always."
7. "Happy Valentine's Day to my favourite person in the world."
8. "Happy Valentine's Day! I will forever be punching above my weight."
9. "I can’t imagine life without you by my side."
10. "Hope today is as gorgeous as you."
11. "I hope you have a Valentine’s Day as wonderful as you are!"
12. "As soon as I saw you I knew you were the one."
13. "Because I have you, I have all I'll ever need."
14. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me."
15. "You're beautiful inside and out, and I'm so lucky to have you."
16. "You still make me laugh like crazy. That’s true love."
17. "We’ve loved each other through ups and downs, smiles and frowns. Thanks for being by my side on this crazy ride together. I love you forever".
18. "Since the day we first met, you’re my sunniest sun and my shiniest star. Every day and always!"
19. "Happy Valentine's Day from your biggest fan."

What to write in a Valentine's Day card for a boyfriend/husband

• "I couldn't ask for a more incredible husband."
• "You're the best boyfriend a girl could ever ask for."
• "To the favourite man in my life. Happy Valentine's Day."
• "Happy Valentine's Day handsome."
• "You're the king of my heart and man of my dreams. Happy Valentine's Day mister."
• "Husband and wife, together for life - and I couldn't be happier."
• "Happy Valentine's Day to my favourite fella."
• "Screw Prince Charming - you're the real deal. Happy Valentine's Day."
• "Hugs and kisses to my special man - today and always."
• "I'm so lucky to have a boyfriend/husband as amazing as you."

What to write in a Valentine's Day card for a girlfriend/wife

• "All my love to the special lady in my life."
• "I'm so lucky to have a girlfriend as gorgeous as you."
• "You’re the Queen of my heart and this Valentine’s Day I’ll treat you like the royalty you are."
• "To my very own wonder woman, thanks for being a superhero."
• "You’re the best girlfriend/wife ever. Happy Valentine's Day."
• "The day I made you my wife, was the happiest day of my life. Happy Valentine's Day.
• "To my wonderful wife, I love you more every day."
• "You're the woman of my dreams. I'll forever be thankful for you."
• "To have and to hold, together in my life. Happy Valentine's Day to my wife."
• "A best friend and girlfriend all in one. Thanks for being by my side."

What to write in a Valentine's card for your kid

When it comes to writing in a Valentine's Day card for your child, Ashley Duncan from Spacious Place Therapy said "If you choose to write a Valentine's Day card for your child, it can be a great opportunity to affirm them and build them up. 

Commenting on their romantic life, crushes etc. may be best avoided, even jokingly - it's such a minefield and can cause really painful embarrassment for kids and teens. Try not to focus on their looks or giving lots of 'praise', and instead tell them the things you appreciate and value about them."

You could say: 

• "I love it when you make everyone laugh."
• "The way you tell stories fills us with joy."
• "I have so much fun going to the park with you."
• "I really admire how kind you are to your siblings."
• "Wishing someone close to my heart the fantastic day you deserve."
• "You have taught me so much with your determination."
• "Doing all of my favourite things is even better when you're there."
• "Your kindness makes the world a better place."
• "May your life be filled with the same happiness you've brought to ours."
• "We are proud of you every day."

What your kids can write in a Valentine's card to other kids

When it comes to your child writing a Valentine's Day card to another child, Ashley had more words of wisdom. She told us "You should ensure the words they use are kind and respectful, and the person receiving the card would be happy to get it - you don't want to make them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

There's no guarantee that a Valentine will stay a secret, so only write what the child is ok with others knowing if, for example, this is shared, or put on social media. Use language that is appropriate and that fits their connection with the recipient. Younger children's Valentines could be about fun and friendship rather than romance."

Children could write:

• "You're the person who makes me smile the most."
• "I'm so happy you're my friend."
• "You're the only person I'd share my chocolate with."
• "You make going to school so much fun for me."
• "I hope my best friend has the best day."
• "You are the kindest person I know."
• "Our class is so lucky to have you in it."
• "Always be yourself because you're the best."
• "Our friendship is everything, thanks for being my person."
• "This card is to tell you just how great you are."

Our expert panel:

Ashley Duncan

Ashley Duncan is a BACP registered counsellor working online and in-person in South-West London. She holds a Master’s degree in counselling, and post-qualifying training in counselling outdoors and intimate partner therapy. Her areas of specialism include early life experiences, adult relationship dynamics, and the interface of psychotherapy and spirituality. When she's not in the therapy room, Ashley will usually be found in the messy, joyful chaos of life parenting young children. In quiet moments she likes to lift weights and do her best to keep her struggling houseplants alive.

Tatyana Dyachenko

Tatyana is a Sexual and Relationship Therapist and holds a degree in psychology from the University of East London. She is a part-time writer for a handful of magazines and blogs. In her spare time, Tatyana is a real tech geek and enjoys gaming. Tatyana enjoys pursuing her flare for creativity through modelling, graffiti art, astronomy and technology.

If you're going to settle down for a Valentine's Day film, check out our guide to the most romantic movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime. To cook up a feast to enjoy while viewing something iconic, one of our Valentine's Day dinner ideas will go down a storm, especially if followed by a delicious Valentine's Day dessert.