Ready to say goodbye to typical, mass-produced Valentine's Day cards and try something unique inspired by a bygone era? If you have a fondness for vintage, the Regency Era (as seen in Bridgerton) and Victorian Era offer a wealth of romantic inspiration perfect for February.
Valentine's Day cards, as we know them now, have roots in the Victorian era, when post offices in Great Britain were flooded with an abundance of valentines after the introduction of affordable postage (Penny Post) in 1840. Although the characters of Bridgerton predate this widespread observance of Valentine's Day, they certainly were well-acquainted with romance, passion, and candy-colored pastels.
Embrace the flowery charm of days gone by and bring out your inner Lady Whistledown with these ideas for a vintage-style and unforgettable Valentine's Day.
#1 Cobweb Valentine’s Day Cards
Valentine's Day cards in the Victorian era often featured 3D or moving components, such as Cupid, star-crossed lovers, cute animals and more. Cobweb cards are one such example, featuring thin and delicately cut paper resembling cobwebs that can be pulled to reveal portraits, landscapes, and other picturesque scenes. TikToker @sincerelymolly, who tried her hand at making Victorian-inspired cobweb cards, shares her creative journey.
#2 Decorated Heart Biscuits
What's Valentine's Day without sweet treats? Etsy baker LilJoBakeShop sells these stunning floral heart cookies by the dozen, made in the traditional German springerle style. They would be right at home on the dining table of the Bridgerton family's London home, with flitting blue birds, intricate flowers, and flavors like lemon and vanilla. A delightful dessert for the month of love.
#3 Heartwarming Valentine's Day Garland
Decorate your home in the spirit of love this Valentine's Day with an enchanting garland made from paper cards and ribbon. Browse the collection of CoraPearlDesign on Etsy and pick one that suits your taste—whether you prefer a garland with or without sparkle and a ribbon of two meters in length. These lovely images of Cupid, children and hearts will add a touch of vintage charm to your mantelpiece.
#4 Dainty Valentine's Headband
Adorn yourself with a touch of Victorian romance with a whimsical headband from @rositabonitauk. This stunning piece features charming trinkets such as envelopes, hearts, doves, roses, and more. Ideal for a Valentine's or Galentine's day celebration, you can make one of your own using a headband, hot glue, bendable wires, and seasonal charms.
#5 Nostalgic Wax Seals
Embrace the traditional elegance of the Regency Era by sending a letter to your sweetheart using a Bridgerton-inspired adhesive wax seal stamp. PegasusPapercrafts on Etsy offers a variety of colorful wax stamps that have self-adhesive backs—making it easier to achieve that freshly stamped wax look without additional tools. You'll feel like a viscountess as you add these lovely seals to your letters.
#6 Beautiful Cameo Soaps
Show your affection this Valentine's Day with a set of Victorian-style glycerin soaps featuring delicate cameo designs. Order from Spain-based Etsy maker CostureroReal and select the soap quantity, as well as the scent of your choice—vanilla, licorice or both. These soaps are so gorgeous that your loved one might hesitate to use them.
#7 Romantic floral choker
Indulge your loved one (or yourself) with a delicate and sophisticated choker necklace that would leave Daphne Bridgerton breathless. Rosyposydesigns, an Etsy jewelry maker, creates stunning pieces using velvet ribbons, vintage lace, and charming pendants. To complete the Valentine's Day look, take a look at her range of brooches and antique-inspired fabric corsages.
#8 Vintage Valentine's Day box
You'll require a spot to keep all of your treasured Valentine's Day cards and symbols of love – so why not create a vintage-style Lover's Day box? This DIY project by TikToker @andiebatts is a step above the shoebox mailboxes many of us used to collect sweets and Lovers from classmates during our childhood. Andie adds Victorian charm with paper lace, ruffles, flowers, and ribbon.
#9 Enchanted Valentine's Day wreath
Wreaths may be associated with Christmas, but they are just as lovely for other holidays. Creative TikToker @debbiehowe649 showcases a Victorian-inspired Valentine's Day wreath filled with pink flowers and a vintage card in the center. If you would like one of Debbie's creations for your front door, she offers handcrafted Victorian Lover's Day wreaths on her Etsy store, Pink Magnolia Wreath Co! If traditional flower bouquets are not your cup of tea, a wreath might be the perfect romantic touch.