A BRIEF HISTORY OF VALENTINES The first valentine was officially sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415. Charles being held prisoner in the Tower of London at the time wrote a love letter "or valentine" to his wife in France . During the 15th Century, Cupid began to appear on valentines. Cupid was the son of Venus, the Roman God of Love and Beauty. One such valentine showed a knight and a lady with Cupid shooting an arrow to the knights heart. In the 17th Century valentines sent were poems of love written by the sender or ones copied from a booklet. Valentines in the 1830's and 1840's were decorated with ribbons and lace and were often on fine paper. You would find pictures on them that symbolized love, such as doves, cupids, hearts and lover's knots. Now a days, people celebrate Valentines Day by sending a valentine's card along with candy, flowers or other gifts. Tuesday, February 14th is Valentines Day, show your love and affection by sending a special gift to your sweetheart, friends and family. Happy Valentines Day! Back to Valentines Gift Baskets