As we’re assembling our Valentine’s Day gift baskets in Vancouver, we’re always a bit surprised that this holiday sometimes gets a bad rap. Sure, it can feel commercial if you only see the heart-shaped everything. But at its core, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romantic love, meaningful connection, and taking the time to say, “You matter to me.” There’s nothing cheesy about that.
Once you know a bit more about the origins of Valentine’s Day, you might even feel inspired to celebrate it with more intention—whether that’s with handwritten notes, a special date night, or a beautifully curated local gift basket delivered right to their door.
A Very Short (and Juicy) History of Valentine’s Day
Like many Western holidays, Valentine’s Day is a delicious mix of ancient Roman traditions, Christian legends, and a few centuries of people adding their own romantic flair.
The holiday takes its name from at least three different saints recognized by the Catholic Church—each called Valentine or Valentinus—who were martyred by the Roman Empire. Over time, their stories blended together, and one in particular became the star of the show.
The most famous St. Valentine was a priest living in the third century. At the time, Emperor Claudius II supposedly banned young men from marrying because he believed single men made better soldiers. Romantic, right?
Valentine didn’t agree. He believed love and family were worth fighting for, so he continued to secretly marry young couples behind the emperor’s back. When Claudius found out, Valentine was sentenced to death. According to legend, he died for the belief that people who love each other should have the right to marry. Talk about the original “love against all odds” story.
Why February 14? (Hint: the Romans Loved a Festival)
So how did we land on February 14th as the official day of love?
Long before chocolate boxes and rose bouquets, the Romans celebrated a mid-February festival called Lupercalia. It was a fertility festival dedicated to agriculture and new life. There were rituals, animal sacrifices, and even a matchmaking lottery where young men drew women’s names at random. Many of these pairings supposedly led to marriages.
Fast-forward a few centuries: in the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I decided Lupercalia needed a rebrand. The pagan festival was phased out, and St. Valentine’s Day was established on February 14th instead. Over time, that date slowly shifted from a general feast day into something much more romantic.
From Secret Marriages to Love Letters and Cards
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day was already associated with love and courtship in parts of Europe. Poets and royals helped popularize the idea of sending romantic messages, including figures like Charles, Duke of Orléans, who famously wrote love poems to his wife while imprisoned.
By the 1700s in England and Europe, it became common for people to exchange small gifts or handwritten notes on Valentine’s Day. These early Valentine’s cards let people share tender, sentimental feelings they might never say out loud the rest of the year.
Fast-forward again: with the rise of printing and later mass-produced greeting cards, the holiday really took off. Today, it’s estimated that hundreds of millions of Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged around the world every year—not to mention all the flowers, chocolates, and thoughtful Valentine’s gift baskets shipped to doorsteps.
What Valentine’s Day Really Celebrates
When you put all of that together, Valentine’s Day becomes about a few big themes:
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Love that persists against the odds – inspired by St. Valentine secretly marrying couples despite the emperor’s orders.
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Commitment, marriage, and family – carried over from old fertility festivals and matchmaking traditions.
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Saying the quiet part out loud – through written notes, cards, and now modern messages, gifts, and experiences we might not give any other day of the year.
In other words, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about red roses and prix fixe menus. At its best, it’s a yearly reminder to pause, be a little vulnerable, and show the people you love how much they mean to you.
Seize the Chance to Say “I Love You” (Your Way)
So—who in your life deserves a Valentine this year?
Maybe it’s the classic romantic partner. Maybe it’s a best friend, your parents, a colleague who’s always in your corner, or even yourself (we’re big fans of self-gifting, by the way).
If you’re looking for something thoughtful but low-effort, our Valentine’s Day gift baskets make it easy to send love across Vancouver:
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Curated Vancouver-made gourmet goodies for the foodie who always knows the best restaurants
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Calming wellness and spa-inspired treats for the person who deserves a break
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Cozy, locally sourced gift boxes for partners who love slow mornings, coffee, and breakfast in bed
You pick the vibe, we handle the rest—beautiful packaging, local makers, and delivery straight to their door.
Valentine’s Day only comes once a year. With a heartfelt note and a carefully chosen gift, it’s a perfect excuse to say what we don’t always say enough: I’m grateful for you. I love you. You matter to me.
And honestly? That’s a tradition we’re very happy to keep.