Why Parents Get So Many Valentine's Day Cards

When you think of Valentine's Day, romantic dinners and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate probably come to mind. But there's a surprising twist in who actually receives all those Valentine's Day cards: parents rank as the second most popular recipients, snagging roughly one out of every five cards exchanged.

It's Not Just for Lovers Anymore

The greeting card industry has tracked Valentine's Day trends for decades, and the numbers tell an interesting story. While significant others claim the top spot (obviously), parents consistently hold strong in second place. Teachers, children, and friends round out the rest of the list.

This means that out of the approximately 145 million Valentine's Day cards exchanged annually in the United States, nearly 30 million are addressed to Mom and Dad.

How Did This Happen?

The shift toward family-focused Valentine's celebrations began in the mid-20th century when schools started encouraging children to exchange cards with classmates. Once kids were making valentines, it was only natural for them to include their parents.

Card companies were happy to oblige. Today you'll find entire sections dedicated to:

• Cards from children to parents
• Cards from adult children to aging parents
• Cards specifically for "Mom" or "Dad" separately
• Cards for parents from their grandchildren

The Hallmark Effect

Critics might call it a manufactured sentiment, but the tradition has genuine staying power. For many families, Valentine's Day has evolved into a celebration of all love, not just romantic attachment.

Elementary school classrooms remain the beating heart of this tradition. When a six-year-old carefully writes out valentines for 25 classmates, you'd better believe Mom and Dad are getting the most decorated ones of the bunch.

A Global Perspective

This parent-focused Valentine's tradition is largely an American phenomenon. In countries like Japan, Valentine's Day follows completely different customs—women give chocolate to men on February 14th, and men reciprocate a month later on "White Day." Parents aren't typically part of the equation.

But in the U.S., the family-inclusive approach has only grown stronger. Grandparents have entered the chat too, with cards for "Grandma" and "Grandpa" becoming increasingly popular categories.

So this February 14th, don't be surprised if the mailbox holds more than just a card from your sweetheart. There's a good chance your kids—no matter their age—are keeping that one-in-five statistic alive.