People started exchanging cards and handwritten letters to both lovers and friends during the 17th century, but it was in the 1840s that the first Valentine’s Day cards were mass-produced in the U.S.
About 55% of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day, spending an estimated $19.6 billion per year, with $1.8 billion spent on candy alone.
Americans send approximately 145 million Valentine cards each year.
More than 5 million American households also gave their dogs valentine gifts last year.
Richard Cadbury, son of Cadbury founder, introduced the first heart-shaped chocolate box for Valentine’s Day in 1861.
In many Latin American countries, in addition to celebrating couples, this holiday shares focus on showing gratitude to friends.