There are many things we know about Valentine’s Day like the date it is celebrated and the typical gifts given like roses & chocolates but there are some interesting facts you may not know.
- It started with some very dark roots and wasn’t even an official holiday associated with love and romance until the 1300’s.
- The first Valentine was sent in the 15th century and it was a poem written by a French medieval duke to his wife in 1415. The first mass produced valentine was in the by 1840’s by Esther A. Howland.
- About 55% of American’s celebrate Valentine’s Day to the tune of $19.6 billion a year – 1.8 billion on candy alone but the big ticket item is jewelry at $4.7 billion and a night on the town at $3.7 billion followed by flowers, clothing and then candy.
- Speaking of candy Conversations Hearts got it’s start by a Boston pharmacist named Oliver Chase. He invented a machine that simplified the way medical lozenges were made. The results was the first candy making machine and he soon founded the New England Confectionery Company, or Necco. Oliver’s brother Daniel was the one who started printing the sentimental messages on the sweethearts. More than 8 billion conversation hearts are manufactured each year. They start making them the week after Valentines day so they can have enough in time for next year.
- Necco was sold in 2018 to Spangler after it went into bankruptcy. In the move the printing machines did not work properly. This year will be the first year that conversation hearts may or may not have a sweet saying on them.
- Nearly 6 million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day.
If you are looking for gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, the Craft Gallery has so many choices. We carry scented candles, car fresheners, signs, jewelry, and clothing. Shopping in Waco is a treat at the Craft Gallery since we carry so many one of a kind products. We also can help you find items for men such as soaps, lotions, tools, key chains, Texas themed bar tools, gear puzzles and lastly manly scented candles. And don’t forget your sweet pet. We carry dog soaps, sprays and boo-boo creams. Don’t get in a rut with Valentine’s Day and let us help with a special treat for your sweetheart.