If you're more comfortable expressing yourself in a lighthearted fashion, check out our list of lighthearted Valentine's e-cards and make a loved one smile.
Note: We usually focus on Macs and Mac-related products, but these e-cards are platform-independent. You don't need to worry if the recipient uses Windows or another OS; all they need is Internet access and a browser.
•Always
If you're a man (or woman) of few words, the "Always" animated e-card from American Greetings is succinct, but heartfelt.
American Greetings e-cards are available on a monthly or yearly subscription service basis that allows you to send or print an unlimited number of cards while you're a member. A free 7-day trial is available.More »
•Valentine Soulmates
Few people are lucky enough to find their soulmate, but if you found yours, let them know with the "Valentine Soulmate" e-card from Blue Mountain. No matter how long you've been together, it's always nice to remind someone how much they mean to you.
Blue Mountain animated e-cards and postcards are available on a subscription basis; a free 7-day trial is available.More »
•Before & After Meeting You
If you're a little shy about expressing your emotions, let the canine in the "Before & After Meeting You" animated e-card express them for you, to the gentle sounds of a guitar. You can personalize the card with a message of your own, as well as choose the breed of dog that you would like to appear in the card.
The Sloppy Kiss Cards service is $13.95 per year; a free 30-day trial is available. A wide selection of cat and pet e-cards is included with the service.More »
•Hug You In My Heart
The "Hug You in My Heart" animated e-card features Vera the Mouse, a popular character of Dutch artist Marjolein Bastin, whose printed cards have been a favorite of many of us for many years. The card is suitable for both adults and children to send love and hugs to far-flung friends and family members, and may be customized with a personal message.
The Hallmark e-cards service is available by subscription only, for $12 per year, which includes unlimited access to a collection of more than 1,000 premium e-cards for all occasions. Hallmark doesn't offer a free trial, but you can preview any of the cards before you decide whether or not to subscribe to the service.More »
•There's No One Like You
If you're a cat lover, you'll love the "There's no one like you" card from the Humane Society for Hamilton County (Noblesville, IN). The card features a sepia-toned photo of two cats touching noses. While not strictly speaking a Valentine's Day card, there's no doubt about the emotion being expressed. A canine version of the card is also available.
For a $20 donation, which helps the homeless and abandoned animals of Hamilton County, you can send a printed version of the card anywhere in the U.S. You can also add a brief personalized message.More »
•Crazy for You Collage
Most e-cards allow you to add a personal message, often a relatively brief one. The Valentine collage cards available from Smilebox take personalization to a new level. You can select a design, add your favorite or most meaningful photos, videos, or music, and then email the collage, post it to a Facebook account, or print it as a gift.
The basic Smilebox service is free, and includes a limited selection of designs. The premium Smilebox service ($3.99 per month, billed annually) provides access to more than 1,200 designs, including access to any new designs that are added during your membership, as well as other bonus features.
A free 7-day trial of the premium service is available.More »
•Sweetheart Roses
Can't afford to send roses this year? Send a Sweetheart Roses e-card from Hershey's instead. (In case you think digital roses alone may not be well received, you might want to also spring for a Hershey bar and deliver it in person. It probably wouldn't hurt to throw in lots of smooches, too.)
Hershey's e-cards are free, and may be customized with a brief personal message.More »
•Love Letter
If you're a fan of vintage cards, the "Love Letter" animated e-card from Katie's Cards will be right up your alley. It features hearts, flowers, and angels, and can be customized with a personal message.
Subscriptions to Katie's Cards range from $8.00 for 3 months to $19 for 24 months.More »
Be Unpredictable
There's nothing wrong with Valentine traditions – cards, flowers, and chocolate; in fact, we're all for them. But why not throw your spouse, partner, or significant other a curve ball this year, and surprise them with a digital expression of your affection.