Valentine’s Day has long been a celebration of romance, and what better way to capture its timeless charm than through vintage magazine covers? In Part 2 of this series, we’re diving back into the world of nostalgic illustrations, classic typography, and heartwarming scenes that once graced the covers of beloved publications.

From the roaring ’20s to the glamorous ’50s, these artistic snapshots reflect the ever-evolving styles and sentiments of love throughout the decades. So, grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s step back in time to admire these beautiful relics of Valentine’s Days past!

1940s vintage Valentine's Day magazine cover featuring a mom and daughter with same 1940s hairstyles cutting out valentine's day hearts out together.

Further Reading: Vintage Valentines Day Magazine Covers PART 1

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase

Vintage Valentine’s Day Magazine Covers- Part 2

February 1953, Seventeen magazine, “The Hearts and Flowers Issue”

1950s vintage magazine cover from February 1953 Seventeen magazine featuring a young woman in a pink and red 1950s two piece suit. The vintage Valentines day edition

Source: Pinterest

1947 Women’s Home Companion Magazine Cover featuring a heart of roses.

1940s vintage magazine cover: 1947 Women’s Home Companion Magazine Cover - Valentines Day edition featuring a couple kissing in a heart with roses.

Source: Etsy-AmericanCenturyShop

1936 Collier’s Magazine Cover featuring a cute illustration of two kids in school with the boy giving the girl a book on love.

1930s vintage magazine cover-1936 Collier’s Magazine Cover - Valentines Day edition featuring an illustration of two kids at school with the boy giving a valentine to the girl.

Source: Etsy-AmericanCenturyShop

1950 London Life Magazine – Be My Valentine.

London Life, was a magazine published by New Picture Press in London from 1920 to 1960 (Source).

1950s vintage magazine from London Life featuring an image of a woman painter, painting a giant "Be my valentine" heart.

Source: Etsy-VintageBlackCatz

February 9th, 1928 Life magazine cover featuring a lovely art deco illustrations of a couple kissing with cupids holding the heart they are in.

1920s vintage magazine: February 9th, 1928 Life magazine cover featuring a lovely art deco illustrations of a couple kissing. Vintage Valentine's day magazine.

Source: eBay

1948 Redbook Valentine’s Day edition.

1940s Magazine: Vintage Redbook Magazine February 1948 Women's Valentines Day Issue featuring a 1940s woman in 1940s fashions and 1940s hairstyle receiving a heart from a partner.

Source: Etsy-HighlandsEstateFinds

One more McCall’s magazine because it’s cover is too yummy not to share. February 1953 featuring a pink and white heart shaped cake that is perfect for your Valentine’s day celebrations.

1950s vintage magazine from McCall's featuring a pink and white heart shaped cake that is perfect for your Valentine's day celebrations.

Source: Archive.org

February 1937-Australian Women’s Weekly, “St. Valentine’s Day ” stylish cover.

1930s vintage magazine cover-St. Valentine's Day edition from Australian Women's Weekly February 1937 featuring an illustration of a 1930s woman in a 1930s dress opening a heart shaped box of chocolates.

Source-Pinterest

“Which one should I pick out of all these Valentine’s Day cards?” Saturday Evening Post February 11th 1956 magazine cover.

1950s vintage valentines day magazine from Saturday Evening post 1956 featuring an illustration of a boy looking at Valentine's Dau cards.

Source-Pinterest

February 1929 McCall’s magazine. Hearts galore!

1920s vintage magazine cover-February 1929 McCall's Valentine's Day cover featuring an illustration of a pretty woman surrounded by hearts.

Source-Pinterest

February 1943 Woman’s Home Companion magazine cover featuring a pretty red haired woman holding her special Valentine’s Day card.

UPDATE: The red haired woman below is MGM actress Greer Garson the year after her starring role in the well respected movie “Mrs Miniver” winer of Academy Award. Thank you to a reader for pointing this out!

1940s Vintage Magazine Cover-February 1943 Woman's Home Companion magazine vintage Valentine's Day edition. Cover features an image of a woman with 1940s hairstyle and 1940s dress holding a valentine's day card.

Source-Pinterest

February 1959-Jack and Jill, “The better magazine for boys and girls”.

1950s vintage magazine - Valentines day cover from Jack and Jill a magazine for boys and girls from February 1959 featuring an illustration of cupid with hearts

Source-Pinterest

Thanks for dropping by and enjoying this next collection of vintage magazine covers I was able to find on the web. Please share what your favourite was in the comments section below and Happy Valentine’s Day to all that are celebrating!

FURTHER READING:

Vintage Valentine’s Day posts (archived posts I have done on the holiday & on love)
Vintage Magazines & Catalogs (archived posts)

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

Step back in time to the golden age of holiday cheer with vintage Christmas magazines and catalogs from the 1920s through the 1960s. These publications captured the magic of mid-century festivities, from dazzling holiday fashion spreads and retro gift ideas to nostalgic recipes and charming home décor inspiration.

Whether you’re a history buff, a collector, or simply love the timeless charm of old-fashioned Christmases, these treasures offer a delightful glimpse into how past generations celebrated the season.

Further Reading: December Magazine Covers 1920s-1950s (feature some festive Christmas covers) & Vintage Christmas Catalogues

Mid Century Homes as seen in a December 1950s Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Magazine.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Note: If the item you click on is no longer available, don’t fret! Etsy has loads of vintage items that might just catch your eye. Just do some searching. Happy shopping!

Vintage Christmas Magazine & Catalog Covers 1920s-1960s

FAO Schwarz Christmas Catalog in 1920.

Family Circle Magazine December 1961. Available as a Digital Download to enjoy right now!

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

* Just Like a Man!
* How Mrs. Santa Claus Saved Christmas – 12 paged illustrated story
* Exciting Holiday Decorations to Make Yourself
* Little People Craft made from Clothespins
* All Aboard for Cookyland – vintage Christmas Cookie Recipes
* Open House – the friendliest way to Entertain – entertaining ideas and recipes for your own MCM-style Open House
* 6 Make-Ahead Casseroles
* Discover the Joys of Reading to Your Children
* Piggy Bank Gifts Children Can Buy

1960s Vintage Magazine- December1961 Family Circle Christmas Edition featuring Mr and Mrs. Claus on the cover. Magazine featured Holiday Decorating Ideas, 22 Cookie ideas and more!

Mid-Century Christmas Cookie Ideas & an Open House Candlelight Buffet Menu.

All Aboard for Cookyland - vintage 1960s Christmas Cookie Recipes

Open House - the friendliest way to Entertain - entertaining ideas and recipes for your own MCM-style Open House

Source: Etsy-VintageMagLuv

1956 Sears Christmas Wish Book featuring two little kids in the PJ’s amazed by the tree with all the gifts under it.

I love this catalog cover so much because it brings me back to my brother and I doing the same thing as kids.

(Note: avail for sale from ArtComixHaven at time of posting)

1950 Vintage Catalog: 1956 Sears Christmas Wish Book featuring two little kids in pajamas looking at the Christmas Tree filled with toys

Source: christmasmusetechnical.com

“Let’s give the boys a Merry Christmas”. December 1941 Farmer’s Magazine featuring a man and woman in uniform enjoying a Christmas cake.

1940s Vintage Magazine: "Let's give the boys a Merry Christmas". December 1941 Farmer's Magazine featuring a man and woman in uniform enjoying a Christmas cake.

Source: Etsy-OldbutGoldCrafts

The American Journal of Nursing – the Christmas edition – from December 1950.

The magazine is filled with medical/nurse-related articles, photographs and fabulous advertising.

Source: Etsy-BarnboardAntiques

Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas for 1963 Magazine.

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

Delicious Recipes for holiday treats
400 New Ideas that say Merry Christmas
Decorations for home, Inside & Out
Traditional Tree and novelty tree designs
And more!

1960s Vintage Magazine: Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas for 1963. This magazine has Christmas stories, crafts, recipes, and great Christmas advertisements.

I love these stunning Mid Century entry way holiday decoration ideas, especially the two red door looks.

Mid Century home Entry way door ideas for decorating for Christmas as seen in a 1963 Better Homes & Gardens Magazine.

Source: Etsy-TwoLadybugsVintage

Mademoiselle magazine from December 1947 “Christmas”, featuring a stylish skier on the cover.

1940s Vintage Magazine: Mademoiselle Christmas December 1947 featuring a woman in a ski outfit and skis on the cover.

Source: Etsy-PapayasStudio

December 1969-EBONY Magazine.

Woman’s Home Companion December 1932. Carrying Christmas gifts in the snow.

1930s Vintage Magazine Cover: 1930s vintage magazine cover Vintage Christmas Magazine Cover from Women's Home Companion 1932 featuring an illustration of mom with her kids in the snow with Christmas presents

Chatelaine Magazine December 1949 Christmas Cover–The Canadian Woman’s Magazine.

Further Reading: Chatelaine-The Canadian Magazine for Women since 1928

1965 December Scouting Magazine –A Magazine For Adults (featuring teenagers on the cover).

1960s Vintage Christmas Magazine-SCOUTING December 1965 featuring two young adults decorating a Christmas Tree.

Source: eBay

1930’s Christmas Catalog “Western Auto Stores” “Christmas w/Gifts For Everyone” (see inside here-avail at time of posting).

1930's Christmas Catalog "Western Auto Stores" "Christmas w/Gifts For Everyone". The cover features an illustration of Santa checking his list.

1930s Vintage Christmas Catalog from Western Auto Stores featuring gifts for everyone like toys for kids.

Source: eBay

December 1950, 1951 & 1952 Le Petit Echo de la Mode French ladies magazines Christmas special.

The magazines from the 1950s is full of beautiful illustrations of very chic women and kids in 1950s fashions, gorgeous advertisements, diagrams for sewing and knitting patterns, and bits and pieces of novels and interesting articles.