How to Create a Memorable Valentine's Day Without Much Money

You Don't Need A Lot of Money to Make Valentine's Day Special

Valentine's Day has become one of the most commercial holidays of the year. Advertisers and many stores would have you believe that your loved one won't believe you love him or her if you don't spend a ridiculous amount of money. Love shouldn't be about money, and on a day like Valentine's Day, which is dedicated to love, what better way to show someone you love them than by actually DOING something for them instead of simply buying something? Frugal living doesn't have to end in order to show someone you love them on Valentine's Day.

Instructions

1. 

   Write your loved one a poem. Or, if you are not verbally inclined, take a favorite romantic poem, song lyrics, or even a quote that demonstrates how you feel and dress it up somehow. Use a desktop publishing program like Microsoft Publisher to dress it up pretty and put the printout in an elegant frame.

2. 

   Follow your loved one's path during his or her morning routine and leave little romantic notes for him or her to find. You can also leave little gifts like chocolate hearts or flowers along with the notes. You could even, with a little help from his or her coworkers, take it a step further and continue the game even after he or she has gone to work. A Valentine's Day filled with romantic little surprises can easily be more memorable than a Valentine's Day with a single shiny present after dinner.

3. Make them a valentine! Just like back in school, break out the scissors, glitter, construction paper, and other crafting supplies and make them a custom valentine. Even something as simple and straightforward as a homemade valentine can be more meaningful than any store-bought card.

4. Put together a gift basket of his or her favorite little things. Things like soaps, candles, and chocolates work well. You could even give them a "Date in a Basket" where each item in the basket carries special significance for your Valentine's Day date.

5. Serenade him or her with a special song. It could be a song that holds particular meaning to your relationship or a song with lyrics that describe how you feel.

6. 

   Cook dinner for your loved one. Open a nice bottle of wine and serve dinner over candlelight. Finger foods and dainty items are good ideas because you can feed each other if the mood strikes. Dim the lights and put on some soft, romantic music to enhance the mood.

Tips & Warnings

• Whatever gift you decide to give, hide it in a place you are sure your valentine will find it for an extra Valentine's Day surprise.

• Before serenading your loved one in public, make sure that the accompanying embarrassment he or she will feel will be a pleasant one.