On a budget this Valentine’s Day? Don’t sweat it. There are hundreds of ways that you can let your sweetheart know how much you love him/her without looking cheap. The secret is to be creative. Nobody thinks about cost when creativity is at play. Take a look at these ideas to get you thinking of the perfect affordable gift for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.
1. Write a Poem
It may seem cliche and cheesy, but it won’t be that way when you give it to your sweetheart.
2. Make a Romantic Meal at Home
With some tall candles (unscented, of course), bubbly, and homemade food (Italian or finger food are great options), you’ll have the most romantic (and affordable) night of the year.
3. Massage
Don’t worry too much about a gift. Instead, surprise your sweetheart with a full body massage. Heat up some lotion before hand.
4. Chocolates and Flowers
It’s not exactly creative, but you really can’t go wrong with an affordable version of this traditional gift.
5. Buy a Fondue Fountain
Cut up some fruit, marshmallows, cheese, bread, and anything else you can dip, and order a simple, affordable fondue fountain for a great, romantic night in.
6. Love Notes
Get up early on V-Day and spread little love notes around the house so that when your sweetheart wakes up, he/she will see how much you love them.
7. Find Deals on Accommodations
If you start looking early, you can find some great deals on V-Day weekend accommodations. You might even be able to find something free if your great aunt has a cabin or summer home you can stay in.
8. Record Your Love Story
As a particularly romantic gift for your sweetie, write down or movie-record your love story.
9. Frame It
Get a particularly special photo or quote and frame it in a decorative frame.
10. Night-In Kit
Fill a basket with all the makings for a great night-in, such as a favorite movie, popcorn, chocolate, bubble bath, etc.
11. Love Coupons
Create personalized coupons for your sweetie, including free massages, foot rubs, breakfast in bed, shopping sprees, and more.
12. 52 Things I Love About You
Make a book out of face cards. On each one, write something you love about your sweetheart.
13. I Love You Dry Erase Board
Put a piece of scrapbook paper in a frame and use permanent marker or vinyl letters to put “I love you because” and a line underneath it. Every day, write something new with a dry erase marker that you love about your sweetheart.
14. Valentine’s Mail Box
Decorate a mailbox and display it in your home. Throughout the day, put a new love letter in the box and put the flag up for your sweetie to check periodically.