Valentine’s Day is a special time, but you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to buying your loved one a present.

by Cherie Burbach

Stuck for ideas on inexpensive Valentine’s Day gift ideas? A little thought, some time (start now!), and creativity are all it takes to surprise your partner with a meaningful token he or she will cherish for years to come. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.

Learn a New Language

Tell your mate how much you care a whole different way. Instead of saying “I love you” in English, why not say it in French? Or tell her “You mean everything to me” in Japanese. Learn new phrases in a different language or two and say them to your partner throughout your date. Your mate might even feel like he or she is in a different city being wooed by a gorgeous stranger.

A Box Full of Love Notes

Write down all the reasons you love your mate. Make each and every reason specific. Jot them down on small pieces of paper, fold them up, and place in a pretty jar or box. (Decorate a container you already have to make it even more frugal and “green.”)

If you’re really ambitious, write down enough reasons to fill up an entire year. Allow your mate to read one note every day until next Valentine’s Day. Then write down 365 more for the following year.

Recite a Love Poem

Even if you’re not a writer, you can still benefit from the romantic words penned by others. Memorize a poem that praises love and recite it to your mate. If you choose a longer poem, announce it section by section as you enjoy your date. Then, repeat the entire poem in full at the very end.

Create a Memory Box

Why not relive all those special times you’ve had with your partner by creating a box filled with memories. Choose small representations of the events you’ve attended, movies you’ve seen, restaurants you’ve frequented, and place them all in a small decorated box.

Don’t worry if you don’t have certain items in your possession. For example, if you want something that represents the restaurant where you had your first kiss, download a small version of the menu or see if you can get a calling card. Or some coffee beans to represent your first coffee date. Be creative and see if you can jog your partners memory with the items you choose.

February 14th is a special day for couples, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Love doesn’t grow with money, rather, it gets stronger with shared memories, respect, and commitment. A frugal Valentine’s Day gift will likely be more creative and meaningful than something with a large price tag.