Cheap Ways to Say 'I Love You'

Valentine’s Day-- It’s a day of love; it’s a day of gift-giving; and more to the point, it’s a day of expense. While chocolate, flowers, and a night on the town are among some of the most common Valentine’s Day gifts, they are not among the most economical.

Fortunately for the budget conscious, there are more affordable ways to say, “I love you.” The six ideas below are sure to put a smile on your sweetie’s face, without wreaking havoc on your budget. With that said, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, and get creative:

1. Create a Book of Memories- for a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift, purchase an inexpensive journal or scrapbook and fill it with mementos from your relationship. Include ticket stubs from dates, old love letters, special photos and any other items that are important to the two of you. For an extra special gift, consider interspersing the collection with journal entries that recall the moments you hold most dear.
    

2. Make Magnetic Love Notes- for an easy and memorable gift, create several Valentine’s for your sweetie, and affix a magnet to the back of each note. Then, spend a little time hiding them around the house. You can attach one to the refrigerator, another to the medicine cabinet, one to the car, etc. If you are short on time, you can purchase a box of children’s Valentines instead of making your own.
    

3. Plan a Surprise Picnic- Instead of reservations at an expensive restaurant, surprise your loved one with a picnic lunch. Fill a picnic basket with tasty homemade treats, a blanket, and all the other picnic essentials; then whisk your sweetie away from work for an impromptu picnic for two.
    

4. Transform Your Home Into a Private Restaurant- If you love the ambiance of a fancy restaurant, but can’t afford the price, recreate the effect in your own home. For an instant restaurant, pull out the fancy table linens, your best china and a few candles. You can even dig the Christmas lights out of storage, and string them around to create a more magical effect. Then, find some romantic music, and your restaurant is ready for business.
    

5. Design a Candy Bouquet- A dozen roses sell for quite a premium around Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, you can create a whimsical alternative at home. Purchase a variety of your sweetie’s favorite candies, (Individually wrapped candies work best.) and a package of floral wire. Then, craft a simple bouquet by twisting one end of the floral wire around the candy, and fashioning the remaining end into a stem. Place the finished bouquet in a vase, or wrap it in a piece of tissue paper.
    

6. Send Fan Mail- Craft several homemade Valentine’s, and list a reason you love your sweetie on each one. Then place each card in an envelope, and mail them to your significant other. You can mail them to your sweetie’s work, or home address, either way; your letters are sure to make him or her smile.

-Erin Huffstetler

  Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.