Things are tough all over.

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, one could begin to feel pressured to spend a lot of money on a gift for one’s sweetheart. Jewelry. Flowers. Night on the town. They all can be quite expensive!

I grew up in a family who shows their love through the purchase of material items. It’s wonderful to receive so much and feel so special and loved, but this can become difficult when times get tough and money is tight. I certainly have felt like a complete failure because I couldn’t reciprocate with anything special. I don’t even mean expensive, lavish gifts… I mean just anything.

Such is the current reality for many, many, many people in our culture.

So this Valentine’s Day, show your love through your creativity, plus maybe a small <$30 purchased item on the side.

Here are some ideas:

BUDGET $0-$10

• Scavenger Hunt. I *LOVE* these! Create a scavenger hunt where each find gives a clue to the next one. Spice it up with romantic or sexy couplets on each clue. You can even decorate the clues with red and pink markers or even make them on construction paper. Have something special waiting at the end of hunt, whether that’s you wrapped in a bow, a small gift, or a romantic meal! Have your sweetie find something with each clue: heart shaped cookie in a jar, CD with their favorite music, coupon book (see below), Valentine’s candy, flowers, etc. Presentation is everything. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like!
• Coupon Book. Make some love coupons for your sweetie to redeem at their desire! They can be sweet like “Free Pass – I’ll do the dishes tonight” to something hot and sexy! Cut up strips of paper (can even be reused blank side of junk mail) into approx 2″ x 5″ strips, decorate with markers, and staple together with a nice front and back cover (also designed by you). Or create some here.
• Picnic! Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so it’s a perfect day for a romantic picnic! Too cold? Snow on the ground? Have a picnic on your living room floor in front of the fire. Be sure to indulge in decadent things like strawberries, fine cheeses, wine, and (of course) chocolate!
• Romantic Texting (sexting?) If you have unlimited texting, plan out 14 special (loving or sexy) texts and send them periodically throughout the day. Create a special code, like 456838 (i love u) or SHMILY (See How Much I Love You), then you can use it periodically throughout the year, reminding your sweetie of your special Valentine’s Day together.
• Special Meal. Decorate the table with a red table cloth and put (cheap!) tea lights all around it and perhaps even leading to the room. Set the table in a beautiful and special way and serve them their favorite dinner!
• Dress Up! If your love likes a specific theme or time, dress up in something similar. For example, American History: wear a tri-corn hat (little pirate hats can be purchased at most dollar stores) and a corset or even homemade waist-cincher over a little petticoat or skirt. Knee high boots! And serve dinner (or just serve him) dressed like that!
• Romantic Drive/Walk & Reminiscing. Agree not to talk about the kids or bills or work. Just experience each other and life around you! Listen to the sounds of nature or feel the wind on your skin. Hold hands. Talk about when you met, fell in love, had a special time, etc. Just be here now with your love.
• Make a Sweetheart Box. Cover a box with hearts and stickers and ribbon, then place special, romantic mementos inside from your time together. This can be actual items from places you’ve been or just reminders of such places, love letters, cards, photos, etc.

Budget <$30

Add a small gift to one of the above things as a bonus.

Below are many gift ideas for under $30. Remember, spend $25 and get free shipping from Amazon! (Better get it today, though, as you only have a week!)

Gifts for HER on the left and HIM on the right!

Ethan and I got each other one thing last Christmas, and neither gift was over $15. We don’t have to spend $$ to show our love. It will be the same for Valentines’ Day, which, by the way, is the 10th anniversary of when he proposed!

Our time together is gift enough, and we get that.

—-{—-{@

Especially for InkGypsy: