My sweety loves caramel apples, so I’m going to head down to the chocolate factory and grab her one of those in a few minutes. Near the chocolate factory is a Hallmark card store (cards are obligatory), so that’s two birds with one stone. I have Netflix, and I’m really hoping she’ll find Half-Baked to be funny as I do. The weather sucks in L.A. right now, so I’m thinking we might just stay in. My problem is I only have $20.00 to my name (maybe more if people pay for their eBay auctions today via PayPal). I’m HOPING to have enough to order some delivery (maybe Numero Uno Pizza; maybe Szchechuan). I’m crossing my fingers!

But here are 3 of my faves. (All are free!)

1. Go sledding. What could be more fun than reconnecting with your fun, free-wheeling, inner child. Wrap your arms tightly around your partner as you speed down a snow-covered hill. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate with a little baileys or rum!

2. Dance. You don’t have to leave the house. Just put on some favourite music and dance together. You can have a romantic dance to “your song” but you can also put on some Michael Jackson and moon walk around the house or play some Chubby Checker and twist together. Relax and let loose.

3. Prepare your own “pub night” at home – enjoy delectable snacks and guilty pleasures without worrying about the cost. For how-to instructions: http://saverqueen.com/2009/01/26/how-to-have-your-own-pub-night-at-home/

The catch is, the things can’t be tangible.

Ex: “You gave me hope that I could be a better person by believing in me, even after I made a mistake/lost my job/etc.”

This will show your SO what you really value.

You can run down to any toy store and buy one (and probably at a discount!) so this doesn’t take lots of planning. Play the game as usual, which should be lots of fun. Throw in a kiss or two along the way and it will make for a great V-Day :)

-Skype each other

Instead of spending a lot of money to travel and see each other (even though that would be best emotionally, but not financially), get on Skype and spend time together that way. You’re probably paying for Internet already so this will add not a single dime to your budget.

Even if you don’t have a webcam already, getting one will be a solid investment for your relationship beyond V-Day.

mop the kitchen floor.

(my husband’s suggestion, actually…)

re-enact star wars. you know, princess leia.

host a board game night. invite all of your single friends (male and female), and instruct them to bring the following: their favorite board game, a bottle of wine, and a dessert (homemade or store bought). let the fun ensue.

2. Make a picnic in the living room (or take it outside if you’re lucky enough to live in a warm climate) – light the candles, cook something special

3. Write a sweet, heartfelt note on why you love you significant other so much

This year I’m making him a special meal. I don’t eat red meat, but he loves steak, so I’m cooking steak for the first time! I’ve done my research, and planned out a menu (salad, steak with baked potato and grilled asparagus, and molten lava cake for dessert), and I saved a bottle of our favorite wine from our visit last year to a winery in PA. I’ll just make a poached fish or something for myself to substitute for the steak. Somehow, preparing something for him that he loves but I don’t feels extra special, and we’ll both get something we want!

My husband has given me quite a few presents over birthdays, holidays, etc. But the single thing I treasure most is a note on flowers he sent to me last Valentine’s Day. It says simply, “For the love of my life. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you.”

Almost a full year later and I still have it up on the fridge, and I still get a tad mushy when I reread it.

Moral of the story? You don’t have to make a big production of writing down your feelings for her. Sometimes simple is best, so long as it’s heartfelt. (Also, I’d like to note that I almost swallowed my tongue when I saw how much the friggin flowers cost, so I don’t suggest going that road, folks. The card is what I cherish and remember.)

And if you’re afraid a simple message isn’t enough — and if you’re with the right woman, it should at least go a long way — find some starter plants or seeds and write a note about the two of you growing them together. There’s a whole metaphor about relationships in there, plus container gardens can be a good frugal way to save on some vegetables, like lettuce.

All the romance of Valentine’s Day for a lot less money!

Alternately, for those who are either single or just not into the mushiness, I suggest an unValentine’s Day. We’re doing this for a friend of ours, since his girlfriend is over in Germany. You find the least romantic movie you can. You eat someplace horribly unromantic, such as fast food. The last activity is up to you. Go dancing, but not in a meat market; have some drinks with friends and complain about the stupid holiday; play a drinking game with those awful, cheesy love stories. Whatever. In our case, we’ll probably rent some bad movies and heckle them over drinks.

(For the truly frugal unValentine’s Day, get the goriest film you can and make spaghetti. The red works for both the holiday and the blood aspect.)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Are there tasks around the house that your girl has been asking you to take care of for a while? Fixing something that broke, mowing the lawn, cleaning out the garage, etc.?

They may be unromantic tasks, but what better day to show that you care than doing the things she has asked you to do?