Valentine’s Day Gifts on a Budget

You Don't Need to Spend a Fortune to Show How Much You Care

Your affections are large but your wallet is small? Don't worry. Here are heartfelt ways to show that special someone how much you care, without breaking your budget. Since the thought behind the gift is as important as the gift itself, always choose with your sweetheart's interests in mind.

Frame Your Feelings

Buy a pretty picture frame and fill it with a collage of pictures of the two of you. Get creative with your pictures and don't worry about whether they are model perfect. Your objective is to assemble a collection of shared experiences. Attach a tag that reads: "I love making memories together."

Take Notes

This gift is perfect for a long-term committed relationship. Using a pretty ribbon, tie together an attractive journal and nice pen. Attach a tag that says: "Let's start writing down our plans for the future."

Spice Things Up

Make a gift basket of interesting hot sauces for the person who enjoys spicy food. You don't need to limit yourself to sauces. You can include spicy snack foods or even hot candy. Attach a tag that reads: "You set my heart on fire."

Get Cozy

Does your special someone knit or crochet? You would be surprised by how expensive a skein of nice yarn can be; it may be more than your significant other is comfortable spending on a project for herself. If so, a tote filled with a few skeins of beautiful yarn will be appreciated. Your note can read: "Let's get cozy together."

Tea Time

The healthful benefits of drinking tea are widely appreciated. If your love has developed a taste for interesting tea blends, he will appreciate a special, new teapot packaged with gourmet tea. Write on the gift tag: "Tea for two is my favorite blend."

Love in the Morning

If your love interest likes to make the most of the early morning hours, give a package that includes pure maple syrup, pancake mix and a spatula. Attach a tag that reads: "I'd love to share breakfast with you for the rest of our lives."

Get Soapy, Not Sappy

Does she love to be pampered? Then give her a luxurious gift that she can use to pamper herself in the comfort of her own home. There are specialty companies that make beautifully scented, handcrafted soaps. Give her an assortment of these soaps with a card that reads: "Scrub-a-dub-dub, here's to our sweet love."

I.O.U.

Is your lover long on chores but short on time? Then use your computer to create a set of coupons promising that you will complete chores that your partner dislikes having to do. Punch a hole in the corner of each coupon and tie them together with a beautiful ribbon. Your note can read: "I'll help you find more time for us to play together."