An expression of love for one’s significant other is a deeply personal thing. Or at least it used to be. Now it’s an industry but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to do something special for that someone special. Here are some easy, affordable ways to say I love you.

Buy A Plant

Buying cut flowers from a plant store is highway robbery in the month of February so consider buying your Valentine a plant instead. Daffodils, Tulips, Orchids, Forget-Me-Nots and Lavender all symbolize love. Plus they last longer than roses and are a fraction of the cost. Why should a symbol of one’s undying love be dead or dying a week after it’s bestowed?
Make Your Own Card

This approach requires a bit more effort than scanning the card rack at the pharmacy but a homemade card is guaranteed to say exactly what you want to say, the way you want to say it. What better way to say he/she is special than with a unique, one of a kind card?

Homemade Gift Certificates

These can take the form of I.O.U’s and can be made out for anything you can think of to make your Valentine’s life a little easier. A week of massages, a promise to clean out the garage, picking the kid’s up from school, breakfast in bed and so on. With these small promises, a little goes a long way.

Dinner At Home

Everyone loves a romantic, candlelit dinner at a posh restaurant, which is why most eateries have a “special” Valentine’s menu where special means expensive! So why not stay home? Prepare you Valentine’s favorite dish, or, if your significant other usually prepares the meals, then it’s time for you to step up to the stove and rattle them pots and pans. You’ll save a lot and still have a memorable evening. Plus you’ll have no trouble getting a table.

Sweets At Sweet Prices

If you want to go the boxed candy route, then there’s a way to give your love a heart without having a heart attack at the register. One way is to make a candy run on the 14th. Stores usually overstock a vast array of holiday items and Valentine’s Day items are no exception. By noon of the 14th, most stores have already placed these items on sale in the hopes of clearing the heart-shaped chocolate out to make room for Easter goodies. So head over on your lunch hour, or at quitting time, and you’ll find what your heart desires.
Be Creative

No one knows the love of your life better than you do. You know what he/she wants. You know what matters to them. With a little thought, you’ll be able to find that special token of affection that no confection company could ever dream of whipping up. Put some thought into it, use your head to express what’s in your heart and you’ll go easy on your wallet.

Andrew Salmon is a freelance writer, who, in addition to writing on financial topics like term life insurance, is also a published author who has been featured on Amazon.