10 Valentine's Day Gifts for $10 or Less

It's easy to get trapped into thinking Valentine's Day is the day for diamonds and roses, but if your budget doesn't support expensive gifts this year, don't despair. Lavish your sweetheart with special gifts that will melt his or her heart without burning your budget.

Use one of these 10 gift ideas to show your special someone how much you care:

1. A Scrap of Romance

This idea takes a little foresight, but can be whipped together in one night.

Gather together pictures and mementos from times that you shared with your Valentine. These can be from the past 20 years or the past year, it's your call. If you haven't been together long, add in some pictures or cutouts of items or interests you both enjoy.

Purchase a scrapbook from the Dollar Store or an inexpensive one from your local craft store. Invest in a photo-safe pen to write on the pages. Use some construction paper or scrapbook supplies (if you have them) to decorate and create a loving tribute to the time you and your sweetheart have spent together. Include your thoughts on how much and why you find them to be such a special love in your life.

No matter how simple you make it, this will be a gift you both can use to remind you of all the great memories of your romance and something you will enjoy for many years to come.

Tip: FRUGAL SCRAPBOOK IDEAS

2. Homemade Hearts

Give your Valentine a part of you with a lasting symbol of your heart.

If you are handy with a needle and thread, then make a heart-shaped pillow or stitch a felt heart onto a pre-made pillow, t-shirt, or another item such as a tote bag. Embellish it with buttons, bric-brac, or whatever materials you have on hand.

If you are better with power tools than a sewing machine, cut out and stain a wooden heart. Carve in your initials or the date you met for a sentimental touch.

Whatever you choose to use to craft your heart, the key with this gift is to make a lasting impression-a keepsake that will stand the test of time.

3. Silk Roses

Simple, yet sincere, and they last a lifetime!

If you are not the creative type or want to give a more traditional gift, opt for a dozen or a half-dozen silk roses. If you use coupons or watch the sales at craft or department stores, you can pick up a silk roses for well under a $1 each.

Pick up a vase from your local dollar store or when at your grocer, ask the florist if you might have one of their floral bags (used to wrap the flowers.) Most will part with this simple, inexpensive item. Add a little tissue paper and you'll have a fabulous display for your sweet sentiment.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

An easy-to-make homemade treat that is sure to please.

Purchase a small crate of strawberries and dipping chocolate (or chocolate that can be melted to dip strawberries.) You'll also need wax paper and a decorative bag or box to place strawberries in for gifting. Both can be purchased at your local dollar store.

Melt chocolate according to instructions. Dip strawberries to coat ½ of the berry or completely, depending on your preference. Cool on wax paper. Stack neatly on wax paper layers in your gift bag or box. Present to your valentine and enjoy their reaction!

5. Romantic Movie Night for Two

Spend some quality time with your sweetie, snuggling up to romance.

Pick up the latest "hot" romance movie from your local video store or grab and old classic for a couple dollars from your local variety store. Add in some popcorn and special snacks you both enjoy and settle down for a tender Valentines Day night.

Tip: TEN WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON MOVIES

6. Picture of Love

It's not only worth a thousand words, it's a gift your Valentine will treasure.

Pick out your favorite picture of you and your Valentine, purchase a suitable frame from your dollar store or local variety store, and present it to your special someone. This is a great gift for the office or for those in new relationships.

If you want to do a solo picture, have a friend take a variety of digital poses of you, pick your favorite one, and print it up as a 5x7 or 8x10 at your local digital camera station.

Read: TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON PHOTOS

7. Key to My Heart

A classy gift that puts your love on display.

Pick out a simple key chain at your local variety store or specialized engraving shop and have something simple engraved, such as your names or the date you met. (The shorter the engraving, the lower the cost.)

Note: If you've been thinking about giving your significant other a key to your place, this would be the perfect opportunity to place it on the keychain.

8. Coffee House Sweets

Treat your Valentine to a cozy coffee date. A great gift for new couples or simply a special way to re-connect with your special someone.

Text your Valentine with a location (coffee house) to meet you at, or leave a map or clues throughout the day. When they arrive, treat them to a super-sized sinfully delicious coffee-or other-inspired treat while gazing adoringly at them while you catch up on each other's day at your café table.

Present them with a small chocolate heart you picked up from your local variety store at the end of your coffee date.

9. Bubble Bath for Two

Set the mood for a little more than romance!

Purchase a red, pink, or white-colored bottle of bubble bath (or any other color/scent you are sure will appeal to your Valentine) and present it in a decorative bag (that you picked up at the dollar store.)

Grab a few candles (you are sure to have around the house, if not purchase one or two at the dollar store.) Pour a bath, light some candles, add bubbles, lead your significant other to the bath tub, and let your imagination take over.

10. Love Songs and Sonnets

These inexpensive goodies are great gifts by themselves or may be added to compliment any of the above ideas.

Go through your MP3 playlist or your CD collection and burn an MP3 playlist or CD full of the most romantic songs you can find, or all the songs that remind you of your Valentine.

Search the internet for romantic quotes and poems that spell L-O-V-E to you or that remind you of your Valentine. Compile them into a word-processing document and print. Use your creativity and make a little booklet of poems or embellish the pages with colored fonts and clipart.

Looking for more Valentine's Day Ideas? Be sure to check out the following articles:

33 WAYS TO KISS YOUR LOVER

VALENTINES DAY TIPS FOR PRESERVING YOUR GIFTS