Cheap Gifts for Valentine's Day: 5 Ways to Say "I Love You" Without Going Broke

Christmas has come and gone; and for most of us, so has our money. While the stress of the holidays may finally be over, there's another one quietly lurking just around the corner: Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, this romantic day can be a huge stress magnet, especially for men. Like Christmas, we seem to get so caught up in the commercialism of the holiday rather than what it is truly about. Giving and the thought behind it.

Who ever said every woman needs or wants to have a dozen red roses? They're only going to die within a few weeks anyway. Why spend money on a box of chocolates-every year? They're not the most nutritious snack after all. And then there's the lingerie. Honey, I'm not a size 3 anymore (probably from all the chocolates) but thanks anyway. Guys, if you really want to make an impression this year, put a little more thought into it. Believe it or not, you can actually make your loved one smile without breaking the bank on all those 'mundane' gifts. In fact, here are five ideas to get you started.

Instead of buying those roses, plant some instead. If you can't find any now, settle for a sort of "IOU." Flip through mail-order garden catalogs (which are usually abundant this time of year), picking out and pre-ordering a rose, or other perennial flower. Then, cut out the picture (and growing information), glue to an index card, and place inside a Valentine's card. Alternatively, you could create a basket filled with seed packets, an interesting container, small bag of potting soil, and gardening gloves. Add a card with a note like, "May our love always keep growing."

Give us the gift of relaxation. Fill a small basket with bath items. Add a couple of candles, a coffee mug with some tea or coffee, and a good read. Add a note inside. For example, "Good for one free bath-includes spa treatment, total quiet, no interruptions, etc." If you're feeling frisky and the kids are gone, add two wine glasses and a bottle of wine.

Stop spending money on fancy restaurants (or fast food establishments). Enjoy a quiet evening at home instead. Cook her dinner for a change. Add some candlelight and take in a movie afterward. Snuggling up is always fun and inexpensive.

While lingerie might be thoughtful, it's often impractical. With kids, household chores, work, etc., it's difficult to feel sexy even once the lights go off. Sometimes we just want comfort. It's ok to settle for a nice set of pj's instead-keeping in mind that after a kid or two (or three...), we may not be that small anymore. Sneak a peek at the label in our favorite pair of comfy pants to get an idea of our real size. Of course, you could always opt for slippers instead, along with a good foot rub.

And finally, if you're up to the challenge, create a scrapbook. Whether you've been together a few months or several years, this is bound to touch the heart. Add little mementos (we usually have these readily on hand). Fill it with photos and special memories you have shared or one day hope to share. What better way to propose then to lead up to the big question, leaving the remaining pages for future use.

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be stressful. It need not be expensive. All it takes is a little forethought. Remember, this is a day of reflection for the one you love. Know one knows better than you what she likes. Hopefully, she'll appreciate the thought behind it.