Frugal and Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts

Sometimes the best Valentine's Day gifts can be free or very cheap. They require a little bit of work and thinking ahead, but you can show someone how much you love them for very little money.

1. Write a love letter. Write your loved one a letter and tell them all of the things you love about them. This doesn't have to be a novel, but simply tell them all of the things you appreciate. A love letter, Valentine's Day or not, is a wonderful way to be romantic and show someone how much you love them.

2. Make them a cd of songs that remind you of them. When I was a teenager, we would make mix tapes for our boyfriends or girlfriends. Go through your cd collection and find songs that remind you of them and burn them onto a cd. Write a sweet note to go with it telling them what about the songs reminds you of them.

3. Make their favorite dinner. It does not have to be traditionally romantic. If your husband loves your hamburgers, make those. Make the meal with them in mind. Have a romantic candlelit picnic on the floor, turn the television off and concentrate on each other.

4. Make a Valentine's Day card like you did when you were a kid. Use red construction paper, doilies, glitter, or anything else that strikes your fancy. Making a card yourself means more than buying it from a store.

5. Rent a romantic movie, order a pizza and snuggle up on the couch. The most romantic moments come when you are not trying too hard. Just enjoy each other's company.

6. Give each other massages. Buy a bottle of massage oil and concentrate on each other. It is simple, romantic and will bring both of you a feeling of closeness.

7. Spend an entire day concentrating on doing what your loved one wants. Start the day with breakfast in bed. If she is a busy mom that never gets any time to herself, send her out shopping or to spend time with friends while you watch the kids. If he never gets time to work on his hobbies, give him uninterrupted time to himself to work on them.

8. Frame a favorite picture of the two of you and give as a gift. It does not need to be a professional photo, just one that you feel shows the kind of relationship you two have. Frame it in an inexpensive frame.

9. Help the kids make a gift. One of the things that moms treasure most are gifts made by their children. Help the kids make their mom a craft. Even a macaroni necklace is an heirloom when the kids make it, and she will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

10. Do the chores that you know they hate doing. If you know he hates taking out the trash, take out the trash for a week. If you know she hates doing the dishes, do the dishes for a week. Taking some of their responsibility will make them more relaxed and feel more loved.

Valentine's Day gifts do not have to be traditional to be romantic. Just put thought into any gift you give and remember that a gift given out of love is always better than a gift given out of obligation.