Valentine's Day Gifts for $20 or Less

Valentine's Day seems to evoke more panic and anxiety than it does appreciation and love. Most of that is due to a lack of planning and ingenuity. The dreaded 'V' day should be an opportunity to show how much you care. It doesn't have to strain your wallet or mean an extra trip to the ATM machine.

But what few people realize is that the less you spend, the more meaning your gift can actually have. Not spending money forces you to be in the moment and thoughtful. You can't just run to the store for a few flowers or box of candy and call it a day. Not having money puts you in a position to really think outside the box.

With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, this year's Valentine's Day gift could be the one your partner will always remember.

10 Valentine's Day Gifts Under $20

1)Put together a basket of all your sweetheart's favorite things. If you need ideas on the cheap, grab a bottle of $3 wine from Trader Joe's, bake some heart shaped cookies, buy a rose, frame a photo, and include a favorite DVD bought from eBay. Cost: $15 to $20 for supplies.

2)Listen. What has your loved one always wanted in life? An antique baseball glove? A piece of costume jewelry her parents would never buy? A moonlit walk in the snow and a red rose? Give him or her everything they've ever wanted just by listening. Cost: $0 to $20 for a coveted gift.

3) Check online listings for free concerts, winter hike excursions, an art opening, or book reading and organize a frugal night out. Make it fun by hitting as many free events as possible and turn it into a hunt for the best event in town. Cost: $0

4) Frame a favorite photo of you and your loved one and make a list of 10 things you love about them. Cost: $5 for a frame and photo print.

5)Alleviate some stress for your soul mate by taking a burden off their plate. Whether that's organizing the tax receipts and sending it off to the accountant, taking old clothes to Good Will, organizing a cluttered closet, cleaning the house, or making a trip to the mechanic, show them you care by freeing up their time. Cost: $0

6) Massage and spa schools frequently offer their services for cheap or free in exchange for willing clients who aren't afraid to be practiced on. Invest in a $20 half-hour massage and let your Valentine unwind without a care in the world. Cost: $20 or less.

7) Skip the professional massage and invest in some oils and lotions. Look online for easy massage techniques and light a few candles. Afterwards, draw a candlelit bubble bath and include a glass of champagne. Rose pedals are far less expensive than actual roses; throw a few in the bathwater for a romantic effect. Your sweetheart will love the attention and chance to relax. Cost: $10 to $20 for supplies.

8)Create a mixed CD of all your Valentine's favorite songs and design a cover with online clip art, photos, or drawings. If you're musically inclined, serenade your significant other with a special tune. Cost: $1 or less for a blank CD.

9) Give the perfect day. Remember how Bill Murray kept repeating every day until he lived the perfect day in Groundhog's Day? Designate a special day just to your sweetie and spend it with him or her in mind. Go for a walk, watch a special movie, cook dinner, have a beer, take a drive, watch a football game, or splurge on a decadent dessert. Make them feel special by offering your complete attention and going out of your way to indulge your special someone. Cost: $0 to $20 for treats, beer, or an outing.

10) Cook a favorite childhood meal with all the trimmings. Call your Valentine's mom or sister and ask about favorite family recipes. Cook up a baked chicken with dumplings, grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, Mom's chocolate pie or tacos. Whatever it is, recreate it and share a meal together. Cost: $20 for supplies.

Whatever you come up with for your special someone, just make sure the gift tells a story about how much you care and sweep them off their feet.