It’s that time of year again.  Your sweetheart is expecting your most romantic efforts . . . fancy wine, extravagant dinner, once in a lifetime event, dozens of roses, and everything else that makes an unforgettable romantic evening.  You don’t have to break the bank to show your loved one you care.  Make it a weekend event or week long event.

Day 1 – Flowers

Buying flowers a few days prior to Valentine’s Day can save you 3-5 times the going rate on the big day.  The dozen roses that are marked $9.99 today will be $49.99 if you wait to get them on Valentine’s Day.  Good roses will last at least a week.

Even better, scale back from a dozen to a single.  A single rose presented as a spur of the moment gesture a few days in advance can mean more than a full dozen on the exact day.

Day 2 – Valentine’s Day Dinner

You have a couple of options here.  You can dine in.  Pick up a moderately priced bottle of wine and a choice cut of steak or your favorite seafood on your way home.  Garnishing with fresh vegetables and a rice dish on the side will make this an enjoyable meal for considerably less than eating out.

Dessert is where you can really make an impression.  Buy fresh strawberries (or your favorite fruits), chill good and dip in “magic shell” (found in the ice cream aisle).  Who doesn’t like chocolate dipped fruit?  If you’re not into the fruit and chocolate, a cream pie made from “scratch” using a graham cracker pre-made crust and instant pudding is an inexpensive special treat.

If you’d rather dine out and can’t convince your date to split meals, you can still save some money and have an enjoyable time by dining early.  Lunch specials are usually just smaller portions of the dinner menu and often run until 3 in the afternoon.  Do some homework and find quality restaurants in your area offering lunch menus on Valentine’s Day.  And you still have those strawberries or pie to go home to.

Day 3 – Candy

Did you know that Valentine’s Day candy goes on sale the day after for 50% off?  Really, I don’t think much more needs to be said here.  If you look around, you can make some crafty things out of kisses and other chocolates.

The Gifts

If the experience of spending Valentine’s Day with the one you love isn’t gift enough here are a couple of ideas for you.

Coupon Books are always fun to make and keep the romantic spirit flowing days, weeks, or even months after the holiday.  Coupons can be as simple as running a bubble bath or as risqué as, well, as risqué as you want.  Some easy ideas include massages, foot rubs, or a night off from cooking.  Get creative with the presentation; construction paper and scissors, computer printouts, whatever you’re capable of.

Hand made gifts are always nice.  Something unique that you put time and effort into instead of spending 5 minutes at the convenience store on your way home.  You know what your guy or girl likes, find a way to make something that fits into their lifestyle.

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With these tips, a little creativity, and some extra time and effort, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break your budget for the next 3 months.  The important thing is making your special someone feel like they are the center of your universe.