Amore on the Net (Valentines Day) - Valentine's Day Ideas That Won't Break Your Budget

Valentine's Day Ideas That Won't Break Your Budget

Heart-shaped box of chocolate: $12.95. A dozen roses: $90. 2.0-carat diamond tennis bracelet: $1350. The cost of Valentine's Day: Priceless.

Yes, that's right. Priceless. As in price-less. Despite all the hype and intense commercialization surrounding this February holiday of love, the gifts that ultimately mean the most can cost very little - or nothing at all.

That hand-written love note, for example, will be treasured for a lifetime, while the fancy dinner will be worked off the next day at the gym. So don't stress if you are in a tight spot this Valentine's Day. Even on a shoestring budget, you can still lavish love and affection in grand style.

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Here are several suggestions that just ooze with romance without breaking your budget:

Build a roaring fire and relax together with mugs of hot chocolate. Be sure to buy mini heart-shaped marshmallows to float in the cocoa
Fill your sweetheart's office with red and pink balloons purchased from the dollar store.
Whip up a sinful chocolate fondue that you feed to each other by candlelight.
Celebrate Valentine's Day on February 15th, when all the accoutrements are half-off.
Read poetry aloud to one another - try "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe or "Life in a Love" by Robert Browning.
Have a picnic. Even if it's freezing outside, you can spread out the tartan blanket on your living room floor. Or better yet, pack some wine and cheese in a wicker basket and surprise your sweetie at the office.
Go electronic. Blitz your baby with emails or SMS' declaring your love throughout the day. Send a funny little valentine every hour on the hour.
Make your own valentines. There are crafts blogs galore with step-by-step tutorials for Martha-esque cards. Even if your talents are a bit less refined, the thought still counts.
Create a trail of flower petals, leading from your front door to your bed. (Florists just toss past-their-prime roses. But even if you don't want to dumpster dive, a few roses go a long way.)
Head for the hills. Take a hike in your nearest national forest - or even the woods behind your house. Pack a thermos of hot cider and some chocolate truffles.
Play Love Scrabble, where the words you spell out are amore, sweetheart and passion.
Give each other massages. Or, if the budget allows, hire a pair of massage students to come to your house and give you a couples' massage.
Pop a bowl of popcorn and curl up in front of a classic romantic comedy like "Sleepless in Seattle," "When Harry Met Sally," or the classic Cary Grant flick, "I Was a Male War Bride".