Valentine's Day From the Heart (not the wallet)

Valentine's Day is only a few days away.  One thing I head time and time again is that many pepole don't need one holiday for them to show someone they care.  The thing is that if you DON'T do something for that special person - you may just end up in the dog house.

Sure, flowers are nice - but they die.  Candy is great - but it ends up on your hips.  Dinner out is sweet - but it lasts an hour (and can cost quite a bit).  What is one to do?  Why not try one of these great inexpensive or FREE ideas for someone this year:

LOVE COUPON BOOKLET.  You can create a one of a kind booklet filled with coupons from "Free Night of No Dishes" to "10 Minute Back Massage"....the ideas are endless.  This one is truly a gift of love from your heart. 

I love doing this for both adults AND children.  My kids hate to clean up their playroom.  So, for us, coupons like "No clearing the dinner dishes" or "Skip your Bath" or "Mom and Dad will put away your toys" ---- THOSE are the coupons that matter most to each of them!!  You can find an example of a booklet here.

DINNER IN.  Who says you have to go out to an expensive dinner to have a wonderful Valentine's Day meal?  Not me!  In fact, I look forward to this one.  We put our children to bed and then have a nice, quiet, romantic dinner - just the two of us.  No one crying, yelling, or making obscene noises - just dinner in peace and quiet.

HOME MADE CARDS.  Have you seen the prices of cards lately?  $4+ for something decent.  And, from my experience, nine times out of ten, it doesn't really say what I want for it to.  So, why not make a card yourself?  I call this one "releasing your inner creative self."  Get out the scissors, glue and markers and see what you can create - you might actually surprise yourself.

LOVE LETTER. This is actually my personal favorite.  Last year, my husband wrote me a love letter.  It was probably the most romantic thing he has ever done for me.  I still have this tucked away in a drawer and I have read it at least ten times since I first opened it.  I love it because it came from his heart. The best thing is that it can lift me back up and remind me of how much I am truly loved by another person - even when the day hasn't been the best.

So, what do you do on Valentine's Day that is frugal yet fun and from the heart?  I'd love to hear from you too!