While writing 8 Stay At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas For Parents, I got to thinking how close Valentine’s Day is to the big holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. During the holidays, some families spend a large amount of money on presents, cooking meals for large families, and travel to see family and friends so the budgets might be a little tight this time of year. You can still tell someone you love them without breaking the bank. Here are 7 affordable ways to say “I love you.”

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, every day. You and me… every day.” -Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

7 Affordable Ways To Say “I Love You”

Channel Your Inner Julia Child

Valentine’s Day dinners can be stressful and expensive. Why not skip the madness and save some serious cash in the process, by channeling your inner Julia Child? The Internet is a gold mine for finding simple and frugal versions of some of the tastiest and fanciest meals out there.

Can’t cook? Have trouble boiling water? Try a super easy crockpot meal. You can even buy kits at the store that has everything you need and all you have to do is toss it in your crockpot. Then fancy it up by decorating your table or kitchen with romantic accents or candlelight. You could even break out the fancy china if you are feeling really festive.

Use Your Words

In the early days of my relationship with my husband, he would write me poetry when he was out on the ship. For weeks at a time sometimes our only way of communicating was through email. I would do a daily “why I love you” email and list the reasons I was grateful for him. A simple love note, letter, or poem can often mean so much and won’t cost you a thing. Create a list of all the reasons you love them.

Coupon Book

Why not give a gift that can be redeemed all year long? Create a custom coupon book filled with services or ideas that are redeemable any time your spouse or significant other chooses. Here are some ideas:

• Car washes
• Date Night
• Massages
• Free Time

Surprise Them With Lunch

If your spouse works outside the home, you could surprise them at work with their favorite food, favorite dessert, or a milkshake for a treat!

Leave Them Notes Everywhere

Hide notes in his lunchbox, jacket, pants, truck, etc…This way they get little reminders all throughout their day.

Create A Mixtape

If you grew up in the 1980s, then you know the mixtape used to be the ultimate way to show you care without spending a bundle. Make sure to include some great love songs, from all decades, and songs that remind you of your significant other. You can create a playlist on YouTube or Itunes or Spotify if you have a membership. While you have the music going, you could reenact your first dance from your wedding or the first time you danced together.

Day Off

Give your significant other a day off. They can spend the time however they want and you can pick up their chores for a day.

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” -Mingon McLaughlin

I hope this list has inspired you to be creative and think outside the heart-shaped chocolate box. You can say “I Love You” without spending the car payment!

For more Valentine’s love and fun, check out:
11 Things Your Spouse Needs To Hear
11 Tips To Help You Love Yourself
8 Stay At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas For Parents

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31