by Gary Foreman

Celebrating your love for that special someone doesn’t have to be costly. Here are several low-cost and no-cost ways to impress your Valentine.

Would you like to impress that special someone this Valentine’s Day without spending a small fortune?

Don’t worry. Aim one of Cupid’s arrows at these low-cost Valentine’s Day ideas.

1. An Online Love Declaration

If your Valentine is always on Facebook, declare your love in a post. And encourage everyone to share it for you!

2. Finger Painting for Adults

Who knew a bottle of red finger paint could be romantic?

If you paint hearts on his windshield or his office window, he’ll know you’re thinking of him.

3. More Than a Picnic

Anyone can put a picnic basket together, but the true romantic will scout out a deserted, scenic, romantic place to enjoy with his Valentine. And he’ll also hide a small gift to be found later.

4. A Digital Memory Book

You and your Valentine have photos on Facebook, Instagram, your phones, and dozens of other places.

Collect the most romantic ones in a digital memory book. Write a paragraph or two about the times you’ve felt extremely close. Add some favorite background music to make it even more romantic.

5. Start Early

Treat your Valentine to breakfast in bed.

Heart-shaped pancakes or toast are easy to make. Don’t forget the OJ and strawberries for your sweetie.

6. Partner Swap

Well, not really.

Instead, swap houses with a friend for the evening. Their patio or fireplace will seem miles away from the one you have at home. The meal, music, or wine will be so much more romantic!

7. A Memory Keepsake

What’s the most romantic memory you share with your Valentine?

Collect photos, music, or anything else to remind her of that memory. Present them in a heart-shaped box.

8. Looking for Love

Find a place where people-watching is good. Try to identify couples who are really in love or have been in love for the longest. Hold hands while you watch.

9. Moonlight, Vino and You

What’s more romantic than sharing a bottle of wine under the stars?

Too cold outside? Replace the moonlight with a fireplace, and you’re still in the land of romance.

10. If I Were a Rich Man

Go window shopping with your Valentine. Pretend that you’re very wealthy. You can share what you would buy for each other and why you would buy it.

11. Let the Whole World See

Supersize your Valentine’s card on a poster board. Place it in your front yard. Your mate and your neighbors will know exactly who your Valentine is.

12. You’re My Treasure

Everyone loves a treasure hunt. Hide a series of love notes for your Valentine. Each one contains clues on where to find the next.

Will the last one lead to a box of fancy chocolates or a scented bubble bath? You decide!

13. Give Dozens of Valentines

Draw or cut out hearts on note paper. On each, express a different reason you love your Valentine. Put them where they’ll be found one at a time throughout their day.

14. Time Travel

Surprise your Valentine by celebrating on the 13th. They’ll be the only one to get flowers at the office that day.

15. Time Travel (Part Two)

Agree with your Valentine to celebrate on February 16th. Not only will you find candy and flowers at a discount on the 15th, but it will be much easier to get into a restaurant!

16. Share the Love

Take a box of chocolates and some children’s Valentine’s cards to a local nursing home or hospital. You and your sweetie can share your love with a stranger who would be alone if it weren’t for you.

17. Not Just a Day

Instead of giving your Valentine a dozen roses in one bouquet, deliver them one at a time during the next two days by placing them where they’ll be found at an unexpected time.

Add a love note to each rose for extra credit!

18. You’re My Favorite

How well do you know your Valentine? Get her favorite candy bar, one of her favorite flowers, and one of her favorite drinks. See how many of her favorites you know.

And, finally, remember that a loving relationship isn’t built on one day each year. In healthy relationships, it grows a little bit each day.

• Don’t Penny Pinch the Romance out of Your Marriage
• The ABCs of a Better Relationship (26 Tips That Won’t Cost a Dime)
• 10 Cheap (or Free) Date Night Ideas

Reviewed February 2024

About the Author

Gary Foreman is the former owner and editor of the After50Finances.com website and newsletters in 1996. He's the author of How to Conquer Debt No Matter How Much You Have and he's been featured in MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business, The Nightly Business Report, US News Money, Credit.com and CreditCards.com.