With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s very easy to get caught up in the romance of it all.

But candy, flowers, dinner, jewelry…. not frugal at all!

I personally believe you should show your love all year round – not just on a special day… and not by spending a ton of money on oversized pink teddy bears, impractical underwear, flowers that die, and glittery stuff you can’t wear because you’re changing diapers all day.

Here are five frugal ways you can show someone you care:

Write the person a note.  A handwritten letter telling the person that you love them and why is a very touching way to connect with someone, and at most, all it will cost you is a postage stamp. 

Bake something.  You know the old saying – the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Well, that’s pretty much true of everyone!  Heart shaped cookies, chocolate brownies, or homemade fudge can melt your sweetheart, but you have to make it yourself for it to really count!

Do a random act of kindness.  If you live with the person, this is easy… you know there are always things you can do to help your loved one out – whip up a special breakfast, do the laundry, wash the car, take the kids out of the house for a couple of hours – you get the idea. 

Create a handmade project.  Craft a coupon book of things you’d like to do with (or for) your special someone.  (i.e. This coupon good for one back rub, one special homemade dinner, etc.).   Design a photo collage of your favorite photos together, print it out and put it in an inexpensive frame from the thrift store or dollar store.  Get out your paper and your glue sticks and get creative!

Make some time.  It is so easy to get caught up in our busy lives… and before you know it it’s been what seems like forever since you’ve spent some quality time with your loved one.  Clear your calendar and spend some time with your special someone.  Go for a walk, watch a movie, or just cuddle up on the couch and talk.

You don’t have to spend any money to show someone you love them.  And I think you’ll find that they wouldn’t want it any other way.