People involved in a committed relationship often complain that Valentine’s Day has become a “Hallmark Holiday.” With so much pressure to purchase the “most romantic” card and make reservations at the “perfect restaurant”, many couples feel the true meaning of the holiday has been lost. This Valentine’s Day challenge yourself with Valentines Gifts for your sweetie to make this holiday special by celebrating it without spending any money.

Step 1: Write a love poem to your sweetheart. Use your words to profess your undying love to your partner. If you need inspiration, look up quotes from famous writers and use those as a springboard for your thoughts. Or, if poetry isn’t your strong suit, simply write a love letter or a top ten list of all the reasons you are in love with your Valentine. The most important thing about this written task is that it comes from the heart.

Step 2: Find one of your favorite pictures of you and your loved one and create a collage of love. Clip words from magazines that describe your relationship (adventure, fun, honey, etc.) and glue them over and around the picture. Celebrity magazines are great for finding headlines with appropriate words for this task.

Step 3: Create a relaxing spa environment in your home. Fill the tub with hot water and bubbles, light a few candles, pour a glass of wine and allow your loved one to relax in the steaming water. When he or she exits the water, wrap them in a warm towel, grab the lotion and begin a full body massage. This at-home pampering won’t cost you much, but will definitely earn big points!

Step 4: Although it’s reminiscent of the 80’s and junior high relationships, a mixed tape really can be a sweet gift. At the very least, it will bring a smile to your loved one’s lips. Spend some time gathering songs that have special meaning to you and your sweetie. If you think your Valentine will think a mixed tape is too corny, you can always download the songs onto his or her MP3 player.

Step 5: Take a walk in the garden and pick some flowers for the love of your life. Wrap the flowers in a decorative piece of string or colorful piece of yarn and make a homemade card to go with the arrangement. If you can’t find a vase, use an empty wine bottle or even an empty spaghetti sauce jar.

Step 6: In Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages, acts of service is considered one language of love. This Valentine’s Day perform an act of service for the one who has stolen your heart. You can get creative when giving acts of service as unique gifts by creating a coupon book for your love. She might like having 5 coupons she can redeem to you for a car wash. He might like 5 coupons redeemable for raking the leaves come next fall.

Step 7: Another love language in the above described book is quality time. Plan an activity that the two of you can enjoy together that won’t cost either one of you a dime. Plan a long lazy walk on a Sunday morning or plan to watch the sunset together from a park bench. The gift of quality time is not only inexpensive; it’s also an investment in your relationship.