Valentine's Day is literally around the corner and if your anything like me you would like to do something fun or romantic for your special Valentine...but the budget may not allow for a big dinner out on the town this year.

I have good news to share! You can still give your loved one a special day or evening, showing them how much you care by employing a little ingenuity and not breaking the bank..

Create a Hand-Made Valentine

Make something special for your significant other...a hand crafted Valentine! Look around your home and see if you have any old cards that have flowers, hearts, or anything related to love on them to use, or scope out some old magazines or catalogs. Paper, glue stick, and all kinds of glittery stickers or decorations can be purchased inexpensively at Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store (check out the Photo/Memory Albums section). Make your Valentine funny, romantic, silly, sexy...whatever you know your loved one will enjoy. Add a box of candy (and if you wait for February 14th you can probably buy it on sale) and your good to go.

Make A Special Dinner

Surprise your special someone by having a meal hot and ready for them to enjoy...especially if you know how to make their favorite dish. It doesn't have to be fancy (although a few candles and a nice table setting works wonders for atomosphere) to show them you've been paying attention to what they like.

Clean the House ~ Seriously!

Guys, you will make your wives day if you clean the house for her unexpectedly! Add a small bouquet of flowers (which can be purchased for under $15 at many grocery stores, especially if you don't choose roses) and you will go a long way in showing your appreciation for all your lady does for you throughout the year.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries and A Film

Head over to your local grocery store and see if you can find strawberries on sale...they are at mine! Pick up some of those lovely red berries and then make sure you stop by the baking aisle to pick up some Milk or Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips. You'll be all set to create a delicious chocolate fondue to share with your sweetie while watching a romantic movie.

E-Cards

My husband and I stopped buying cards for each other years ago and began sending E-cards. Over the years these electronic greeting cards have improved tremendously and it's always fun to receive one. There are a few sites where you have to pay a fee for a years service, but there are still plenty of free E-cards on the net.

Serve Your Spouse A Dinner of Hors D'oeuvre's...in Bed

Find your honey's favorite little sweet and savory bites at the grocery store...things like itty bitty quiche, or taquitos...whatever your special someone likes to eat... bake and then arrange them on a plate or tray, and have an intimate dinner for two in the privacy of your bedroom. Candles and flowers (which can be purchased inexpensively at the dollar store if you don't have anything handy),  and soft music can set a very romantic mood.

Make a Special Gift

I have two teenage daughters and the younger one now has a boyfriend. He surprised her with an early Valentine gift. A necklace he crafted for her in metal shop that was beautiful and fit her personality perfectly. Needless to say, we were all impressed by this young man's thoughtfulness...even my husband. You may not want to create a piece of jewlery (although there are lots of cool kits available for an afforadable price at Hobby Lobby!), but with a little imagination you could have something very special to present to your favorite guy or girl.

I'm sure your'e getting the idea. You know your loved one. Do something for Valentines Day that would make them smile. With a little creativity, and a bit of smart shopping, you can give your special someone a priceless token of esteem or an evening they will cherish, all for a very economical price.