
Whether you’re on a budget or just really hate consumerist holidays for making you spend $$$ to show your affection, find some creative ideas ahead for how to show your love this Valentine’s Day—little to no money required.
Bake a Treat
They always say that the best way to the heart is through the stomach, and if you’re not forking out for hearts and chocolates, it’s not a *terrible* idea to just make sweet treats from scratch. Putting in time is always a good chance to show the other person that you actually care, and this one’s a gift both of you can enjoy together.
Write a Personalized Love Letter
We’d like to thank The Notebook
? for instilling in us a deep reverence for the hand-written letter, and we think it’s the perfect way to sum up the things you love about your significant other that often go repressed or unspoken.
If you’ve both fallen into a routine of Seamless dinners or eating out, the best gift can be a thoughtful meal that you’ve put together yourself. Add some candles to set some mood lighting (which is very important, as Clueless has taught us) or to create an aromatic experience (just don’t do the whole holy-shit-thats-a-lot-of-fragrance shtick). Technically this one requires actually buying groceries, but it really beats fighting for a reservation at a crowded restaurant and drooling on yourself while you wait for the food to arrive.

Whatever your greatest strengths (whether it’s art and design or writing or music or crafting)—maybe you’re not even good at those, fret not!—channel them into some creative project that you can whip up for your better half. Bonus points if it actually ends up successful, but that’s not really the point, is it?

As skincare freaks here at Marie Claire, we’re always advocates of setting up your own spa in the middle of the living room (because why would you not?), but it feels especially apropos on Valentine’s Day to extend the pampering to your loved ones. Give a back rub and a head massage or convince them to try out a dewy Korean face mask with you (best of luck).

Create a Playlist
This one’s an oldie, but an eternal classic. Whether you’re blasting it at your S.O.’s window Say Anything-style or simply sending them a Spotify link, it’s a sweet way to package your feelings about the other person (just be careful what you choose).
It’s a real cliché—but still true—that the best gift to give someone is simply the act of slowing down, canceling all other non-important chores, and enjoying spending time together. Working on a crossword together with breakfast in bed, a game night indoors, or a weekend away could be just the trick to getting back on track as a couple or keeping things alive.

Especially if you’ve been dating for a while, it’s worthwhile to spend time outside the routine of your usual dinner, movies, and cuddling at home. Plan an excursion somewhere both of you have never been before: experts say that an element of the unknown drives excitement and better bonding experiences. Set up a picnic lunch in a cozy secluded spot or drive somewhere far away from the city and go stargazing.

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