Holidays are notorious for being a call for spending and Valentine’s Day is no exception, but there’s no need to spend buckets of money to empress your honey. Follow these tips and you’ll have a successful Valentine’s Day without blowing your budget.

Check out the oddest of places- The dollar store may not seem like the ideal place to pick up Valentine’s gifts, but you may be in for a big surprise. I went to the dollar store with the intentions of just getting a gift bag, but I found so much more! I bought my Valentine’s cards (that were simple, but sentimental and half the price of regular cards), tissue paper, and some yummy chocolate for my roommates. At the checkout I even spotted single red roses! My roommate and I were in such disbelief that we had to ask and the cashier assured us that the roses were real! In the end, the dollar store may not seem like the first place you would want to start your shopping, but just because the items are inexpensive that doesn’t mean they’re of cheap.

Try the outdoors- If you’re having nice weather, try packing a picnic instead of eating out. You can still have multiple courses without going to a restaurant and paying big bucks for it. Make everything prior to your outing, pack it up and tell your honey that you two are going to go for a little outing. Not only will you get brownie points for surprising her, who wouldn’t want a homemade meal created by the one you love?! Also, if the weather isn’t the best where you’re at, an indoor picnic can be just as romantic! Set out a blanket and some pillows and sit by the fireplace or watch the rain fall.

Here are some super easy recipes to get you started:

Chickpea Salad
California Club Sandwich or Lobster Club Sandwich
Raspberry Cake Bars

Lunch anyone?- If you and your Valentine would rather eat out, lunch time specials allow you to dine for a deal. Restaurants will either throw in a free salad bar or soup before your entrée, or some places offer a two for special that may include an appetizer, entrée and a dessert to share. If dinner is a more feasible option, try looking up places that are offering Valentine’s specials. These can be similar to the midday menu in which they may offer a free dessert or other incentives.

In the end, Valentine’s Day isn’t about the gifts or the deals, but showing the ones closest to you that you care for them. So if nothing else, be sure to say the one phrase that costs nothing by means everything….I love you.