15 Inexpensive Valentine Gifts

Celebrate Valentine's Day by giving gifts to your loved ones. Not just to your significant other, but everyone you love without breaking the bank and without going into debt? Think. Use your creativity. Be generous with your time. Have fun.

The best gifts, after all, do not need a lot of cash. The best things in life are free, right? Think of gifts which only involve sharing time, some creativity, along with a load of thoughtfulness. The memories usually last far longer than that of a dozen expensive roses or a box of equally expensive chocolates.

Here are 15 ways to express your love on the 14th -- or any other day.

Fun Gifts for a spouse or significant other:

1. Bottle it up!

Give your spouse a full day just to relax -- no interruptions allowed. For him, that means he gets to engage in his hobby, watch the game on tv, play his favorite sport, or do absolutely nothing. For her, that might mean you feed and entertain the kids while she indulges in a bubble bath or a manicure. Announce your gift -- with your message of love and appreciation -- in your best handwriting. Clean an old bottle and insert the rolled-up message tied with a red ribbon.

2.Go out for dinner!

Of course, you can take your loved ones to dine out, but that can get expensive. The alternative is, eat out -- as in outdoors. Placing food on a table just outside your door will be just as fun. Okay, if the outside of your house is “tacky” set up a picnic blanket and basket at the dining room table, on the living room floor or in the middle of that king-size bed. Add some bougainvillea (rather than roses) for atmosphere.

3.Do something different!

Go someplace you have never been before, or "somewhere you have not been in a while that is special.” Where you have your first date, for instance. Recreate an unforgettable memory.

4.Give a surprise!

For guys who do not normally cook, your best attempt at a home-cooked meal can be a huge treat and does not have to cost anything. Or put a note under her pillow the night before or little notes around the house on Valentine's day, telling her what she means to you. Look at the little things. Men do not realize that Valentine's Day does not have to cost a lot. Little things can make a big difference when the surprise factor is thrown in.

5. Browse!

Is your spouse or significant other an avid reader? If so, plan a trip to a bookstore and splurge on an expensive coffee or smoothies, you can share, while gazing into each others eyes, at a nearby coffee house. You can even pass by a museum along the way, if you wish.

Thoughtful Gifts for the parents:

6.The comfort of being left alone.

For mom or dad it's always a good idea to focus on the creation of comfort. Let her sleep late and bring her a simple breakfast in bed. Some of the best stuffs are free. Give dad or mom -- especially if you have a single parent -- the gift of an hour of "me-time" when they get home from work just to relax. If you know dad will retreat to his man-cave, post some kind of thank you note or affirmation there, just to let him know how much you appreciate his hard work.

7.Tech support!

The perfect gift for parents from teens and college kids. "Offer to be mom's tech concierge." Teach her to text, or show her how to download music or movies. If she wanted to investigate social networking, introduce her to Facebook, and create (with her permission) a page for her, so that she can catch up with her high school and college friends. Or, if you have money, do the old mixed tape one better and load up her MP3 player with a playlist of music you know she will like.

8.Labor of love!

Sure, you are busy, but that does not mean you cannot spend a little time making sure your parents know you love them. Make a book of coupons for your parents filled with jobs you promise to do for the week, month or year: things like shining dad's shoes, watering mom’s plants or even taking out the trash.

Memorable Gifts for the kids:

9. Cook with them!

Kids will remember the Valentine's Day they baked cookies with mom or dad. With little kids, try something simple, like heart-shaped cookies. With older kids, consider cupcakes with more elaborate Valentine's Day decorations. Then turn off the TV one night and have family game time or story time.

10. Host a treasure hunt!

Post picture clues to direct family members from one location of the house to another until they find their treasure: a small heart shape Valentine’s gift.

11. Try a family craft project!

Nothing spells love more than a heart made out of Styrofoam or cork and hung on the front door. Styrofoam or cork is inexpensive, easy to work with (you can often use materials that you already have), and available at local stores. Paint it, let it dry and display it prominently.

12.Start the day differently!

Celebrate with a Valentine's Day breakfast. For a lot of families, the morning routine is hectic. So take some time on Valentine’s day for a leisurely breakfast. Go for something traditional with a twist, like your favorite "tapsi" meal with heart shape cupcakes as dessert. (Tapsi meals at Lucky 7 Food Park are not only inexpensive but also outrageously delicious. Contact 09485333246 for orders. The cupcakes at CJ's Pastry and Catering are absolutely tasty and reasonably priced. Contact 09099333999 for your orders) Keep with the Valentine's theme by washing it all down with strawberry flavored drinks! Keep up with the Valentine's theme by using lots of strawberry or cherry syrup and whipped cream. And focus on the food every family member really love.

13. Make a family kite!

Make your own kite. A little newspaper (or other heavy paper or light cloth), some wire or walis tingting, string and poster paints can add up to a pretty fantastic kite. See who can design the prettiest, fastest, most colorful or most unusual kite. The winner will be designated as a “family kite.” You can display the other kites in the kids' rooms or around the house. Then on Valentine’s day, try them out.

14.Distribute bites of Love!

Buy a pack of a cheap, 100 pieces, red hard candies and, with the kids, distribute those, free, to people passing by. It will be a pleasant surprise for the giver and receiver alike.

Priceless Gift for someone you know who is all alone:

15.Date a friend!

Know someone who is alone? On Valentine’s day, set aside some time to share a meal, go on an outing, or swap recipes or stories. It can cost virtually nothing, and you will likely gain a lot more than you give.

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