Whenever Valentine’s Day comes around, the pressure to do something special for your significant other tends to leave most people pretty stressed out.  When you add in the fact that (for the majority people) money is tight, most people would rather try to ignore the holiday than acknowledge it exists.

So how do you survive Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank or disappointing your significant other?  Here are four tips to help you save money AND make Valentine’s Day special.

Dine In- Making your significant other dinner is not only a great way to save money, but it’s also a fantastic way to have the quiet, one-on-one time that may be rare due to hectic work schedules.  A delicious, candlelit dinner complete with champagne will not only save you money, but will also be far more special, intimate, and meaningful than dropping a boatload of cash at a fancy restaurant.

Give Meaningful Gifts- Yes, girls love jewelry and guys love gadgets.  But those things are expensive and not nearly as meaningful as a gift that comes from the heart instead of your checkbook.  Giving your partner a gift that will have personal meaning to them, for example a CD of all their favorite songs or a homemade coupon book filled with coupons you know your partner will appreciate (i.e. doing the dishes for a week or bringing them lunch when they are at work) will mean so much more to them than dropping hundreds of dollars on the latest Ipod or a Tiffany’s necklace.

Greeting Cards, Personalized- Yes, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate Hallmark Holiday.  BUT that doesn’t mean you have to actually go out and buy a Hallmark card.  Instead, hand make a card for your significant other.  Not only will you save a few bucks, but your card will be much more personalized and special to them because YOU wrote it especially for him or her.

DIY Flowers- Yes, Valentine’s Day brings in loads of cash for Hallmark but it also puts a ton of money into the pockets of those who sell flowers.  The traditional dozen red roses bouquet is romantic and sweet, but a bouquet of roses can be expensive and won’t last long.  So instead of splurging on the bouquet, hit up your local Trader Joes or gardening store and buy a small pot of miniature red roses.  Not only will this save you money, but they will last a long time and be a constant reminder of your love.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to drain your bank account.  It can still be special without costing you more money than you want to spend.  By giving from the heart, you will not only make your significant other feel special and loved but you will keep your wallet full.