Each year, you’ll see the greeting card, flower and confectionery industries out in full force promoting Valentine’s Day and advertising everything they have to offer to those wanting to show a loved one how much they care. While many people will take full advantage of these offers, doing so can often have a huge impact on your budget.

That’s why we wanted to share a few gift ideas to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day from your heart, not your wallet. What’s great about these ideas is they work for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or any other day of the year.

Cards

For those of you who want to show how much you care by saying it in words, a store-bought card may seem like a good idea. The words are already there and all you have to do is sign the card and share it with the one you love.

Another option, however, is to write your loved one a poem. Doing so means you can say exactly what you want to say and in your own words. If you don’t want to write a poem, make your own card. Better yet, put together a digital memory book or scrapbook full of pictures and videos commemorating your love and the time you’ve spent together. This works whether you’re giving to a friend, a loved one or a family member.

Flowers

Cut flowers can be extremely beautiful, especially when put into a lovely arrangement. But, unless you buy your flowers at a flower mart or local grower, you’re likely going to make a serious dent in your wallet to get even the simplest of bouquets.

My suggestion, if you’re set on giving your valentine a cut flower bouquet, is you opt for flowers from somewhere like Trader Joe’s or a local wholesaler to get the best price available.

If you’re looking for another, more sustainable option, potted flowers and plants work well because they last longer and can be replanted in your garden to enjoy for years to come. So, while you do have you pay for the plant, it’s a much better investment. Anthuriums, orchids, hydrangeas, pink arrowhead plants, climbing roses, bonsais and mini succulent gardens are all good options for Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate

Instead of going out and buying a box of chocolates for the one you love, why not make your own chocolate or make their favorite dessert? You could also spend some time making dessert together. It’s a fun experience, gives you a chance to work hand in hand and you get a tasty treat at the end.

If you need some inspiration, here’s a healthy homemade chocolate recipe or a DIY chocolate pudding recipe. Those looking for vegan options might want to consider one of these four vegan Valentine’s Day dessert recipes. The citrus olive oil pound cake sounds great to me!

A special meal

While it can be tempting to make Valentine’s Day memorable by going out for a special meal, doing so can be quite costly. Not to mention, trying to get a reservation on such days is not always easy. Those who do, will still have to deal with traffic, parking and crowds.

Want a different option? Make your Valentine’s meal special by making it at home. Serve your loved one heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast or make your favorite pizza (heart-shaped, too, of course) for dinner. If you know what your friend, family member or loved one likes to eat, a Valentine’s meal will be much more special when you take the time to make it yourself.

Like with the dessert-making, spending time with your Valentine to make a delicious meal just for you two, is a wonderful way to show how much you care. Besides, preparing a meal at home means you can include all fresh, organic ingredients and meet the dietary needs of the one you love. Adhering to a paleo, plant-based, keto, Mediterranean or other type of diet is simple when you’re making the food yourself.

Gift Memories, NOt Things

Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day, I recommend focusing on gifting memories, not things. Physical objects can wear out over time, but memories will last a lifetime.

A night out under the stars, a tailormade at-home spa day, a bike ride out in nature, a walk in the park or along the beach, a scavenger hunt, a game night with family and friends…the options are endless.

Take a little time to decide the best way to show your loved ones you care this Valentine’s Day. Remember to go with your heart. Hopefully these ideas can help you do so and help you save a little money, as well.