There are a lot of ways to show someone that you care about them without having to spend all of the money that is associated with Valentine's Day, one of the most expensive holidays in the United States next to Christmas. But shhh!!! They do not have to know you saved on their gift!
 
First let's talk about flowers!
1. Make sure when you are picking out flowers you are looking for tight buds! In other words, look for flowers that don't look good at that moment-- because they will blossom in a few hours and will stay that way for many days. If those buds are already open, they'll only last another day or two.
2. Do buy from grocery and even warehouse stores. Ask if those stores keep their flowers refrigerated. If so, then they can be just as long-lasting as those at a florist.
3. Use the food! If your flowers don't come with a tiny packet of flower food, ask for it! And use it! That packet isn't a gimmick-- it really does help.
4. If you want, get a live plant! Instead of buying a bunch of roses that will die in a week or two, consider getting someone a live plant. Not only does that person get to enjoy that plant all year round, they could even pick roses from their own garden next year! 
 
Next let's look at dinner! The cheapest and most romantic meal is homemade.
1. Eat elsewhere. Romance means special, and eating in the kitchen doesn't cut it. Make a move from the table to a cozy spot in your home. If you have a fireplace spread a blanket in front of it and dine "picnic style".
2. Burn for your love. Get a fire lit, whether it's a fireplace or candles!
3. Put the petal to the metal. Make one red rose work for you! Take the petals off the rose and sprinkle them all throughout the area. It really adds a luxurious look and feel to your celebration!
4. Flirt with dessert. The last thing you want on a romantic evening is a heavy dessert to weigh down the romance. The best solution is also a cheap one: sorbet. It's inexpensive and refreshing! If neither of you like sorbet, do a little baking ahead of time and have some heart-shaped cookies!
 
Lastly, Jewelry!
1. There's more in the store. Many online diamond dealers tout that their stones are certified, so you don't need to see them. But if you're spending a lot of money, comparing stones in person and under magnification is important. Use the internet as a pricing guide, but if you can get similar prices from a local jeweler, you're better off buying locally.
2. Certify before you buy. Speaking of certificates, once you like the look, go by the book. Most people know diamonds come with certificates that attest to their "Four C's"-- cut, carat, color, and clarity.
 
If you can't afford jewelry, period, here's an idea. Along with a nice card, give a handwritten promise to provide some kind of service to your loved one. Pick some chores you normally avoid, and take them on without complaint. Or how about a scrapbook? Prints are cheap, and you don't even have to do all the work-- assembling a collection of your favorite memories together can be a romantic event in itself!
Valentine's Day does not have to be an expensive holiday for you or anyone else, but that does not mean it has to be skimped on. Take some of these ideas and expand on them any way you wish to fit your situation. Also make it a habit to express your love everyday of the year,
not just on February 14th.