I know I am not the only girlfriend suffering in this economy. For years I have always made a big ordeal for  V day but this year I sadly admit, I will not be able to follow through with my usual celebration. First of all, I am still recovering from Christmas! Secondly, my boyfriend is also suffering from this economy. So we have decided to keep things pretty low key this year. But everyone still wants to feel loved and special on Valentine’s day right? Well I have a few ideas for couples in similar situations. (And I tried not making these reasonable and not too corny.)

• Have a picnic together. I know this is a traditional idea, but I will never grow out of picnic. They are a good way to bond with one another, and it is free! Pack some snacks and lunches and spend the day together at a park or wherever you choose to go. The day is about the two of you.
• Stay home and watch movies. The cost of going to the movies is unreal these days. Why not get your own popcorn and watch a few movies neither one of you have seen? Snuggle up, eat some popcorn and enjoy each others company, even if the movies are bad.
• Write your significant other a poem,love note or letter letting them know your feelings. Valentines day makes it hard to be excited for things like this with the advertisements of jewelry, bears, chocolates and flowers, but it is surprising how much more something from the heart means.
• Make a photo album or memory box of your relationship. We all keep those little trinkets, movie tickets and pictures. What better day to put it all together than Valentines day? Again, something from the heart can mean so much more than a box of chocolates.

This year has been hard on everyone in someway or another, but there is no reason for Valentine’s day not to be special. These are just a few ideas to keep the spark on this day without allowing your bank account to suffer.