Life

A woman holding a red heart-shaped Valentine's gift box
10 Free Valentine's Day Gifts That Are Just As Thoughtful As Something From The Store

by Maggie May Ethridge

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and if you’re in a relationship, that means the pressure is on to find a perfect, personalized, thoughtful gift for your special someone. Even if you and your SO aren’t the biggest supporters of Valentine’s Day, you may still want to give a gift that says you love and are appreciative of them. But after the spending spree that was Christmas, you may not have a lot of money in the bank. So why not take the pressure off and take the expense out of the day entirely? Whether you’ve been married for years or you’re newly in like, there are free Valentine's Day gifts that will bring a smile to both you and your SO's face.

Yes, that’s right. Free. A free Valentine’s Day gift is perfect if you have a tight budget. Not to mention it’s often the simplest gestures are the most powerful, the ones that really sink into our memories and our hearts. Once on my birthday, my husband blew up a ballon for every year of my age, and wrote a reason why he loved me on each one. All these years later, I've never forgotten, and it never fails to make me smile.

And the best part is, you don’t have to be a DIY-er to find a free gift for your SO. Look through this list of free Valentine’s Day gift ideas and get inspired to give your SO a little something special on Feb. 14.

1

Plan A Skinny Dipping Date

This may be some people's idea of torture in the middle of winter, but if you can find access to a hot tub or a sauna, go for it. Skinny dipping together is intimate, funny, and sexy, all in one.

2

Give A Massage

Who doesn't love a massage? Especially one where you don't have to worry about your breasts or vagina being exposed to a perfect stranger. Lay your lover down and use some delicious smelling essential oils to relax both of you.

3

Write A Dirty Limerick

You don't have to be Irish to appreciate a good, dirty limerick. The Scottish Book Trust will teach you how to write a dirty limerick, so no excuses.

4

Decorate Your Significant Other's Car

Wrap their car in a bow, and plaster it with pink and red Post-It notes detailing the reasons you love them. It's going to put a smile on anyone's face when they walk outside first thing in the morning.

5

Make A Meal With Hearts

A heart-shaped meal, how sweet.

6

Compile Your Old Love Letters

Collect your old love letters, print out the emails you sent each other, and make them into a lovely package tied with ribbon.

7

Write A Love Letter

A romantic letter is a timeless, beautiful way to express your love.

8

Make A Love Nest

Scented candles, clean sheets, fluffy pillows, music and low light in a perfectly clean room can lead to a very good night.

9

Create A Love Montage

Using film or photo, create a montage of your shared memories together.

10

Create A Message In A Bottle

Write a love note, a list of things you loved about your lover, or draw a beautiful picture and put it into a bottle, which you can leave in a special place for them to find.

Images: Masson/Fotolia; Giphy (10)