Budget Valentine's Day Romance

All celebrations need not take place outside. Some are best enjoyed within the privacy of your den. Check out these options.

1. Pamper her with breakfast in bed
Make her feel like royalty by gallantly serving her breakfast in bed. You can display your culinary expertise (if you have one!) or fall back on the tried-and-tested toast, juice and her favourite hot beverage. It doesn't matter. What does matter is the style and the presentation. A single red rose or a bouquet of wild flowers placed on the tray add a lovely touch.

2. Give her an unexpected off from work
Even as she is taking in the novelty of being served breakfast in bed, let her know that the surprises haven't ended yet. Announce her day off from work and savour her delighted smile. Spend the day in each others' company. Rent out a favourite DVD, keep a huge bowl of popcorn handy and enjoy the movie together. Or, get naughty in the middle of the day and offer sensuous back rubs to one another.

3. Romance the evening
Okay, so a candle-lit dinner in a swanky restaurant is not on your radar this Valentine's Day. But, who says that your own home cannot double up as an exotic getaway? Put your creativity to the test and transform your pad into an Arabian Nights fantasy (or any other theme you want). Getting the necessary props is not that difficult. Go for some inexpensive scented candles and have some sensuous Arabic music playing in the background. Move the chairs and tables aside and throw some silk cushions and rugs on the floor. Rustle up her favourite dish (okay, so it doesn't quite go with the Arabian Nights theme, but that's what fusion culture is all about!). Now, all you have to do is to relax and enjoy the evening together.

Get more of these ideas at Beat the Credit Crunch on Valentine's Day

If the outdoors has a greater lure, then here are some cost-effective ways to extract all the enjoyment from the day without worrying about the bill!

1. Pack a picnic hamper
If the weather gods promise some glorious weather on Valentine's Day, well, then, there's no way you are going to pass up on the opportunity. Plan a picnic for the two of you. Put together sandwiches, juices, an inexpensive bottle of wine or any other non-alcoholic beverage, paper napkins and a tablecloth. There are plenty of parks and gardens where one can savour the beauty of nature.

2. Do fun things together
Want an adrenalin rush on Valentine's Day? Embrace the outdoors! Weather permitting, this can be a great day to embark on something as simple and fun as a cycling trip. Either rent one or use your own (much cheaper). Explore familiar surroundings on a cycle, discover little-known spots and enjoy the leisurely pace that cycling offers.

For more such ideas go to Low-cost Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day

Want to avoid being predictable? Want to avoid the usual flowers and chocolates? Get creative, and here's how!

1. Write a love letter; alternatively, make your own card
A woman simply loves it when her man goes all mushy and sentimental. Write her a love letter this Valentine's Day. Spay perfume on a good quality paper, use gold or silver ink and lay your heart bare. Alternatively, if writing epistles make you break out in cold sweat, then create a handmade Valentine's Day card for her rather than a store-bought one. Let your imagination run and give wings to your emotions.

2. A photo collage
You probably have loads of photos of her and the two of you - all stored on your digital camera or mobile phone. This is the time to get a print out of the best of the lot and put together a nice collage for her. Tape a magnet on the backside so that she can stick it to the fridge and see it frequently.

3. Surprise her
Does she think that you are a pretty chilled out kind of a guy who steers clear of all things sentimental? Well, here's your chance to show otherwise. If she has been expecting the usual romantic chocolates and flowers, delight her with a ticket to her favourite romantic movie. Or, if you are the typical busy, rushed-off-his-feet professional, then it is your time that she craves. Surprise her with a day off (yours) and land up at her workplace. Take her out for a picnic lunch and enjoy the unexpected joy of the moment.

Learn more such ideas at this article: Valentine's Day - 5 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off!