If money is tight, you don't have to go broke to have a special Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas:

 

• When you want to save money, try investing time. Put in the extra planning and effort to make a gift by hand or brainstorm gift ideas. Search the Web, reading as many budget gift articles as you can until you find something you can do that your partner will love.
   

• If you’re not usually the cook, it’s time to start. Find a recipe that your partner likes to order out, but doesn’t usually cook at home. He or she probably doesn’t make it because it’s challenging or time-consuming, so it’ll be even more impressive when you pull it off. Make sure to watch video tutorials before you buy groceries so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
   

• If you’re inexperienced in the kitchen, Italian food is pretty forgiving and a bottle of wine can cover minor culinary mishaps. Try the recipe here for an easy, affordable dinner at home. Set the table with a tablecloth and add candles for romance. And if you're sharing Valentine's Day with your children, let them help to set the table and make hearts to decorate. This chicken pesto pasta recipe is a hit with everyone, whether it's just the two of you, or if you've got little guests too.