The spirit of Valentine’s Day is to show your special someone that you care about, and value, them.

And you don’t need lavish gifts and a racked up credit card to acknowledge your partner.

Just like a grade-schooler, sit down for 20 minutes and make a card. Using red and pink paper, cut out hearts and glue a picture of your honey in the middle.

Somewhere within your homemade masterpiece, write out all the things you love about them. Who cares if you’re not Picasso or Shakespeare; it doesn’t matter. The thought is what counts.

Rather than booking a dinner out, try cooking a new recipe at home. Pick up fresh ingredients from your local grocer and a reasonably priced bottle of wine.

If your culinary skills are sorely lacking, buy an online coupon to an inexpensive restaurant. If the corkage fee is low, bring your own wine.

If you’re freaked out your partner might think you’re a cheapskate, secretly slip the coupon to your server en route to the washroom.

If you’re planning to exchange gifts, be frugal. Agree to set a limit on your spending. Turn it into a game; who can buy the best Valentine’s gift for less than $25.

Take advantage of coupons, clearance and ‘end-of-season’ sales. If you’re into the great outdoors, give your partner a handmade ‘IOU’ to take them hiking, skating or skiing.

Turn off your computer and phones, fill up a thermos with hot chocolate and go for a romantic walk around your neighbourhood. Spend time talking or download an old movie.

Simply making time for your honey or helping them with a mundane task, like housework, means a lot.

Valentine’s Day is your opportunity to make your partner feel special and you don’t need a helicopter ride to prove you care.