According to Statistic Brain, the average annual spending for Valentine’s Day in America totals $13.19 billion.  But how romantic can you feel when you’re stressing over money?  Keep the love alive and your finances intact with one of our 9 budgeting tips for a memorable Valentine’s Day – without breaking the bank.

Valentine’s Day Budgeting Tips

1. Go on an experiential date.

Check out Living Social or Groupon for an adventurous deal like horseback riding or hang gliding.

2. Recreate your favorite vacation.

Surprise your Valentine with a Nora Ephron movie marathon to commemorate your trip to New York, or make sushi together if you’ve traveled to Japan.

3. Write a love poem.

For the novice, here’s a quick crash course.  Not a person of many words? Try a haiku: you only need three lines and a total of 17 syllables.

4. Skip the fancy restaurant.

You don’t need a reservation at your own place. Make your Valentine’s favorite dinner together, adding some romantic ambience with candles and a record player. Need an idea for recipes? Jamie Oliver has you covered.

5. Think beyond a dozen roses.

Instead, pick one stunning flower at a farmer’s market, supporting your local merchants. Or, pick a living plant like an orchid or herbs to give your Valentine something more lasting. Don’t forget to save the money you were planning to spend!

6. Be tourists (for free).

Plan a date doing something in your hometown that you both truly enjoy together and may not normally have the time to do. For example, here are tons of free activities and events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

7. Tell your Valentine why you love them.

Whether you’ve been married for 20 years or you’re spending the holiday with your best friend, write your Valentine a list of things you love about them.  The written word lasts forever.

8. Adopt a little valentine.

If you’ve been considering adding a new pet to your life, Valentine’s is a great time to show an animal some love. Save yourself some money (and save an abandoned pet) by rescuing a furry friend from your local animal shelter.

9. Extend the love beyond your family.

Teach your kids to give by making some handmade Valentine’s cards together and delivering them to a local convalescent home.

Don’t worry about expectations this Valentine’s Day – just remember to have fun. Romance and thoughtfulness go hand in hand without tons of money leaving your wallet. What’s your favorite budget-friendly Valentine’s tip?

Looking for more advice about love & finances? Check out the three discussions you should have before you get married.