Looking for Valentine’s day gift ideas for loved ones should not be stressful. It should be a pleasurable time that we enjoy while we show appreciation and affection to those we love. Money should never get in the way of that.

Many times we fall prey to the pressures of society and feel like we have to keep up with the Jones’ when most times, the best gifts that come from the heart are imaginative, thoughtful and low cost. In fact, there are many ways you can show your love for someone on valentine’s day by getting them the perfect gift that doesn’t cost any money at all.

Here’s a few ideas:

1. Love Coupons. nothing says I Love You more than a coupon book full of redeemable favors for your partner. You can have a lot of fun by creating ones that are specific to your relationship. If you have kids you can even get them in on it, and make a day out of it.

2. Romantic Sleepover. Get a babysitter (if you have kids), and have your own picnic and/or sleepover in the living room around the fireplace. Let yourself be free of all inhibitions and don’t worry about the silliness of it. It’ll be fun.

3. 100 Reasons. Create a long list of 100 Reasons That I Love You. Wrap it nicely, and/or create it in a crafty booklet, photo album, or other unique idea.

4. Love Notes. Leave love notes all around the house where you’ll know your partner will come across them throughout the day. In their wallet or purse, in the bathroom, under the pillow, etc. The love notes could even be love coupons!

5. New Vows. If you’re married, surprise your partner with a new set of vows over a nice candlelight dinner at home.

6. Window Shopping. You can go window shopping and discuss all your future dreams together. Maybe even go to some open houses to look at a couple dream homes during the day.

7. Spa Treatment Yes, this one can be free too! If you prepare a candlelit bath, your partner’s favorite music, and add a sensual massage, you have all the makings of a romantic spa treatment right in the comfort of your own home!

When most think of gift giving on Valentine’s day, what comes to mind is typically what a man is going to get to show his love and appreciation for a woman. It’s a day of heavy marketing, sold-out florists, and celebrity engagements on the news.

However, love and romance is a two-way street, at least we all hope it to be, and there are still an abundance of women who feel the desire to find the perfect gift for their man on February 14th each year.

With Valentine’s day coming so soon after Christmas, and women not having the obvious choices like heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and a dozen long stem roses, there is usually a little more thought involved in the gift giving, decision-making process.

Or is there?

Just like Christmas, a Valentines day gift for him should come from the heart. The only real difference is that on February 14th, this particular gift should encapsulate your love for him and shine with a romantic beam. Keep in mind that sometimes it’s the way you present the gift that will spark the romanticism of the day as opposed to the gift itself.

Add a magic touch

When you are choosing a Valentine’s gift for him this year, give the following some thought and maybe add your own little personal touch to them.

For instance, are you always getting him to run errands for the smallest things? Why not insist that he goes to the grocery store for tampons right this second (as soon as he wakes up), but when he opens the car door he sees a note telling him to come back upstairs for a gift (and thanks for being a great guy!)

If you have this frame of mind when choosing a gift for him, then the possibilities of what to get him are really endless. Remember, it is about the thought, imagination, and you making him feel special on Valentine’s day, not the actual material things.

Valentine’s day is the time to celebrate your love for one another, but what does that mean for married couples? Sometimes our progression into more responsibility and the daily grind of mature life can change our priorities and even our spirit. What once was a day that you looked forward to, may get lost and pass by without being celebrated at all.

Sometimes we simply grow, change, and no longer have the same interests. However, love is one joy that is magical, life-giving, and something that always gives us happiness, regardless of the situation we’re in, how old we are, or how busy we are.

If you are married and somehow lost touch with the romantic side that once was, then use Valentine’s day to recapture that spirit.

All it takes is action to keep it exciting!

If you’re busy, use the one 7 mobile devices that you carry for work to remind you to schedule some time for Valentine’s day celebration with your spouse! No, not just an alarm that dings when it’s February 14th, but reminders several weeks before to create a special day for you and your spouse to help rekindle that fire you had when you were younger.

You just need a spark.

If you plan weeks beforehand, then you will not feel the stress of getting things together once the actual day arrives.

Here’s a few things you might want to consider planning well ahead of time:

• Get a babysitter
• Make dinner reservations or plan out your meal for the night (and buy the food)
• Buy a new outfit
• Look online for ideas on a thoughtful gift
• And anything else you’d love to do! Do it!

Surprise your spouse with something unique this year and don’t even bother going to the local florist or the grocery store for a last minute box of chocolates.

Make it meaningful – and that doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. Just make sure it’s from the heart.