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!

Let’s face it, getting a gift for your loved one always has at least a little bit of pressure to it, but getting a Valentine’s day for that someone special doesn’t have to be stressful. Lavish gifts are nice but not always genuinely appreciated.  However, you are going to hit a home run 100% of the time with gifts that come from the heart, peppered with thought, imagination, and a little personalization sprinkled on top.

Here’s 5 ideas for either a man or a woman that you can use to create the perfect Valentine’s day gift for your loved one this season. You are sure to hit the mark with or without purchased items in this list:

1. Kill procrastination. No, I’m not talking about running out and getting a card from Hallmark a week early this year. What I mean is get something done that your loved one has been nagging you to do for-ev-er! Trust me, everyone has an unresolved task that their loved one would LOVE them to finish or get started on.

Make that happen, and then declare it in a note inside your Valentine’s Day card. Your time, but most importantly, your acknowledgment of something that’s important to them, is your gift and that will be greatly appreciated!

2. Reunite. Spread the love beyond yourselves as a couple. Why not contact an old friend or family member that has been out of touch for a while. You would not believe the emotional charge one can get from a reunion with someone who meant a lot on the past.  Even if it is impossible to have them meet in person, a phone call or a Skype video session would still be spectacular!

3. Chef Valentine. Think cooking a meal for your loved one as a valentine’s day gift is kinda boring? It doesn’t have to be.  What about whipping up the exact meal that you had on your first dinner together. The taste and smells of past memories are extremely powerful, even if that special memory is tequila and chicken wings. It’s not about the stereotypical dinner for two, it’s about reconnecting by reliving a fond memory. If you also went to a movie on that special night, rent it. What music was playing? play it. You get the idea.

4. Archive Memories. This one works well for those couples who have already been together for a while. Photos and video often end up in albums and on film backups that never actually get pulled out again. Why not pic a special memory and display them in a special way like a calendar, or even something you you make yourself. If it’s video, maybe have a DVD made with a special Valentine’s day cover. This one works really well in combination with number 3.

5. The Write Gift! If you’re looking for a gift that costs you absolutely nothing, then writing a love letter or poem to express your love and affection is one of the best gifts you can give. If you have writing skills, it’s a no-brainer, but if you don’t that’s ok! You could simply research some poetry ideas online (or at the library) or an even better idea would be to not worry about prose and just speak from the heart. That’s often the best way to your loved one’s heart!

On February 14th, every year, lovers wear their heart on their sleeve and show their feelings for one another through celebration. This is the day of love and affection that we call Valentine’s Day.

As with every other holiday, there is a story behind the reason for celebrating on Valentine’s Day and showering each other with flowers, love, and chocolate.

One tale dates way back to the 3rd century B.C., thousands of years ago, there was a saint named Valentine who lived as a priest in the kingdom of Saint Claudius II. This king had the notion that strong family bonds and loving relationships weaken his soldiers, so in an attempt to have a stronger military, marriage was outlawed and strictly forbidden for young men.

Saint Valentine, who spent most of his life helping to tie the bonds of love between couples in the kingdom, disagreed with the king and disobeyed his orders by secretly continuing to coordinate marriages secretly.

Eventually, the king caught wind of what Saint Valentine was doing and sentenced him to death on, you guessed it, February 14th. Ever since his death, that day in February has been celebrated in honor of love and the spirit of Saint Valentine.

Another version of the Saint Valentine story tells a tale of the man being held captive who was in love with his jailer’s daughter.  The day that he was to be put to death is still the same, February 14th, but in this version, it was the a love letter that he wrote to his lover on the day of his death that sparked the Valentine’s day celebration.

The love letter was said to have been signed Your Valentine, and started the tradition of sharing love letters and gifts to express the love and affection that one had for another.

Obviously, it’s extremely difficult to know the real story behind Saint Valentine, but the important part that holds true in every version is that he was an idol of love and stood strong to fight for it.

Remember that it is the tradition of love that is celebrated on Valentine’s day every year and although material things play a big part of the celebration in our society, it is the true message of love that matters the most.