10 Free Ways to Show Your Love
These gifts from the heart are sure to impress your loved ones this Valentine's Day.

Americans are expected to spend less on gifts and cards for Valentine’s Day this year -- an average of $63 compared with $67 in 2009, according to the National Retail Federation. We’ve come up with ten ways to say “I love you” without spending a dime.
Make coupons for favors. Create coupons redeemable for a massage, favorite homemade meal, car wash or whatever your loved one desires.
Make a mix tape. You’ll feel like you’re in junior high again as you put your honey’s favorite love songs on one tape, er, I mean CD or playlist on his iPod.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Keep a love journal. Write down memories, feelings, etc., in a notebook and give it to him or her for Valentine's Day. Then add entries to it for anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions -- or just because.
Breakfast in bed. Let your spouse sleep in while you whip up some pancakes and coffee while he or she dozes. (Be sure to clean up the kitchen so your significant other doesn’t wake up to a mess.)
Do your spouse’s chores. This one is guaranteed to get you in the good graces of your significant other. Offer to do a chore -- such as washing clothes or taking out the garbage -- that he or she usually does for a week.
Tackle a home project. Maybe there’s a closet in your house overflowing with junk, or a room that needs to be painted, or a pantry that needs to be organized. Your honey will be so happy if you tackle this task for him or her.
Grandparents, volunteer to babysit. Offer to watch the grandkids so your child can get a little alone time with his or her sweetie. They’ll love you for it -- and your grandchildren will love the opportunity to spend time with you.
Give mom some time off. No grandparents to watch the kids so you both can go out? Tell your wife to leave the house for a few hours and do whatever she darn well pleases while you take care of the baby. She will return refreshed and more in the mood for romance after the children are asleep.
Make cards. Get the kids to make cards for their parents, grandparents and friends. My daughter had a lot of fun making cards for all her classmates this year (much more personal than some cheesy Hannah Montana card). We used markers and paper we already had at home.
Watch a classic. Rather than spend money dining out at a crowded restaurant, stay at home and watch a movie you both love. Pick out a DVD you already own or check out the free downloads at Netflix.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.
Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.
-
S&P 500 Hits New High on Jobs Friday Eve: Stock Market Today
The S&P 500 hit a new all-time closing high and most of the stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up the day before a critical jobs report.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Taxpayers Over Age 65
Tax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-Free
State Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween, and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
-
Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025
Sales Taxes The new tax-free holiday in Florida brought month-long savings on computers, clothing and other school supplies.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime Day
Smart Buying Is Amazon Prime Day still a good deal? We'll break it down.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and More
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2025
Credit Cards If you're searching for a credit card that rewards you for everyday purchases, we've chosen the best.