Every Valentine’s Day couples scramble to secure reservations and gifts while single men and women sulk or celebrate their unattached status. If you happen to have someone in mid-February, odds are you spend an excessive amount of money to live up to Saint Valentine’s standards. The expectations of the holiday leave many searching for Valentine’s Day savings, specially those who haven’t heard of Offers.com yet. The day designated for chocolates and champagne has left couples looking for the obvious gifts and dates. Many couples forget that the best savings can come from creativity and a rejection of routine.

By observing how commercialized Valentine’s Day has become, it’s easy to wait until the last minute to buy a teddy bear and a card, go to the same restaurant, or go to the same theater year after year. The holiday gives you an obligation to do something romantic, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept the status quo. This holiday can give you the opportunity to save money by getting creative. The most thoughtful, romantic things rarely cost anything. For example, collect some lyrics from songs that remind you of your partner. Write a line on a piece of paper and leave it on the bathroom sink. Leave another on their windshield or car seat, and other places they’ll catch throughout the day.

Instead of spending time and money securing reservations to a restaurant, cook for your loved one. Even if you are a terrible cook, the thought alone will be more romantic than just about any restaurant. If you’d still like a date out of the house, save money and go out on a night other than Valentine’s Day. Surprise your lover by going out February 12. You won’t see as many lines, the service should be better, and you’ll save money. The most important thing to remember is that sometimes the most romantic things don’t cost any money at all. You can’t put a price on personal touch and creativity.