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15 · Thursday, February 4, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Celebrate your love on a budget Valentine's Day is all about bigticket purchases and spending a fortune to show you care, right? Not necessarily. While the holiday is known for gift-giving, those tokens of appreciation needn't break the bank. After all, Valentine's Day is about expressing love and affection, which doesn't have to cost a lot. In today's economy, it's prudent for couples to conserve funds and celebrate Valentine's Day on a budget. The way to that special someone's heart just may be a fatter bank account rather than an ueber-expensive gift. Here are some ways to celebrate in a fiscally responsible way. 1. When purchasing a gift for your sweetheart, think about something that will truly touch his or her heart, without necessarily paying attention to price tag. For example, if he is a sports buff, maybe tickets to a favorite game could be on the expensive side. If she has a special author, pick up the newest release from that writer. 2. Jewelry is commonly thought of on Valentine's Day. Fortunately, there are jewelry pieces that fit all types of budgets. If diamonds aren't possible, choose her birthstone or even a stone that reminds you of her favorite color or the day you met. 3. It may be customary to dine out on Valentine's Day, and many people choose to do so. Some restaurants offer a more expensive or extravagant menu on this special night, which may not fit in with your financial plans. Think about treating your sweetheart to a brunch or Valentine's Day lunch instead. 4. Florists do much of their business on this day of love. Flowers, much like chocolates and romantic dinners, are customary Valentine's Day traditions. See if there are any discounts for ordering well in advance. Potted plants will last longer than cut flowers, so consider purchasing your sweetheart a houseplant that will grow over the years, and tuck a single rose into the foliage as a romantic gesture. 6. Choose affordable options whenever possible. Just as there are sugar-free cakes for those who can't eat sugar, there are plenty of ways to say "I love you" and treat your special someone to holiday traditions in a less expensive way. A chocolate lover will appreciate a box of chocolate regardless of whether it's from a high-priced specialty store or from the neighborhood candy shop. You can certainly splurge on delicious desserts from the hottest bakery, or choose something he or she will adore equally, such as warm homemade brownies smothered in ice cream and whipped cream. Find the perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine's Day Valentine's Day, a celebration for lovers and those in love! Someone in love since yesterday. Someone in love since forever. Someone deeply in love. Someone madly in love. Someone who loves a father, or a daughter. We love to love, that's the essence of humanity! Pretty cards, flamboyant roses, little chocolate hearts, poems inscribed on nice paper... the heart is wrapped up along with all the big and little gifts. We want to please, to charm. We want to prove our love and receive proof we are loved. There are words, acts and gifts. These three essential ingredients, brought to a boil, create a potion that fires up our hearts on Valentine's Day. But since it's not always easy to find an original gift for those we love, here are a few ideas. For the woman in your life, go on a little treasure hunt to discover an unusual little gem, something out of the ordinary that she'll be proud to wear. You will certainly find something exceptional in an import boutique, for example. If she is somewhat nostalgic, give her an almanac (or a calendar) from the year she was born. And if she sees you in everything, even in her soup, choose your best photo to be printed on a mouse pad or a cup. For your gentleman, show him that he really is your "star" by giving him a director's chair, personalized with his name. If he is the least bit tender, a nice bathrobe, also personalized, will certainly please him.