Most of us – men especially – view Valentine’s Day as a “Hallmark Holiday.”

For those of you who have never heard this term, it means that Valentine’s Day is pretty much just a corporate sponsored holiday created to force us to spend money on our significant others.

We go along with it because – let’s be honest – if we didn’t, we’d never hear the end of it. This being the case, here are some simple and inexpensive ways for you to get the most of the “holiday” and show your girlfriend or wife that you actually spent a little time thinking about what you ultimately give them.

1) Write your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife a sincere love letter, explaining why and how much you love them, and why they’re the best thing in your life. Taking the time to write a letter like this will mean a lot and melt their heart!

2) Give him or her something other than the cliche gifts like teddy bears or roses, especially if roses aren’t her favorite flower and he has no need for a new stuffed animal. This will help to save you money, and it shows that you care enough to know what her favorite flowers are.

3) Plan out and cook a dinner at home, and, if possible, make it your significant other their favorite meal. As stated above, it’s cheaper to make a meal at home than it is to go out and eat, plus it will show you’ve listened when he or she has talked.

4) End the night by offering to giving your partner a full body massage. Don’t act like you’re offering this based on alterior motives, and it just might work out in your favor!

Follow this advice and you can have an inexpensive but still very sweet and thoughtful Valentine’s Day.