Valentine's Day...15 ways to celebrate without breaking the bank

I've been working on compiling a list of ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day without breaking the bank.  Times are tough in our economy today and the retail market does a great job to make us feel like we're missing out on Valentine's Day if we don't celebrate it the way that they market it.  I'm not saying that it's bad or wrong to buy a dozen roses, box of chocolates or even go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner.  However, if that's not in your budget I would suggest that you talk with your spouse (or significant other) and discuss what expectations you have for Valentine's Day.  Then agree on something and stick to it.

The following is a list of things I thought of to celebrate Valentine's Day simply.  Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other ideas.

• Take a walk downtown and browse the shops together.
• Stroll around some thrift stores or flea markets together.
• Have a date night at home after the kids go to bed.  Watch a movie, pop some popcorn and cuddle up on the couch!  
• Write love letters to each other.
• Make Valentine's Day coupons (couldn't leave that one out could I?) for each other.  You can get creative with this one...one back rub, one night out w/the girls, I'll mow the lawn, car wash, etc.  I found some pre-made HERE, HERE and HERE.
• Play games at home together...cards, monopoly, etc.  Invite the kids too if you want!
• After the kids go to bed put on some of your favorite music and dance together.
• Make a Valentine breakfast for your spouse.  Don't forget to make heart shaped pancakes!
• Put a note or gift in your husband's (or wife's) lunch box on Valentine's Day morning.
• Make a book reflecting on special memories that you've made through the years.
• Draw a heart on the bathroom mirror for your spouse to see when the get home from work.
• Make a sweet dessert to share w/each other.
• Know your spouses love language...my husband's is Acts of Service.  Do something for him that focuses on that the rest of the day.
• Give each other a massage at the end of the day.
• Make a special dinner to share together after the kids go to bed. (Feed the kids beforehand!)