Seven Inexpensive Valentine's Day Gifts That Will Melt Her Heart

Want to impress your sweetheart on Valentine's Day-but don't have a lot of cash to do it? Don't worry. Most women care more about the thought it takes to choose a heartfelt gift than they do about how much money you spent. If you can't spend money, spend time. It's sure to make her even happier than an expensive present. Here are seven inexpensive gift ideas she'll love.

A love letter. Any woman would be thrilled to receive a sincere love letter. If writing isn't your strong point, don't worry-she'll care more about the thoughts you express than your grammar and spelling. Simply write down all the things you love about her or tell her about the moment you fell in love with her. Before you give it to her, have a trusted friend look it over-preferably a female friend-to make sure you're expressing what you want to say.

A special playlist. You don't have to be a musician to give her a musical gift. Create a playlist of songs that remind you of her. Arrange it on her computer while she's out, and upload it to her Mp3 player as a surprise. The music you choose could include a song that was playing when you met; songs with lyrics that make you think of her; and romantic love songs you think she'll love.

Dinner and a movie at your place. If you can't afford to take her out to dinner and a movie, why not bring the date home? Make her a delicious candlelit meal at your place, complete with a bottle of wine. Then make popcorn, put in a movie, and snuggle on the couch. Choose a romantic movie you'll both love-preferably one that relates to your own relationship in some way. It's sure to be more romantic than an evening at the movie theatre.

An intimate evening. You don't have to buy her an expensive teddy to give her an intimate gift this Valentine's Day. Instead, simply light candles or scatter rose petals, have a romantic meal waiting in the stove, and surprise her at home. Give her a long, romantic evening of dining and conversation, then move to the bedroom for some more intimate time together. Many women love the anticipation as much as the actual deed, which is why a nice, leisurely meal first is a good idea to let her unwind. Oh, and dress up for the occasion-even if you won't be needing your clothes later.

Erotic photos. Love photography? Show your sweetheart she's your top model with a fun erotic photography session. Then give her the camera and let her take sexy pictures of you, too. You can delete these after you take them if you're concerned about privacy, or you can put them in a "secret" photo album only the two of you have access to. Either way, this fun photography session is sure to lead to more.

Make your own candy. Don't want to buy chocolates this year? Why not make your own? It's definitely possible to make your own truffles and other candies, although it may take a few tries to get it right. Pick up some cardboard, construction paper, and other supplies at a craft shop, and make your own box to put them in. This gift is sure to make her smile-even if the candies don't come out perfect, she'll love the effort you put into the gift.

Romantic gift certificates. Homemade gift certificates are a great present for Valentine's Day. Make your own certificates for things you know she'll want-anything from a romantic snuggle on the sofa to a night off from cooking. These gifts are sure to please her, and they don't have to cost anything to you.

Valentine's Day isn't about spending a lot of money on the person you love. It's about reminding her how much you care about her. Most people spend lots of money on Valentine's Day because it's easy to do that, if you have it in the bank. But time and effort can be even more effective than money in showing your loved one that you care. Put some thought into a gift that really shows her how you feel about her-or one that will allow you to give her your undivided attention for an entire evening. Chances are, she'll like it more than she would an expensive gift.