Often dubbed the most romantic day in the year, Valentine's Day is a time for love. Remember, just because you aren't married, or do not have a boyfriend or girlfriend, does not necessarily mean that you can not have a Valentine and celebrate this special day. In fact, your children, your friends, anyone can qualify to be your Valentine. It's about loving someone, not necessarily being "in love" with someone. And Valentine's Day is a day to recognize that connection and spend some quality time together.

Our Top 25 Ways to Celebrate without Spending Too Much

1.  A walk in the park

Consider taking a stroll in the park. Walking hand in hand, talk about anything that comes to mind. You might wish to bring a  picnic or bring a book to read together and a blanket. If you are strolling in a park with ducks, consider bringing some bread. If the park has a playground, swing together. See who can go higher. Just spend some fun, quality time together.

2.  Pack a Picnic

Consider packing up a picnic from home. Sandwiches, salads and fruits make for a great picnic. Grab your favorite beverage or simply pack some coffee or hot chocolate if it's chilly out. Make a special dessert to enjoy together. Cookies, brownies, chocolate cheesecake, and anything chocolate, make terrific desserts.

3.  Take a Picture or Two

Digital cameras mean that pictures don't have to be costly.  Take them of each other, or grab someone and ask them to play photographer before returning the favor. Be romantic, be goofy, show how much you love each other. It's a fun way to spend some time together and you'll be able to have those photos to remember that time always.

4.  Heart shaped Pizza

With a pizza cutter, it's not that hard to take a normal pizza and cut it into a heart shape.  It's the thought that counts.  

5.  Make a memory jar. Take simple slips of paper and write a favorite memory on each one. Be specific, and try to record as much about the occasion as you can. Tuck them into a jar or wooden box, tied with a bow.

6. Build a romantic fire. Host your own indoor picnic, complete with  chocolate-covered strawberries.

7. Recreate your first date together. What were you wearing? Where did you go? Do you remember what you talked about? Spend the evening reminiscing and reflecting on how far you have come as a couple.

8. Spoon.

9. Choose a book in which you are both interested, fiction or nonfiction. Read a new chapter each night before bed.

10. Make a tape of the songs special to you. Include "your song," songs from your wedding, etc.

11. Turn off the TV and play a game of Scrabble or Pictionary.

12. Write about the feelings you experienced when you first met your mate. Write about the first time you knew you were in love.

13. Frame a new, special photo of the two of you and display it in your home.

14. Kidnap your spouse. A friend of mine had a lot of success with this one. Kidnapping with the element of surprise is a fun way to add to the excitment.

15. Travel to another town, where no one will recognize you. Check into a hotel or Bed and Breakfast.

16. Jot down 20 things you love about your partner and slip it under his dinner plate.

17. Cook her favorite breakfast.

18. Have a scavenger hunt. Write a few poems, wrap candy kisses inside, and hide them around the house. Each poem should be a clue to finding the next one. Make sure the final clue lands your mate someplace you want to end up for the entire evening.

19. Write down fifty favorite memories of your life spent together so far. Invite your partner to add to the list, as well as to share special ideas for the future.

19. Leave a message on her voicemail with a silly, romantic poem. (Roses are red, violets are blue . . .)

20. Bring homemade cookies or brownies to his office with a simple love note.

21. Create a special memorial book using photos of the times spent together. Begin with your earliest memories and build to present day. Include fun things like movie ticket or concert ticket stubs, shells from that vacation, or packages of seeds for your lovers’ garden. Finish with a hand written note or poem and use a thick ribbon to tie it all together.

22. Is your darling an outdoor lover? Try hand carving a special message whether it be in the snow, beach, or the side of a tree. My personal favorite is choosing a tree that can be seen for inside your home. Carve a heart with your initials inside and use a little red nail polish to accent the carving. A little clear spray paint will seal it for years to come.

23. Buy the box of inexpensive Valentine's designed for children's use and get creative in their placement.  Use each one to say something different or as clues leading your love to a special dinner, event or place. 

24. Whether you’re new to the dating scene or blissfully married, romance is always a necessity. Many times romantic movies are considered “chick flicks” Valentines is truly the day to share those movies that create unmistakable warmth in the romance department. I recommend the following movies, which will not leave any woman un-touched:

Pride and Prejudice

Return to Me (personal favorite)
The Notebook
The Wedding Planner
Chocolat
A Walk to Remember
An Officer and a Gentleman
Body Guard
Message in a Bottle
Casablanca
Doctor Zhivago

25.  Get really dressed up and go dancing under the stars.  Just you. 

It doesn’t take much to make Valentine’s Day extraordinary. The important thing that makes it a successful and memorable night is that you made the effort to make someone feel special.