This Valentine's Day will be different to all previous years in many ways, but perhaps most significantly because this year you will probably have a little less cash at your disposal due to the current economic downturn.

So, while you can't afford to buy her that gold chain or those diamond earrings, you don't have to be a millionaire to show someone that you love them. We've handpicked top gifts that will still say 'I love you' without costing a fortune...

The baking queen

So, you don't have a lot of cash but you can bake a mean cake? Well then why not bake your honey a cake and decorate it with Smarties (preferably red ones!) in the shape of a heart. If cake doesn't tickle his fancy, then how about heart-shaped cookies? Make his favourite cookies — whether they are ginger, chocolate-chip or oats — add some milk and you're good to go.

Go crazy!

The Crazy Store is a cheaper alternative to the bigger department stores and sometimes you can find the ideal gift or decoration for that special someone. You can also find great gift bags, artificial rose petals, scented candles or balloons.

Massage in a bottle

One of the cheapest ways to make your partner feel really special is to give him or her some well-deserved TLC. The best way to give TLC is by giving him/her a great all-over body massage. What is great about a massage is that it is virtually free (unless you want to use a body cream but this is not essential) and you can both spoil each other. There is no better way to show your love than to give some hands-on treatment.

Driving Miss Daisy

In the romance category, few things can compete with a long, lazy drive or walk along the beach or even a mountain pass, as long it's not too strenuous. And while petrol is still relatively cheap, a long drive won't burn a whole in your pocket. Alternatively, if you are nature lovers go for a long stroll along the beach. Write your names in the sand, draw a heart around them and take a picture for memory's sake.

The writing's on the wall

Take some of your lipstick and show him you love him by writing 'I love you' on the bathroom mirror. Or write a short message on a post-it and stick it on the fridge, on his desk, or anywhere that he's likely to notice it. You'll be sure to get a call or a kiss after he's read it...

The naked chef

Instead of spending money at a restaurant, rather cook a meal together. Find a recipe both of you like and if you have enough time to include a dessert, even better. Don't forget to have a bottle of wine between cooking and eating.

If music hath the language of love…

Get a copy of 'your song', put it on repeat and dance the night away, under a perfect sunset.

Written in the movies

Going to the movies might not seem like a great idea, but aside from being cost-effective, it can actually be intimate too. Make sure you go early and take a seat in the back row, which will give you lots of space to get really intimate with your sweetheart.

Whatever you do, don't be pressurised to get the biggest teddy bear or the most expensive bunch of flowers and as clichéd as it sounds, it really is the thought that counts. The purpose of the day is to be in close proximity to the one you love and you can do that without having to spend a cent.