If money is tight this year, spending a fortune on V-day gifts is totally unrealistic. You shouldn't have to break the bank when choosing a gift for your man, and likewise, he doesn't need to empty out his wallet to get you roses, diamonds or an expensive dinner. Here are a few creative ways to spend Valentine's Day that won't make you cringe as you fork over that hard-earned cash.

1. Pamper Your Partner

Valentine's Day. Some couples--well, girls--look forward to it for months. The preparation, the gifts, the sweet little nothings that make the evening special...all that is great, but what if you don't have a special someone to spend the special day with? Are you destined to waste the night away watching cheesy romantic comedies and stuffing your squirrel cheeks with See's and Dreyer's? Are you supposed to put on a happy face until you go to bed, when your big brown eyes will cry until your mascara reaches your chin?

Valentine's Day is a day for thoughtful and sweet gifts. They don't have to be expensive, but they do have to send the right message. Here are some of the worst gifts to give and receive.

WORST GIFTS FOR HER:
(You can go ahead and print this out for your man as an example of what you definitely DON'T want)

1. A gift card
WAY too impersonal. This just shows that your man didn't put much thought into looking for a gift.

2. Cash

Wondering what to write on that Valentine's Day card for your sweetie?

If you're suffering from a touch of writer's block, get inspired by reading some beautiful and beloved love quotes.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. "Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

2. "For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow." ~ Rosemonde Gerard

What better way to start the night off right than a sexy cocktail before dinner? Whether it’s chocolate or exotic fruit you crave, these martinis will have you falling in love at first sip. Enjoy!

My Chocolate Valentine

1 splash club soda
1 splash cream
.75 oz. brown crème de cacao
.75 oz. vanilla vodka
.5 oz. cherry juice

Showing your special guy that you care doesn't have to involve fancy dinners or pricey gifts. Everybody's a little budget-conscious these days and there's no reason why a romantic Valentine's Day together should break the bank. Here are some simple, romantic, sexy and effective ways to show your man you love him.

1. Give him a full-body massage.
2. Create a bubble bath, light candles...and hop in with him!
3. Make him his very favorite dish (or, when all else fails, go for some steak!)

Instead of giving your lover a standard present this Valentine's Day, surprise him with a thoughtful, personalized gift. By taking the time to have something personalized for the man in your life, you show him that he is truly appreciated and make it clear that you put thought into the selection of the present.

The holiday of love often means thinking of gifts for your spouse, kids or other family members. If a giant red teddy bear holding a stuffed heart won't cut it, try a more personalized approach to Valentine gift-giving. A gift that holds meaning for the recipient and shows your thought in selecting the gift makes a more loving impression.