Have you been putting off planning for Valentine’s Day? If you have been, your day of reckoning has arrived. You’ve probably got less than eight hours to pull off a respectable Valentine’s Day. Chances are, of course, that you are going to be apart from your sweetie all day, so when you meet up later, you can provide a surprise.

Here are some things you can plan for this evening — even if you are behind. (and you’re welcome )

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St. Valentine’s Day is exactly four days away and you have exactly one weekend to plan something absolutely fabulous. We had our friend Laura Pagles of Fatwallet share a few ideas for first time Valentine’s day gifts but what if you aren’t celebrating your first? What if you’re celebrating your fifth? Or fiftieth? (congrats by the way, if you’re celebrating your fiftieth!)

After the courtship period, where you don’t know as much about your partner, Valentine’s Day is more about the thought you put into it the store and buying something fancy. It’s more about understanding what your partner enjoys and loves, which could very well be something fancy at the store. After a few years, you should know this and not pay the fool’s premium on something that won’t get the most appreciation. So these ideas are “frugal” in the sense that it’s not your typical VDay gift of diamonds, flowers, and chocolate.

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My first Valentine’s Day with my now-husband, I received a gorgeous floral arrangement delivered at work, followed by dinner out and chased with 1/3 carat diamond stud earrings. We were young, had no financial commitments other than auto insurance, and had money to throw at courtin’.

The sad truth: Your first Valentine’s Day performance sets the bar for (what hopefully will be) years to come.

Whether seeking a romantic gift for Valentine’s Day or Hug Your Cat Day, try gifts that say, “there’s no where to go but ‘up’ from here.”

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With Valentine’s Day coming up in just a few short days, you’re either all ready or not at all. If you’re in the second camp, don’t rush out and buy a mass produced Valentine’s Day card and a box of chocolates in a heart shaped box. It lacks character, it lacks creativity, and shows that you’ve put only a little bit of thought into the day… which can hurt how Valentine’s night goes.

So, this year do something a little different. Being green is on everyone’s mind, whether you think it’s a bunch of BS or legit, so why not just try something new? Rather than overpaying for a Valentine’s Day card and that box of chocolates, find something that will save you some money and help the Earth while you’re at it? Here are seven green Valentine’s Day gifts I promise your Valentine will love.

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It’s the thought that counts.

No truer is this line than in the world of Hallmark cards because those babies are expensive. The paradox of Hallmark cards is that you’re trying to be thoughtful but you’re sending something that’s been printed for mass consumption! Please don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Hallmark or special occasion/greeting cards in general, other than the price, and I feel that sending one beats not sending one; but if you want to stand out, you can do something unique at a fraction of the price.

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Valentine’s Day is coming up in a few weeks and with the economy in a funk, the responsible thing is for you to go out, spend a lot of money, and stimulate the economy! I’m only kidding. The prudent thing to do is to remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t about spending money on your loved one, it’s about spending time with your loved one. I’ve listed fifteen ideas that my wife and I have done over the years (not just on Valentine’s Day, but for our date night’s and other such occasions) and hope you can get some good ideas too!

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