Good news. You don’t have to empty your wallet to give your sweetheart (or yourself) a memorable Valentine’s Day this year. Here are a few budget-friendly, creative ways to spread your love.

Go to the ‘movies’

Remember all those special moments you captured on camera? They would make for a romantic homemade movie! Here’s what to do:

• Gather captured memories. Choose your favourite videos of you and your partner.
• Create magic. Use easy video editing apps like iMovie, Shotcut and Movie Maker 10. Watch tutorials on YouTube if you need a run-through.
• Transform your lounge/garden into a home cinema. Borrow or hire a data projector, hang a white sheet and watch your new favourite flick. OR dim the lights, light some candles, create a romantic vibe and connect your movie to the TV using your PC.
• Get cosy. Put out snacks, drinks, cushions, blankets and tissues and let the good times roll.

Long distance: If you have a loved one who’s far, there’s the option of uploading your mini movie on YouTube and making it private. Share the link and set a time to watch it in your respective spaces with the same set-up.

Create a home spa

With all the uncertainty that surrounds us, stepping out the house may give you a bit of anxiety. Make your home a space to relax and enjoy some TLC.

• Set the mood. Recreate the spa atmosphere. Connect some relaxing spa music and light a few scented candles. Sound and scent are an important part of the experience.
• Make it a real experience. Gather all the extras like your bathrobe, slippers and soft towels.If you’re feeling up to it, make some infused spa water.
• Choose your treatments. Paint your nails, apply a facial mask or treat your hair to a deep shampoo and conditioning.
• Take a dip. After all that pampering, soak your body in a warm bath. Consider adding a few drops of soothing oils such as coconut, mint or eucalyptus.

Share love with your partner

What’s more fulfilling than receiving love? Sharing it. As a couple, identify a person/people who may not always feel loved and do something kind for them. Here are some ideas:

• Collect some of those pre-loved clothes you no longer wear, wash them to make them smell fresh, and give them to someone in need.
• Cook food together to drop off at a charitable organisation.
• Make goodie bags together to share with those less fortunate.

Make a personalised playlist

Go old-school and create a ‘mixtape’, aka a playlist in our day and age, for your loved one. It can be a collection of all your favourite tunes, or songs attached to special memories you shared together. Have fun with it! Music apps now make it easy for you to create playlists within minutes. What’s even better is that you can make private ones on Spotify and YouTube and share them with your special people, no matter how far.