With Valentines Day soon upon us, it can be difficult to realize you ma not have enough extra cash to express your love sentiments with material things. But by making Valentines a family affair and by understanding that you are not rowing the boat alone, you can certainly make a Valentines Day to remember.



Here are 10 free or low-cost ways to say I love you without breaking your debt resolutions:

1. Get Kid Creative in the Kitchen

Kick mom (or dad) out of the room and gather the kids together for a Valentines Day bake off. Make cookies in the shape of hearts and let the kids do the dough stamping. Giving a simple sweet treat concocted by the kids can be an endearing gift for any parent.

2. Write a Poem

The kids can help you rhyme words together to come up with a silly poem. Handwrite it on a piece of construction paper or nice stationary. The kids can decorate the card with their own special talents.

3. Take a Family Photo

Any parent would love a permanent memory of their loved ones. Take the kids on a nature walk and photograph them candidly as they play around. It will cost a little money but have the photos developed and enlarged to serve as attractive decorations for the home in a nice collage form.

4. Perform in a Play

Spend an hour or so prepping the kids for an impromptu play in your own living room. They can think of ways to express love and create a little play for their captive audience.

5. Circle of Memories

Sit in a circle with your family and go around the room until each member gives on reason why they love being a part of the family. Share some memories in the process. There is nothing that says I love you more than a fun walk down memory lane.

6. Get Crafty

Kids love to make crafts so sit together and have them make their own valentines for their family members. Let them get as creative as they want. Mom and Dad can join in the fun by making personalized cards for each of their children too.

7. Have a Lovely Ice Cream Party

This delicious idea is a lot of fun but will cost you a couple of bucks. Visit the grocery store and have the kids identify all the different kinds of sundae toppings that are red, such as sprinkles and cherries. Grab a tub of ice cream (don't forget the coupon) and host a family ice cream social on Valentines Day at home. The small price definitely beats the cost of taking the entire family out for a meal and dessert.

8. Have a Dance Party

Have the kids pick out songs about love from your CD collection (G rated please!). Then get to dancing with them around the house. Daddies and daughters and mommies and sons can each share a few slow dances together just as if it was a real Valentines Day dance.

9. Spread the Love

Make a family video to send to loved ones far away. Be silly, be funny but don't forget to say I love you . Upload it to your computer or copy it to a disc and send it off to grandma and the other relatives you don't see very often.

10. Just Say It

Saying I love you often is the best way to express your love. It will also teach your kids to not be shy about their emotions and will confirm the fact that as a family, each member is truly loved.