Budgets are tight this year, so creativity is going to be your best friend. Spending a little time, which costs you almost nothing, and a single rose might have you in the running for Valentine of the Year.
Here is what you do :
Think of 4-5 places that have a special meaning. First place you kissed, first date, place you proposed or even where you met. If you do not want to drive all around town, or the places you met are too far away, thinking up a few simple clues around the house, yard or town will be just as fun.
Write out your clues. You do not want these to be so hard that they will never guess. Keep them simple. If your first clue is to the car, you could write "Where I sit next to you when we are driving" If your clue is where you first kissed, your clue could be " The bench where I first kissed you"
Hide your clues. Enlist your friends or family if you need to. Most people are happy to help out a romantic gesture. I remember years ago a young man coming in 2 hours before he brought his date to the restaurant I worked at and giving us roses and a note. We set the table up just before they came, and she was none the wiser.
Write a love note. Nothing says I love you like a handwritten note detailing your true thoughts. The final destination can contain your love note with a single rose.
A simple scavenger hunt this year will stay in his/her mind for many years to come. Be prepared to get some dirty looks from the guys who bought their girlfriends chocolate.