Ask the Readers: How Do You Show Love Without Spending Money?

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Donna D, Lynda, and Michelle for winning this week's contest!

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is a celebration of love. Retailers want you think that the best way to express your love is to buy a gift for your special someone, but we know that love don't cost a thing.

How do you show love without spending money? What was the best, no-cost gift you've ever received? How do you celebrate love when it isn't Valentine's Day?

Tell us how you show love without spending money and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

Mandatory Entry:

  • Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

For Extra Entries:

  • You can tweet about our giveaway for an extra entry. Also, our Facebook fans can get an extra entry too! Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of the other two Amazon Gift Cards:

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If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on Flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

  • Contest ends Monday, February 20th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after February 20th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
     
  • You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
     
  • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
     
  • You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

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Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Guest's picture
Tina Schmidt

I usually make food. The past couple of years we had a heart-healthy meal followed by heart-shaped strawberry shortcakes and homemade whipped cream, which canceled out the healthy. This year, chocolate chip cookies.

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Mami2jcn

You can show love without spending money by helping with household chores.

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Karen Patterson

Lots of hugs! And good conversations.

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Chris

I show love by cooking special meals (not expensive, just time-consuming) and receive great massages that show me love in return!

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Matt

We make a nice dinner at home

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Julie Wood

We save money on Valentine's Day by having breakfast at home and making homemade crafts for each other.

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Elena

I show love by cooking romantic dinner

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SKB

Foot massages!!

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Karen L

It's the little things that matter most. Like bringing someone a cup of coffee. Sometimes just finding a single Hershey's kiss in front of a computer can really brighten up someone's day.

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Gina

I show love without spending money through little things like listening, telling people I appreciate them, cleaning up after myself, and cooking. The best free gift I received was a foot rub. I show love year round with lots of little thoughtful actions.

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Shannon

The bext valentine's gift I got was my long distance love driving to see me

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Natasha

Since both my partner and I like to cook, making a fun dinner together is a low-cost event. Cooking something we don't normally make, such as chicken Parmesan, makes this special.

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Jen D

There are so many free things you can do to show your love. Hugs, back rubs, getting a snack or beverage for him when I'm getting one for myself, taking a walk or bike ride together. He loves riding his motorcycle so I've overcome my unease and now ride along with him on shorter trips.

My husband's favorite meal is one of my least favorite meals. I make it for his birthday, when he's been out of town for work (on his first night home), and in between just to show him I love him and am thinking of him. It's not cost free, since groceries do cost money, but there are savings over eating a meal out.

The best free gifts I get from my husband is his help with yard work - all of the exhausting jobs that would take me a long while, but can be done in a day or so with his help.

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Ernest S.

I like to plan a hike with a picnic in the middle. It's a nice way to enjoy nature while also sharing it with someone special.

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Donna Sako

Kiss and hug.

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Christie

Our Valentine's Day tradition is family pizza/movie night! We make heart-shaped pizzas, have a bit of chocolate and strawberries, and celebrate together. (Hubby and I celebrate our Halfaversary, which is the 19th instead!) I've also written letters to my sweet family to tell them just what they mean to me.

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amanda sakovitz

Being supportive.

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Guest

A home-cooked meal and a free valentine in our local arts weekly paper.

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Lisa

My favorite gifts are the drawings my nieces and nephews have made me through the years. I still have them.

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kelly tupick

I show love by smiling and giving a great big hug.

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Lynda

you can make stuff or do something for/with that other person

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Kelli

Just by spending time with loved ones, talking, listening, being there for them.

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Susan P.

Lots of cuddles and hugs! We like to watch a movie at home together and snuggle on the couch.

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MELISSA HANSSON

The best way to show love is to actively appreciate the things your loved one does for you. I make sure to thank my husband for making me coffee. If I ask him to repair or look at something for me, I effusively recognize his efforts. It's so easy to take each other for granted after awhile, but showing your gratitude makes the other person feel loved and invested in your relationship.

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CYNTHIA

The best no cost gift I can give or receive is affection, making someone a priority and leaving loving notes in places they will look.

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Ashley P.

I give him a back rub.

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Guest

I like to bake . There is cost in the ingredients .

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Melody J

I like to bake. I realize there is some cost in the ingredients

P.St I has a tech issue. I think I posted twice this is the real entry.

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Monique Hubert

I plan experiences tailored to the other person's interests, I find most people appreciate that and treasure it longer than any material item. The best gift I ever got was a fun day out on the town with my partner. It was a beautiful day we still remember. Celebrating love for me, any day, is about appreciating the people you love.

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Elle

You can show love with massages, snuggles and cuddles.

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Guest

When you are with the right person, everyday is Valentines Day! but to celebrate Feb 14th I usually make a nice candlelit dinner and a yummy dessert. Plus, there is always a romantic movie on the Hallmark Channel!

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Raina

I think a nice way to show love at any time of year without spending money is participating in something that he enjoys that I'm not really into or watching a show/movie he really likes that I don't, etc. Spending time together doing something that is really more for his benefit can show that you appreciate him and it doesn't have to be all about you.

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Janice

I show love with a smile.

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Julie Lundstrom

We spend Valentine's Day with quality time doing things together that we enjoy like watching a movie we have a home together or doing some baking. We also love making crafts.

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Natalie

I show love by cleaning the house of someone I love or shoveling their driveway without asking.

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Rebecca Ross

I spend time with people, remember their birthday or anniversaries, play with my nieces and nephew, and tell people that I love them whenever I leave from visiting.

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Jeff

technically it costs money but making a favorite meal or dessert

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Donna D

I often cook something to show my love. Home baked goods are always appreciated.

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Michelle D.

I will make him a special breakfast or dinner that I know he likes.

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Jan

My wife puts two teddy bears in the window above the driveway so I can see them as I come home from work. Always makes me smile!

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Guest

I show love by listening. Sometimes people need to talk and they just need someone to listen to them.

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Susan Smith

I make my husbands favorite meal and give him lots of hugs and kisses.

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Will Alford

We drove past the restaurant where we went on our first date, and talked about how nice it would be to go back there soon...on a night that wasn't so busy!

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Guest

I cook dinner and make homemade cards!

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Yvonne

Mentoring! By far the best gift to give and receive.

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Daniel

You can show love for your partner for free by exchanging massages. (You can buy some nice candles & massage oils for not too much money, and they will last you a long time and add to the romantic mood. I like battery operated tea lights as well because they can be replaced using rechargeable batteries!) I also like to cook a special meal for my spouse and usually end up spending far less than if we had gone out to a restaurant.

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Kim D

I think just spending time together is a way to show love. Sometimes things can get hectic with work, activities, kids, etc. so having some quiet time together to connect is definitely appreciated! I am also the kind of person that values experiences over things so am a fan of 'no-cost' gifts!

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Miss Kim

I make him a sweet treat'

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Happy Love

Homemade treats from the kitchen.

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BRB

Cooking!

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Guest

Write a nice letter to show you care!

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Lisa Kreutter

Lots of hugs and emotional support for those I care about, for starters. Crying with someone and really being there for them. Showing empathy, and unconditional positive regard (unconditional positive support).

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msrob0t

My favorite way to show love is through quality time spent together and love letters. It's not everyday we receiver personalized letters of gratitude. I love writing them as much as I love receiving them. I also save mementos from dates, such as maps or brochures to use a gift wrap or handmade gifts.

msrob0t
thebudgetawakens.com

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Rich

Taking the dogs for the early morning walk so she can sleep in.

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Thomas Murphy

I give a hug.

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Ana

I love cooking him a nice meal at home.

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Kat

I make him a delicious dessert.

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Michael

I clean the house and give her a foot rub.