With steep inflation, high market prices and events rolling year round, the life of the common man is not decked up with glamour and poise. And then there are these festive occasions and special calendar dates which make it mandatory for him to part with some of the contents of his wallet. Birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. Not only does the poor man have to shell out a tidy amount but he also has to prove his romantic prowess once again.

But, what if someone told him all about pocket-friendly romantic ideas for Valentine’s Day? Really! Yes, that is right. Being romantic doesn’t mean presenting her with a diamond necklace or whisking her off for dinner on a private yacht. And, conversely, low cost does not have to mean cheap or tacky. Women are happy with anything that is thoughtful and romantic (although the diamonds and yacht are great too!)

So, here we have a compilation of some ideas that can turn on the charm of romance on your partner without burning a big fat hole in your pocket!

1. Plan your date indoors. Do not go out – that is right. Do you seriously want to be a part of those frenzied crowds where the only romantic moments you would probably share is when you are squeezed against each other in a surging mass of humanity. Let your pad be your love nest, and make it sizzle. Create cosy, romantic ambiance – soft music, scented candles, dim lighting and, of course, great food, surprise her with some midnight online cake delivery in Delhi. You get all the privacy you want without turning self-conscious about peering at strangers spoiling your big moment.

2. Handmade stuff over store-bought. Why make big corporations even richer when you are perfectly capable of beating them at it? In other words, make your own personalised card for your valentine. It may not have the embellishments or glamour of a store bought one, but hey, she wants to be impressed by you, not some stranger bloke who designed this card. A soaring imagination is your only limitation.

3. Create your own fragrant garden. Okay, so you live in a handkerchief-sized apartment and the only patch of green is the linoleum on your kitchen floor. Never mind. Heard of potted plants? Grow your own flowers. Consult with a florist beforehand to find out which blooms work well indoors and would be ready in time for the big day. Surprise her with a bouquet that has literally been created just for her. Big savings here. You know the prices roses command on Valentine’s Day, don’t you? That is, if you are lucky to find any on the actual day itself.

4. Touch her heart. Paper one wall in your room with plain wallpaper in any pastel shade. Fix sentimental memorabilia on it – her photographs, love messages and a gigantic heart right in the centre of it all. That’s the wall her eyes should fall upon the first thing when she enters the room.

5. Spread yourself a little thin. This means that you do not need to focus on getting her one grand luxurious gift. In fact, small versatile gifts can have a deeper emotional impact on your partner. A trail of gifts that lead to the biggie or a hamper full of her favourite knick-knacks. Gives you more room to play with options and she is sure to like the variety. Needless to add, it has to be what she likes.

6. A picnic or a bonfire right in your home. If the weather is nice and sunny, nothing like being in the fresh open air. Spread out a blanket on the lawn in your backyard, lay out the basket of goodies (wine, cheese, sandwiches, chocolates), munch away and savour each other’s company. Alternatively, if the weather forbids outdoor activity, have a campfire night inside! Build up a roaring blaze, sit in front of it, armed with hot apple cider, a cheese platter, strawberries dipped in chocolate and crackers. Keep the blankets ready to enjoy some cosy intimacy in front of the leaping flames.

It does not take a lot of money to be happy. All you need is the intent and voila! You will be the composer of your very own love life!