With today’s record gas and food prices, it’s tough to be starting a new relationship.  While your heart may be screaming for roses, jewelry or other expensive tokens of your affection, your financial circumstances may dictate otherwise.  But don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to show that special someone how you feel without breaking the bank.

Flowers

Yes, roses are standard fare for new relationships, but they can be pricey!  Plus, everyone gets roses for their new love, so stand out by taking a different approach.  One money-saving option is to purchase a potted flower or flowering plant.  These are often available for much less than a bouquet of cut flowers and while roses may wilt, your potted plant will keep growing and blooming over time.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to find fresh wildflowers to cut for your love.  Of course, check the regulations in your area – the last thing you want is to be cited for cutting down protect species for your bouquet!  If you don’t have access to wildflowers, but your dead set on a cut flower bouquet, consider a flower other than roses or see if your florist can mix a few roses with a less expensive flower option.

Candy

Boxes of chocolates are a relationship staple – good for everything from a special gift to a ticket out of the doghouse.  But unless your anniversary happens to fall right after Valentine’s Day, that massive heart-shaped box of chocolates can be tough on your wallet.  Instead, go for quality over quantity.  A small box of four high-quality pieces of chocolate from Godiva can be just as nice as the 150-piece assortment, but for a much smaller price.

Jewelry

Don’t listen to all those jewelry ads on television!  Going to a traditional jewelry store will automatically cost you as much as 50% more than other stores – you’re mostly paying for the convenience of having a large selection and a knowledgeable clerk right in front of you. When purchasing jewelry for your new sweetie, the number one, best thing you can do is to find out exactly what he or she likes.  The real secret of jewelry is that it doesn’t matter how much you spend – if you buy a piece of ugly jewelry, you’ll have wasted your money.  Look at the kind of jewelry your partner already owns – are they big, gaudy pieces, or subtle, curved items?  What type of stones does he or she prefer?  Make comments on other people’s jewelry when you’re out and about – you’ll quickly get a feel for your partner’s tastes.

Once you know what you’re looking for, check for department store jewelry sales and online at eBay.  You’ll get the best prices shopping online through auction sites, but you won’t have the opportunity to look at the jewelry before you purchase it.  Make sure you work with reputable sellers only and leave extra time to find a last minute replacement if your auction item doesn’t work out.