Looking for that special gift to pay homage to your honey? Here are five ideas to cut costs, and create a memorable gift that can’t be fully store bought. 

Bring a Restaurant Home: If you want to avoid the crowds lingering at restaurants on Feb. 14–and create an unique experience–put together your own menu that offers a few selections for appetizers, dinners and deserts. You can even bring it to a local FedEx/Kinko’s to laminate it or print on special paper. Stumped for ideas of what to cook? Look for specialized classes in your area. There's a special Valentine's Day class offered by "I Love Curry" Indian chef Fharzana E. at her Mountain View home on Thursday, Feb. 9. Or stop by the Whole Foods in Los Altos.

Create a Card: Making cut-out Valentine’s cards isn’t just reserved for kids. Here are some examples of homemade cards that are easy to assemble and likely more memorable the store bought variant. Look out for craft stores in Mountain View such as Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michael’s Arts and Crafts. 

Proclaim Your Love, On Air: On the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, local radio stations often have a feature where you can make a shout-out to your sweetie. KMVT in Mountain View is taping a night of Valentine’s Day, where the public is invited to broadcast a 15 second message to their significant others. 

Give the Gift of Experience: Want an excuse to take a vacation, be it an overnight in San Francisco or week escape to Paris? Many travel agencies, such as All Horizons Travel in Los Altos, prepare pre-made vouchers. Or do a DIY coupon voucher, promising a trip in the coming year. 

Assembly a Photo Montage: Purchase a piece of poster board, and decorate it with photos (or print outs of photos) of you and your significant other. You can also create a border with the photos, and write a Valentine’s message inside. Valentine's Day is also as good as any other day to take new photos. Try any of these local Mountian View photographers and studios.