On Feb. 14, 270 A.D. a priest named Valentine was beheaded for performing marriage ceremonies. It is doubtful that Valentine foresaw his misfortune evolving into an annual holiday that would lead to future generations agonizing over the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Centuries later, couples everywhere, no matter how mature or new their relationship, struggle over finding a Valentine's Day gift that offers the appropriate level of sentimentality without breaking the bank financially.

Through the years, roses and chocolates have become ritualistic gifts but for Valentine's shoppers searching for a less inexpensive solution to this Hallmark-holiday, thoughtful, heartfelt solutions are not out of reach for most people.

Save little mementos from special outings, dates or celebrations and design a collage of your relationship. A movie stub, handwritten note, dried flowers or a quick snapshot from a favorite day in the park go a long way to show your special someone the place they hold in your heart. Use a shadow box to display the items and tell the story of your relationship.

Buy your Valentine an Altoids heart-shaped Love Tin and turn it into a gift that keeps giving once they are done enjoying the curiously strong and original treat. Before gifting the limited edition Love Tin, remove the Altoids and nestle your favorite "couple" photograph at the bottom. Replace the mints and wrap the tin, putting a daisy or card on top. After your sweetheart has enjoyed the mints, he or she will smile at the surprise tucked at the bottom of the tin and have a permanent keepsake for the desk.

Personalize a message for your Valentine with a homemade greeting card. Collect images that tell the story of your love from old magazines, cards and notes. Assemble the card and hide it in an unexpected place like a gym or lunch bag, above the visor in their car or in their briefcase and wait for that special thank you.Recreate Your First DateWhether it was 80 years ago or 80 days ago, impress your honey by recreating the details of your first date. Be on your best behavior and remember to ring your Valentine's doorbell when you pick him or her up and don't forget to open the car door.

Make a compilation CD with songs that remind you of your honey.Include tunes from your first date, your first dance or your first road trip. Personalize the CD cover with a silly snapshot of the two of you and include a handwritten message inside the cover.

Write down all the reasons you cherish your partner on small sheets of paper — one reason per piece of paper. Neatly fold the sheets and put them in a jar. Cover the jar with a vibrant fabric lid and tie with a piece of ribbon before gifting.You and your sweetheart will enjoy going through the jar together and you can add reasons to the "love jar" all year.

Invite your sweetheart to a private indoor picnic. Fill a basket with some simple treats, lay out a cozy blanket and enjoy the warm weather (inside) with lots of candles and pillows. Put on a CD and play your honey's favorite music in the background and talk about some of your favorite memories.

Create an adventure for your Valentine. Draw or write a series of clues on a piece of paper and send your Valentine around the house, your neighborhood and the city to find their special gift.End the journey at the place you first kissed and be waiting to embrace your honey with a Valentine's hug.