Wondering how best to woo your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? Your heart is surely full of love, but even if your pockets aren’t quite full of cash, you can still spread some romance. If you’re looking for lovely ideas, we’ve got you covered with options on both ends of the spending spectrum. Read on for a little Valentine’s Day inspiration that is sure to delight your significant other.

Send a love note!

(Almost) Free Option: Bust out the glitter and paper doilies.
Remember the big, heartfelt, handmade valentines of youth? Bring back the homemade lovin’ by cutting out a big red paper card and filling it with intricate details to your heart’s content. Artistic ability isn’t really a requirement, since your honey will most likely appreciate the sentiment behind it. Be sure to write a sweet note on the undecorated side of the valentine!

Spendier Option: Order the flowers and/or chocolates.
Red roses are the classic option for this holiday because of their stunning presentation and obviously romantic message. But there are a multitude of other floral arrangements—just ask your florist (Boesen and Hy-Vee Floral are great local resources for flowers). And if flowers don’t thrill your significant other, chocolate is always a good option. Check out Chocolaterie Stam or The Chocolate Storybook for local confections.

Listen to a little love music.

(Almost) Free Option: Make a Valentine’s Day soundtrack.
Include songs that are meaningful to you and your sweetheart: your first dance at your wedding, the song you blasted in your car the first summer you were dating, the song that most reminds you of your significant other when you are apart. There’s something about music that expresses more than words do alone—so take a little time to sit back and enjoy it with your loved one.

Spendier Option: Take in some live local music—like The Max Wellman Big Band at the Des Moines Social Club.
Head to Des Moines’ new creative space/bar/lounge for a night full of Big-Band music. The concert will be held in The Basement, which is an intimate space inside the Social Club that would be perfect for a Valentine’s night on the town. Grab a drink, lean in close to your table mate, and take in the gorgeously lush sounds of Big Band.

Dance!

(Almost) Free Option: Recreate a Dance Floor in Your Living Room.
Hang some heart garland, lower the lights, and practice your best Dancing with the Stars moves in the comfort of your own home. Dress can be informal or black-tie, and the bubbly is optional—the important thing is that you move.

Spendier Option: Des Moines Tango Valentine’s Dinner and Dance.
Looking to impress your valentine or to learn a new skill together? Head downtown to the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel for an evening of tango and Argentine cuisine. The night starts with an optional tango lesson for newcomers and then continues with a three-course meal and dancing. Live music will be provided by the Des Moines Tango Trio. What could be more romantic than dinner and dancing from south of the equator?

Valentine’s Day is devoted to love, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. Whatever your budget may be, you’ll find the right recipe for romance from among these options. Just remember, whatever you end up doing this Valentine’s Day, spending time with your sweetheart is what counts.