Your boo thang knows you love flowers, candy, and singing cards — but when it comes to finding a sweet gift he will enjoy, leave that stuff behind and plan a romantic date, instead. Here’s how:

8.  Make a To-Do List

A few weeks before the big day, have your date make a list of 3 to 5 things he’s always wanted to do. On the date, try to cross off as many things as possible.

7. Play Restaurant

Instead of blowing your allowance/after-school job funds at a crowded, overpriced restaurant, make your honey’s favorite foods at home. Create a playlist of songs you both love, and use fancy dishes, a nice tablecloth, and candles to make it truly special.

6. Go On a Treasure Hunt

Leave a trail of clever notes and clues for your boyfriend to find. Make sure the clues lead him to you.

5. Bake Some Homemade Goodies

Spend the afternoon baking and designing cakes, cookies, and  sundaes together. Make it extra fun by writing personal messages to each other in the icing — and going crazy with the other decorations, too.

4.  Invite Your Friends

If the two of you have a lot of mutual friends, you can spend the day doing a fun group activity, such as paintball, an amusement park trip, or a dance lesson. That way, there’s not too much pressure for a fancy romantic date, and your single friends won’t have a reason to dread the day.

3. Go to a Zoo or Aquarium

What’s more romantic than walking hand in hand and watching animals be cute?

2. Reenact Your First Date

Recreate the special day that brought you two together as a couple. Do the same activities, eat the same meal at the same place, and , if you can, even wear the same clothes. It’ll remind you of how far you’ve come and how far you’ll go together.

1. Spend Quality Time Together

If you find yourself flat broke and too overwhelmed with school and work to go all out for V-Day, keep things simple. Meet up during your lunch period, take a walk together after school, or make time for an in–depth phone conversation.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?