FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Can you create romance on Valentine’s Day that will not leave your wallet in turmoil? In this economy, most of us can not afford to spend a hundred dollars or more on a Valentine’s Day present, but does that mean we love our special people any less? Certainly not.

Here are some Valentine’s Day values that support our local businesses and our wallets but still show your sweetheart how much you love them.

Often times, Valentine’s Day starts with a romantic dinner out somewhere in downtown Fairhope. However, a Mardi Gras parade falls on Valentine’s Day this year, so downtown may not be the most romantic place to celebrate. You could choose one to dine at one of the restaurants along Greeno Road. However, there are other thrifty options.

Fancy dinners (and the babysitters required to enjoy them) often take up a bulk of a Valentine’s Day budget. Ladies, this is your chance to show off that new fancy Food Network recipe you have been meaning to try at home. Light a few candles, order the kids a pizza and pop in a movie for them to watch while the two of you enjoy your gourmet meal in your castle.

Guys could swing by Market by the Bay or Jacksons, pick up a tasty lunch to bayside picnic-style at the park — the kids can burn off some energy on the swings.

Now, what to do with all the date money you saved?

If jewelry is your sweetheart’s weakness, head over to Brenny’s. You can start a tradition with their very popular “Pandora” bracelets.

“The idea is based on the charm bracelets a lot of us grew up with, only these are more beautiful, modern and sophisticated,” said Brenny’s employee, Betty Busby.

Bracelets start at $35 and charms start at $25.

“It is a personalized gift that you can continue to add to for years,” added Busby.

Everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through food, but for us Moms, it is through our children. Anita Park-Rosenbaum and her daughter, Analece Nordstrom, can create an adorable gift that is sure to melt any Mom’s heart, an impression charm.

Just bring your child down to the shop and they will take an impression of his/her fingerprint on a silver charm of your choice and put their name on it. Charms range from $15-$40 and take about a week to complete.

For singles who don’t need a babysitter and enjoy the Mardi Gras crowd, Red or White, the wine shop downtown, is offering a dry, flavorful, rose champagne served by the glass and pairing it with handmade Recchiuti dark chocolate from California, starting around $25 for two. If you would rather bring a bottle home, owners Randy and Sherri Williams, sell several types of affordable, high-class, champagnes like an Italian Prosecco or Campus Oaks, a sweet, almond champagne for about $16.

What says romance better than a glass of champagne? How about chocolate covered strawberries served next to it? Fairhope Fudge and Emporium specializes in this tasty treat and will make them to order (dark, milk or white chocolate covering). For you traditionalist, this is the first year they are offering handmade, assorted heart-shaped chocolates by the box.

“I make them myself, and they are already flying off the shelves,” said the store owner’s daughter, Jessica Odom.

Flowers and chocolates are a little cliché on Valentine’s Day, but Fairhope Fudge and Emporium offers a new twist on the old classic duo.

“One of our best sellers this time of year are our chocolate roses,” added Odom. They start at just $7 and are a creative way to get more bang for your buck.

While some women and men may enjoy all that glitz and glamour of a high-ticket Valentine items, remember that is not what makes the day special. As long as what you plan is from the heart, the price shouldn’t matter, as it is truly is the thought that counts.