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 Kinko’s to laminate it or print on special paper. Stumped for ideas of what to cook? Look for specialized classes in your area, such as those at Whole Foods in Cupertino and Los Gatos.

Or, if you want to give your honey his or her favorite restaurant meal, but in a private setting, consider bringing home take-out! Order food ahead of time from his or her favorite restaurant and bring it home, serve it on your best china, and add a vase of flowers and a candle for two, and it's like you have the whole restaurant to yourselves. Why not choose a Palo Alto restaurant from our article last week - Patch Picks: Where to Dine with Your Sweetie on Valentine's Day.

Create a Card: Making cut-out Valentine’s cards isn’t reserved just for kids. Here are some examples of homemade cards that are easy to assemble and likely more memorable than the store-bought variety. Look out for craft stores in your area, such as University Art in Palo Alto and Michael's in nearby Mountain View.

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 a week's escape to Paris? Many travel agencies, such as All Horizons Travel in nearby Los Altos, prepare pre-made vouchers. Or, you can do a DIY coupon voucher, promising a trip in the coming year.

Assemble 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. Or, you can often find large frames with pre-made slots inside to create a more professional montage. Remember, you can find crafty supplies at University Art, or visit specialty framing stores right here in Palo Alto, like Great American Framing, Accent Arts, or Richard Sumner Gallery & Framing.