Not interested in jumping on the expensive Valentine’s Day wagon? Then it’s time to remember that romance isn’t intrinsically linked to throwing cash around. There are many ways to treat your loved one to a special date without emptying your wallet, and Mr. Free Stuff has compiled a list of “44 Free Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day” for your consideration. Here’s a sampling to get the wheels turning:

1. Attend amateur night at a coffee house
Many local coffee houses have amateur nights, when people can come in and perform or simply read their poetry. If you’re bold, you might jump in and participate.

2. Play poker
Instead of gambling with cash, play for things like M&M’s, peanuts, raisins, or any other edibles. The best part is that, at the end of the game, you get to eat your winnings.

3. Go sledding
If you don’t have a traditional sled, you can use such common household items as garbage bags, cardboard boxes or cookie sheets. You could even turn it into a contest to see who comes up with the most successful make-shift sled.

4. Host a wine tasting
Turn your dining room into a vineyard’s tasting room with tasty finger foods and vino from your wine rack. Comment on the tannins and oaky flavor of each glass and celebrate the “bottomless” nature of your at-home tasting.

5. Create a photo shoot
Sick of those grainy iPhone candids? Create something memorable by taking more professional-style portraits. Avoid the mundane by getting creative with costumes, backdrops and camera angles.

6. Go to a playground
Channel your inner child and hit up your neighborhood playground for some old-fashioned fun. Race across the monkey bars, trade personal stories of playground antics and hallenge each other to go higher on the swings.

7. Cook together
Leave the crowded restaurants and overpriced filets for Valentine’s Day rookies and prepare something at home. Cooking a tasty meal is a lot more fun in pairs and offers a great opportunity to catch up. Pour a couple glasses of wine, turn on some Louis Armstrong and bond over vegetable chopping.