Of course you can. Just because a gift is inexpensive does not necessarily mean it is of poor quality, or that the thought behind it is any less worthy than if you were giving a gift that costs an arm and a leg.

Of course, you should be aware of the fact that many women love receiving expensive gifts. It is a rare woman indeed who could fail to be impressed by a diamond necklace, for example, or a European sports car.

But if you do not have hundreds or thousands of dollars at your disposal to buy a gift for your girlfriend for Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion, do not despair. You can still make her gasp in awe, surprise, and appreciation with budget-friendly gifts that are oozing with romance.

Here are two examples.

– Flowers. Floral bouquets can cost as little as $10 to upwards of $100. Actually, you can get away with not buying a bouquet at all, if you are willing to invest some time in gathering flowers for her and arranging them into an attractive bouquet. The trick is to choose flowers that hold special meaning for her, or for both you and her. For instance, maybe you can buy or gather some sunflowers and include a personal note that they remind you of her sunny personality.

– Books. Books are great, inexpensive gift ideas that can be brimming with romance, unless you are considering giving her one of those rare volumes that can cost thousands of dollars. But a well-chosen book, even if it costs just $10, can pique her curiosity and interest. Buy her a book of Shakespeare’s sonnets, for example, and dedicate Sonnets 18 and 29 to her.

These are just two examples of less costly yet thoughtful and romantic gift ideas. Remember that for a gift to have meaning and relevance, it does not have to break your wallet. Remember also that gift-giving is an integral part of any relationship, and your investment in a gift to your girlfriend is also an investment in your relationship.