With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the age-old question is resurfacing: How does one make a Valentine’s Day date both affordable and memorable?

For those who want to expand beyond the box of assorted chocolates and stay on a college-student budget, websites like Pinterest can be a brainstorm goldmine. However, it’s possible to sort through thousands of DIY projects and clever dates and never find the right one. Just because an idea was perfect for someone else doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s perfect for you.

If even websites like these are hit or miss, how do you find the gift or date that says exactly what you want it to say?  Regardless of where you are in your relationship, check out these tips below to plan a day your significant other will never forget.

1. Take a deep breath and remember that this is a fun experience! With Valentine’s Day often comes a lot of pressure for perfection and the stress of making everything just right. Know that as long as you carve out some time to spend with your significant other, everything will fall into place.

2. Decide your budget ahead of time. A great Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean an expensive one. Decide how much you want to spend before deciding how you will spend the day, and you won’t have to worry about counting dimes and nickels to come up with the right amount.

3. Make the day specific to your relationship. Flowers, chocolates and dinner are for some, but not for everyone. Really take the time to think about how the both of you would ideally spend your time together. Maybe it involves Netflix, Mario Kart and pizza instead. Knowing you’re your significant other’s interests will help you decide what will mean the most to them personally.

4. Never underestimate asking what your partner would like to do. If you feel totally and completely at a loss, there’s nothing wrong with asking for ideas or planning the day together. Having a good time is more important than adhering to an unwritten rule that plans must be secretive and laid out a year in advance.

5. Communicate. If you do choose to keep your plans a secret, make sure to communicate clearly that your significant other should keep the evening open for what you have planned! If each of you has ideas, consider splitting the date in half (i.e. “I’ll plan 6:00 to 8:00 and you plan 8:00 to 10:00”).

On this day of love, keep in mind that the only real important aspect of the day is celebrating the love you have for your significant other. Make that your focus, and everything will perfect.