The worst Valentine's Day rip-offs!

We show you five of the biggest rip-offs for 14 February, and reveal cheaper alternatives for budget conscious romantics.

Even if you think Valentine's Day is one of the most shamelessly over-commercialised occasions of the year, 'forget' to treat your other half and you'll probably be in big trouble!

But that doesn't mean you should fall for the often super-inflated Valentine's prices. February the 14th is a great opportunity for retailers to charge the earth - as we'll discover - but there's just as many great ways you can impress your partner without spending serious cash.

So here are five of the biggest Valentine's day rip-offs, with five alternative ways to treat your loved one for less:

Frugal flowers

When it comes to Valentine's Day bouquets, you really can spend a not-so-small fortune. But sending a classic dozen red roses could leave you with very empty pockets.  

The Temptation Bouquet with Laurent Perrier Champagne from Interflora will set you back a whopping £99.95. Or how about Single Kiss, a more reasonably priced single red rose at £19.99. But hang on a minute. That's 20 quid for one flower!!

But the top prize for worst Valentine's rip off goes to the Infatuation Bouquet with 100 'grand prix' red roses for...wait for it...£499.99!!! Interflora describes it as 'the ultimate expression of love', but at that price I beg to differ.

For a budget conscious option a single red rose from Lidl costs just £1.79. Or, for a different take on flowers, how about this Mini Rose in a gift bag which is a lovely indoor plant for just £3.99. But if it just has to be 12 red roses, go for a Dozen Luxury Freedom Roses for a far more affordable £16.99.

Crazy champagne

Valentine's Day just wouldn't be the same without fizz. At Harvey Nichols a bottle of Krug Brut Clos du Mesnil 1995 is a mere £435! And if money really is no object, a Dom Perignon White Gold Jeroboam 1995 from Harrods has a quite astonishing price tag of £7,750. Wow! (Of course I'm not suggesting you and your other half try to polish off a whole Jeroboam in one evening!)

Back in the real world, if you fancy splashing out just a bit, pick up a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rose NV for £35 from Majestic Wine. That's a saving of £25 off the original price.

Meanwhile get £4 off Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne at £14.98. Or get half-price Rene Florency Champagne which is now only £15. Meanwhile at Sainsbury's you can pick up half-price Charles Lafitte Champagne NV for £14.99.

Cheap chocs

Chocolates are always a treat, but they can also be ridiculously expensive. Just check out French chocolate company, zChocolat.com for super pricey gifts. For example, this Touche Deluxe comes with 36 chocolate hearts in a mahogany box for a staggering £115.81.

Meanwhile, you could share a Valentine's Chocolate Mousse in a heart-shaped Le Creuset ramekin at £18 for one from Fortnum & Mason.

But you don't have to spend a fortune. Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles from Asda are only £2.98, saving you £1.07. Or, try these Lindt Swiss Tradition Chocolates at just £3.61, with a saving of £1.50 from Tesco.

If your other half is a big fan of Thornton's choccies, buy a Classic Collection box for better than half-price at £5.98 also from Tesco.

Delicious Valentine's Day dinner

February 14th usually means ramped up restaurant prices with special Valentine's menus. You'll often find they include canapés, more courses than your appetite can really manage, and pricey fizz. Of course, that's all very lovely but it can cost an arm and a leg.

If you're willing to spend £185 each, for example, the Valentine's Menu at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay  includes an eight course tasting menu with a glass of pink champagne and all the romantic trimmings.

But more frugal diners should pop down to their local Pizza Express where there's a special February 14th offer of 3 courses for £15.

Meanwhile you can save your pennies - and earn loads of brownie points - by preparing a delicious meal at home for your loved one. Try out this Easy to Prepare Valentine Menu from gourmet-food-revolution.com. What could be easier than chocolate-dipped strawberries? 

And for a little extra treat you and your partner could enjoy Fresh Oysters from Asda at an amazing price of just 25p each.

But if you really don't fancy cooking yourself, why not pick up a Tesco Finest Meal and Wine Deal for Two for just £9. A main course, side dish and a dessert for two plus a bottle of vino are included in this bargainous price.

Valentine's Day treats

For those who like to splash out, how about a Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise on the Thames courtesy of ViewLondon.co.uk? But at a cost from £300 per couple it doesn't come cheap.

If you're on a stricter budget and you're feeling brave, why not get cosy with your other half at an outdoor screening of the Oscar-winning and perfect Valentine's Day film The Apartment projected on to the National Theatre Flytower on the South Bank.

The film starts at 6pm and it's totally free, but don't forget to take plenty of blankets and have a plan B in reserve just in case you get snowed off!

For those who prefer a treat which can't be ruined by the weather, check out this Spa & Pampering for Two deal at Lastminute.com. You'll each enjoy a 30 minute massage and full use of the spa facilities with 50% off at just £32.50 at 20 locations nationwide.

So there you have it. I hope you enjoy a frugal and fantastic Valentine's weekend. If you're watching your pennies at the moment adopt our Manage on a small budget goal for all our top tips on making your money go further. And don't forget you can get help from the lovemoney.com community on how to spend less at Q&A.

More: 20 website that will save you money | Top beauty bargains