Okay, so you don't want to sound cheap but your anniversary trip was super expensive. Here are 8 creative ideas to express your love without breaking the bank.

12 Inexpensive anniversary ideas she'll love:

• 30 day notebook
• Book her a spa session
• Bouquet of flowers
• Candy Bouquet
• Cook her favorite meal
• Her favorite plant
• Homemade photoshoot  
• Photo Album
• Scavenger hunt
• Take a class together
• Wine basket
• Write her a letter/poem

Anniversaries are key milestones in our relationships that remind us of how far we've come. They should be celebrated with all the passion and appreciation you can muster. Taking the time to do it right is so important, and it will be felt by your significant other. Don't make the mistake of thinking it's only possible to fully express your appreciation by spending a lot of money. While spending money is never a bad thing and I highly recommend it, there are also ways of showing your love that money simply cannot buy.

Let's take a look at 12 creative approaches that you can add to your list of gifts this anniversary.

30 day notebook

This idea is super simply and fun. All you will need is a notebook, and make sure it’s a nice one. On a piece of paper write down 30 things, or more, that you would like to say to her. These things should be tied to what you know she is passionate about, or struggles with. Once you have what you need, you will write on each page something special for her to wake up to and read each morning. You can make this notebook as long as you want. I think 30 days is a good middle ground, not too short or too long.

Book her a spa session

What woman doesn’t love a nice spa session? Prices are generally quite reasonable, and even if they aren’t you can always use coupon sites such as Groupon.com to help find great deals. The good thing is that there is so much competition depending on where you live, prices are generally rather affordable. You can expect to pay anywhere between $40 to $120 per person for a great session. 

Bouquet of flowers

Perhaps one of the oldest tricks in the book, however, it’s still around for a reason. Most women love flowers. In fact, I’m sure that your lady has a favorite flower, or two. If you don’t know just ask. Show her how much you appreciate her contribution to your life with a nice hefty bouquet of flowers.

Candy Bouquet

You can really have some fun with this one. Hopefully by now you know what types of candy your lady likes. The last thing you want to do is fill the basket with candy she finds revolting. To dress it up, simply by a few bags of her favorite sugar treats, add a few flowers, a stuffed teddy bear and anything else that you feel represents her.

Cook her favorite meal

I’m hoping that you at least know how to cook her favorite meal, or willing to learn quickly! Even an attempt at it will go a long way. Remember, it’s the gesture that counts. Just try your best not to ruin her favorite food. The great thing about cooking at home is that you can really go all out at a fraction of the cost you would spend going out to dinner.  Below is a list of items you can use to spruce things up and make your gourmet homecooked meal extra special:

• Wine
• Candles
• Soft music (make sure it’s what she likes)
• Dessert
• Dance floor (clear some space for a little slow dance)