The National Retail Federation expects a person to spend more than a $100 for Valentine's Day. Well here at YNN, we'd like to help you keep that dollar amount down. Our Megan Cruz shows us how to do Valentine's Day for $40 or less.

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ALBANY COUNTY, N.Y. -- Valentine's Day: A day to celebrate those you love with gestures and of course presents.

The National Retail Federation expects a person to spend about $116 this Valentine's Day. Well we found a way for you to spend a fraction of that while still satisfying your sweetie.

Our first suggestion: A twist on the traditional.

"You can get these rose cupcakes in vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry cake and then we have our chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes," said Lorraine Murphy. She's the founder and owner of Bettie's Cakes.

Here, a dozen of these treats would cost only $27. That's compared to the $30 you'd spend on a dozen real strawberries and the $50 for a dozen real roses.

"Be different, you know," said Murphy. "Surprise your valentine! It'd be fun and sweet."

But maybe a fresh bouquet is what your budding romance needs. If so, then for a great deal on roses, head to the Guilderland Fire Department. It's $30 for a dozen red, $25 for two dozen pastels.

"Every color has a meaning and there's 51 different colors: pink is elegance, yellow is caring," said volunteer firefighter Greg Wilhelm.

They'll be bunching, wrapping, and selling roses until 9 p.m. Wednesday, and from 7 a.m. until they sell out Thursday.

This annual flower sale isn't just a great deal, it's for a great cause.

"This is really a great way to give back to the Fire Department to help us support the community each year," said Wilhelm.

Another bang for your buck VDay gift? The show Gender Defenders at the Palace Theatre.

"We have four great comedians from Comedy Central, HBO," said Holly Brown. She's the interim executive director at the Palace Theatre.

Two tickets cost $40. That's for the 8 p.m. show Thursday.

"It's about relationships and men and women and their challenges and it'll be a lot of fun," said Brown.

Three options for $40 or less, showing your loved ones you care, but are a savvy saver.