A weekend getaway is a wonderful gift to your wife, but when life is busy or finances are tight there are many ways to bring a smile to your wife's face without needing to buy plane tickets:

1. Love notes

A love note in a text or email will mean a lot to your wife, especially if she has a busy day, but a written note will mean a lot more. Use sticky notes to leave her a small message in an unexpected place. The note can be stuck on the bathroom mirror or placed in her wallet. Finding a note from you will make her day, especially if it gives her a laugh.

2. Small unexpected gifts

Flowers, chocolate or a small trinket can bring an unexpected smile to your wife's face. When you go to the store look for something small that your wife will appreciate. By surprising her with a small gift she will know you have been thinking of her and that you love her.

3. Dinner and dishes

Plan to make her a nice dinner. Clean up your dishes as you go along so you can spend time with your wife after dinner is done. She will appreciate the thoughtfulness and will remember it for a long time. Making breakfast for her will also bring a smile to her face that will last all day.

4. Watch the movie she picks

In the morning tell her she can pick a movie for the two of you to watch that night. Even if her favorite movie is a chick-flick, watch it without complaint. She will be thrilled that you are willing to spend time with her and will look forward to the evening all day long.

5. Funny faces on eggs

Making your wife laugh will be enough of a reward for the time you take to draw the faces on all the eggs in fridge. Grab a marker and draw the silliest faces you can imagine on the whole dozen. She might be surprised, but every time she uses an egg she will laugh.

6. Make the bed

This is a simple enough task, but your wife will love to walk into the bedroom at the end of the day and see that all she has to do is crawl under the covers. She will fall asleep with a smile on her face. You could also clean up the bedroom if needed. Having a clean room in the house will be a great relief to your wife - especially if she's the one who didn't have to do the cleaning.

7. Carry her to bed

Literally sweep your wife off of her tired feet and carry her to the bed, setting her down gently. This is a romantic gesture that will make your wife happy every time she thinks of it. If you do it on a regular basis it could easily become her favorite part of the day.

8. Dance with her

You don't have to go out to a club or take lessons, instead randomly grab your wife's hand (when she isn't in the middle of doing something) and pull her close. Tell her you want to dance with her. Holding her in your arms while spinning her in a circle or imitating a "tango" will make her smile.

9. Play with her hair

Almost every woman loves it when you run your fingers through her hair. This small touch means that you are near here and other things you need your hand for are not as important. She will recognize the touch of your hand as an example of your love. A back rub will probably give you a similar response.

10. Flirt with her

Who cares that you are not "dating" anymore, still flirt with her. Making her blush will bring a smile to your face as well as her's. When you flirt with your wife she feels special and wanted.

Knowing that you love her is far more important than any big gift or surprise you can give your wife. Any time you dedicate your attention to her and show that you love her will make her day. Even if she is having a hard time, you can make her smile.