OP: Cheap Date Ideas

In this recessionary economy, people need to save money where they can - but that doesn’t mean your romantic life has to suffer. Being resourceful on a tight budget will ensure that you have fun without enduring the financial hurdles of dating. Here are some ideas to get you started...

Eating Out
Dining out is one of the most sure fire ways to eat away at your savings. An appetizer, dinner entree, dessert and drinks for one person – let alone two - can ring up a bill that’s big enough to cover your grocery bill for a week.

1. Meet for coffee instead of a meal. If the two of you do get hungry, catch a light meal at a local deli or sandwich bar.

2. If you truly want to go out for a meal, restrict it to the daytime. The mark-up on dinner can be almost twice that of what daytime meals cost, without a noticeable difference in the portion and quality of the food. Another idea is to share a plate between two.

3. Instead of dinner and a movie, go out for brunch and a matinee. Skip the popcorn, pop and candy; they’re all cheap date hazards, unless you smuggle in some of your own.

Home Entertainment
Although it’s not the most extraordinary option, bringing your date home is great way for them to get a distinct look at who you are. If you get inventive, there are plenty of things you can come up with for the two of you to do around the house.

4. Rent a movie – yep, we thought we’d get that one out of the way early – hey, it’s a classic! Try doing a theme night, where each of you personally selects a video that they think the other might enjoy. How about hosting a marathon of a classic movie series? Video stores offer cheaper rates on older movies and you may come across a place that offers a discount when you rent multiples. Popcorn and snacks are a must and, luckily, making them at home comes at a much cheaper price than at the movies.

5. Another option is to share your favorite YouTube videos or music videos with one another.

6. If you’ve got a yard or live near a park, why not orchestrate an outdoor game such as badminton or bocce ball? You can also play Frisbee, toss a ball, or play catch.

7. Get into your apron and get cooking. Impress your date by having something prepared by the time they arrive, or make up a meal together; some fun items to together are pizza, sushi cookies, or fondue. Perhaps you could attempt something neither one of you has made before?

8. Host a games night for the just the two of you, or invite another couple. There are some incredibly fun group games that can quickly reveal your date’s true personality. You could also try playing card games or set up a poker tournament. If your date doesn’t know cards, it’ll be a great opportunity for you to score points by showing them how. Try a board game or a strategy game (Remember ‘Battleship’?). This type of activity allows for unpressured, casual conversation – which is great for when you’re nervous.

9. Get crafty. Go to a local bead store (craft store is ok too) and pick up the fixings to create jewelery together.

Active/Outdoorsy
10. Get your date off to a running start, literally! If you share a mutual appreciation for physical activity, go for a walk, hike, or run. If both of you own a bicycle and/or a pair of rollerblades, take your wheels out on a scenic ride.

11. Spend the day at the beach. With so many spontaneous activities to choose from, you can walk along the shore, swim, balance rocks, build a sandcastle, suntan, or enjoy a picnic meal.

12. Do a course at your local recreation center, whether it is a guitar lesson, yoga or a cooking class. You can usually get a cheaper rate when it’s an introductory course or if it’s your first time. You can also do some ice skating, relax in the hot-tub, or participate in a drop-in recreational sport.

13. See about taking a dance lesson together –community centers, colleges and universities often offer them. You might also find available small group lessons that venues put on themselves.

Community and Arts
14. Check out your local newspaper and look for free events going on around town such as a farmers market or a street fair. Universities and colleges also host many affordable, interesting activities such as distinguished lecturers, independent films and musical presentations.

15. Visit a museum or an art gallery – if you have an appreciation for art or history, an entire day can be spent this way.

16. Find a bus or walking tour and pretend to be a tourist in your own town. Not only do you learn more about the city that you live in, it’s a great opportunity to share stories and memories about where you live.

17. If you like your spirits, take a tour of a local winery or brewery. You can often sample a range of their products for a fraction of the price. If aren’t any available, visit a place that puts your town or city on the map, whether it’s the cheese factory or a point overlooking the ocean.

18. Get into the volunteer spirit and donate some of your time to a cause. It can be helping out your local animal shelter or checking tickets at an outdoor musical event.

19. Take a leisurely stroll and do some window shopping. Another great idea is to visit used bookstores. This type of activity usually involves getting a coffee, a light snack, or an ice cream.

20. If both of you like to rummage through second-hand goods, explore some garage sales or visit a flea market.

21. Attend an open mic night at your local coffeehouse or pub. It can host everything from folk music performances to poetry readings to stand up comedy.

Romantic
Well, romance certainly is a fulfilling activity, and it can be experienced at little to no cost at all.

22. Plan to spend a romantic night together. You can do plenty to build up excitement like sending teasing text messages or leaving clues for them to find. Set the stage for a sensual bath; or, peruse our Sex Positions Guide together and try as many poses as you can – you may want to start the night early :)

23. Pay a visit to your local sex toy store and give the products a good look-over. Share your thoughts about what you would want to try. Skim the erotic books and read the racy write-ups on the back of adult DVDs.

24. One of the most satisfying actions you can do for free is give each other a massage. If you don’t know how, check out or guides on Sensual Massage, pick up some library books or watch some instructional videos online. Although a full body massage is incredible, you could alternate taking turns massaging different parts of the body.

25. Go exploring for a public or semi public place to get it on. You can do it on foot or by car; maps are optional. If you find a spot that’s worthy...

Final Tips
Rather than just focussing on how cheap you can make your date, put some thought and imagination into your plans. Cheap doesn’t need to feel tacky! Try to recall a hobby or interest that appeals to your date; that will surely earn you points. If your chosen activity requires you to purchase tickets for admittance, buy them in advance – they’re usually cheaper that way. Make reservations, and don’t forget to have a backup plan, just in case they sell out. Not only will you have saved the date, you also won’t need to shell out big bucks to cover the cost of a last minute decision.

Posted: 17 Aug 23:06