“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”
William Shakespeare
When I was 18, in love, in college, and broke, I made a notebook of inexpensive date ideas for my boyfriend and I. Fast forward some odd number of years and we (now married!) still use it because, haha, we still broke. It has been a wonderful reference so I’m starting this series on money conscious date ideas so I can share them with you all!
So without further adieu, here are some ideas to get you started on your budget-friendly-dating-ideas, enjoy!
Hear me out… The Library
I know, I know, you’re thinking “Errrrm, let me just skip right over that one.” But I mean come on, when you’re on a budget one of the best ways to save money is by being creative and flexible. The library provides a free, safe space for you to get out of the house. We’ve personally enjoyed roaming the aisles at our libraries mano y mano, checking out new books we’re interested in. To add an interesting, sweet, twist we have left uplifting quotes, a joke, or a messages on little slips of paper and placed them in various books for people to find. The library is occasionally the first stepping stone for our date night and from there we pick out a movie or book to take home and enjoy together.
Movie Night at Home+
Set the mood from the beginning of the date by having lit candles around, in safe areas. Have your DVD ahead of time. Take the lead and don’t start your date with “I dunno what do you want to watch.” I suggest a comedy since laughing is the best. Have a cozy blanket draped over the couch (which is hopefully where you’ll be watching your movie). Ask what their favorite snack is ahead of time and have them available. Another alternative is ordering take-out and having dinner and a show.
Discount Movie Date
You don’t have to wait until it’s on DVD (or Netflix or Redbox) to watch that new release. Many areas offer discounted movie theaters and we’re talking $2.50 for a movie ticket discounted! Discount theaters aren’t always easy to find but a quick Google search should help you find the nearest location.
In addition to these “dollar theaters” and matinee pricing (when you go earlier in the day to save a few dollars), AMC has been offering $5 movie tickets on Tuesdays for reward members. Becoming a member is free, so we generally save at least $6 on each movie ticket when we go. As always, do research online or simply call ahead to make sure your theater is offering this discount.
Outdoor Adventure
Living near the beach is a huge advantage for cheap date nights. Beach + Sunset = Instant date. Throw in a cheap eatery on the shoreline and it’s bound to be a memorable night. Don’t want to be bloated in your suit? Grab a snack or refreshing drink (or ice cream) instead of a full meal.
If you don’t live close to a beach, what about a lake? Back in our home town, a go-to date for us was a lakefront park. It had open fields for Frisbee, benches for long talks, wildlife to admire, a pier (where we got engaged♥), and the most beautiful sunsets.
The Macklemore
Whether it’s time to donate some items you’ve realized could better serve someone else or you simply are looking to get out of the house but stay in the AC: THRIFT. Checking out thrift stores as a date is a great way to be able to engage in conversation, be productive, and have a good time all at the same time! This is a great time to start your holiday gift shopping, check out some interesting art pieces, or even reminiscence together with the old toys and old stories.
Check out 300 more ideas here!