5 Cheap Date Ideas with a Twist

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Do you have a date night planned? If you’re like most people, you’re probably trying to prioritize where to spend your hard earned cash and a big fancy date might be something you skip out on. You might think of dates as a non-essential, something you won’t notice you’re missing out on, something you’ll be fine living without. And its true to an extent. Dates aren’t one of those essential line items in the budget like food, housing, childcare, etc. You’ll be fine without the weekly or monthly date night out on the town. However, if you go too long without spending intentional time with your partner, you will feel that and the longterm impact is a big one.

You won’t notice right away, but over time you’ll start to feel disconnected from your spouse, recognizing the distance in your day to day lives without some one on one time here and there. You might start to feel jealousy creep in when your best friend tells you about their upcoming date night next weekend, or when your coworker shares about the new restaurant they went to with their partner last Friday. You may have frustrated thoughts pop in your mind, “Ugh why can’t we figure out how to do date night anymore?”

Here’s the thing – you can! You can totally do date night on a budget, and you should! While expensive date nights might be something worth cutting from your spending, the idea of time spent with your partner should never be cut out of your priorities. There’s always a way to fit that in. And, if you’re thinking, sure, cheap dates get the job done, but they don’t sound fun or feel special, just wait, the ideas we’ve got for you include something to make them a bit more magical.

1. Go on a picnic.

Depending on where you live, this might be an idea you can do now, or it may be one you put down for later this Spring. But the idea of packing a meal, going to a park, and replicating those romantic dinner vibes outside can be fun! Take it to the next level by making it a fancy picnic. Maybe its the outfits – get dressed up as if you were going to a 5-star restaurant. Or maybe its the dishes and setting – grab a nice tablecloth to put overtop the picnic blanket and pack a few nicer dishes to dine on instead of paper plates or plastic containers. Or maybe its the food itself – make a mock-tail ahead of time to pour into chilled glasses and enjoy a top tier charcuterie board.

2. Run errands.

This may sound expensive and boring, but hear us out. This won’t actually cost you any more than the normal amount you’d spend on your weekly grocery shop and you may even “make money” if you’ve got returns to go back to a few stores. Plus, the fun part comes in if you decide to run these errands in a different city than you normally venture to. Pick a new grocery store or a new side of town to knock out these tasks and enjoy the novelty of a new area with each other.

3. Volunteer.

Giving your time and talent to a cause you both believe in can do a lot for your relationship. It can bring you closer and provide a reminder to find gratitude in your day to day lives. Many volunteer opportunities are not going to cost you anything and they bring a lot of value to the people you are helping. Add some magic into this by inviting couple friends to volunteer alongside you. Not only do you get to spend time with your partner, but your friends as well, and you may inspire some other couples to add dates back into their routine

4. Visit a museum.

Most cities have museums or exhibits that are free or donation based. If you live in a smaller community, consider a community or school play/concert to attend. This can still feel like you’re getting out for a fun night, even if its free or cheap! You may learn something, experience art in a new way, or even support your local community depending on the direction you take this idea. A way to make this a bit more special or fun is to make it a surprise! Take the reins and plan this one out on your own. Get childcare set, figure out the schedule of when you need to leave, where to park, etc. Just tell your spouse the day of (or a day before if you know that they don’t like last minute change of plans!).

5. Go on a walk.

A lot of us got really good at taking a walk around the neighborhood back in early 2020. However, if you’ve fallen out of the rhythm of going on walks with your partner, now is the time to bring this back! If you feel like its gone a bit stale seeing the same homes and same streets over and over, try a new area. Simply drive a neighborhood over or even find a park reserve. This is totally free and can easily become a new part of your routine. If you want to make it a bit more of a date, stop at a coffee shop on the way, or walk to one if its en route, and grab a treat. Hot chocolate, a latte, or even a pastry to snack on can be a relatively cheap way to make it feel fun.

Regardless of what you choose to do with your partner this Valentine’s Day, continuing to go on dates is incredibly important for your relationship. Dates can be super simple. Free, at home, whatever works for your lifestyle. Or dates can be elaborate and over-the-top! Every couple is different and their dates will be too. The best thing we can remind you to do on your dates is focus on your partner. Truly take the time to live life with them and be present for the connection you’re searching for.