Let’s face it, dating can be really expensive. Even going to the movies will cost you a tidy sum if you get snacks and popcorn. If you add it all up by the end of the year you might find yourself having spent a fortune. Now don’t get us wrong, we aren’t cheap skates. We’re fine with spending money from time to time and are happy to do so. There are times when spending money will be unavoidable such as for an anniversary, birthday or the occasional romantic surprise. But if you were going to spend a lot of money each and every time you go out on a date, you’d be completely broke within the inside of a few months. You also don’t want to waste money on bad gifts. So here are a few cheap date ideas that you can use to give your wallet a break. Some of them are so romantic, no one will ever notice that they’re absolutely free!
1. Set yourself up in a coffee house and people-watch. If you pick a good location there will be no shortage of people to look at. Let the conversation flow as you share in this public experience. All it will cost you is a couple cups of coffee. This is the perfect first date location.
2. Go to your parent’s house for dinner. If your mom enjoys cooking (and she’s good at it) why not politely invite you and your girlfriend over for dinner? You get a great home cooked meal and your parents get a visit from their favourite child. Cheap dates don’t come any easier than this.
3. Take a walk on the beach. There’s nothing more romantic than a walk on the beach right before the sun sets. There’s also nothing more “free” because it won’t cost you a dime.
4. A picnic. Going for a lunch or dinner at a restaurant can be expensive. Then you also have to deal with line ups, waiting for the food to come, and paying for tips. But a picnic is quick, simple, and easily one of the most romantic things you can do. Even if you can’t cook, it should be too hard to put together some fruit and a couple of sandwiches.
5. Drinks in the Backyard. Summer really is the season of romance, and sunsets are beautiful to share with your loved one. So grab a couple of chairs and curl up with each under as the sun is going down. As the stars come out, have a couple of drinks and relax together under a light blanket.
6. In-home movie night. As stated before, going out to the movies can be incredibly expensive. But renting is still cheap and you don’t have to deal with other people talking or cell phones going off. So take turns picking the movie you want to watch and save money in the process.
7. Go to the playground. When it comes to cheap date ideas, it doesn’t get more simple as this is another one that won’t cost you a thing. Find your closest local playground and have a day where you return to your childhood roots.
8. Tennis. This one hinges on the fact that both of you know how to play tennis. Actually only one of you needs to know how to play, and you can teach the other. Tennis is great because there are courts available all over the place. You can always borrow a racquet from someone and all you’d have to buy is a can of balls and some drinking water.
9. Karaoke. If you keep your drinks to a minimum, karaoke can be cheap and fun at the same time. Even if you don’t sing, sometimes watching others is a great way to pass time together.
10. Go for a hike. If you already have the supplies then you’re already set for a healthy activity that you can share with your partner. If not, then you might have to spend some money on a map and some survival gear. But if you do it enough, these things will end up paying for themselves in the long run.
Cheap date ideas are abundant and only limited by your imagination. And remember, if you and your partner have a great connection then anything can be considered a date. So rather than stressing out where you should go, focus more on getting to know each other once you get there. Check this out for more great online dating tips.
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