Five Inexpensive Date Ideas

Whether it’s a first date or a couple’s night out, you don’t want to break the bank. It can be hard to think when you’re staring into that special person’s eyes worrying, “What can we do, where should we go?”

Here are some simple ideas to prepare you for a low-cost date that will be sure to make your date feel special, while keeping you from getting overwhelmed:

1. A picnic. Sure, it may sound cliche, but when was the last time you went on a picnic? Spring is here, the birds are chirping, the plants are growing… What better way to show the girl of your dreams a good time than by packing a picnic basket with wine, a loaf of bread and a frisbee? Add a stroll through a flower garden or a bike ride along a river if you’re looking for ways to keep it going. Keep the activities fun, simple and carefree. If you have a moment to pick a small bouquet of flowers, do it. Look for small things you can do together that keep you out of doors, building great memories together.
2. Free events. All it takes is a little research to find out how many free events your city offers during the spring and summer months. Look for weeknight activities or farmers markets to wander through and look at all of the different kinds of people. Outdoor concerts or performances by local drama or dance troupes also make for a great night on the town without costing you more than a meal out.
3. Dinner at home. Call it what you will, a ‘Tasting,’ or ‘5-course Italian meal.’ Make your date a fancy meal utilizing their favorite ingredients in the comfort of home. If possible, go to the farmers market together and pick out your dinner. Keep the conversation flowing by opening a nice bottle of red wine and watch a movie that the guest of honor would enjoy. Show how much you care by remembering small details. He doesn’t like oregano? Don’t use it. She doesn’t care for eggplant? Skip it. There are a myriad of ways to show someone how much you care just by reminding them that you notice their likes and dislikes.
4. Go to art openings. Art openings are a great way to mingle with other people in your city who like similar things, while also getting to sip wine, eat snacks and talk about the things you like and dislike in a non-confrontational way. Looking at art leads to great conversations about topics you may be uncomfortable with such as philosophy, religion, faith and family. Sharing an experience that deeply moves you both with draw you together.
5. A photography-filled afternoon. Sure, you might not be a great or famous photographer, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a sunny or grey day with your date. Venture to a wooded area or dense urban center and take pictures of what you see. Go on a photo hunt to find certain things and then pick your favorites at the end of the day. It’s also a great way to snap a candid portrait of your date.

Don’t put too much pressure on the event. Remember to give any activity the space it needs to feel authentic, and be sensitive to your dates interests. Don’t drag him or her to an Ingmar Bergman film if you know that isn’t in their palette.

Avery Lane is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest who writes on behalf of QualitySmith, which produces guides to all things home improvement, such as an air conditioner buyers guide and a/c evaporator coil replacement.

Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash