Whether you’re in a new relationship or a long-standing one, it’s beneficial to share some recreational time with your partner. Spending time together in the pursuit of fun — or in pursuit of nothing but togetherness — keeps you mindful of the things you appreciate about one another.
That’s why it’s important to continue to have dates to enjoy the company of your special someone. While you could plan elaborate (and costly) getaways from day-to-day life, most folks don’t and — in the best interest of their budget — shouldn’t. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, however, to have some fun with your significant other. A little creativity is all you need to escape the everyday without breaking the bank.
Stay vigilant in the pursuit of deals on things to do, places to go and special “ingredients” to make your frugal dates luxurious yet still affordable. Join Groupon if it’s available in your area for savings on activities, services and items that may enhance your dates. Check your local restaurants’ advertising for meal and drink specials. Be on the lookout for coupons via mail for discounts on eateries and activities. Many date-worthy places offer off-peak rates or even free admission. Be a bargain detective to find the deals that exist and you’ll be on your way to some cheap thrills with your date.
Here are some frugal date ideas:
Stay at home dates
At-home spa: Pamper each other with a bubble bath, massages and mani-pedis. Set the mood with scented candles and music.
Cook together: It needn’t be gourmet – it’s a fun change of routine and a caring act to create food together.
Game night: Have some simple fun by dragging out a board game or a deck of cards. Video games are fun for couples too.
Music night: Music creates intimacy. Take each other on a musical journey through your favorite year or laugh hysterically at those “guilty pleasure” songs.
Read to each other: Rediscover the lost art of reading (and listening).
Reminisce: Pull out the old photo albums and scrapbooks. You can rekindle shared memories or learn about each other’s long-lost childhood. Guaranteed to create closeness.
Movie marathon: Take a few hours (or a weekend) and watch some of those DVDs that have been stacking up.
Picnic for two: Why go to a park when you could spread a blanket on the lawn (or the living room floor).
It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you take some time to be together, free of distractions and other people.
Out and about dates
Day trip to somewhere (or nowhere): Just get in the car.
Kid stuff: Visit a park, carnival or festival to bring out the fun-loving kid inside yourselves.
Candy store/bakery: Enjoy some sweets with your sweetie.
Zoo: You’ll have a wild time!
Take a class together: It’s an opportunity to grow together.
Museum / art show / theater: Communities, local colleges and organizations often bring the arts to you, even if you don’t live in a city.
Go old school: If it’s not your usual routine, it’s fun to go out to the local burger joint instead of a fine dining establishment.
Dine out for an alternate course: Rather than an entire meal, go out for an appetizer, or just dessert.
Each of these “dates” is an idea for fun with your partner. Remember, it’s about spending quality time together, not spending a lot of cash.
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One more idea (I did this twice with BFFs, but could be good with a partner): find out where there is a pond or river with rented rowboats, and take your partner for a row.