When Josh and I first started dating, we had some pretty amazing dates. Fancy dinners, weekend trips to visit family in the Bay Area and Southern California, lots of movies and coffee.
Now that we’re trying to save as much as we can for our upcoming wedding and still have some savings left, we’ve been on a pretty tight budget. Occasionally we splurge, like going to see the musical Wicked in a few weeks! But mainly, we find things to do together that are rather inexpensive, if they cost money at all.
We never eat out anymore, thanks to my new allergy-free diet that I’m trying out. Instead, we cook dinner together even if we end up eating different things. Sometimes we bake dessert together and enjoy it while watching a favorite movie we already own.
I love puzzles, and I started collecting the Thomas Kincade Disney Dream Collection puzzles that hit store shelves recently. We started putting together my favorite, the one depicting a scene from Beauty and the Beast. Puzzles or board games (we play Monopoly on my Kindle sometimes) are a great, inexpensive way to spend an evening together. Host a potluck game night if you want to involve more people.
With the weather warming up, sports are another great date idea. Even if you don’t consider yourself athletic, taking a long walk together through a scenic park or going on a hike is a great date idea. I love playing tennis, which makes for a great date or even double date.
Does your town have a farmers’ market? Those are great fun even if you don’t plan to buy anything. The ones I’ve been to feature local entertainment and have homemade trinkets to browse along with fresh produce.
Are you musically gifted? On Valentine’s Day, Josh took me out under the stars after dinner and serenaded me with his guitar. He played a few of my favorite love songs that have special meaning for us. It was a special moment to share together.
I have a zoo membership, so I can go to the nearby zoo for free. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. If you don’t have something like that, look for interesting museums you can visit that don’t charge an entrance fee.
You can also volunteer with your significant other. Try helping out at a soup kitchen or visit a senior citizens center. Volunteering is a great way to spend time together while also giving back to your community.
Dates are really all about creating memories with someone you want to know better. They don’t have to be extravagant or expensive to be special. What are some of your favorite date ideas you can do on a budget?
Copyright 2014 Amy Kessler. All rights reserved.
