Dates can be expensive. With prices rising on literally everything right now, going out for a few cocktails or a nice meal is more pricey than we’d like to spend — especially if we don’t really know the person yet.
But hey, you’re not alone in feeling the financial squeeze. Plenty of singles out there are opting for low-key date spots to avoid those awkward money talks. And who can blame them? The last thing we need is dollar signs getting in the way of romance.
Now, babes, we can’t have that! We don’t want you to potentially miss out on meeting your soulmate, purely because you’re worried about money.
There are plenty of amazing date ideas that won’t stretch your budget. Some of the best dates ever, are 100% free! Ditching the typical drinks and dinner forces you to be more creative, which is where the most memorable fun is to be had.
To get you inspired, here are 10 cheap but fun date ideas that will help you avoid date-flation, and get your smooch on. Stat.
Go Out for Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day — and it’s much cheaper than going out for dinner. There’s no rule book that says you can’t go on a date first thing in the morning. If you’re a morning person, this could actually be an opportunity for you to be your best self.
Watch the Sunset or Sunrise
It really doesn’t get more romantic than sitting somewhere, with someone you love or are crushing on, where you can see the sun rise or set. If you want to make it just that little bit more romantic, bring a bottle of wine (or coffee, if it’s in the morning) and some blankets, and drive somewhere pretty where you can sit and chat, with the backdrop of nature. Honestly, I’m feeling horny by the romance of this imaginary date already.
Head to an Open Mic Night
This is a fab date idea, especially if your date is a creative. Open mic nights can range from comedy, to poetry and music. You can simply settle in for the show, or show your date a new side to yourself, and take part. Open mic nights are often held at dive bars, which means cheap drinks (and snacks)!
Take a Dance Lesson
Group dance lessons are affordable, plus, this date idea will help you get over the fear of dancing in front of someone you’re trying to impress. It’s often one of those activities that make you feel unsure and nervous about beforehand, but have so much fun with when you’re there. I’d recommend salsa, in particular, because it’s partner dancing (bring on the romance), easy to pick up, fun and sexy.
Test Drive an Expensive Car
Have you ever pretended to be rich for the day? No? Trust me, it’s fun! Take your date to an expensive car dealership, pick the most expensive car in the place, and take it for a spin (all while pretending you’re some rich mogul couple, of course, interested in actually buying it). This date is free, adrenaline fuelled and seriously imaginative.
Hike a Trail
If you and your date are outdoorsy, going on a hike is a no-brainer. Hiking can help satiate the first (or third) date nerves, as it keeps you busy, while also letting you spend time outdoors. Hiking together will give you an idea of what it might be like to live a more serious life with one another, giving you an opportunity to bond over an activity and see how it feels doing it together.
Have a Picnic
Picnics let you show off your cooking skills and indulge your inner romantic. You can spend as much or as little as you want on snacks (think homemade cookies and sandwiches, or a lush selection of cheeses and fruits), and you can accompany them with a nice bottle of wine or homemade lemonade. If your date isn’t totally wooed, give me a call.
Cook Them Dinner
There are few things more comforting than being cooked for in someone’s home, not to mention that it’s a real insight into the person you’re dating. Take this as a chance to put your adulting hat on: buy a few bottles of cheap (but yum) wine, put on some music, light some candles and cook your favourite go-to comfort meal and knock the socks off your date.
Go Op Shopping
Fan of op shopping? Consider bringing your date along. Sift through clothes together, suggest things each other should try on and show each other the results. You might surprise yourself (and your date) with how much fun you can have expressing yourself with vintage clothes. This is such a feel-good, wholesome date.
Do a Puzzle With Wine
An activity like a puzzle gives you something to focus on together. It’s creative, thought-provoking and fun. Pair that with wine and good banter, and your Sunday afternoon date is sorted. I actually did this with my boyfriend recently, and we both had a great time.
