Yeah, we know dating costs money. When you factor in the cost of meals, drinks, entertainment and a myriad of other incidentals, it is quite easy to go through your weekly budget for basic things such as beer, pizza, and rent, on just one date.Of course, you want to impress. That is perfectly understandable. We would never suggest brown bagging a couple of bologna sandwiches to share on a park bench as a first date. Usually, you are best advised to spend as much as you comfortably can on the first few dates. That will make the best impression.
As the relationship progresses, you will still want to continue experiencing the fun and excitement that are attached to the whole “date experience” although you will most likely want to start guarding against frivolous spending. Nobody wants to regress to a boring routine that consists of nothing but staying in, ordering pizza, and binge-watching Netflix. But then again, lobster dinners, fancy cocktails, and nights at the hottest nightclub every weekend will lead you to the poor house.
What, then, can you do? Fortunately, great date ideas do not always have to involve you spending exorbitant amounts of money. With a little creativity, you can impress your partner while also saving your hard-earned cash. Whether you met through a mutual friend or on one of the top hookup apps, here are eight ways to save money on a date and not look cheap.
1. A Day at the Beach
A day of sun and sand is always fun, not to mention that if a public beach is involved, the cost will be at a minimum as well. Be smart, bring plenty of snacks and cold beverages in an ice chest to avoid paying the hefty prices of seaside food vendors. Aside from that, a day at the beach is an excellent way to spend time with your date while keeping your savings safe.
2. Visiting a Museum or Gallery
With very little effort you should be able to find a museum or art gallery that has an interesting exhibit begging for an audience. Some might involve a nominal entrance fee, others will be completely free. Not only is this an excellent way to spend a day or afternoon, it also allows for the introduction of some culture and sophistication to your repertoire. It will make your date see you as more worldly, a man of refined tastes. Affordable and classy, it’s a win-win situation. How about TH Center Broadway subscription? The Thrasher-Horne Center offers a variety of rooms and seating options for banquets, business meetings and receptions to design the perfect setting for any event.
3. Hiking
Think about it, the fresh air, the stunning scenery, hiking is an excellent way to spend an afternoon with your date. It also allows the both of you to get a little bit of exercise in the process. Depending on where you live, there are many things that you can do while you hit the trails. From picking wildflowers, to spotting furry and feathered creatures hiking is a great way to have fun with your date that will cost you next to nothing. Just be sure to bring some sunscreen and bug repellent.
4. Couponing
No, we’re not talking about going grocery shopping together and trying to save 25 cents on a box of macaroni and cheese. We’re talking about purchasing a package from a daily deal site, such as Groupon. Most of these sites offer excellent deals for a day at a local spa, drinks at a local bar or a great meal at a restaurant, the possibilities are endless. The discounts that you can find on these types of sites are substantial. Make cyber-hunting for a deal that you will both enjoy part of the excitement. This way, not only will you be sure that she likes the deal that is involved, but it will also build anticipation.
5. Barbecue for Two
Summer barbecues with family and friends are always fun, but they are also crowded, not to mention costly. However, have you ever given consideration to a barbecue for two?
Whether you have it on the patio of your apartment or the public grills at a local park, the cost for grilling up steaks or burgers for two is quite minimal. Also, the entire process of getting the grill fired up and showing off your cooking skills adds to the novelty and fun of the experience. It sure beats just picking up some takeout and plopping yourselves on the couch.
6. Urban Treasure Hunting
Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve you having to wear an eye-patch and befriending a parrot on your shoulder. No piracy on the high seas is involved. Urban treasure hunting consists of spending a day or an afternoon with your partner visiting thrift stores, swap meets, and garage sales seeking out fun and unique products. Unlike spending a day at a shopping mall where anything that you purchase will more than likely be expensive and add to your credit card debt, spending a day urban treasure hunting will only cost you a fraction of the amount. Who knows, if you’re lucky you may even find one hell of a deal that will actually turn you a profit.
7. A Day at the Arcade
If you are fortunate enough to still have a good old-fashioned video arcade in your vicinity, it is an excellent way to spend a retro-style date. For the cost of a few tokens, you can play modern day video games as well as blasts from the past. It is a fun, affordable, and creative way to spend a date. It is certain to be memorable while not stressing out your pockets.
8. Volunteering
Volunteering to help a good cause is an excellent way to spend some time with your date while demonstrating how much you care about worthy causes. Whether it is helping out at a homeless shelter or participating in a clean up the litter campaign, spending time together doing good for your community is not only a very inexpensive way to have a memorable date, but it will actually leave a positive imprint behind.
One Last Thought on Low-Cost Dates
A memorable date does not need to be expensive. By being creative you will be able to enjoy more frequent and enjoyable dates with your partner while also having discretionary income leftover to spend on more elaborate date experiences to celebrate special occasions.
Just remember, the idea is to spend time with your partner in fun and entertaining surroundings. Having three or four low-cost dating experiences that are fun and original for every costly one will make you look innovative and creative, not cheap.
