A date night is a way to reconnect as a couple. But you don’t have to have the typical dinner and drinks to make the experience romantic. With a little bit of planning and imagination, your date nights can be memorable and cheap.
Become the chef. Instead of going out to dinner, find your favorite restaurant dish on Copy Kat Recipes. Go shopping together for the ingredients and then cook as a couple. Even if the meal doesn’t taste like the restaurant option, you’ll make memories cooking together in the kitchen. You could also make your own fondue, homemade pizza or have breakfast for dinner.
Heat it up at home. Design a romantic setting in your backyard. Sit on a picnic blanket with a few snacks, turn on some music, light a few lanterns – and then communicate, one of the most important keys to a successful relationship.
Sip and savor. Alcohol kills the budget. At restaurants, wine is marked up 300% or more. Instead of drinking your favorite bottle out on the town, pick up wine at the local liquor store. Serve your own wine flights or cover each bottle for a blind taste test. As you sample, savor each sip and compare notes on the flavors and your preferences.
Challenge each other. You may learn something new about your partner when playing a board game. Dust off classic options like Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. Make it interesting by raising the stakes with romantic bets.
Be a tourist in your own city. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut in your own town. Spice it up by searching for inexpensive places you’ve never visited before. Some local museums offer free or cheap entry. Look for local parks or trails, farmers’ markets, free live music, free outdoor movie nights and more.
Watch a show series on Netflix. If you have a few hours on your hands, start a new show together on Netflix. Some couple-friendly options: Friday Night Lights, Weeds or Mad Men. Pretend like you are at the movies by serving popcorn, candy and homemade sodas.
Play a sport. Get some fresh air and plan a day of play in your neighborhood. Go for a bike ride to a local park or shopping district. Play a fun and low-impact game like Frisbee golf, mini golf and bocce ball or visit the batting cages.
Create a date night bucket list. Sit down together to talk about your own inexpensive date night ideas. Write each option on a notecard and keep it in a box. Next time you have a night together and need to stay on a budget, pick a random card and go with it!
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