Love + Sex

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Devising Practically Free Dates (Without Looking Like a Cheapskate)

Let's face it: The economy may be improving, but blast that lagging economic indicator—unemployment is around to stay, at least for a little bit. And while you may have plenty of time on your hands, the reality is that, more likely than not, your pockets will be a little bit emptier than desired.

Never fear, necessity is the mother of invention! And there are plenty of ways you can save money on a date (without looking like a cheapskate). Clever, low-cost date ideas will get you out and about in the world with your sweetheart and allow you to get to know each other better than any fancy-schmancy dinner could ever facilitate. Read: Dating Tips Recession-Style

Below, YourTango examines five great Match.com tips for recession-proof dating and offers up a few of our own.

1. Make a good impression-ism: Most museums offer free admission one night a week. What better way to show off your art history degree than now (and dad said it would never come into good use!) What's more, comparing artistic preferences will give you good insight into his world.

2. Find each other's chi: Many fitness centers and yoga studios offer intro classes giving first timers the chance to find each other's chi absolutely free of charge. If you're not into yoga, there are other plenty of free physical activities you can find at local park and recreation centers. Go rent bikes, paddle a canoe, visit the botanic gardens, or take a hike.

3. Have an Earth date: Invite your date to volunteer at a local park cleanup and contribute to the earth and your love life at the same time. Doing good, feels good: It's proven. Read: 10 Eco-Friendly Date Ideas

4. Read between the lines—go to a bookstore: Bookstores are often hosts to authors from around the world, celebrities and sports heroes, making your local bookstore the most interesting free venue in town. Which lit-loving gal hasn't fantasized about rendez-vousing with the man of her dreams at a quaint, dusty book shop? Bookstores are prime locations for inspiration and fantasy.

5. Get your game on: One of the best ways to get the pheromones flying is with a little friendly competition, so grab a roll of quarters and hit the local arcade. Or, get retro and go gin rummy. Make some great cocktails, set out a table, invite some friends over and have a fun night in showing off your skills. Read: The 10 Sexiest Games For Lovers (And Others)

Love Buzz Ideas:

6. Dinner and a movie in: Yes, yes, it's an oldie—but a goodie. Cooking with your sweetheart and then settling in for a night on the couch with a bottle of wine has been the start of many a beautiful relationship. Check out five couple-friendly recipe ideas.

7. Go for a walk: Explore your neighborhood, visit a vintage shop, catch a street fair. Be one of those obnoxiously happy, hand-holding couples on the street.

8. House parties: During the summer, you're likely to find multiple weekend BBQ and outdoor party invitations. Often times, either the food or the drink will be covered. Isn't it about time to have him meet the friends, anyway?

9. Art projects: Remember those Beastie Boys lyrics, "she's crafty, and she's just my type?" Why not get a set of cheap finger paints and see where the evening goes from there.

What are your cheap date ideas?

More love & relationship ideas from YourTango.com:


Written by Claire Daniel for YourTango.com.
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 65
  • None's Avatar
    Posted by None Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:41am PST

    Honestly, the best date for me would be staying up all night and laying on a bed or outside if its summer, LOL, and talking about deep things, about the meaning of life, your beliefs, etc......that is what I like.

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  • StephD's Avatar
    Posted by StephD Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:02am PST

    Its funny, my BF and I have found that the less money we have to spend (he lost his job a few months ago) the more fun we have! We cook our favorite meals togther, hang out in the library, hunt movies on cable, pop popcorn, we even went to see an air show over the weekend. Things we never did when had money to spend. Now its about enjoying our time together, without the price tag. We even spent the weekend browsing a huge flea market, it has made us closer and gives us more time to be togther instead of rushing off for a fancy stuff!! I'm thankful for the lesson we have learned, money does not buy happiness!!!

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  • Elm's Avatar
    Posted by Elm Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27am PST

    Cooking together is awesome too!

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  • Dubs's Avatar
    Posted by Dubs Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:44am PST

    Posted by Elm 7 minutes ago

    "Cooking together is awesome too!"

    You my dear are full of WIN!!!!

    This is how my current GF and I spent our first date. We went to the grocery store together, I made the main course, she made the dessert, I paid for the the groceries except she insisted on paying for the champagne. Of course we didn't spend much it wasn't about the money it was more about the time spent together and the commitment to creating chemistry with one another.

    I provided the table setting and candle light and she provided Coltrane which made my jaw drop.

    So I agree wholeheartedly, people need to cook together more often, that's where the chemistry is. Doesn't matter if you are good at it or not, you are creating something from nothing on multiple dimensions at the same time.

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  • Maureen's Avatar
    Posted by Maureen Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:03am PST

    Number 9 is my favorite. Doing out-of-the-ordinary things will def spice things up.

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  • LoveN's Avatar
    Posted by LoveN Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:16am PST

    I like the idea of each person creating a list of "things I'd like to do this year" and then instead of the ordinary, referring to this list & doing them!

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  • Sarah's Avatar
    Posted by Sarah Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:55am PST

    Board games! They're free, you probably have them at home and never use them.

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  • Melanie's Avatar
    Posted by Melanie Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:12am PST

    We play games like apples-to-apples, monopoly, checkers, yahtzee all of them are fun and free. Also you can do a little winner gets their wish for some extra fun!

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  • Carly's Avatar
    Posted by Carly Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:14pm PST

    These are really great date ideas! Definitely fun.

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  • Nils's Avatar
    Posted by Nils Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:52pm PST

    Personally, I'm a big fan of these kind of dates. Sure they're free/cheap BUT something different like this is a great way to get to know someone.

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Comments 1-10 of 65

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