Fostering Relationships without Busting the Bank
Going out for dates can get expensive, so here are some inexpensive date ideas for you and your special someone to enjoy any day of the week. Date night ideas
No matter what stage of life you are in, maintaining a healthy relationship with your spouse is key for a good marriage. Whether you are newlyweds or you just had your fifth child, intentionally taking the time to reconnect can make a huge difference in your communication as a couple. But among other deterrents, going out on regular dates can get really exspensive. It is easy to neglect date night especially when funds are low, but the truth is, the rough times (like when you are broke), are the times when it’s especially essential to feel close to your partner .
Making efforts to maintain connection and communication with your spouse are particularly important to counteracting the negative effects of vulnerability and fear often triggered by difficulties like a tight financial situation. As a bonus though, developing your relationship while you are broke can have the added benefit of learning how to enjoy one another’s company for its own sake, without the need to spend money to have fun. If you use your imagination, there are limitless ways to enjoy spending time with your spouse without breaking the bank.
How can you go on a date on a budget?
Here are a few of my favorite free or inexpensive date ideas.
1. Cook dinner together
No matter who generally does the cooking in your household, plan a day to spend time together preparing an old classic or a trying your hand at a new recipe. There are literally thousands of ideas on the internet, but if you are feeling extra adventurous, you could even make up your own recipe together! This is a fun way to enjoy a dinner date when you can’t afford to eat out. Spice it up! Turn on your favorite tunes and light some candles for the mood. And remember, it’s not JUST about eating. It’s also about the experience and conversation you share together.
2. Read Aloud
Unwind and spend some time snuggling together while sharing a great book by reading aloud together. If neither of you feels like reading you can get audio books from the library, and curl up on the couch to listen. It doesn’t have to be serious reading. Whether you enjoy a great classic, an educational book, the latest bestseller, or even a kids’ book, this is a fantastic way to share your intersts and spend time with your spouse.
3. Go to a Coffee Shop
Everyone occasionally needs a break from the distractions of the house and the temptation to find something that needs to be done. Go to your favorite coffee shop, and enjoy having a conversation together. Take your time with your coffee and linger for a while. Play a game of hangman or tic-tac-toe on your napkin. Even though this date is not completely free, it can be a really inexpensive way to get out of the house, especially if you opt for plain coffee or tea rather than a specialty drink.
4. Go to the Beach
Beaches are free! So if you live near one, pack your sunscreen and a beach towel and enjoy a relaxing day together in the sand.
5. Fix a Puzzle
This a cozy way to spend time with your spouse on a rainy afternoon or a cold winter evening. My husband and I recently finished a 1000 piece puzzle. It took several sessions, but it was a lot of fun!
6. Enjoy Saturday Morning Breakfast Together
Whether you love to get up early, or your idea of Saturday breakfast takes place at noon, spend some time relaxing together over breakfast and coffee. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside and enjoy the morning together, and if it is cold or rainy, snuggle on the couch while sipping fresh coffee or tea.
7. Go to a Fast Food Restaurant and Just Order a Side
One way my husband and I get out of the house for next to free, is by stopping at McDonald’s (yes, you read that right) and just enjoying one of the beverages like coffee or a smoothie. Since we are not focused on eating we can sit and talk for a couple of hours. And for just a few dollars, it’s another great way just to take a break from the house.
8. Take a Walk Together
This one is probably pretty cliche, but maybe that’s because it is so easy. I included it because it is one of my favorite free things to do with my husband. It’s also a relaxing way to get off the couch and sneak in a little exercise. During spring, summer, and fall my husband and I love to go for walks. We sometimes even take short walks on milder winter days.
9. Attend Free or Cheap Events in Your Area
This is a great way to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. Whether you live in a big city, or a rural area, with a little digging, you can find a plethora of free or inexpensive community events such as farmers’ markets or local fundraisers.
10. Have an Art Night Together
Even if your artist skills have not improved since the first grade, take out some art supplies (paints, pencils, craft paper, or even crayons) and just have fun. You might be surprised how creative and relaxed this makes you feel. This is not an art contest, and no one expects you to be Van Goh. My husband and I tried this and it turns out he is great with acrylic paints and a canvas. As for me, I’m still working on it, but it was really fun to see how much talent my husband has, especially since it was his first time working with acrylics.
Conclusion to these 10 Inexpensive Date Ideas
I know this is a short list, but with just a little imagination and creativity the ideas are endless. My husband and are still working toward making regular date night a habit, and if you are too, these ten inexpensive date ideas are a great start. I hope you enjoy them, and feel free to share your favorite free or almost free date ideas. I look forward to hearing your input!
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