Romantic cheap date ideas
Being single is possibly one of the quickest way to kill any attempts at living frugally. Going out and meeting people and going on dates can cost a hell of a lot of money and it may be the case that you have to budget yourself very rigidly to afford yourself this luxury a couple of times a month.
If you do meet someone and sparks fly then don’t fear about the word “date” coming into the equation. The last thing you want to be viewed as is cheap or tight. You may not be able to go to Gordon Ramsey’s New York restaurant, The London, or fly in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon but there are plenty of romantic cheap date ideas that will still impress and set the mood….. and McDonald’s isn’t featured in any of them!
Tons of frugal &
creative date ideas
The Dinner Date
I love cooking and obviously if you feel comfortable this is one of the most intimate and interesting ways to host a date.
Italian food is dirt cheap to create from scratch and actually pretty easy for the most part. If you are feeling extra adventurous you could even make the pasta or the dough for the pizza! Obviously I would recommend testing any recipe a few days before the date :).
Personally I love making pasta sauce from tinned or fresh tomatoes. Cooked down with various herbs, a little spice and served over pasta. For this special occasion it’s probably worth spending a little extra on some good fresh pasta 
Candles and small table items can be either borrowed or purchased pretty cheaply (try your local dollar store). A decent but frugal set up can be achieved pretty easily.
Pick some good music, I don’t recommend going too cheesy but obviously it’s up to you. I’m sure your own some nice chilled music of some sort. Something that allows you to chat.
The night could be truly magical.
You can get some free Pasta Recipes with this free pasta cookbook offer.
The Movie Date
Sadly watching a DVD at home probably won’t cut it just yet…. wait there will be a perfect time for this.
The movie theater is pretty darn expensive but most cinemas have a cheap night. Make sure you check out the cheap nights and if you can, organize the date for this night. Also you can often get discounts at matinée performances if you are looking for something to do before the romantic home dinner.
You can see my recent post See The Dark Knight, the frugal way for some more ways to save at the movies.
The Picnic Date
Food again, I know!! Dating and food seem to go hand in hand…
A picnic date is great for saving money. You could both arrange to bring different things. You easily can put together some frugal dishes to take with you. If you can meet somewhere where you don’t have to drive it could save some gas. A remote location in a local park could be great…. My advice, always take a frisbee :).
Alternatively you could go to the beach, build a small fire and have a romantic BBQ. You just need a grill to place over your fire and you could build the side up with a few bricks or some thick logs.
About has some great affordable picnic recipes.
Some Inventive Alternatives
Sometimes something a little out of the ordinary may actually be the best choice for your date. Also the cost or class will be less of an issue so you can focus on having fun.
Hiking: Hiking can be fun, grueling and character building. A nice gentle hike with your date may be the perfect way to bond. Maybe take a bottle of wine for the peak of your journey.
Go to a lecture: I have been to some great lectures at my local university and many times they are free or very cheap. The university may also have other events on. This could easily replace an expensive movie.
See a local sporting team: You can go and watch many low league sporting teams play for free or very cheap. It may be fun to go and see a sport that neither of you have ever seen.
Go taking some pics: When you have a camera in your hands a simple walk can change into something very interesting. You and your date could meet for some quality times in the local park or crawling around in the local ghetto taking some cool snaps.
Do something crazy: This one is open. If done right you and your date could have the best time ever…. if done wrong you could end up getting arrested :). I would love to hear your suggestions for this one…..
July 24th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
My wife always says that it would be really cool to have a guy show up for a date with a kyak, or bikes ontop of thier car. I know that women aren’t always up for adventure but if that is part of your lifestyle then that is a great cheap date especially if you already have the equipment.
Sight seeing is also another great cheap date (even though gas is expensive now). Take her to your favorite places around the area.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Yes that would be cool…. I guess it’s hard to judge and depends on where you meet the person.
I love running and a 5 mile jog then a clean up and a meal after would be an awesome date for me :):)
July 25th, 2008 at 3:24 am
It really depends on where you live, but here in FL, just going to the beach for a walk is nice. Public parks and museums are always inexpensive and provide very quiet and romantic atmospheres.
Honestly, dating is about getting to know a person and talking. The best conditions for that are usually the cheapest.
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July 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Our first date was dinner, a rock concert, and drinks afterwards - hardly frugal. lol. Where was your site in 2004 Forest??????
July 26th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
@Linda, very well put, thanks for that :). Sadly people feel they have to dazzle with money…. I do think a movie can be good to slowly break the ice… one or two words here and there and then somthing on topic to talk about after can smoothly lead into more advanced conversation
@Go Green, That sounds fun
but yes not very frugal…. just out of interest who did you see?
November 18th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
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