Connecting with your partner through some much needed one-on-one time is crucial for any relationship. But sometimes, those date nights can really burn a hole through your wallet. If you can relate, keep reading to find ideas on how to date on a budget.
Cook together
There’s something extremely romantic about a couple cooking together and eating it by candlelight. All you need for this is to figure out which meal you’re going to cook, and then go on a mini trip to the grocery store.
The time you’ll spend cooking and waiting for things to simmer is a great time to talk and bond over different things — and that’s what’s important! Since communication is key to making any relationship work, cooking together is a great budget date idea.
Cost: You shouldn’t be spending more than 50$ on a meal for two since you’ll likely already have most of the ingredients at home. Since you’ll also probably have leftovers, you’ll be saving a lot of money overall.
Go hiking
We all know the old adage — couples who gym together, stay together. So if you’re the kind of couple that loves to move your bodies, then hiking might be a great option for you. Not only is it a chance to get active, but it’s also a chance for both of you to enjoy really fantastic views.
One of the great things about hiking is that there’s barely every any distractions. You can have great conversations with practically no one around. You can even opt to leave your phones at home and really enjoy being in the moment with your partner.
Cost: Free! But be sure to bring your hiking boots!
Have a movie marathon together
Though you might not have any time for good conversation, sometimes all you need is a good cuddle session while watching your favourite flicks. Remember to pick your movies ahead of time, and, if you really want to romance it up, make a lighthearted romcom playlist.
You can even choose to make a day out of it. Have some breakfast together, shower, then get in your most comfortable pair of sweatpants and enjoy your lazy date day. Extra points if you came prepared with move snacks!
Cost: Really up to you. You can watch movies that are all available on Netflix, or you can rent them out. The cost also depends on whether or not you’ve bought snacks for the day.
Groupon date
Groupon dates are a great way to make the most bang for your buck. It involves doing things you’ve always wanted to try — but at a fraction of the price! You can even have a day-long Groupon date (meaning trying out more than one activity).
Some of the Groupons you’ll find in Montreal include ceramic painting, latin dance classes, massages, making photo books, getting your pictures taken, yoga classes, restaurants, and more! You’ll never run out of things to do on your date.
Cost: Depends on what you choose to do. Most Groupons run anywhere between 15$ to 50$ per person. If you purchase two 20$ Groupons each, it’ll still cost less than going to a fancy dinner.
Go on a picnic
Not only are picnic dates extremely easy to plan, but they can also be extremely romantic if you plan them right. No one want to sit on grass, eat a meal, and go. You have to make an effort to set the stage right.
Picture this: you spend the day making a meal and putting it all together, you go out in the late afternoon while the sun is still out, you lay out a picnic mat in a beautiful uncrowded area, eat the food you made together, and have a glass of wine and good conversation while watching the sun set. Chef’s kiss.
Cost: Depends on what you bring.
Go to the museum
Museums are great if you’re looking to get cultured while spending less on your dates. Although going to a museum might make you think that you’re going back to your 15 year old self on a school trip, it’s not the case at all!
In fact, if you do decide to go to a museum, choose to do so at night. Museums at night have a totally different vibe than the daytime. They’re also great conversation starters! Not only can you have deep and meaningful conversations as art connoisseurs, but you can also just be totally silly together if you both have no idea what it is you’re looking at. It’s a win-win!
Cost: On average, a museum visit will cost between 15$-25$ per person.
Go glamping (in your backyard)
Everyone knows glamping can be extremely romantic — sitting by a fire, cooking up marshmallows together, watching the stars, and huddling to avoid the cold. Although it may feel nice to be away from home, glamping in your own backyard can have its benefits, too!
You’ll have your very own bathroom, your very own bedding, you can use your WiFi to watch a movie outside, and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting something at home. You won’t even have to worry about packing and unpacking all of your things for a night!
Cost: Free (if you already have everything you need)!
Go apple (or pumpkin) picking
There’s no better feeling than wearing your comfiest Fall clothing, and going pumpkin or apple picking with your partner. Going to an orchard will usually involve going on a bit of a drive. This is a great way to have conversations with your partner (or jam to your favourite tunes together).
Usually, orchards will have ciders and trails that you can enjoy. It’s also a great opportunities for you guys to take cute pictures! Plus, after picking all of your apples or pumpkins, you can spend the evening baking up an apple pie or carving your pumpkins together.
Cost: 10$-15$ per person (not including the cider).
Go to thrift stores together
If you’ve recently bought a new place together and are looking for cute and unique ways to decorate it, going to a thrift store together is a great idea. On the other hand, even if you’ve just met and are trying to connect, thrift stores will provide you with a great opportunity to do just that!
Not only will you be able to find things you’ll both enjoy, but you can also play dress-up by choosing outfits for your date! You’ll have a sweet reminder of the awesome time you both had together. There are so many thrift stores out there — go to as many as your budget allows.
Cost: Whatever you decide!
Visit your city
There are so many things to do in your city that you’re probably not even aware of. Sometimes it feels like tourists know your city better than you do! So why not do what tourists do?
Visiting your city like you’re a tourist is a great way of getting to know the place in which you live as well as your partner. You might even find cute spots to have future dates at!
Cost: Depends on the tour, but usually around 30$-50$ per person.
