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It's Okay to Be a Cheap Date
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Suddenly there are diapers to buy, perhaps childcare costs, not to mention the time that is invested in raising a child. Although love may be abundant, you may find that your time and energy to organize, and then actually have a date with your partner is scarce.
Never fear! Even if there is not a lot of money, time, or ideas, you and your partner can make a date happen.
Where to start?
Check out the list below for ten low-cost date ideas that will keep you and your partner connected.
- Library rental of a movie + special snacks + a few candles = a great night. Many libraries allow you to find what you are looking for without even having to walk in the doors. Check them out online or make a call. Most library movie rentals are free. Combine a movie rental with some special snacks (microwave popcorn!). Then, dim the lights after the "munchkin" has gone to bed (or during an afternoon naptime) and you have an instant, low-cost date.
- Park + picnic. Even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich tastes good when it is enjoyed outside. If you have a family or friend who can watch your child for an hour or two, take them up on it and take off on an outdoor adventure. Pack a simple picnic and enjoy some lazy time on a blanket in the park. If you do not have a babysitter, enjoy a picnic together in the yard during naptime.
- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Nothing says sweetness better than a little alone time with your partner and a "sweet treat." If you can't escape to the local ice cream parlor, pick up some ice cream and a few of your favorite toppings at the grocery store. Make ice-cream sundaes together and enjoy!
- Game night. It's time to break out the board games. Take them out under the stars with candlelight or into the kitchen. Turn on some of your favorite tunes and enjoy an evening together (even if it's a late night after putting your child to bed).
- Cookin' in the kitchen. Can't travel the world? Plan for a world tour of food by identifying a new meal or two you can create together. Spend a few dollars on a special bottle of wine to compliment your tasty creation. Not up for cooking a meal? Keep it simple with an appetizer and beverage or special dessert.
- Light the fire. Whether an outdoor fire pit or indoor fireplace, a simple evening talking and enjoying the crackle of a fire is sure to provide some spark. Don't know what to talk about? There are some great books (get them from the library! Free!) that provide prompts for discussions, from the little things to the big visions.
- Start your own book club. No time to read? Spend one hour (or even a half hour) a week cuddled up together reading a book. Together.
- Free massages. From head to toe. Need I say more? I think not. A free and fabulous de-stressor.
- Learn something new or try a new hobby. From learning a foreign language (again, use the resources found at your local library) to dabbling in art supplies, stretch yourselves and your minds together through the investment of a little time.
- Plan for future fun. Some of the best dates include making plans for future dates. Whether it's based in fact or fiction, take out a map, talk about where you want to go and make a plan to get there.
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