7 Cheap Date Ideas

Courting that special someone does not have to be expensive. With gasoline prices nearing record highs and the dollar diminishing in value, a cheap date will help extend an already burdened budget. These seven ideas will impress your date and save money.

• Go outdoors: Never under estimate the potential of a well planned picnic. A checkered blanket and picnic basket can turn your local park into a romantic setting. Don’t just take food, though. A radio will enhance the ambiance of the afternoon. You can also bring a Frisbee with you to the park, especially if the park has a Frisbee golf course. Throwing the Frisbee gives you an opportunity to get to know your date in a relaxed environment.
• Cook at home: You do not have to cook red pepper halibut to impress your date. A simple and tasty meal will suffice. Fettuccini Alfredo is a relatively simple dish to prepare. Alfredo sauce typically takes only minutes to prepare and the fettuccini is easy to cook. Salad and garlic bread are great side dishes that take little effort to prepare for this meal.
• Go to a book reading: Book stores have promotional book readings to lure customers. Take advantage of this by taking your date to a free reading. It will take a little research and planning, but you will really impress that special someone by taking them to a reading of his or her favorite book.
• Go to an art gallery: Admission to art galleries is inexpensive compared to most movie theater prices. Plus, you can hold hands and talk while you peruse the exhibits. The combination of beautiful art and intimate conversation will give you a chance to share interests on a variety of topics. An art gallery is not only cost effective, but can serve as a compatibility test.
• Amateur sporting event: Minor league hockey and baseball games provide a comparable atmosphere at half the cost. Watching a minor league game up close can be more exciting than watching a major league game from the nose bleed seats. Do not forget to save the program from the game because the minor league player of today might be the next big star. Therefore, an inexpensive outing might turn into a great story one day.
• Movie night: A cheap way to entertain your date is have a movie marathon. You can both supply your favorite movies to watch. Popcorn and hot dogs are great theme foods that are inexpensive, too. Guys, a romantic comedy can lighten the mood and illuminate your sensitive side.
• Volunteer somewhere together: You can have a rewarding date by focusing on others. Donating your time together at a food bank or homeless shelter can be a way to give back to the community while enjoying your special someone’s company. You can also volunteer at a park to plant flowers, shrubs and trees if you want to get a more scenic location for volunteer work. This is a great idea for a first or second date. Having a task to accomplish together can take some of the pressure off of making conversation.

Spending a fortune doesn’t equal a good time. A creative date can not only impress your date, but provide an entertaining outing. If you carefully consider the interests of your significant other, then you can modify any of these ideas for a memorable date. Remember, you can save money and show your ingenuity at the same time.

Author Bio: Scott Sumerford has several years of experience working in the financial industry and has written a myriad of articles on various financial matters. Read more about how Credit Solutions offers a viable alternative to debt consolidation.