By Alysa Seeland
Summertime is quickly approaching and with it a whole arsenal of cheap date night ideas! Now just because I say “cheap” doesn’t mean you’ll be skipping out on the romance. In fact frugal dates are often more romantic because they require a little more elbow grease.
1. Evening Picnic At The Lake Or Beach
Since summer brings heat, the hubs and I love this DIY meal in the evening. We get to watch the sunset and sit on a grassy knoll by the ocean without the heat or the crowd! A typical meal consists of french bread, cheese, cherries, sliced roast beef, mini cheesecake and San Pellegrino!
Be a cheap date pro: Save money on food! Go Whole Foods or any other grocery and order exactly what you need (we do 1/16 lb). That way there’s no worry about keeping the excess cool. Also, buy fruit in season and on sale, a must when buying groceries on a budget.
2. Beer Tasting/Wine Tasting
I found this tip on Frugal Confession’s post 15 Frugal Date Ideas. Local vineyards and wineries often host tastings in the summer to showcase a summer brew. Overall, this is a great way to get your sophisticated on and learn more about wine without paying top dollar!
Be a cheap date pro: Keep your eye out for local breweries or wineries that partner with other shops and avoid the touristy companies that charge more than $40.
3. Cooking Dinner With Farmer’s Market Finds
This idea comes from the Art Of Manliness, specifically their post 10 Cheap Date Ideas She’ll Actually Love. In this idea they actually hit two birds with one stone allowing for a european morning extravaganza and an intimate collaboration for the evening.
Be a cheap date pro: Set your own budget and prepare to use some ingredients you have at home. Since eating out isn’t always the healthiest, this is also great for shopping healthy on a budget.
4. Red Wine And A Red Box
I realize this is the second time I’ve mentioned wine...but I feel my reasons are valid. Trader Joe’s has a great two-buck-chuck that is definitely cost efficient and as long as you return your Red Box on time you’ll be making out like a bandit at a $3 cost!
Be a cheap date pro: If you have the interwebs, download a movie from Amazon/iTunes and skip the risk of forgetting to return the DVD.
5. Groupon And Other Deals
While I’m not a huge fan of coupons because they just make me spend more. Sites like Groupon and Living Social have some great deals. J. Money from Budget’s Are Sexy talks about his success with sites like Groupon, even how they helped him go from “Mr. Workaholic to Mr. Casanova!”As long as you’re not over-splurging 50% off dinner is a great way to save on date-night.
Be a cheap date pro: Never leave for a night on the town without checking Groupon/Livingsocial first. Choose the type of meal you want and let Groupon etc choose the venue for ½ the price.
6. Moonlight Walk
Life is busy. That’s why on cool summer evenings I throw on a hoodie, grab the hubs, and spend hours gazing at the stars. It’s quiet, calm and the two of us are finally spending uninterrupted quality time. The best part? You’re spending quality time with the one you love for free.
Be a cheap date pro: Bring a blanket and thermos of something to share!
7. Make An Indoor Tent
This is one of my favorite frugal date ideas! Reclaim your playful side and create a budget-friendly getaway. All you need are clean sheets and a resourceful mind. This date costs almost nothing, but may require some “quality time” with the washing machine.
Be a cheap date pro: Put pillows on the floor, and set up christmas lights. Then, snuggle up with your honey and watch an old movie!
Do you have any other cheap date night ideas? Or, are there any frugal dates you especially love for summertime?
