There was a time in my life when I would have taken offense at being called a “cheap date.” But once you’re married with small children, teenagers or without a job, a cheap date is a grateful option and becomes quite valuable. Many couples think if they are limited on money then the date night is the first thing that needs to go.

I would disagree.

When you’re forced to live on a limited budget date nights are even more important. When stress is high, the need to connect increases. And connecting is difficult if there isn’t time set aside to actually connect!

So now that you see the need, let’s talk about the how!

This is my favorite thing to do–brainstorm fun ideas when it seems there isn’t anything fun to do that’s also cheap.

Valuable Cheap Date Ideas:

• Wherever you go hold hands. It is an easy way to connect and communicate the importance of being together.
• Plan a dessert rendezvous under the stars. Set up two comfy chairs, get candles, a firepit or tiki torches – whatever you already have, and set the chairs around the fire. Get a small table using one from your house, and serve your dessert while enjoying the music provided by the crickets. See if you can spot a shooting star.
• Set up a jigsaw puzzle on a table somewhere in your home where it won’t be in the way. Work on it together when you have some time. You’ll be surprised at how much casual conversation takes place while doing this.
• Go to your local bookstore or library. Each of you split up for 15 minutes and find a non-fiction book you find interesting. For the next 15 minutes read until you discover something you did’t know before. Then spend the rest of the evening talking about what you’ve learned.
• What was a favorite movie of yours before you and your spouse met? Plan an evening to watch it together. Don’t forget to include your favorite movie snacks too.
• Have a spa night where you give each other massages. Afterward draw a warm bubble bath surrounded with candles and soft music.
• If your spouse enjoys sports, plan an evening to watch a video of some the most memorable moments in sports history. If they’ve already seen all of them, then make your own trivia contest and see if you can stump them. If they win, they get to choose the prize. If you stump them, you get to choose. With this game no matter who loses still wins!
• If you need more ideas, we have them under our D.R.A.B. date night category, which stands for “Does Not Require A Babysitter.”

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And we have about two weeks left in our Summer Lovin’ Photo Contest. taking place now through Labor Day. For details click here.