How to Do Date Night on a Budget

A good date night can often be hard to plan, especially on a budget. On a first date, many people usually spend too much money trying to impress their other half. However, some of the cheapest dates can often be the best since they require a little more creative thinking. With a few helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to striking the right balance between hopeless romantic and money-savvy.

Stay Home and Cook

Creating your own at-home restaurant is a great way to save money. You could cook a variety of dishes that reflect your relationship as a couple. Perhaps the first meal that you shared together or a dish that makes you remember a past holiday that you both went on. The point is the gesture of making dinner will be well received, no matter what you choose to cook.

Play Masterchef

Cooking together, even if you're the worst cook in the world, can be really good fun. For something a little more informal than a three-course meal at home, try playing Masterchef by setting each other the challenge of making a meal for under $5.

Drive Down Memory Lane

Driving to places that hold special memories for each of you can be a great way to reconnect. Even if you still live in the same place where you started dating, there will be plenty of sentimental spots that will have formed part of your relationship timeline. Maybe it's where you had your first kiss or where a proposal took place. Put together a timeline of events and places and visit them in order.

Save Money on a Special Gift

All good date nights include presents. Save money on gifts for special anniversaries or simply to say I Love You, with online promo codes. With 200,000+ coupons and local deals, coupon websites include discounts from some of the most popular stores. You can also save money on flights if you want to extend your date night over a couple of days.

Sort Through Old Photos

If you don't have a car, take a trip into the past by sorting through old photos together. Reminisce about earlier days together and share your stories. You can also sort them into photo albums or upload them online to show family and friends.

Go for Dessert

Dinner out can be expensive. Instead, be unconventional and skip straight to dessert. Not only will this help you avoid the usual awkwardness from a three-course meal in a restaurant, but just eating dessert is more indulgent so it makes for a great date.

Get Crafty

Unleash your artistic side with a craft project. Budget-friendly and a great way to bond with your partner, even the worst paintings can make for a truly unforgettable date. Craft stores sell cheap packaged projects like painting coffee cups, etching beer mugs and wine glasses, and even painting by numbers.

A good date night doesn't have to be an expensive one. Now you're ready to create unforgettable memories and save yourself countless pennies at the same time.