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5 Frugal Date Ideas 5 Frugal Date Ideas
If you’re like most Americans, you’re on a strict budget too and are looking in ways to cut corners financially and save money. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you are not going to have a social life. Whether you are going on a blind date, or you are an old married couple planning for a date can be a stressful undertaking, and if you’re on a budget you might thing that finding ways to arrange a cool yet economical date is impossible but don’t fret this article will give you five great ideas for a cheap and fun date that will surely impress your significant other.
Groupon!
By now we’re all familiar with the group buying phenomenon, and if you’re not familiar with the craze it’s super easy to get started. All you have to do is go to any of the group buying sites and sign up for their daily deal email. The great thing about the downpour of deals that are going to flood your email in box is most of the offers are going for top activities around town, and they are all going to be around 50% to 90% off. Yesterday I saw a great deal in my hometown was $25 for a four hour kayak tour, that’s pretty much 50% off the retail price, which is a great deal and a great date. Some other things I’ve seen on these group buying sites were movie tickets, bowling and art classes and other great activities.
Farmer’s Market!
Almost every town has a local farmer’s market but most people don’t know the potential that the farmer’s market has to be a decent date. Farmer’s markets are small to medium sized venues where local growers can sell their produce, it’s also a great spot for local artists to show off their most recent collections or custom designed jewelry. One great date idea is plan a great dinner the night before, only using ingredients that you know you’re going to find at the farmer’s market and the next morning or early afternoon spend the day with you date purchasing stuff from the market, as well as checking out the other cool booths at the market. When you get home, break open a bottle of your favorite wine and spend the night cooking your meal for your date.
Going to the farmer’s market to pick up ingredients is probably going to be just a little cheaper than spending money going out to dinner, but you are probably going to earn some points for creativity.
Wii Night!
This obviously is not going to work if you don’t have a game console but for those of us that do have a Wii, one great idea is to have your date over for a night of wine and cheese tasting mixed in with video games. Before the advent of the Wii playing video games used to be sedentary activity but now games are much more interactive and physically challenging, games like Wii tennis and Wii bowling are super fun and can actually work up a sweat.
Indoor Rock Climbing!
I’ve never met an individual who has gone indoor rock climbing and has not enjoyed themselves. You might hear the words, “rock climbing” and think that this would be a tough sport but in fact there are rock climbing routes for all fitness levels.
Most indoor rock climbing gyms have day passes for under $18 each, and if you don’t have gear most places have gear rental. If this is yours or your date’s first time rock climbing you might want to take a quick lesson so you don’t hurt yourself but unless you’re going to be using the harness and “top rope” you can pretty much start climbing on the “boulders” that are usually only 10 ft of the ground with padding all the way around. This is a definite great way to have fun, and get into shape; this is also a by and large cheap hobby that you can enjoy for quite some time.
Take a hike!
It’s the summer time, we’ve spent all winter boarded up indoors, now is the time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Most cities have ample trails for all fitness levels, so whether you’re an experienced hiker or somebody who likes walking on flat ground you are going to find trails that meet your fitness goals.
Most people would be open to taking a walk outside on a pleasant day so your date most likely would be open to going for a nice hike. If you want to go above and beyond, pack a nice lunch and a bottle of wind, and when you reach the summit or get back to the trail head set up a nice little picnic for you and your date.
Have fun!
With the recession still in full swing there are many people that are under a lot of stress, so finding economical ways to stay social and have fun can be imperative to your sanity. Remember, it’s not how much you spend on a date, it’s the quality of time that you spend with your partner.
Bobby Dee is a personal finance blogger that works for a non-profit free credit counseling organization and is also involved with helping pastors facilitate Christian financial counseling groups within their church.
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Originally Posted by Jonathan K 
