The Distance Dose

Whenever you think of going on dates, it’s always going out to dinner, bowling, or maybe even mini golf. Yet these activities always end up emptying out your wallet- so now you’re on the hunt to look for some affordable but not boring date nights. If you are- you’re in the right place!  Here are 20 date ideas that could just help you save up for your next car:

 

1. Make dinner together

For those who know how to cook (or want to learn how), this is the perfect bonding activity for you and your partner. I’d even say it’s a 3-in-1 date since you get shopping, cooking, and eating, all in one date! I know you might be saying “well I still have to spend money!” But there are PLENTY of recipes that require less than $10, and just for inspiration, I have attached BudgetBytes- which have hundreds of recipes that don’t require more than $10: https://www.budgetbytes.com/category/recipes/cost-per-recipe/recipes-under-10/

2. Play (and finish) a couples video game 

Video games are something almost everyone plays- whether that be games on your phone, PC, or Nintendo. It doesn’t matter what or where you play video games, why not play them with your significant other! Yes, it may cause some frustration in each other if the game isn’t going so well, but in the end, it only makes the relationship stronger once you complete the challenge! There are many co-op games you could play with your partner, so I’ve attached a list of them that may give you some inspiration: https://www.gamesradar.com/best-co-op-games/– Tyler and I have played and completed “It Takes Two” and let me just say- it definitely does not get boring.

3. Play a sport!

If you’re a couple who prefers to be more active, the perfect activity that has absolutely no cost is playing a sport. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, it doesn’t matter! Grab a ball from the garage, go to the court/field, and start playing! Make it a competition! You guys can stay entertained for hours running, sweating, and competing against each other!

4. At-home spa night

For a chill, relaxing date night- make an at home spa date! Dim the lights, play some music, scent with lavender, and take turns giving each other a facial, massage, or maybe even a scalp treatment! This is such a relaxing date idea that costs 99.99% less than it would if you went to an actual spa. Extra bonus for your partner being the one to touch you! For some inspo for your spa night, visit Bumble: https://bumble.com/date/seasonal/spa-date-night-ideas

5. Car-Movie night

Basically everyone has seen those Pinterest-inspired car dates. The ones where lights are strung along the top of the car, blankets and pillow thrown throughout, and a projector playing a movie on the roof of the car. This is an absolutely affordable date night that is both relaxing and adorable, helping you bond without having to break the bank. No need for a projector- grab a computer or even your phone! If you need inspo, just search up “car movie date” on Pinterest and I assure you, the cutest inspirational photos will show up.

6. Thrifting

Now this date is a bit more expensive than the others, but is definitely still affordable! Many thrift places can be pricey, but if you have a Goodwill Bin near you- then you’re in luck! Goodwill Bins charge you per pound, which makes shopping so much more affordable. It may take a bit longer to find something you like- but that’s all in the fun of thrifting!

7. Go to the gym

Another date idea for the active couple- gym date! Simple but fun. You get what you make out of it! Help each other out! Encourage each other!

8. Perfect a matcha flight!

Whether it be coffee, matcha, or chai, try to make a flight out of it! Grab your significant other, head to the kitchen, and try to barista-up different flavors of your preferred drink. I chose matcha flight because I love matcha- mango matcha, strawberry matcha, chai matcha, you name it! A super fun date that you can do at any time of the day!  

9. Take a walk, grab a coffee, and take some photos

This may be for those that love to post on Instagram or Pinterest, but grab your partner, whether they agree or not, make them grab coffee and have them take stunning photos of you! This may be a simple date idea, but in my opinion is very overlooked because it can turn out very fun (unless they take horrendous photos).

10. Take advantage of the FREE museum/aquarium days

Almost every city has a museum that holds free admission days. Take advantage of them! I’ve attached lists of museums with free days in the big cities- New York, Chicago, Seattle, Houston, and Los Angeles. If I’m missing your city- just search up free dates! I’m sure museums around your area have free admission days.

New York- https://www.nycforfree.co/free-museums 

Chicago- https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/museums-art/free-museum-days-in-chicago/

Seattle- https://do206.com/p/seattle-free-museum-days 

Houston- https://www.lodgeur.com/blog/visit-houston-museums-for-free 

Los Angeles- https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/enjoy-free-museum-days-in-los-angeles 

11. Picnic in the park

For a picnic in the park, there are so many opportunities to personalize it to your preferences. Include charcuterie, sushi, pizza, or your favorite food, go to the local park, field, or spot with your partner, and enjoy a relaxing date with them. Watch the sunset, sunrise, or heat of the afternoon sun, and you can make the day catered to your perfect date!

12. Paint (each other)

Grab a paintbrush, paint, and some paper (or a canvas if your bougie), and get to painting! Make it a competition, switch art every minute, or paint each other. These date ideas, similar to the other ones, have the opportunity to cater this date to your specific couple dynamic whether you like competition or not. You can also paint on anything you want, not just paper or canvases, there’s succulent pots, glasses, or each other’s bodies!

13. Go to the beach- if you’re lucky enough to be near one

If you happen to live near a beach, this is easy for you. GO TO THE BEACH. You can spend the whole day there playing, building, and swimming. Costs absolutely nothing, other than maybe a few dollars for parking.

14. Go to the movies on a discount night

This is also another affordable idea for couples who want to get out of the house. If you guys have been dying to see a newly released movie, finding a movie theatre near you that has discount nights is a perfect idea.

15. Drive around aimlessly at sunset listening to music making your life feel like a movie

For those who want a more relaxing night, drive around, catch a vibe, and bond! Talk about life, listen to music, or watch the sunset while driving. I guarantee this will make your life feel like a movie. Affordable, relaxing, and aesthetic!

16. Bake off

Regardless of your baking skills, why not have a bake off! Make a competition between you and your partner to see who can make the best cookies, cupcakes, cakes, or muffins. Baking supplies can be cheap and delicious! I’ve attached recipes from Sally’s Baking Addiction- I absolutely love her recipes: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/ 

17. At-home karaoke

If you guys are feeling an upbeat type of night, turn on the TV and scream to the music! Maybe have a couple drinks to spice it up and you got yourself a fun night of singing! 

18. Learn how to dance

Maybe you guys can come up with a dance for your wedding, or simply just for yourself. Ballroom, hip hop, contemporary, you name it! There’s so many possibilities for your personal dance routine. 

19. Play Dress to Impress IRL

For the fashion lover couples, playing dress to impress on Roblox may get a little bit repetitive. However, why not make it real life! Dig through your closet and try to make fashion statements with the pieces you have in your wardrobe. You guys can make this a competition, rank each other’s outfits, or dress each other up!

20. Go on a bike ride

Another simple idea- go on a nice bike ride along a nature path. Fun, relaxing, and affordable!

 

Hopefully I inspired you guys to do at least one of these things, and if you do think they’re boring, at least TRY them before knocking them, because if you really love spending time with someone, any date will be amazing- regardless of the price!