Cheap and Unique Dating Ideas

Traditionally, the world of dating is an expensive one. When we think of taking someone out on a date (especially men), dollar signs flash over our head and we start planning on how to afford it. This isn't a problem if money is no concern, but what if you're tight on cash but still want to show that special someone just how much you appreciate them and enjoy their company? There are actually a lot of wonderful solutions, non-conventional dating ideas that can really be a blast. They're cheap, and more importantly, involve the two of you enjoying each other's company, so that they're much more personal.

First up is something that anyone can do with a pretty day, some food, and some paper and pencil. Picnics have long been a romantic staple in the dating arsenal of the financially impaired, but suffer from one minor flaw - there really isn't anything to do. If you don't happen to have a gorgeous environment to take your date on, a picnic will still be a great idea, but with a little ingenuity we can really shake things up. Make sure you have a notebook and a pencil, and take turns drawing the other person. Give it your best, and start off with your best attempt at realism. Then, once the two of you have revealed your artistic talents (or lack thereof), try changing things for comedic effect. Do a caricature, alter the scenery however you see fit, and throw in some funny characters. Soon a simple meal outside will be a much more thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Few things say romance likes many of the unknown gems that lie in the small towns of our great nation. Most little towns have old houses that have a long historical tradition, rich gardens, haunted locations, small museums dedicated to the town's proud history, or other little jewels that often go unnoticed and aren't advertised. With a little digging online, however, you can find these places, and they provide wonderful opportunities for a fun, romantic date. They're cheap, too - most little out-of-the-way attractions like these charge less than five dollars! Get your partner and together you can plan your own adventure into a little town.

Mad Lib Movie Night is a great twist on a classic budget dating experience. For this, all you need is a movie, preferably an old B-rated sci-fi flick, chick-flick, or previously taped soap opera episode. At the beginning of the movie, each person is assigned to be one of the major characters, and each one has his or her own notebook with a pencil. Turn the television on mute, and play a scene. During this, each person needs to write down what their character may be saying. You can take a funny twist on it and make it absurd, but it should pertain enough to the premise of the situation that it will make sense when both people put their parts together. When the scene is finished, rewind back to the beginning, keep the television on mute, and this time each person reads aloud the lines as their character would say them! One of the things that this date does so well is brings two people closer - you'll notice after a few scenes that you can somewhat predict what your partner will write, and can make the lines even more witty.

Normally thrift stores aren't rated very high as attractive destinations for a romantic date, but don't let that fool you: thrift stores are loaded with small, strange treasures just waiting to be discovered, and you and your date can have a very special time. Find a local thrift store, and when you get there, split up from your partner. Now, alone, each of you should scour the store for some little cheap treasure that is perfect for the other. It can be funny, remind them of something memorable, or something you think would be really special to them. When you've found it, make your way to the checkout and by it for them. When both of you are done, head back out to the car, and swap your gifts!

Finally, find a night that you and your date can get together and make a meal! Fish out an old recipe and try to prepare it together, making sure to use ingredients that aren't expensive! You can make anything. - From a hot entrée to a sweet, yummy dessert to a zesty salad! Be adventurous; add your own spices and flavorings to the recipe. - If it comes out bad, laugh and make the most of it. Decorate it, whatever you want! But hopefully once you're done, you'll have a wonderful meal that you two made together! You can even have "theme" nights, like Mexican night, or healthy night, or even "unhealthy night" where you fry up all your food and add extra salt! Just have fun together!

Truly romantic dates don't have to be spent at five star restaurants, and often the most memorable moments are ones that are more casual, goofy, or simple pure fun. The point of these dates is that you are enjoying the time together with each other and the ability to interact with each other, and that it's something that can be done on literally any budget. So open your minds, clear out some time on your calendar, and plan a fun, romantic date for just the two of you where you can get to know each other better and create life-long memories.