5 Date Ideas (that won't break your budget)

Some of these ideas are completely free; others are $20 or less. I love finding new, fun date ideas to try out. I usually run to pinterest for new ideas. If that's how you found me, hello! I'm glad you're here. If you're here from Instagram, sweet. You're awesome. Let's get to it.

This picture was taken at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. My husband and I went last fall on our honeymoon. If you ever get the chance to go-DO IT. It was so fun! Jordan Pond was one of my favorite days we spent there.

#1: Go Hiking or Go for a Walk

This date is completely free. Well, besides the gas it might take to get to a trail. Getting outside is so refreshing. It feels so good to get fresh air in my lungs and it gives me the opportunity to get disconnected from the rest of the world and be with my person. My husband and I have some of our best conversations when we're out hiking a trail or walking on the sidewalk through our apartment complex. Getting out of the house and putting ourselves in a new environment feels so good.

There's something about exploring with your person that is really enjoyable. As much as going for a walk doesn't sound like much of a date, you're intentionally making time to do something with your spouse and I'd say that counts as a date. The next few things will seem much more date-like for those of you who are more of a romantic.

#2: Go Thrifting

I love this one. My husband, much less so. I enjoy finding small things here and there that I could repurpose or upcycle into something new or turn into new home decor. My husband enjoys walking around with me and finds it humorous when I find something I like that he thinks is strange. I think he enjoys watching my creative side flourish. While he sees junk, I see opportunities. Most of the time, we never buy anything. Rummaging around thrift stores just gives me creative inspiration.

Something you could do on a small budget is a thrifting challenge. Go to goodwill or a local thrift store and you and your partner have to find 2 outfits for the other person. 1 outfit is casual, 1 outfit is for date night. You don't have to do shoes or accessories, but you definitely could. Let your budget decide how crazy you get with this date. When you get home, try on your new outfits for the other person. This is fun for both of you to see what the other person got you and to see how well (or horribly) you did. Just have fun!

#3: Have a Timed Drawing Contest

This is one of our favorites. My husband loves this even though he isn't the artist. We have a book called 300 drawing prompts (here's a similar one since I couldn't find the exact one.) We make a game of this by flipping to a random page in the book, picking one of the prompts and then setting a timer for 5 minutes. We both draw the prompt for 5 minutes and put down our pencils when the timer goes off. Its so fun to see how one prompt can be interpreted in different ways, and if you don't finish your idea in 5 minutes, sometimes it can be absolutely hilarious to describe what was supposed to be on your page vs. what is actually there.

#4: Make Personal Pizzas with an Ambience

There's 2 different ways I like to make personal pizzas. The only difference really is the bread I use. The first is Naan bread, the second is a baguette. For the Naan, I've discovered that marinara works the best, and for the baguette that's been sliced in half length wise, pesto works best. Don't forget to prep both with olive oil! Pick any toppings: cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, chicken, sausage, etc. and don't be afraid to get messy! That's a part of the fun!

Once your pizzas are done baking, serve them wherever you like (dinner table, couch, living room floor, you name it) with only candlelight. I prefer multiple candles so I can see my pizza, but this makes it feel so much more intimate and special. Maybe even grab some wine if it fits the mood!

This picture was taken at my husbands apartment while we were both still in college before we got married. This was during the very beginning of the pandemic.

#5: Plan an Indoor Picnic

This is by far one of our favorites. I surprised my husband with an indoor picnic during quarantine with several of his favorite foods. I made lasagna cupcakes (honestly, one of my favorite ways to make lasagna), strawberry shortcake, salad, and sparkling grape juice. The lasagna takes about 6-7 ingredients and only bakes about 30 minutes-SO much faster (and cheaper) than traditional lasagna. I use bisquick for my strawberry shortcake and I follow the biscuit recipe (its a family favorite) on the box. Everything costs roughly $20 to buy. You can make anything you want-get panda express for all I care. The date is about you and your significant other, so the food should be what you want.

I set up the picnic with things I already owned. I used a nice blanket to sit on, some placemats, and a wooden cutting board for a little extra pizzaz. This is a small scale, super inexpensive and easy date and my husband LOVED it. I highly recommend trying this!

Now it's Your Turn!

Let me know which date you're the most excited to try! If you go on one of these dates to try it, take a picture, share it on instagram and tag me @_forgoodnesssake._ so I can celebrate you! You make sharing ideas not only possible, but fun! I love seeing you bring my ideas to life, and it encourages and inspires me to continue writing and sharing my ideas. You are loved!

Much love,

Rachel Bethanie