My husband and I are coming up on our seven year anniversary. In that time, we've done so much together and I just wanted to share our top 20 favorite cheap date ideas.
Read A Book Together
When looking at the price breakdown per hour of entertainment, reading a book is by far one of the most inexpensive forms of entertainment. Whether you buy a brand new book, grab an used copy from a resale shop or bookstore, borrow one from the library, or read one you already have, reading a book together with your spouse is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment.
Jon and I have different tastes in books (he prefers sci-fi and I prefer romance and history), so we look for stories that are both. It is so comforting to snuggle up while we take turns reading.
Alternatively, you can do your own book club by grabbing two copies of the same book and discuss when you each reach the end of a chapter.
Rewatch A Movie You Haven't Seen In A While
When the entertainment budget is running low, but you still want to see a movie, pick out a movie from your collection at home to rewatch. After a couple of years since the last time you saw it, you'll probably still remember the big plot line, but a rewatch will open your eyes to see how aspects of the plot form. I personally think the Harry Potter series (both the books and the movies) are better when you rewatch or reread them.
Play A Video Game Together
My husband and I love to go through our video game collection, pick out the games we won't replay, and exchange them for something new. This is a free way to clear up our collection and get a new game out of it. We did this for my birthday last year, when we didn't have the money to do anything. But we got to spend a weekend playing a video game together. That time spent was so much fun and that game holds a special place in my heart because of it.
Also consider your older consoles. Video games are for entertaining you, right? Well doesn't discount an older system just because it isn't new and shiny anymore. We still play on our old-as-dirt PS2 because the games are cheap and they are still fun.
Go For A Walk
Whether around the house, around the yard, or around the neighborhood, go for a walk together. Go somewhere new. It's a free adventure that creates memories, gets you out of the house, and gets some steps in.
If you live where the air hurts your face in the winter, try walking around a mall. Sure, it's kinda sad to window shop at things you can't afford, but it can be fun if you make it fun.
Turn Your House Into A Club
Can't afford a night out at the club? Try turning your room or house into a club! It takes the best parts of a club and throws it into your house. You can pick the music, drink what you'd like, dress how you like, and end the party before Game of Thrones starts at 9. No judgmental looks about ending the party early.
Tip: If you live with someone, have children, or are in an area where loud music is frowned upon, consider picking up some Bluetooth dongles and wireless headphones. You can still have your music without waking up the baby.
Have A Photoshoot
Everyone has a phone these days so why not use it to have some fun? Get dressed up in fancy clothes or silly clothes and just take some photos. You can also play around with makeup for an extra silly touch.
Play With A 52 Card Deck
The husband and I live in an area where the power goes out frequently. When it does, our favorite pastime to pass the time (see what I did there?) is to play with cards. There are so many games you can play with a standard 52 card deck.
Play A Board Game
Board games can be expensive at first, but their replay value is so high, especially with more people. Games like Life, Monopoly, and Exploding Kittens are two player so try them out!
Teach The Other A Hobby
This can either be cheap/free or really expensive depending on your hobbies, but see if you can get your spouse into one of your hobbies and get involved in theirs too. Skills like sewing are survival skills that can certainly come in handy.
Have Sex
Okay, this can be expensive if you don't take the necessary precautions, but sex is fun, intimate, and cheap.
Make Dinner Together
Put on some fun music, dance around, and create a meal the two of you will share together. Dividing the tasks of dinner will help you work together, create a bond, and cook faster.
Watch Funny Videos On Youtube
Most people have the internet (and if you're reading this, you're on the internet) so use it by watching some videos on Youtube! Hubby and I recently binge watched Talking Kitty Cat videos. It was a fantastic way to cuddle together and watch something hilarious. The world needs more laughter.
Go To A Free Event In Your Area
Cities everywhere have free or cheap events practically year around, so why not go to them? Sure, wandering around a car show isn't my ideal Friday night date, but it's better than sitting at home for the 8th Friday in a row because you can't afford to go out.
Hide And Seek
Tap into your inner child by playing the classic game of Hide and Seek. When Jon and I want to feel extra silly, we turn the lights off in the house and play it at night. There's nothing quite like it. You can make it a little more adult by promising sexy fun time when they get caught/are found.
Binge Watch A New TV Show
Netflix is one of those entertainment expenses that are simply worth it if you use it. And if funds are tight, consider this to be one of those splurges to help keep you entertained. With the amount of TV shows out there, you and your spouse can find one you both enjoy. Jon and I love Game of Thrones, Dexter, True Blood, Orange Is The New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Master of None.
Talk About Your Dream Home
If you and your spouse woke up tomorrow with $50 billion, what house would you buy? Or what house would you build? Go crazy! Even look on real estate websites at the crazy expensive houses you'll probably never be able to afford. It's so much fun to put your heads together and just dream a little.
Write Love Letters To Each Other
You and your spouse are together for a reason (if you're together out of convenience, you're not going to last) so write those reasons down. You can either read them to each other right then or hold onto them when you are going through a rough patch. This way, you can remember why you're together in the first place and you can fight to keep your relationship together.
Gaze Up At The Stars
After the sun sets, head outside to see if you can spot any stars in the sky. City lights and weather can play a part as to whether you can spot any, so you may have to drive a bit to find them. But they are so worth it. Make sure you give your eyes half an hour to adjust to looking up at the sky.
Take On A Persona And Pick Each Other Up At A Bar
Ever wish you were a different person? Now is the time to try it out! If you can, take your outfits with you to the bar, change in the rest room, then see if you can pick each other up! Don't forget to have a name and backstory picked out.
Do a food challenge
Go into the kitchen, pick out a handful of ingredients, and have the other make a dish out of them! This will get you guys to be competitive, feed each other, and maybe even find a new weekly dinner.