Hey there, fabulous readers! Today, let’s focus on love that doesn’t cost a thing—or at least, not much! Whether you’re in a fresh, new relationship or you’ve been together for years, here are some date night ideas that won’t leave your wallet weeping.

Movie Night at Home

Who needs to pay for an overpriced ticket and snacks when you can have a cozy movie night at home? Make some popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy a film together.

Recently, Mr. Wizard and I did a drive in movie in the garage. We set up the projection screen in the garage, climbed in the car, and had a great time. It was an out of the box movie night for sure. Get take out for a real “drive in” experience!

Outdoor Adventures

Nature is free and beautiful. Go for a hike, have a picnic, or even just a walk around your local park. The fresh air and scenery can make for a romantic experience.

I love being outside with my hubby. Having a lunch date at a local park is a great way to enjoy nature, spend time together, and get out of the office for a bit too.

Virtual Art Gallery Tour

Many museums and art galleries offer virtual tours for free. Enjoy a cultural evening without leaving the comfort of your home.

Cook Together

Instead of going to a fancy restaurant, pick a recipe, go shopping for the ingredients, and cook a meal together. It’s a great bonding experience, and you get to eat the results!

Mr. Wizard and I rarely go out to eat anymore. I’d say that it’s because we have three kids, but honestly, I just enjoy cooking too much. We don’t even budget for going out to eat, we just cruise Pinterest till a recipe strikes our fancy and then we make it together. Since I have dexterity issues, Mr. Wizard is often my Su Chef helping me slice and dice or lift heavy pans. We make a great team.

Game Night

Board games or card games can provide hours of entertainment. If you don’t own any, there are plenty of apps that offer free games you can play together.

Family game night is a well loved tradition, but when the kids go to bed, we will occasionally break out the cards for some old fashioned card games. We love to play cribbage especially.

DIY Craft Night

Get those creative juices flowing! Pick a simple craft project that both of you can enjoy and spend an evening getting artsy.

Stargazing

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with minimal light pollution, grab a blanket and go stargazing. Nothing beats the romantic setting of the night sky.

Local Events

Check your local community calendar for free events like concerts, festivals, or markets. You’d be surprised how many activities are available that don’t cost a thing.

Taking in an evening farmers market or music in the park is a lovely way to spend time together and enjoy your local community too. Being in public and holding hands or laughing helps you remember to flirt with each other, remember how sexy your partner is, and build stronger bonds.

Virtual Cooking Class

Several websites and YouTube channels offer free cooking tutorials. Choose a dish you’ve both been dying to try and cook along with the video.

Walk Down Memory Lane

Revisit places that are significant to your relationship: the spot where you first met, your first date location, etc. It’s a sentimental and cost-effective way to relive those precious moments.

Our first date was at our local Applebees. #smalltownliving After laughing and enjoying each other through dinner, we went grocery shopping at Walmart because he had just moved to town. It was so much fun enjoying first time conversation in a very public environment and it gave me a lot of insight into the things he liked.

In Conclusion

Love doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity and planning, you can have a memorable date night without breaking the bank. So go ahead, try out these ideas and make your next date night an affordable yet unforgettable experience.

As always my friends, enjoy the GLO!

kindnessncake