Spending time with loved ones is so special and so important - whether its with family, friends, or a significant other. Unfortunately, may times, hanging out, dates, and group events are associated with spending time. But I'm a firm believer that it shouldn't have to cost you to make memories.
Sure, once in a while it can be totally worth the splurge, but there is also a great way to balance spending and saving. And yes, quality time and fun activities can be free and still be exciting.
This list of "date" ideas isn't just for romantic dates, but simply a list of fun activity ideas for all to enjoy! It can be a friend date, a girls night, family quality time, or a romantic date! The best part is, you can put your own spin on any of the simple ideas and really make them your own!
1. Movie Night
Who says a movie night has to be out at the theater? You can create a fun movie night atmosphere from the comfort of your own home. The best part is that you don't have to spend nearly as much!
And it doesn't have to be just a plain old movie night - plan a movie night complete with old or favorite movies, your favorite snacks, pajamas, and maybe even a blanket fort.
Play some games, enjoy some movies, make some snacks, and have a relaxing movie night in. I don't know about you, but to me this sounds more comfortable and more budget friendly than a movie outing.
2. Game Night
Game nights can be a WONDERFUL frugal date night idea because there are so many games to try and so much laughter to be had! Try picking a few games and playing them - this is such a good way to spend quality time and build memories.
If you don't have many games or are looking for a DIY game, one activity I love is simply drawing and having the other person/people guess what it is. You can keep it simple or make up themes, draw specific images to make guessing harder, or even make rules.
Game nights don't have to cost you! Even if you make up an entire gave from scratch, imagine the fun and creativity that you'll have gotten to enjoy together!
3. Bake Something
Baking can be fun, and baking with others can be even more fun! Baking up your favorite treat with a loved one can be such a special way to work together, have fun, make memories, and overall spend quality time together.
It doesn't cost nearly as much to bake a sweet treat compared to buying one, so this is another great benefit of this activity. Plus, having a sweet treat to eat after all the hard work isn't so bad, either. A fun spin on this could even be to bake together and then deliver goodie baskets to others with your baked goods!
There are many yummy recipes for all kinds of baked goods out there. If you're looking for a quick sweet treat, mug cakes are always a delicious hit.
4. Dance!
Maybe you're not much of a dancer - and that's okay too. But if you are, why wait for a special occasion like a wedding or a dance to bust out your moves? Dance parties are the best. Turn up your favorite tunes and have some fun, and get some nice exercise in the process. Learn a dance, make a dance, or just have a dance party! This can be so much fun and result in a lot of laughs. It is also a fun time to learn a dance and then film it to watch back and even share with loved ones as a special memory.
If you're looking for a more romantic themed date night idea for dancing, try learning a dance together. There are countless free tutorials online, and it can be a good way to learn to work together and collaborate with the other person together while learning a new skill together.
5. Pack a Picnic
I can't be the only person who gets so excited at the thought of a picnic, right? Picnics are a great activity to do with loved ones on any budget, and enjoy nature in the process.
You could pack a few sandwiches or simple meals and go to the park, or even sit by the window and eat indoors. Whatever it is - find a picnic that you love and enjoy your quality, face to face time!
6. Explore
Try exploring a new place for your next date - a new store, a new hiking trail, an ice cream shop you've had your eye on for a few weeks...
Exploring a new activity or place can be a fun way to try an exciting new adventure (yes, an ice cream store is an exciting adventure) with a loved one. Try to think of activities that the both of you have in common and all of the exciting ways you can enjoy them!
There are often so many things to do that we forget, or we think we always have to do an extravagant activity or spends tons of money to have a special time. I believe that quality time is more important than either of those things and can't quite be bought.
It can seem important to plan the best date, and have the perfect time, but really what we need to do is spend quality time, above all.
Looking for more budget friendly relationship & gift ideas? Check out this page.
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