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Ideas for Dating: 51 Cheap, Creative Dates for a Tight Budget

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Have a Date Night That's both Cheap AND Fun!

Keeping up with your relationship can be hard when you're strapped on cash - between dates and gifts, a guy can burn a hole in his pocket pretty quickly. Dates don't have to be expensive to be great, as as long as you play your cards right. Here are 51 cheap date suggestions for every type of girl!

Each date also has a BONUS suggestion at the end that'll add an extra spin to each of the ideas, so be sure to read all the way through each suggestion for a whole slew of great cheap date ideas!

Be sure to bookmark this page and come back often for more great ideas!

Photo courtesy of Tammy Maloney

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Before You Begin!

Coming up with creative dates can be difficult, and you need to understand her interests. Click HERE to learn how to make any cheap date a huge success!

Important!

Don't Miss Anything!

Be sure to check out ALL of the different dates here - she may be a musician, but love something from the athletic section. You just have to know your girlfriend.


Also, if you like an idea, be sure to click the more button to get details on how to make it a success! Each idea has a special BONUS section just for you!

Choose Your Type of Girl

And See Cheap Date Ideas Specifically for Her!

Photo credit: Flickr: Everything Outdoors

Cheap Dates for the Outdoorsy Type

Cheap Dates for Girls that Enjoy the Outdoors!

If you're girl spends more time outside than in (not just tanning!) then look no further than this list: and feel free to vote on what you think is the best! Again, please be sure to check out this article before you begin reading.

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A Picnic Outside

Go to a nearby park and bring a blanket and a picnic more...0 points

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Take a Walk on the Beach

If you live near a beach, this is perfect for you - more...0 points

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Take a Nature Hike

If she's really adventurous, take her for a nature more...0 points

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Have a Nighttime Adventure

If you're over late, encourage her to go on an adventure more...0 points

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Gaze at the Stars

Is she into astronomy? Even if she isn't, you both more...0 points

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Build an Igloo

Sure, everyone knows about building a snowman... but more...0 points

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Collect Leaves

No, this does not mean make your girlfriend help you more...0 points

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Make a Scrapbook

Have a bunch of photos of you two laying around that more...0 points

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Go Bird Watching

Every time I look at a bird I think, "wow... I'm more...0 points

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Volunteer for a Conservation Center

If there's a place nearby that's trying to improve more...0 points

The Key to This Type of Girl

Is to just go outside! If she has a favorite thing to do, try it out! Even if you look ridiculous, it was worth a shot! She'll love your enthusiasm!

Photo courtesy: Themusicvoid.com

Cheap Dates for the Creative Mind

Music? Art? You Name it!

These cheap date ideas can be very fickle - your girlfriend may like a specific genre of music or may just love music in general. She may love modern-day artists or she may love the classics. It's your job to understand her interests.

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Ask Her to Put on a Concert for You

What? What kind of date is this? If she plays an instrument, more...0 points

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Go to a Music Festival

Back in my home town, every summer there is a "Festival more...0 points

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Head to a Museum

This one's easy. If she admires art, take her to a more...0 points

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Go to a Local Play or Musical

If there is a community college nearby, chances are more...0 points

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Go to an Improv Session

Improv groups hold workshops from time to time, though more...0 points

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Learn an Instrument Together

Have you ever played the mandolin? How about the sousaphone? more...0 points

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Try Your Hand at Painting

Community colleges, churches, and other community organizations more...0 points

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Learn to Knit

"Seriously, knitting?" you're asking. And more...0 points

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Go to a Film Festival

Film festivals aren't as common now with the age of more...0 points

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Learn Basketry

Again you're thinking "What? Basketry?" and more...0 points

Set the Mood!

Add Some Romantic Music to Your Library

Adding a little music can set the mood - songs are a cheap alternative to more expensive gifts, like jewelry or flowers, and can accompany you on any date. This works especially well for the creative one. Some good music can go a long way. Here are only a few examples, though there are plenty of songs to choose from. Again, it's all about meeting her interests.

Track Artist Album  
Unchained Melody The Righteous Brothers The Very Best of the Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
We Belong Together Mariah Carey The Emancipation of Mimi
Wonderful Tonight Eric Clapton 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Eric Clapton
Just the Way You Are Bruno Mars Doo-Wops & Hooligans (Deluxe Version)
Melt With You Modern English The World's Greatest Love Collection
Without You (feat. Usher) David Guetta & Usher Nothing But the Beat
You're Beautiful James Blunt Back to Bedlam
You Belong With Me Taylor Swift Fearless (Platinum Edition)
Chasing Cars Snow Patrol Eyes Open
Your Love The Outfield
Photo courtesy: Paddynapper on Flickr

Cheap Dates for an Athlete

If She Likes to get Sweaty

This type of girl usually isn't too concerned with appearance and is ready to whoop you at something. The specific interests may vary, but these dates should generally work almost all the time.

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Learn to Snowboard

Snowboarding can be a fun experience, though it's recommended more...0 points

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Take Her Batting

Do either of your play baseball or softball? If the more...0 points

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Try Driving

Not the car kind of driving - golf. I've gone to the more...0 points

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Play Frisbee

Well, I suppose the technical term is "flying more...0 points

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Volley a Few Rounds in Tennis

My girlfriend and I play tennis regularly now! It's more...0 points

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Volley a Few Rounds in Table Tennis

Like volleying a few rounds in tennis, but less extreme. more...0 points

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Bowling

Bowling alleys are becoming cheaper and cheaper around more...0 points

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Shoot Some Hoops - but Go Easy.

As guys, we usually have a height advantage, so this more...0 points

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Volley a Few Rounds in Volleyball

Volleyball is typically seen as a woman's sport, but more...0 points

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Go Ice Skating

I personally have a bad experience from this one, but more...0 points

Another Note:

Make sure you tend to her needs, and if you''re in a competitive setting, it's okay to let her win from time to time. It won't hurt your ego too badly, I promise.

What's Your Opinion?

Guys Can Have it Tough

Many guys can be overwhelmed by feeling like they have to be perfect and fit an archetype that is impossible to achieve due to romance movies. Studies show that it's actually bad for females that watch these types of movies, as it sets unrealistic expectations to what a relationship really is.

Is it fair for women to have such high expectations of men?

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Yes, all guys should strive to make their relationships perfect, if they really love their partner.

cathi says:

If a woman loves a man then the man need not try and be anything else but himself. If he does then it is not unconditional love.

Wanda says:

Women love romance. Men who are smart watch "chick flicks" with their women and say things like....."I would do that for you" or "you are much prettier than she is".

No, girls need to realize that guys have their flaws and it's not fair toward men.

mamabush says:

I would rather a man be himself than anything else in the world. I chose him for the person he is, not some ideal that the "world" says he should be. Pretending to be anything other than true to himself is obvious and will cause problems in the long run. My husband is no romantic...I don't want him to pretend to be one when it's not his nature. I choose to love him the way he is!

WriterJanis says:

No one is perfect. All too often men go to great lengths to impress a girl with financial resources, rather than just being themselves.

poddys says:

We all have flaws, it's up to our partners to understand that and to work together to overcome any differences.

 
Photo courtesy: david.sickmiller.com

Cheap Dates for the Easygoer

If You Want to Just Lay Around

This category can apply to pretty much any girl - everybody likes to kick back and have a good time. Here are ten examples of cheap, laid-back dates.

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Watch a Movie

One of my personal favorites - super cheap and super more...0 points

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Take a Nap

Okay, seriously now, who doesn't like to nap? Just more...0 points

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Play a Game

Board games and card games are great ways to bond with more...0 points

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Have a Cuddling Match

Challenge her to a cuddling battle and make a specific more...0 points

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Cook a Meal Together

Going out to dinner is nice, but cooking together can more...0 points

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Clean the House

Okay okay... this one is probably the biggest stretch more...0 points

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Do a Puzzle Together

Any puzzle will do - crossword, jigsaw, Sudoku. Anything more...0 points

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Watch Reruns!

Who doesn't want to watch "Friends" one more more...0 points

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Be Ridiculous

If you're comfortable around each other, you can have more...0 points

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Enjoy a Swim

Swimming can be a good way to just lay back and have more...0 points

Image courtesy: Antoine Hubert

Cheap Dates for the Adventurous

Is She Itching for Excitement?

Here are ten cheap, exciting things you can do together to feel that adrenaline rush! All of the titles in this portion end with an exclamation point to add to the excitement!

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Go Skydiving!

Potentially one of the more expensive date ideas, but more...0 points

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Go Skiing!

Skiing is a fun way to get your adrenaline going, but more...0 points

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Try Surfing!

I've never surfed before, because I live too far from more...0 points

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Go to an Exotic Restaurant!

Being adventurous isn't necessarily all about doing more...0 points

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Ghost Hunting!

Now this one is a bit strange, but it makes the experience more...0 points

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Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing

Normal fishing? Too boring. Ice fishing? There's some more...0 points

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Enjoy Snow Mobiling!

If either of you has a snowmobile, rev it up and take more...0 points

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Practice Your Monkey-ing

When was the last time you climbed a tree? If you're more...0 points

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Snorkel!

I went snorkeling in Hawaii a few years ago and it more...0 points

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Become a Skipper!

Sailing on a boat can be hard work, but it can also more...0 points

Anything You Do Together Can be a Memorable Moment

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Cheap Date 51: For Any Girl

You Don't Have to Spend to be Extravagant

It doesn't hurt to go big once in a while, but it doesn't have to cost you.

Take a few minutes one night to make a formal looking invitation to a ball at either your house, apartment, or perhaps even a beautiful outdoor venue nearby (but check the weather first!) Download some easy-going music and put it on your MP3 player or a CD and insist that she wears full formal attire. If you'd like, cook and serve dinner before you begin dancing (Bonus: cook her favorite meal. Even if it doesn't turn out amazing, she'll appreciate the effort!)

This date hits all the marks - she sees that you're sensitive and caring, and it doesn't cost you anything! It gives you both an excuse to dress your best and use that formal wear that is collecting dust in the closet. Tell her how beautiful she looks and make it a monthly ritual to really spice up your love life.

Get Your Brain Working!

Now You Know the Basics

Here are only a few suggestions for impressing your girl without breaking the bank. Listening is important in any relationship, and by paying attention to detail, you can treat your sweetie without paying a cent! Get out there and show her your soft side!

If you had any other great ideas for a low budget, leave them in the comments below for other readers - I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

Need More Ideas?

If You Still Need Some Help...

Here are a few books to help you out as well - as cheap as can be!
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What Are Your Fun, Cheap and Creative Date Ideas?

Or Anything Else You Have to Say!

You don't need to be signed in to write something. What did you think about the lens? Will you try any of the ideas? Let me know! Thanks for reading!

  • Shadrosky Apr 22, 2012 @ 2:12 am | delete
    Well done!
  • mamabush Feb 24, 2012 @ 7:41 am | delete
    With 5 kids, we don't get to go on many dates! But when we do, our favorite thing is to get a coffee and go to an obscure little bookstore and browse around and sit for awhile to read...then go for dinner where we can actually get out 3 sentences in a row...without interruption! :) It's quiet and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of a busy house!
  • MiddleSister Feb 9, 2012 @ 10:58 pm | delete
    Great ideas. This one's worth coming back to over and over.
  • lisadh Feb 8, 2012 @ 11:31 am | delete
    This is a great list. I'm sure a lot of people are going to enjoy trying some of the date ideas you've suggested.
  • sherioz Jan 30, 2012 @ 8:22 am | delete
    I have always preferred the creative date over the expensive date. Hope these ideas will get the creative juices going for your readers.
  • TTabenske Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:15 pm | delete
    See? Proof for all guys right here! Haha. Thanks a lot for reading and commenting!
  • desa999 Jan 27, 2012 @ 4:02 am | delete
    Wow some great ideas in your lens!!
  • ineedhug Jan 27, 2012 @ 1:23 am | delete
    awesome tips .. money is important to all so that we really need to budget it .. no one like to waste money
  • sheezie77 Jan 22, 2012 @ 6:03 am | delete
    great lens! thumbs up
  • pinkrenegade Jan 21, 2012 @ 11:11 pm | delete
    Great tips, living on a budget is today's motto. Dating should make you feel comfortable and not some five star posh restaurant or event that makes you feel out of place. Awesome lens.
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Looking for More General Cheap Date Night Examples?

Handpicked Links, all About Cheap, Easy Dates!

Maybe you're unsure of what your girl likes (which is why I recommended to read this article before starting) - here are a few sites with more general examples of dates.
Cheap Date Ideas
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Creative Date Ideas | Good Fun Cheap Date Ideas
Tons of fun date ideas, creative date ideas, romantic date ideas, great cheap date ideas, funny dating stories and more - the very best date ideas all in one place.
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Twenty Cheap Date Ideas - Cheap Date - Cheap Dating
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Cheap but Great Dates
Cheap but great dates, from another blogger!
Recession Dating 101: Cheap Date Ideas - ABC News
Another link on cheap dates!
21 First-Rate Cheap Date Ideas
These cheap date ideas are by no means second-rate. If you're a real romantic, you know that romantic living need not be expensive. Rather, it's simple, but a little ...

For More Thoughts...

How To Plan Cheap Dates That Seem Expensive
by Howcast | video info

80 ratings | 13,720 views
curated content from YouTube

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