5 Budget Ideas For A Date Night

Like finding love in Lagos, dating has become an extreme sport rather than an opportunity to spend time with somebody whose company you enjoy, somebody you find attractive and would like to know better, see if the sparks are real, you know what I mean….but with all the shenanigans happening on social media, I’d rather stay at home and enjoy my own company. 

I find it hard to comprehend why people must break the bank to take anyone out on a date because they want to impress. It really shouldn’t be. People shouldn’t be judged by how much is in their pockets but rather on the strength of their character and adherence to their value system. Don’t get me wrong, If you can afford to go the whole nine yards, please do it. In the same vein, if you’re on a lean budget, you can have a swell time with your partner without spending so much on a date. The driving force of lean budget dates isn’t necessarily how much you can save or spend, it is about your creativity and thoughtfulness. Given the limited resources, how can you make the occasion more fun and memorable for your partner? Let’s dig in and review 5 pocket-friendly yet creative ideas for a date night: 

Cook Together at Home

 Instead of dining out at an expensive restaurant, plan a cozy evening at home. Mesmerize your date with your culinary skills. If you get it right, you’ll earn a few points and if you don’t, you guys have a little something to laugh about right then and there. Alternatively, you could collaborate on preparing a delicious meal together. Choose a recipe that both of you like, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the process of cooking side by side. Whether it’s puff puff, swallow, or a simple stir-fry pasta, the experience will be fun, romantic and memorable. Plus, you’ll save money compared to eating out!

Picnic

This is a fun way to enjoy a frugal date. Decide on the type of picnic you want, choose your location wisely (check the weather forecast too), make a list of items you’ll need for the picnic, then both of you can bring those items you have from your houses and share, using the list as a guideline or you could task yourselves with buying items on the list. This way your date feels equally responsible for the success of your date. Please add to your list a pack of cards, an interesting book, maybe a speaker if you love good music, a blanket and food items. All it takes to make a picnic great is simplicity and connection. So enjoy, relax, converse and connect without breaking the bank! 

Take a walk

Nothing screams couple goals like holding hands, taking a walk, enjoying the cool breeze and the serene beauty of nature. Taking a walk with your special someone is underrated. It is one of the best ways to enjoy each other’s company “on a budget”. It’s like, there’s the rest of the world,  then there’s two of you just leisurely walking and talking and stripping off the layers. Let’s not forget that you’re also getting in some exercise and staying fit. If you’re in Lagos and you’re taking a stroll with your date, check out these snacking/street food options to make your walk date more memorable. 

Pro Tip- Ensure you both wear comfortable walking shoes.

Movie Date

Instead of spending money on pricey movie tickets, you can see movies from the comfort of your homes on Netflix. You just need a little creativity to spice things up and give your home that cinematic feel. You can move some furniture around, throw some blankets and pillows in the mix, get some snacks, dim the lights and enjoy a cozy homemade cinematic experience. You could even act out your favourite scenes at the end of the movie and have a good laugh. 

Double Date

Double dates are also great options. All of you can hang out at a really nice spot and enjoy yourselves without the fear of financial constraints since you’ll be splitting the bill with another couple. Make sure the other couple are not just your friends but they’re good friends with your partner and that he/she is comfortable with the arrangement. This is so that there is no awkwardness and everyone feels relaxed. 

Go Dutch

To “go dutch“ means to pay one’s share of something, especially a meal. In recent times, social media has been agog with people inviting friends for their birthday party at a high-end restaurant and serving them all sorts of delicacies, only to ask them to pay their share when the bill comes(without prior notice)😲 with the expression “Go Dutch.” It definitely caused a lot of trouble. 

My point is if social media baddies can “go dutch” for their occasions, nothing stops you from doing the same. If you honestly cannot afford to cover the full expense and you really want to go to that place with your partner, speak to them and let them decide if they can afford to go dutch with you. It is best to avoid unpleasant surprises. 

Remember, the key to a successful budget date is creativity and thoughtfulness. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a walk down the street or even going window shopping together, the most important thing is spending quality time together without breaking the bank. 

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