In light of Valentine’s Day, it’s important to do everything you can to make your special someone feel special. Taking a quick glance at your bank account tells you that you don’t have very many options. Fear not! Here are ten date ideas that are all about quality time and saving money! Utilizing Freenters‘ printing services can help you pull enough cash for one of these budget-friendly dates.
1. Chopped
Possibly one of my favorite date nights, the chopped date night is for those who love to compete with their crush. Go head to head and see who is the better chef. This takes very minimal planning and can be made as cheap as you want! I only spent $13 on mine.
You’ll need:
– ingredients (I used these)
– two baskets (or two boxes)
– some competitive music (here’s a playlist)
– access to a kitchen
If you don’t know how chopped works I’ll give you the general guidelines and you can customize them to your own event. Players are given a box of the same mystery ingredients. Once the competition starts you will have 30-60 minutes to create the best meal with the ingredients you have. You may also put out some extra things that are available to everyone (like spices, veggies, side dishes). I suggest watching an episode of chopped before doing this date.
Pro-tip #1: Make it even more exclusive by renting an apartment for the night with Airbnb ($60+)
Pro-tip #2: Invite another couple over to spice up the competition! BUT keep in mind how many people because only so many people can use the over/stove at once! Try using ingredients that are already cooked if this happens!
2. Bob Ross Paint Night
This date is always a winner and guaranteed to spark some competition and laughter. The best part is, I only spent about ten dollars. Everyone has seen the deals for Paint Night, but it can range anywhere from $50-100 for just a mediocre piece of art. I give you BOB ROSS, the happiest, most pleasant artist to ever walk the face of the Earth. You’ll fall in love with just one of his videos. They are free on Youtube and Netflix! CAUTION: these painting look extremely hard, but Bob Ross maintained the idea that anyone could paint if they tried. He gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint his work and surprisingly IT’S EASY.
What you’ll need:
– Select a video and painting that you want to recreate and watch it to be sure.
– You can get two canvases from wal-mart for about $5-7
– Paint brushes ($3-5 Wal-Mart. Try Dollar store!)
– Acrylic Paint (Watch video ahead of time to know what colors! ($1 wal-mart)
– Newspapers to protect the ground from any spillage
– Plastic cup for water to clean brush
Pro-Tip #1: BYOB? Alcohol is always a good mix with art
Pro-Tip #2: Make this a double date and invite another couple! You can see who is the best painter.
Pro-Tip #3: Snacks make every party a better one! Here’s an easy cookie recipe:
3. DIY Pizza Party
This party only cost my $15 and who doesn’t love pizza? This party is super fun because it’s kind of a DIY. You get to spend some quality time with your crush, all the while creating something you’ll both love (competition?).
Here’s what you’ll need:
-Pizza dough (you can make it with this easy recipe, or buy it already made $1-5)
-Pizza sauce (red, white, pesto – you decide! $2-6) You can also make it using tomato
paste and chicken broth!
-Pizza toppings (get creative – pepperoni, olives, pineapple) ($2-5)
-An oven bake at 450 for about ten minutes (check your pizza dough package for more specific directions)
Set out the ingredients for you and your significant other. Let your creative juices flow and create your own pizza!
Don’t have an oven? Make these pizza bites with a toaster oven!
Pro-tip: Make it a double date! See who’s pizza tastes the best!
Pro-tip #2: After the pizza is done baking put on a romantic movie! Or go for a walk and work off those calories.
4. The Target Date
Okay this is a new one and it’s a little harder than you think! Probably a better date for those who have been together longer.
This date costs $10-20. Grab $5-10 and drive to Target. Once your there you both have one hour to find the best gift for the other person using the $5-10 you brought! You CANNOT go over. After you both finish come back together and see who bought the other the best gift!
Pro-tip: Loser buys dinner? (Dollar menu!)
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5.Nature Walk/Picnic
Google your local attractions and check out the good hiking spots. Grab a backpack and pack a specially made lunch for the two of you and get going! Make sure to look at the difficulty of the hike before going and make sure your partner is able to do it too.
What you’ll need:
-Hiking shoes
-Backpack
-Lunch ($8-15)
-Blanket to sit on
-WATER
Pro-tip: Bring your partner’s favorite snack to let them know you pay attention. OR bring them a small gift!
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6. Game Night
Whether you’re just getting to know someone or if you’ve been together for years, a game night is always a fun way to learn new things about each other.
Set up some snacks and select your games for the night! My favorite: Cards Against Humanity. Don’t have it? Print it for free here. Print it using Freenters and make $2.40!
Do some research for games your partner might enjoy!
Pro-tip: Snacks make everything more fun (so does alcohol!)
7. Museum
A day at the Museum is always fun. Make a day of it and bring some lunch! Or, if you have extra cash check out a local spot to really get immersed in the community! Always check Groupon for local deals and coupons (and your Freenter coupons)!
Pro-tip: Museums have a bunch of free days and usually have student discounts, check their websites for any discounts!
8.Mini Golf
The classic movie date. Show off your golfing skills and score with your partner. It’s good for some competition and quality time. You can usually find a good deal for $7-10.
Pro-tip: If there are multiple courses don’t do the last hole in each course or you’ll lose your ball! Skip the last hole and do all the courses! Save the 18th hole for when you’re ready to go home.
9. Movie Night at Home
Doesn’t sound special but that doesn’t mean it can’t be made to be special! Grab as man pillows and blankets as you can find and make the room as comfy as possible! Build a fort! Or build it together! Decorate the room with candles (or snacks) and pick out your partner’s favorite movie! Pop some popcorn and relax together!
Pro-tip: If you can have it outside then I would suggest moving the movie night to your backyard.
Pro-tip #2: Have nerf guns? Make this even more fun by having a war before settling in.
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10. The Arcade
Last but not least, is one of my all time favorites, the arcade.
This can be a little more expensive than other dates but check your local websites and groupon (psst…. here’s a coupon)for better deals! Dave and Busters and Gameworks usually have deals going. I just bought $40 dollars worth of credit for $20. They also have cheaper nights to go and student specials! Whether you like Time Crisis or Dance Dance Revolution, you two will have a great time here!
The Freenting Press 
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