Date ideas for under $20 takes a little bit of creativity and a heck of a lot of thought. It is the thought that counts right? The good news is you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to impress your sweetie. You can do it for under twenty bucks and do it with style.
Keep in mind, there’s another side to every coin. There are certain specialty items that are deserved of a splurge. These “premium splurges” as I call them, may not work for under twenty bucks and that’s okay. Accept them as a vested interest. These are the things that will make a girl feel fabulous and make a guy super proud. So by all means blow your budget on them for all the right reasons.
Clever Date Ideas That Are Dressed To Impress
1. Take Her Out For Dessert
This one might take a little bit of investigative research to figure out because you aren’t going to hit the bulls-eye if your date is on a diet or worse yet can’t have sugar. When you are testing the waters, be sure to find out what sort of sweet treats are favorites and then set up the date location.
If she’s an ice cream fanatic, you’ve got a zillion places to choose from. If she likes a specific type of cake or cookie, you may have a bit more of a challenge. This date is certain to impress.
2. Stargazing
Fire up your computer and start learning a little about astronomy if you want to take it one step further impressing your date. Lazing under the stars is a fabulous way to get to know one another under the beauty Mother Nature provides.
A step away from the everyday to a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. And make the rule “no phones allowed” if you really want to focus on each other. Unless of course you opt to use your phone as a prop to check out what the stars actually mean that you’re gazing at. Lots of natural fun any way you slice it. And most importantly, this date might only cost you a bottle or two of water.
3. Apple Picking Or Strawberry Picking
This cheap date idea is dependent on the season and location but it’s a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors while pumping your body full of some healthy antioxidants, according to Redbook dating experts.
It won’t take you long to see whether your date is happy in nature or so far out of their comfort zone of technology and hustle and bustle, that there’s zero chance of having any fun.
Awesome idea if you’ve picked the right apple.
4. Disposable Camera Day
Set the phones down and have some fun the old-fashioned way with a disposable camera. A great way to capture the moment in the now and make the memory last a life-time. This can easily be an all-day date or you can leave it “to be continued.”
Take as many pictures as you can of your dating moments and they you can head to the local mall to have them processed. If you’re lucky you can also grab a cheap scrapbook from the local bargain shop and easily have a blast for under $20.
5. Flea Market
You’ve got to make sure your date would be interested in this one before you set the plan in motion or it might majorly backfire on you. Flea markets can be loads of fun and you just never know what you’ll find. And with a budget of twenty bucks, you better bring a few good sized bags to carry all the treasures you buy.
6. Kayaking
Find your nearest river or lake and spend a few hours paddling away. Perhaps you have a friend with a kayak or canoe that you could borrow? Or many of the parks and recreation centers have them to rent. A few hours will keep you down under the $20 mark. What an awesome way to spend some quality time together and burn some calories.
7. Biking
Even if you haven’t got a bike of your own, you should be able to borrow one from a friend. Worst case scenario, you can rent one from a local bike shop or resort in the area. Lots of fun for the two of you to get to know each other a little bit better.
8. Go For A Hike
A day hike is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty nature has to offer. When you get those endorphins pumping you’re going to relax and according to WebMD, that’s integral in developing that emotional connection.
9. Go Dancing
Even if you decide to hit a dance club, you can find one with a cover charge of less than twenty bucks. However, with that probably comes drinks and after drinks eating. That can cost you an arm and a leg if you’re not careful.
Why not get a little creative and take your dancing to a local cafe or even just park your car, turn up the tunes, and start dancing. Bonus points if you find out your dates favorite songs and download to them to play. Dancing is fun and inviting. So make sure you run with this one.
10. Yoga Class
If you already go to yoga then you’re all set. Most instructors will let you bring a “friend” at no charge to try it out. Otherwise you should be able to find one around that will let you test the waters for free or a minimal change. Unique is good and taking a yoga class is an awesome way to spend your date time.
11. Coffee Shop
Change this one up by making it unique. Try going to a coffee shop that neither of you have visited before. Or at least one that you very seldom frequent. This makes it a memorable virgin moment for the both of you.
12. Movie In
Keep in mind, you aren’t wise to offer this date idea if it’s your first date and you really don’t know each other. Safety first. However, if you’re dating and looking for some relaxing snugly fun a movie might be perfect for you. Make some popcorn, grab a nice warm blanket and enjoy the show.
13. Massage Exchange
Another great date idea is rubbing each other down with a massage. How personal it gets is up to you to decide. Focusing a little quality time on each other is a great way to strengthen your connection or start building it, depending on your relationship status.
14. Pretend You’re Tourists
This is a fun one. So often we are completely oblivious to all the awesome sights right around us. Take a few minutes to locate some of the local attractions and hit as many as you can for under twenty bucks! Worst case scenario, you can stick to parks and government buildings. Promise you’ll have loads of fun with this one and perhaps learn a little too.
15. Help The Homeless
Another great date idea that will cost you nothing and will be extremely rewarding is to take your date to help feed the homeless. Volunteering to help dish out food to the homeless or any other sort of volunteering for that matter is an excellent way to remind yourselves what’s important in life. Very meaningful for all the right reasons.
16. Sign Up For a New Class Together
Life is all about learning and growing and what better route to connect with your partner than to toss your panties to the wind and learn a new skill together. You could sign up for pole dancing, cooking classes, sewing, painting, or anything else your heart desires. Brainstorm together and sign on the dotted line. You may have to be someway selective but with a like creativity you will find something.
17. Local Band
This one is easier in smaller towns because there isn’t a cover charge. Just do your research and figure out where some of the unknown local bands are playing and go check them out on your date. Even cafes often have live music and all that will cost you is a nice cup of java.
18. Walk To Your Secret Spot
Everyone has a secret spot they like to go to when they want to just get away from life for a little while. Take your date there and let them in a little more. Or if you don’t have a secret place, you can make one together. A great way to create some awesome memories.
19. Local Baseball Game
Even if your date isn’t thrilled about baseball, you can’t help but have fun spending a few hours watching a game. You can enjoy a couple hot dogs, some pop and still be well under your budget limit if you’re smart. Lots of fun to be guaranteed.
20. Local Arcade
This one might be a little bit tougher for you but with a little bit of digging, you should be able to find a local arcade where you can buy ten bucks worth of quarters and play all those fun ancient games, like pinball and space invaders. What an awesome way to wow your date without breaking the bank.
21. Karaoke
If you’ve got the balls for this one, you will definitely have a blast. Grab your date and the mic and let it fly. You’ll be laughing and singing and having an awesome time. The great thing about karaoke is that if you really suck that bad, you can just turn the music up to drown yourself out a little.
22. Pack A Picnic
This is a truly sweet way to capture the undivided attention of your date. Pack a couple sandwiches, some fresh fruit, and few sweet treats, and perhaps some bubbly or sparkling soda water, and scope out that perfect destination. Make sure you bring a blanket to stretch out on. Romantic and fun and everything you need should be right in your kitchen.
23. Mini Golf
Who doesn’t love mini golf? This is cheap fun that may even stir up some friendly competition. The perfect date for daters young and old.
24. Glow Bowl
Glow in the dark bowling is awesome fun. The whiter you dress the better. It’s only going to cost you for the time you spend bowling and the shoes. And if you go on cheap night even better. You may even have a few bucks left over to share a snack.
25. Movies
Believe it or not, this can be done for under twenty bucks. All you’ve got to do is find a $1 dollar movie theater or drive in movie theater near you.
26. Toy Store Date
Perhaps it’s time for you to take your date back in time to when you were kids. Take a trip to the toy store and buy a couple things you used to play with in your younger years. Like a Frisbee, jacks, beach ball, or maybe a football or soccer ball.
Grab your toys and go have fun.
27. Beach Date
Slip into your swimsuit, lotion up, and head to the beach with your date. Talk about fun in the sun. You can frolic in the water, go for a walk, hunt for seashells, or maybe take a nice nap. The only cost you may get dinged for is parking and maybe a yummy ice-cream.
28. Outdoor Theater
Particularly in the summer, there’s all sorts of outdoor theater productions that will tap into your creative side. A great place to take in some culture with your date. A fun a lively atmosphere to kick it up a few notches and just enjoy.
29. Bingo
Bingo isn’t only for the elderly. It’s a social activity that is a heck of a lot of fun. It costs a few dollars to play but you can certainly get your fair share in for under twenty dollars.
30. Skating
Even if you have never skated before, most rinks rent skates so you can give it a try. So grab your date and make it a date to remember.
31. Rollerblading
If it’s warmer outside, you can take your date rollerblading for fun. If you don’t have your own pair, you could maybe borrow from a friend or rent some for under twenty dollars. Promise it’ll be an adventure.
32. Driving Range
Here’s another date idea where no previous experience is required. All you’ve got to do is buy a couple buckets of balls and go to it. Perhaps even a little friendly competition is in order just to up the fun-factor a little.
33. Batting Cage
This is a really fun date idea and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve swung a bat or not. You can have lots of laughs trying to hit the ball and it will only cost you a few dollars. There should be plenty left for ice-cream.
34. Sunset
Find some high ground and take in the sunset with your date. Bring a snack or beverage to have while you enjoy sheer beauty. There’s just something magical about nature.
35. Open Mic
If you’ve never been to one of these before you are in for a real treat. Take your date to an open mic that may be at a local coffee shop, bookstore, or pub. This is where anyone can get up and express their talents in poetry, singing, or sometimes even storytelling. Awesome fun for a dating idea.
36. Local School Musical
This may take a little bit of digging but there are always local schools putting on a show or musical; some of them are really great. Make a date out of it and support your local theatrical talent.
37. Horseback Riding
What a great way to wow your date. Take them horseback riding for a date to remember. There are always local stables around that will take you for a tour or even rent you the horses if you know what you’re doing. Be smart about it and you should be able to keep this one under your twenty dollar mark.
38. Casino Night
You really don’t have to break the bank to have fun at the casino. Explore the casino and take in all the energy. Get $20 worth of coins for the slots and have some fun. See how long you can make it last rather than see how quickly you can make it disappear.
39. Camping
This isn’t for a first date but camping can be lots of fun. Find a campground that costs $20 or under, bring some food and put up a tent. This can turn into a nice and romantic date night.
40. Fly Kites
Small kites cost about $3. Get two kites and go to the beach or any other open area to fly the kites. Flying a kite is not only for kids, it’s fun for the adults too.
You may also like our article: How To Court A Woman and How To Seduce Her.
When To Splurge In A Relationship
Nice Lingerie
If you are at that stage in your relationship the lingerie is one of the first things you should splurge on. It’s not gonna be cheap but I promise you it’ll be worth every dollar. Try shopping for it together. That’s the ticket to turning up the heat.
Rouge Lipstick
There’s something about red that guys love. Don’t be afraid to splurge and buy the reddest lipstick you can find. Then just let your fabulous lips do the talking.
Yummy Lip Gloss
When you’ve got shiny tasty lips all the time, of course he’s going to want to kiss you. Make sure you’ve got a couple in your purse, pockets, bag, glove box, and anywhere else you can think of. Tasty soft lips are irresistible.
Eyeliner That Sticks
Never mind any other eyeliner except the ones that are waterproof. The great thing about waterproof mascara is that it stays of even after you’ve washed all your other makeup off. So don’t worry about your “look” when you spend the night because your eyeliner will stay put to make your eyes pop.
Sexy Heels
There is really nothing better than a pair of sexy heels to dress up the occasion. Wear them with a pair of jeans or nothing at all and you’ll rev up the passion fast. If your guy is taller, heels will help level the kissing field some.
Truth – You can never have too many pair of heels so make sure you splurge royally on this one.
At Least A Couple Perfumes
Nobody wants to smell like fabric softener or detergent. Investing in a sweet perfume is worth its weight in gold. A good perfume will last you morning to night and if you pick the right fragrance it will drive your man nuts.
Take him with you when you’re testing them out so you can get his input. Then spritz it on and he’ll be putty in your hands. What a beautifully powerful feeling.
Little Black Dress
Whether you’ve got a pencil silhouette or oodles of curves, the little black dress is worth the investment. Make sure you’ve got 2 or 3 in your closet just in case. Not a lot left to the imagination with this one but that’s all good.
Natural Makeup
Idiva.com says you’ve got to splurge on the nude or natural makeup. It shows your naturally beauty premium style without a lot of fuss. Indulge with this one and leave the guilt at the door.
Simple Diamond Studs
Guys love a little class but not too much priss. Splurge on a pair of simple but elegant diamond studs to capture his undivided attention. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of glam.
Hair Care Kit
Your mane is one of the first things a guy notices when you walk in the room. Make sure you aren’t afraid to spend a few dollars on the hair care products you need to keep it healthy and smelling fresh. This may take a little bit of experiencing but it’s worth every dollar to find your flavor.
Conclusion
These date ideas for under $20 should keep you and your date adventurously busy for quite some time. The best dates are when you think outside the box, so don’t be afraid to take your date where nobody has gone before. That’s exciting and impressive in the big bad world of dating. Add to that a few well deserved splurges and you’re on track to taking your dating experiences to a whole new level.
Are you up to the challenge?
