20 Date Ideas Under $10
Last weekend my boyfriend and I celebrated our one year anniversary! We’re a COVID couple (we met during the pandemic) so we’ve had to be creative with our dates throughout our relationship. Growing together with such limited options has forced out the glitz and glamour of a relationship. Instead, we’ve connected doing the ordinary – dog walks, movie nights in, etc. We’ve gotten to know each other on a profound level. Plus, it’s been a blast. If we can have this much fun together during lockdown, I can only imagine being together in a world completely opened up. So, today I’m sharing some of my favorite date ideas under $10. They’re easy, fun and affordable. The perfect recipe to create memories to last a lifetime.
Picnic In The Park
Grab a blanket, some snacks in your pantry and some sunscreen and spend time with your love. Bring binoculars and birdwatch. Go for a walk afterwards and enjoy the sun.
Visit Your Local Farmers Market
I ADORE farmers markets! If it’s a nice day, grab your guy (and dog, if you have one!) and explore your nearest farmers market. You’ll be able to support local businesses and leave with a tasty treat (or two!).
Go Stargazing
Stargazing is completely underrated. Bring a blanket, some pillows and head just outside of your city to see the stars in all their glory. Make sure to download the Google Earth app to help you identify stars and constellations!
Practice Partner Yoga
Fire up a free partner yoga class online (there are TONS on YouTube) and get your downward dog on! There are tons of classes for beginners, so if you (or your partner) aren’t well versed in yoga you’ll be able to follow along! Set up a tripod and take photos on a self timer of the different poses you achieve. You’ll look back and laugh.
Water Balloon Fight
FYI, water balloon fights aren’t just for the kids. In fact, it can be even more fun with your date! Down a couple of homemade mixed drinks. Put on your bathing suits. Fill up the balloons. BAM! Time to strike. If you don’t have a backyard head to your local park!
Do A Puzzle Together
Puzzles can be super fun on date night. Set the mood with some music, grab a drink and get to that puzzle! While you’re at it… play 21 questions and get to know the other person better. Ask them about their wildest dream. Ask them about their favorite memory as a child. Ask them the 5 things they would bring to a deserted island. Have fun.
Themed Dinner & A Movie Night
Disney’s Coco + Mexican food = love! Tacos, margaritas and enchiladas all around! Agree on a theme and bring it to life! You’ll be able to bond making food and later snuggle while watching the movie!
Go Geocatching
Geocatching is the ultimate scavenger hunt. Download the app “geocaching” which will navigate you to the nearest “geocaches”. A geocatch is a hidden small container containing a logbook, pencil and/or a small toy or token. When you find the geocatch, you write down your name and the date. You can also replace the toy or trinket inside with one of your own. Great exercise and a fun activity for you and your partner!
The Dollar Store Game
Head to the closest dollar store together and pick out 3-4 things for your partner. Make sure your gifts are a surprise! It can be a sentimental gift, a gag gift or a memory building gift. When you return home take turns gifting each other and explain why you selected each item!
Massage Night
Prior to date night, you and your partner research massage techniques online (there are plenty on YouTube) then give each other massages! Make sure to set the mood with candles, relaxing music, massage oil, etc. I’ve each other a 30-45 minute massage and don’t talk. Just feel and enjoy. Then switch!
Draw Portraits Of Each Other
Grab a few pieces of paper, some pencil crayons and sit across from each other. Ready, set, draw! After you are finished – it’s time for the big reveal. Believe me, you’ll be in stitches laughing. Unless your partner happens to be an artist. In which case, frame it!
Enjoy Homemade Dessert
No one can say no to desert. Make smores on an open flame. Cut up fruit and make chocolate fondue. Bake some cookies. Throw on a movie and enjoy!
Volunteer Together
Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or animal shelter. Trust me, it feels good to give back. Volunteering together with strengthen your bond and appreciation for each other.
Play Board Games
Time to dust off the old board games and have a game night! Each select 1-2 board games and play a round of each. Eat snacks, listen to music, have fun! Board games are a lot more fun than you remember.
Go For A Ride
On your bikes. On rollerblades. On rented scooters. Whatever it may be, enjoy the fresh air and don’t forget to challenge each other to a race! Winner pays for the next dinner date!
Drive In Movie Theatre
Check out your local drive in movie theatre or “movies in the park”. They are typically free or extremely cheap. Bring pillows and blankets. And bug spray. Roll down the windows and enjoy from the comfort of your own car!
Re-Live Your First Date
Re-create the activities you did on your first date. Try to re-create it as similar as possible. Wear the same (or similar) clothing. Take photos. Ask each other your favorites memories since that first date.
Go Camping In Your Backyard
Set up a tent and sleeping bags in your backyard. Bring snacks and games. And a night light. Don’t have a backyard? Make a fort in your living room with sheets and pillows. Watch a movie and snuggle. Turn off all the lights and turn on fairy lights.
Go To A Botanical Garden & Take Photos
If the weather is nice – visit a local botanical garden. Make sure to bring a camera or take photos with your phone. Enjoy the weather and the views! Have a picnic afterwards.
Give Each Other A Facial
Grab some cleanser, exfoliator, a warm washcloth and a face mask. Take turns giving each other a facial. Your man may be apprehensive at first, but he will most likely love it! Through in a massage if you’re feeling more generous! You can even use a hydrogel mask to get that relaxed and rejuvenating feeling.
