March 22nd, 2012 
Jessica If you’re anything like Brad and I, you and your spouse are trying to live abundantly on less, without shortchanging your relationship with one another. We all know that dating one’s spouse is healthy for any marriage, but it’s difficult to find the money for dinners, movies, and babysitters on a tight budget. So here are some ideas for a cheap date with your spouse:
Dinner in Langfang, China: May 2008
- Babysitting: Brad and I do most of our “dating” at home after the kids have gone to bed (around 8pm). We have also arranged babysitting trades with other parents, or relied on doting grandparents for free babysitting. Some churches also offer “Parents Night Out” babysitting for a small donation.
- Movies: With the advent of Redbox, the cost of renting a movie has dropped significantly. In comparison to the rising price of movie tickets, you’re far better off just staying at home. Popping your own popcorn and preparing your own drinks is also far more affordable at home.
- Dinner: Even if you’re not a gourmet chef, you can still have a special meal with your spouse. Get out your best dishes, cloth napkins, silverware, wine glasses, and candles for a nice romantic meal for two. Or arrange to have a glass of wine by the fireplace. Remember, it’s all about presentation. Even grilled cheese looks great by candlelight.
- Exchange Favors: Offer to exchange back rubs with your spouse, or something else special. I love when Brad rubs my feet as we watch a movie, and I know he loves when I massage his achey feet and legs after he runs. You can also surprise your spouse by doing one of their chores for them, or helping them with something important to them.
- Think Outside the Box: Going for a walk with your spouse costs nothing, and is a great way to talk to your spouse away from distractions. You could also try playing a two-person game, reading a book together, learning a new skill together, or working on a project together.
The list above isn’t meant to be exhaustive. What are some cheap date ideas you and your spouse enjoy?
(Keep them G-rated, please!)
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Our first date was a cheap date and is still one of our favorites. We went to walmart and played in the toy department. So silly but really fun.
Sounds like fun! My roommates and I occasionally would go to the children’s section of Barnes & Noble and read each other a favorite children’s book. 🙂
To make the popcorn for you movie night even cheaper, just buy the plain kernels from the store in a larger quantity and then put an amount in a brown paper lunch bag and fold the top down a few times. Then sit the bag upright in the microwave so that the top of the microwave helps keep the bag folded (since you can’t staple it or anything). Once, popped, take out, season with whatever and enjoy! Healthier and cheaper! 🙂 New favorite idea off of pinterest! 😀
That sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try it!
The best birthday present I have ever recieved was this year when Sam took me and our dog on our favorite local hike. He packed some bread, cheese, leftovers from the night before (veggie sausage) and some fruit. It was delicious, free (aside from the groceries, but we had that on hand anyway), and we got to take the time to explore and enjoy the day with our favorite canine.
That sounds like a great date! What a thoughtful guy. 🙂
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard http://www.thedatingdivas.com but they have amazing ideas for cheap to date your husband!!!! Thanks for your ideas!
Thanks for the link! I’ll have to check it out! 🙂
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