When you meet that special someone you want to spend lots of money on them to make them happy. Of course, budget wise this isn’t always feasible, which is where a little financial savvy comes in handy. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get to know someone, in fact, there are many ways to impress a date that require little to money at all. With these ten tips you can get your dream date to fall head over heels for you without spending only $20. This dating technique will help you enjoy your dates more and will even keep you cool and relaxed since you won’t have to stress out about the waiter delivery a huge bill at the end of the night!

1. Picnics
Everyone knows how romantic picnics are, but when it comes to planning a date we always seem to overlook this simple option. If you’re looking for a cheap way to impress a date then this idea is one of the best. Before preparing for the date make sure you have enough items to pack finger foods. This can be simple items like sandwiches, carrot sticks and other items that cost you next to nothing at the grocery store. If you want to get really into the food try making little turnovers that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth without forcing you to spend a lot. If baking isn’t your best skill then try to find a small ice cream truck after you’ve finished your meal. As far as beverages are concerned, try brewing some fresh tea and putting it in a jug or canteen. If neither of you like tea then there are various different fruit punches that are cheap and easy to make, or you could just pack a few bottles of water. It will save you big if you try to find a park that doesn’t have an entry free. Also,try to find a nice place with a great view before you actually go on the date and be sure to check out the weather ahead of time too. You will actually be surprised at how well this plan works!

2. Party
If you’re just getting to know someone then you might not be ready to spend a lot of money on dating them. The best way to get to know them is to invite them to a party, especially one with mutual friends. A party is an easy way to meet up with someone and talk to them about the basics without having to sit down for an uncomfortable meal together. Parties can break the ice and show you how the person acts around other people. The best thing about taking a date to a party is you don’t have to spend anything on transportation, food, or drinks. The two of you are free enough to spend time together while still being able to bring other people into conversations. This technique is especially great for blind dates or someone you might just be nervous around in the beginning.

3. Active Date
A lot of people who are very health conscious will take their dates on an active date. This allows you to concentrate on hiking, biking, skating, or other activities that will keep you from feeling awkward during the date. This type of date is perfect for many people because it allows you to share one of your personal interest with someone you might want to spend a lot more time with in the future. Active dates are also great because they actually cost you next to nothing. If both parties own the equipment needed to perform the activity then you are looking at a free date. Try to find parks that will allow you to bike or hike for free, or skate next to a boardwalk. This will give you plenty of time to have fun and talk when you stop to cool down from the exercise. If you decide to go on this type of date then make sure to back a few waters and some inexpensive snacks so you can have a nice break with one another without feeling uncomfortable from dehydration or hunger. If you really know your hiking areas, try to find a nice romantic stopping place that provides you and your date with a nice view while you talk.

4. Virtual date
A virtual date might not be something a lot of people consider to be a real date, but with technology always changing this way of connecting with others is becoming more and more popular. A virtual date actually helps a lot of people drop their guard and spend time with people they are just starting to know. So, if you’re on a budget you might suggest meeting someone on your favorite chat device rather than in person. During your date you can share moments of your childhood, your interest and what your hopes and dream are. You don’t just have to talk though! The internet is filled with ways to share with others, so make sure to utilize the tools you have while you are chatting. For instance, you can share your favorite scenes from movies, music you love, or pieces of art that have inspired you throughout your life. You can even cook dinner together if your feeling ambitious. The communication options are endless and it will even help you figure out how to plan dates in the future. The best thing is, if you already have an internet connection and own a web cam and microphone, the date is absolutely free for you.

5. Volunteer together
Helping others and the planet can be a great way to bring people together. If you want to find a date that is absolutely free then sign you and your date up for a charity event. This can range between soup kitchen, cleaning up litter or building a home, depending on what the two of your are interest in. This type of date will allow the two of you to understand what kind of worker you are as well as give you plenty of time to figure out the finer details of one another. Most charity events will give you lots of time to chat as you work, so you might find things out about your date that you would have never learned from a dinner date. A lot of charity events will feed their workers, so that is one less thing for you to worry about when budgeting your money. You may find that volunteering opens up a new window for you and can help you find the confidence to ask for the second date!

6. Think Seasonal
When planning a date you should always consider what is going during the season. Its not always wise to plan an elaborate walk during the middle of winter, but taking advantage of a horse and carriage ride or ice skating on a pond can actually save you quite a bit of money in comparison to traditional dates. If you find yourself looking for date ideas during the autumn try searching for local corn mazes, pumpkin fields or hay rides. This will give you plenty of time to talk in a romantic setting and might even bring a few laughs to the table. If you really want to go out, take your date to a hunted house or carnival as tickets for these items tend to be low cost and lots of fun for everyone. Summer is one of the easiest times to choose date activities. Beaches and lakes are usually free and make great areas to have fun as well as relax. You can also have a water balloon fight at home, or take long walks in evening. Spring is one of the most romantic seasons of all and you will often find discounted prices on boat rides as well as trips to gardens. You can even pick your own bouquets during this seasons filled with life.

7. Skip Dinner
Dinner is always the most expensive meal when you eat out, especially when you grab appetizers and dessert. So, if you’re planning a date try to go any time before the dinner rush. A lot of people find it very romantic to go out for a nice breakfast or brunch. This allows you to start your day out together as well as find cheaper meals that can be just as filling as dinner. Breakfast and brunch often offer up more conversation topics as well such as what the other person plans to do during the day, or what they did the night before. Earlier meals often offer less crowded restaurants so you can have a quiet conversation without feeling rushed. Another option is to take your date to a cafe. Most cafes offer cheap meals that can sometimes rival the choices at restaurants. It doesn’t matter if you choose to go for breakfast or lunch as the wide selection of sandwiches, croissants, and sweet treats will always impress any date. Not to mention cafes provide you and your date with delicious coffee that can help power you through the day.

8. Matinees
Taking a date to the movies is one of the most popular choices, especially for first dates,. This can cost you a lot of money though if you choose the wrong time to go. A lot of theaters offer a matinee discount for their less popular afternoon times, which can definitely help you save a lot of money. Try to plan a date for mid to late afternoon so you can pay for the cheaper tickets. This will also allow you to plan for activities after the show that will allow you to get to know one another a bit more. Choosing a time after lunch can also help you save on the amount of snacks and drinks you need to buy at the theater. This in itself can save you a small fortune!

9. Cultural Events
Many cities offer days in which cultural events are cheaper, if not free. Make sure to check out your local papers to find out the dates and then plan your get together accordingly. Many museums, zoos and aquariums are a great way to spend some time with a date, without making the activity feel too forced. Many people find it a lot easier to open up to one another when they are viewing things that are seemingly beautiful. You can even share you feelings on the things that you are seeing, which will help draw the attention away from one another.

10. Homemade meal
There is nothing quite as romantic as a home cooked meal. Even if cooking isn’t your forte the effort alone says quite a bit. To make things even more interesting try to include your date in the task, so the two of you can spend some time talking and sharing memories while you prepare the meal. This is a really cheap way to impress a date and can really make you stand out. One of the best things about cooking at home is your don’t have to skip out on the dessert. Make sure you find out what your date’s favorite dessert is before hand and try to whip it up before the actual date. You will love how much fun this date actually is and you won’t have to worry about how much of a tip to leave.

Choosing the perfect date can be frustrating and sometimes even a little scary. With these ten tips you will be able to plan a fun day or night out without having to worry about the bill afterward. You will feel more free with your date and will even open up a little bit more than normal with the financial stress off of your shoulders.

Author: John Terris