Are you looking for the best first date ideas that won’t break a bank?
Do you want to impress your partner but you don’t have enough cash?
Are you still thinking of the best places to take your lover and spend quality time as you get to know each other?
So, you have finally managed to get a date that you desperately needed. Bravo! Since you’ve done the most difficult part, it’s now time to plan your first date. I will share with you some of the cheap first date ideas that are simple and exhilarating.
In this post, you will learn:
- How to ensure you throw a perfect and memorable date.
- Tips on how to make your first date exciting.
- Cheap ideas for your first date
- Tips on how to impress your partner
It is no-brainer that first dates are tricky. This is the only chance you got to bring out a good impression on someone while trying to known her.
In this case, you need to play safe by surprising your partner with something unique and different.
Don’t despair; I have collected 15 of the cheap first ideas to help you be creative and get inspirations.
Now, let me show you what makes a perfect first date
Knowing the things that make a perfect first date is important.
This will increase the chances of getting a second or even a third date and eventually win her heart.
Is it the things you do that count? The person you’re with? What you’ll discuss? Or how you will conduct yourself?
A combination all those things will help you have a great first date. Due to financial constraints, you might not afford to plan a date of your dreams.
However, if you do everything from your heart and be open to adventure, a picnic with budget wine, coupled with crusty bread and olives is enough.
This will let you create a connection that you can’t get when in a fancy hotel or expensive music concerts.
Dates are important as they will help you stay connected with your partner. Here are some of the tips to help you have a great first date.
Choose the right activities
Your aim to ensure she enjoys the first date. You can consult with her to know the places she and the things she likes.
You can also point out that you will want her to be in a short white dress when you take her for a night of bowling and beer.
Make sure you pick an activity that offers a balance of activities time and talk-time. Remember it’s your first date, so having time to talk and knowing each other is important.
Find out if she has any dietary restrictions or choices. It would be bad if you plan or even prepare a meal for her, only to realize that she is allergic to it.
Avoid overcomplicating things
Usually, a first date involves many uncertainties. So, don’t complicate issues by trying to plan for a perfect romantic dinner or plan a whole day out just to impress.
Try to keep things modest and brief. For instance, a glass of milkshake in an accessible location will help you know if this is someone you would love to spend more time with.
Make sure the conversation is interesting
Conversation is an important aspect during the first date, and it is somehow hard to navigate.
First date conversation should have a balance between impressing your partner and learning something.
In this case, you can stick to topics such as generosity, culture athleticism since your aim is not to sound boring.
You can also incorporate some jokes but don’t rehearse the lines ahead of time, let them follow naturally.
Since you want to learn more about your partner, avoid asking boring questions such as where did you study? Where do you work? Note that this conversation will not reveal if you’re the perfect match.
Instead, ask more open ended questions that give room for explanations. Your aim is to make sure you’re a good conversationalist while learning about the person.
Therefore, don’t make common mistakes such as asking stereotypical questions or dominating the conversation.
Keeping it loose and exciting
Perhaps you’re tired of dating, and you are searching for someone serious to marry.
While that is commendable, remember that the first date is not the suitable moment to start talking about marriage.
Maybe you’re ready and you don’t have the time to waste on a relationship that won’t lead anywhere. But still, it will be nice you save that excitement and unleash them on the second date.
There are so much pressure and excitement during the first date. So, focus on keeping it loose, enjoy learning the new person and have fun.
Be realistic
Dating in the modern days tends to feel like a competition.
However, dating is about getting that one person you can relate with and care about; and a person who ignites your heart with happiness and who you can make happy.
This will only happen if you remain true to yourself and let legitimacy gleam through.
Complete your perfect first date with an impressive follow-up.
So, you had a great date with a naturally flowing conversation, and you realized that you share many things.
Now, what next? A great first date should be completed with an appropriate follow-up as this means planning for the second date.
You can do this in a smart way but make sure you don’t put her on the spot.
You can send a short message to find out if she arrived home safe and say how you enjoyed her company.
Don’t forget to compliment her beauty. Well, don’t expect instant response and don’t be too impatient as you will sound desperate.
Bear in mind that if you went to the first date with a big smile and confidence, you’ve already beaten your competitors.
Due to hard economic times, most people can’t afford planning for expensive dates.
However, you don’t have to worry since you can have cheap first dates that are great as a restaurant dinner.
Not only are cheap dates fun, but they will also allow you to transform your budget. One of the key rules of personal finance is spending less than what you earn.
Try these cheap date ideas to have a chance of channeling your finances to another use.
You will be able to regulate your spending while giving your partner a memorable experience.
Therefore, let’s look at the to-do side of the date.
If you want some creative and cheap ideas for your first date, be sure to get some inspiration in this post.
1. Go hiking
If you and your date love nature, hiking together can be an exciting experience.
Hikes that comprise waterfalls and scenic sight viewing are the most romantic since they involve walking together and holding hands.
Make numerous stops as you enjoy the beauty that nature brings and don’t forget to bring your camera to will capture the moments.
Many hikes are available for free, but you can go to state parks that charge for parking just to enjoy the goodness of hiking at a clean path.
These are some of the things you need to make it more romantic:
- Choose a hiking that fits you
- Pack the things you require to make it a romantic afternoon
- Stop and marvel at the beauty
2. Pimped up picnic
Unleash your sandwich making skills with this idea. Treat your partner by popping out a bottle of wine or inexpensive bottled cider.
The good thing about picnics is that they don’t have to be elaborate and costly to impress.
Just realizing that you have taken your time to pack a couple of things to dine in an outdoor setting is romantic enough.
This is a romantic date idea that won’t break a bank. Come with home-cooked food together with some snacks and drinks.
Grab a blanket and head to your local park to spend some time talking as you enjoy the food.
Most likely, this idea is best for summer, even though you can plan a successful winter picnic provided both of you dress appropriately and come with a flask of some hot drink. What you need:
- A blanket
- Camera
- Snacks and beverages
3. Take a culinary class together
Why don’t you enroll in a culinary class yet you cook every day?
Taking a cooking class together can be exciting. Learning how to prepare cakes, pies, pizza, and sushi will be fun.
You will meet other people who are there to learn new methods, laugh and make mistakes in a tranquil environment.
You will prepare something delicious that you can even taste on the spot together.
Why cooking class is a perfect first date idea
- Cooking classes are fun and different
- It’s the best team building activity
- You will cook and eat real food with your date
4. Take a walk at the beach at night
The beach presents a different vibe at night. Walk beside each other at the edge of the ocean.
Come with a blanket, light a bonfire, watch the stars and enjoy the breeze and the sound of the surf.
Why go to the beach at night?
- You will enjoy the night sun
- Peaceful sound
- You are free to do crazy things
5. Attend a Music Festival
If you are music lovers, the music festival will be the most electrifying way to spend quality time together.
They take place all over the country, and most of them are free while others charge some small fee.
Some of the pleasures of taking your date to a music festival include several stages that are graced by different artists. Most of these festivals are annual events, and this gives you enough time to plan.
Why it’s fun
- The stages are beautiful
- Wide variety of art
- You will have memories that will last forever
6. Attend a local sporting event
Do some search to find out if you have any minor league sports team in your region.
You, however, need to be sure that your date is also a sports enthusiast to avoid getting them bored.
Fans are always loyal, and you find yourself caught up in the energy and excitement.
For instance, tickets to attend minor baseball are cheap so you can splurge on a beer. You can also cheer in your local college sports team.
Why you’ll love meeting with your date on sports events;
- Allows you to network and socialize.
- You will impress your partner.
- Being a sports fun will make you happy and healthy.
7. Visit an arcade
Can you recall the video arcade games you liked as a child?
What of the air hockey, skeeball or miniature bowling? Head to the local arcade house and purchase a round of tokens that cost $10 or $20 and enjoy playing the old favorites and new classics with your date.
Currently, most of the arcade houses offer discounts so you will save a lot.
Most of them have sites in restaurants where you can take a drink of your choice as you play.
- They are cheap.
- Offer a great bird’s eye view from the balconies.
- Offer a great time to connect with your partner.
8. How about you visit a museum?
The majority of people tend to ignore this proven and factual classic.
Taking your time to look at beautiful pieces of art gives you a peaceful feeling as you contemplate on its uniqueness and beauty.
This is a fun and cheap first date idea since it can be found in your location.
A museum is the best place to learn more about your local area and its history. You don’t have to go to high-profile museums.
Set a date and go to an educational center in the parks or any other tourist attraction site in your city that provides information about the past.
- They will make you feel good
- Offers the best way of learning
- You will get inspired
9. Bring out your inner artistic skills
Take out your inner artist and have some laughing moments with your date.
This inexpensive date requires you to get two drawing pads and some colored pencils.
Look for a suitable spot to build your artboard and start sketching. Drawing each other and sticking figures will make a date more romantic.
You will have a chance to hold a great conversation as you laugh. Even though your sketches don’t turn out perfect, just store them as they will keep reminding you of your first date.
This also includes being creative. Do you remember the last time you painted, colored or even drew something? Bring back your childhood playfulness to your life by getting your date in the fun.
Get an adult coloring book and select a drawing color. Have enjoyable moments by sketching the cartoon versions of your bodies together pick the best drawing together and paint it.
- Be creative
- Allow you partner to help you
- Looking at what you have drawn will increase empathy and feelings of love
10. Take a Ride on a Ferris Wheel
In most cases, the perfect dates are the ones that keep reminding you of when you were a child.
Go to carnivals with your date and have some exciting moments.
The lights, the sounds, rides, and even the food will give you an exciting moment.
Most carnivals are free, or you might be required to pay a small parking fee.
11. Watch a romantic film together
You don’t have to go to expensive theaters for the cinema to have a perfect first date. You can hold each other and cuddle in the dark while watching movies.
There are numerous easy ways to get cheap cinema tickets. You can subscribe for 2 for 1 ticket for the entire year.
You can always pick the tickets in advance to avoid looking cheap.
Bear in mind that cinema snacks tend to be expensive, so it will be nice if you surprise your date with some cinema picnic from the supermarket.
- Movies will inspire creativity
- It puts you in touch with the inner feelings
- Movies can inspire motivation
12. Visit the nearby zoo or Botanical Garden
Visiting a zoo might be more fascinating than a museum since they include exotic animals. The admission fees differ, but the majority of large towns have small zoos that are either free or charge less than $30 per couple.
Ensure you carry your own snacks since any stuff purchased at the zoo is extremely costly.
Alternatively, you can visit a botanical garden that is situated in an attractive location that allows you to have a romantic day.
Most of them are free, but you might be required to pay some admission fee to visit historical landmarks.
- Helps you create memories
- A good way of learning
- It will get you out of the house and enjoy nature
13. Take a romantic stroll
While this might seem obvious, many people don’t realize that it’s extremely cheap and a good dollar saver. It can be a romantic date if you do it correctly.
Taking a walk through the park while holding hands can give you a room to ask a questions and learn about each other. In case you feel spicy, you can take an ice cream or get a takeaway coffee to keep you warm.
- Make sure you check the weather
- Choose a location; can be a canal or a large park near your home
- Ensure the location is scenic to add romance
14. Dancing
Maybe clubbing is not your cup of tea, but that doesn’t prevent you from dancing.
Taking classes such as tango, ballroom and hip hop dance classes allow you to have an intimate experience as knowing your partner will make you enjoy even more. You might find either free or cheap dance lessons in your community event section, websites such as Groupon. Therefore, plan a date and make that thrilling moves on the dance floor.
15. Take a scenic drive
If you don’t like hiking, you can take a scenic drive as this is the best substitute. Note that scenic drives will vary with every season. Most things are spectacular in the autumn, and it will be more beautiful if you reside in an area where leaves change colors. Additionally, the majority of highways across the coasts tend to be more attractive during summer and spring.
Conclusion
As you can see, all these first date ideas are super fun, and you will never go wrong provided you do them right. The most important thing is that they are pocket-friendly, so you will not have to break the bank to impress your partner.
The essential thing is to find out and know what they enjoy and not what you love doing. Make sure you put your partner’s interest before yours since it is the definitive romantic sign that won’t go unnoticed.
