If you are looking to have fun with your S.O. but to not break the bank, here are some ideas for outgoing couples or homebodies!
1. Movie night with Redbox.
Instead of going to the theater and paying $8-10 per ticket plus popcorn and candy, go rent a movie with Redbox (you can find discount codes online!) and get candy from the Dollar Tree. So instead of spending $35 on snacks and a movie at a crowded theater, snuggle up on your couch for under $5!
2. Find a new, challenging recipe and spice up your cooking skills.
If you are in college, chances are your cooking skills aren't the finest. Trying out new recipes will not only help you find new go-to
3. Go to dinner, but be conscious what you're ordering.
Most of the time I go out to dinner, I am very conscious of what I'm ordering. A few ways to spend almost half what you normally would are to order water, don't get an appetizer (most serving sizes these days are plenty), split your meal, or order off the kids menu. You can also ask your waiter for two enchiladas instead of the normal three that come with the plate, and they generally lower the meal price. When at IHOP, surprisingly, when ordering a pancake special, I ask for just two instead of four and the price has always been less than half and you still get the full amount of toppings.
4. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset or sunrise.
This is not restrictive no matter where you live... everyone has a sunrise and sunset! It's a great way to start the day or unwind with the person you like to spend time with most. Pack some homemade cookies and sandwiches and have some deep convo.
5. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Who doesn't love animals?? Not only are you helping the community and hanging out with adorable animals, but it's also low-key a good way to see how your S.O. is with delicate creatures... you know... if you're thinking about the long-term.
6. Go thrift store shopping.
I have a job and have money to spend, but thrift store shopping is still one of my favorite activities. I have found cheap movies I had been wanting, great cookbooks, cute and sporty sweatshirts, and kitchen essentials. There can be anything and everything at a thrift store if you look around enough, so just give it a shot!
7. Start a project together.
This isn't a one-time date, per say, but a great activity to keep couples engaged together. If you have pets, you could make a cat tower or dog bed out of... wait for it... materials you find at a thrift store!
There are easy DIY articles you can find on Pinterest for cat/dog beds and things of that nature. If you don't have a pet, you could try a home improvement project or build furniture type items. Again, Pinterest has details on how to create things like 'DIY Blanket Ladder' or even a beautiful garden.
8. Take advantage of beautiful weather days.
Get your exercise in and take your bikes out, go on a hike, or walk in a different neighborhood than your own. The refreshing air and secluded time with your S.O. will have you feeling all kinds of happiness.