Romantic dating has long been associated with over-the-top fine eating establishments, chocolates, and expensive jewelry. When most people think of dating, they overlook the simple, more memorable things that you can do to really show someone how much you care about them. The fact is that romance isn’t something that is tied to a big wallet, but is instead tied to two people sharing wonderful time in each other’s company. – And fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do on a budget with your significant other that will help bring you closer and give you memories that will be sure to never fade.

Everybody knows that picnics are probably one of the most romantic and wallet-friendly of dates. A sunny day and gorgeous scenery make a perfect romantic backdrop, but unfortunately they can be a little stereotypical. So what can you do to make your picnic that much more special? Bring along an art pad and some pencils! Try to draw each other, and try all sorts of different styles. – Realism, cartoony, or just plain goofy scribbles! You don’t have to be good at art, and sometimes the worse the talent, the funnier and more memorable the date can be! You can even draw funny little captions, comics, whatever you can think of!

It’s truly amazing how many untold treasures are out there that gets passed by everyday. Little towns all across this great nation have old historic homes, battlefields, ancient churches, or reportedly haunted houses that hold tours. The history behind them is interesting, and a tour of an old southern plantation home or scenic garden is a very romantic setting. The beauty behind this is that most of these out-of-the-way attractions are dirt cheap, usually no more than five dollars a person. Do a search online for nearby towns or flip through phonebooks with your date, and plan a fun trip with them. A lot of people also find it a good idea to bring a camera, and take turns taking pictures of each other in these often beautiful or interesting places.

Another great budget dating idea is what I like to call “Mad Lib Movie Night”. Rent a movie, such as a low-budget sci-fi flick or a soap opera episode you’ve taped, and at the beginning of the movie, assign each other to “play” a certain character. Each person has their own notepad and pencil, and while watching a scene on mute, write down what you think your character should be saying. Be witty and funny, but make sure not to stray away from the general premise of whatever is going on in the film. – This is so that when you and your partner put your parts together, it makes sense! Once you’re finished watching this scene, rewind it and, keeping your TV muted, read your lines aloud as your character speaks! Not only is this hilarious and fun, but it’s very good for bonding, as you’ll notice that after you’ve done a few scenes, you’ll be able to better predict what your partner will say!

The thrift store isn’t exactly the kind of place most people think of when they hear “romantic date occasion,” but you’d be surprised. This date will test how well you know your partner. Find a local thrift store, and once you’re inside, split up. It’s now each person’s job to look through all of the items in the store to find the one perfect something for their partner. Both people should try to avoid the other, and neither should see what the other is looking at. When you’re done searching the store and have found the perfect something, go buy it for them (it won’t be expensive.) Then, exchange them on your way out the door! The gift can be romantic, embarrassing, or funny.

Finally, a great way to spend a romantic evening is by cooking with each other. Cooking is normally thought of as tedious or unwanted labor, but if you find a small, simple dish that the both of you enjoy, having fun making it together can be a very rewarding experience. Pick something with cheap ingredients, anything from a fresh warm meal to a snack, and set about making it together. When you’re finished, you’ll have something that both of you will love that is a result of your labor together, and if it doesn’t turn out so great, you’ve still had a wonderful time together, and perhaps you can continue to entertain yourself by decorating it!

Romance is about much more than a fancy date, big dinner, or an impressive gift. True romance comes from two people who derive joy out of simply being with each other, and the point of these dates is to express that joy with someone special to you. Anyone can do it on virtually any budget – money isn’t the important thing! Instead, creativity and spontaneity are the key, and when you’re done, you’ll have something that will stay with you forever.