Going on dates can be expensive, especially when inflation is rising (I mean, have you seen the price of eggs lately)? But that doesn't mean you can't have a great date night! With a bit of creativity, you can create an inflation-busting date night on a budget. Here are five date night ideas to get you started.
But first, keep this date night tip in mind: Whatever you do, turn it into a date night challenge! Why? "Gamifying" even the simplest of ideas can help break the mold and allows you and your partner to experience something unexpected. The competition and spontaneity will help produce more laughter and, ultimately, more connection. Plus, it is an affordable way to create some fun date nights!
#1 Turn Dinner and Movie Into A Challenge
Dinner and a movie is a classic date night idea, but why not make it more interesting by turning it into a challenge? For instance, you can challenge each other to make the most creative dinner with the ingredients you have in your pantry or have a movie night where you have to pick a movie within a certain genre or time period. This can make the date night more exciting and give you something to look forward to.
The best and easiest way to do this is with the help of the Mix It Up Date Night Generator, which gives you over 100,000 different dinner and a movie challenge combinations. But you can take the same approach on your own.
First, come up with a challenge. Who can make the best cupcake, or who can create the best dish using only canned ingredients or some examples? And you can also create a challenge so that you must work together to accomplish it.
Next, define the rules of the challenge. The most important part of any date night challenge is setting up some boundaries. This will help you outline what the challenge should be and will surely spark some fun competition.
Finally, grab your ingredients and get to cooking! You can also take this idea to the next level by finding a movie or show to stream that matches the theme of the challenge.
#2 Find a Two-Player Card Game for Couples
Even if you aren't much of a card game couple, they can be a fun and inexpensive way to spend time together. And if you're looking to spice up your date night, why not look for a two-player card game specifically designed for couples? These games often come with fun themes and can be tailored to fit your interests.
And we aren't talking about your average solitaire, go fish or Uno. There are a ton of fun two-player card games that are affordable, easy to learn, and can help spark some connection for your next date night.
If you need some help getting started on your search, check out our list of the best card games for couples!
#3 Change the Rules to a Board Game You Own
If you already have a board game in your collection, change up the rules and make it into a game specifically for couples. This is an easy way to add some variety to your game night without spending extra money. You can come up with your own rules or look online for variations on popular board games.
The best part about this idea is that there are no rules (see what we did there)! You can combine elements from two different games, use items you have lying around the house, or even create your own prompt cards to use during the game.
It may be as simple as adjusting one or two mechanics of the game to make it fit your relationship.
For example, with a game like Wavelength, you can create topics that are based on your own interests to test how well your partner knows you.
For a game like Ticket to Ride, you can change the rules so that if you successfully connect two cities, your partner must do something silly or romantic in your honor!
Developing your own rules for a board game not only gives you an activity to do together but will also help you focus on creativity and teamwork. Even developing a new game can be a great date night idea!
#4 Turn Your Living Room into a Game Room
If you're looking for an inexpensive way to entertain yourselves at home, you can turn your living room into a carnival-style game room! You can set up a table and chairs and use card games, video games, or carnival games to create a fun, interactive atmosphere. You can even bring in some snacks and drinks to make the night even more enjoyable.
Think of it as creating your own Dave and Buster's at home!
To take it to the next level, create some tickets you can each earn during the games. Then, you can set up some special things you can each exchange for tickets in the future. *winky face*
#5 Have a Themed Dinner with Your Favorite Show
Or, you can simply plan a themed dinner around your favorite movie or show. This is a fast, simple, and easy way to add another dimension to a traditional date night option.
Plan a night to create your dishes, decorate your living room, and stream the show or movie! First, pick a theme, such as a Harry Potter-themed or a Ted Lasso-themed dinner, for example. Then, find recipes and decorations to match.
This idea allows you both to work together and be creative. One idea to take this idea even further is for you each to plan one night based on a movie or show that you like that your partner hasn't seen. This way, you are sharing an interest you have with them, boosting your intimacy and knowledge of each other!
Conclusion
Date night doesn't have to be expensive, especially when you get creative. With these five inflation-busting date night ideas, you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. So grab your partner, and get ready for a night of fun and adventure on a budget!
And don't forget to check out Crated with Love for more fun and affordable date night games!