Gents, let’s face it, dating these days can take you from high roller to broke-as-hell faster than you can say ‘check please’. And since most women don’t enjoy sneaking into movies, or pulling a ‘dine and dash’, you need some other solutions — cheap ones. That’s where we come in. Gents, we’re going to help you start getting creative with our dates and use what you have available, showing your date that you’re a fun and considerate bloke, without breaking the bank. So with all that said, here are a few suggestions.
1. Take her on a picnic
All you need for this date is one plaid blanket, two champagne glasses, something to drink and a packed lunch. Throw together whatever food you can get together, but bring something nice, like strawberries for dessert. Raise a toast with something bubbly — doesn’t matter what it is, just anything that’ll dance in a slender glass.
2. Teach her to drive manual transmission
From what we can tell, most women who don’t drive stick shift nonetheless wish they knew how. Teaching your date this traditionally “manly” skill will both thrill and empower her. Just for the record, women love men who make them feel empowered. This date can pay off big time, and it costs almost nothing. All you need is access to a manual transmission vehicle, an empty parking lot and a bit of patience. Or a lot of patience, as the case may be.
Tip: Tractor trailers are probably not a good idea. At all.
3. Theme dates
Sometimes a quirky or unusual date suggestion can be just the trick. If your idea for an outing is truly unique, she’ll be so intrigued that chances are she won’t notice it only cost you 10 bucks. One of our favourite dates is the ’50s-themed one. Most cities have at least one good ’50s-style diner, so why not take her on a milkshake date or, if she’s lactose-intolerant, on a Coca-Cola-in-a-Glass-Bottle Date?
4. Cook Her a Meal
If she’s still hungry after that milkshake and things are going well, why not offer to cook her dinner at your place or hers. Now, this date has obvious advantages. Cooking skills always rank well in most women’s opinion of what makes a man desirable, eating in is way more affordable than any decent restaurant, and afterwards, you’re already home. The only disadvantage we could think of is that she may not be too keen on the idea of going to your place, especially if it’s the first date.
5. Cute & Fluffy
If she’s expressed any interest in animals, especially if she talks about wanting a cat or dog, take her on a tour of your local animal shelter. While this date doesn’t exactly round out an evening, it will reveal what a gentle and caring guy you are, and, best of all, it costs absolutely nothing.
6. Sports!
If you think animal shelters are going to suck the mood out of your date, then why not take her to watch some amateur sports? From basketball to soccer, there are tons of great local sports events to check out, and almost all of it is free. It may not be the major leagues, but it’ll give you something to talk about and might even be funny as hell. Choose a side to cheer for, split a bag of chips and add a couple of beers, and you’re good to go.
7. Urban Explorers
Despite what they may have told you in school, exploring isn’t something that ended with the days of Columbus. There’s still a ton to explore all around you. Whether it’s a forgotten corner of your own city, an ethnic neighbourhood she’s never set foot in or, for that matter, an abandoned factory, race track or rooftop — do a little research and you’ll find out that the possibilities to excite her with the unknown may quite literally be just around the corner.
Tip: If you’re going to be snooping around, make sure she wears good shoes — no heels.
8. Anchors Away
Whether you take her canoeing, on a ferry or simply paddle-boating, there’s something undeniably romantic about being on the water. Maybe it’s cause our bodies are made of the stuff — who knows and who cares? The fact is, even a grimy urban creek can feel (kind of) like the French Riviera if you prepare well and offer to do the paddling.
Tip: If canoeing, be thoughtful and make a comfortable place for her to recline and take in the scenery.
9. The field trip
Most art galleries and museums offer any number of discounts or sometimes a “free day” you and your date could just happen to show up on. Personally, I prefer an art gallery for this date, as opposed to any museum. Too many kids. There’s just something about all that quiet that makes girls feel like being kissed.
Tip: Skip the audio-guide. It will probably cost extra and keep you away from the more secluded, best chance regions of the gallery. And why waste the chance for a lip lock?
Well, that’s it from us for now. While this isn’t by any means a complete list of things that you can do, we think that it’s a pretty damned good start.
What do you think? If you think that our ideas suck, and you have or can do better, let us know! Shoot us an email to info@media.chulomagazine.com, and put “Cheap Date Ideas” on the subject line.
