I can’t believe we’ve reached the end of our Marriage Monday Series! I hope you’ve enjoyed these posts as much as I’ve enjoyed putting them together. For our final installment, I wanted to leave you with something practical to keep your relationship thriving: creative and budget-friendly date night ideas!
Let’s get one thing straight. I love a fancy restaurant outing or splurging a bit for our anniversary. But realistically, we have school-aged kids and live on a budget. Yet, it’s essential to carve out alone time with your spouse whenever possible. Even if finding a sitter is challenging, you can have a date night at home after the kids are in bed. Our children are seven years apart, and my daughter graciously babysits the youngest sometimes, letting us sneak out for an evening alone. I will definitely return the favor when she presents me with grandchildren.
Now, let’s get creative! Here are five budget-friendly date night ideas for those times when money is tight, or even if you just like to (in the words of Dave Ramsey,) “live like no one else so that you can live like no one else.” Here is the key though, think outside the box! Talk with your spouse and come up with some ideas that interest you both. What I present to you here sounds wonderful to me and my husband, but you may have another idea that you like better. That’s where our first tip came in: Communication!
1. Candlelight Dinner at Home
This is my favorite! I married the best cook on the planet (at least, I think so). I love dressing up the table while he prepares a meal, and we dine as if we were at a fancy restaurant. No sitter? No problem! This works perfectly after the kids are asleep. Serve their meals earlier, get them to bed, and then enjoy a peaceful dinner with your spouse.
2. Repeat Your First Date
Reliving your first date can be magical, though it might not be as budget-friendly for those who went all out. For us frugal folks, it’s perfect. It requires some preparation and a sitter, but the joy of reminiscing together is worth it. Discuss what you both remember about that special day and work together to recreate it. The greatest part is that you are working together!
3. Game Night
I absolutely love games! Whether with family or friends, game nights are a blast. I could have a game night every week and be happy. There is just something about being together and laughing. Great news is you and your spouse can do this one if you can’t find a sitter. You can even make it a double date with another couple. The key is to pick a game that gets you and your spouse interacting, like Uno, Battleship, or Phase 10. Video games that require teamwork can also be fun if that’s your thing.
4. Take a Drive
Skip dinner out and save money by eating at home first. Then, hop in the car and drive somewhere scenic. Find a spot to stargaze, visit a nearby river or lake, or explore new roads. Getting lost can be part of the adventure!
5. Relax on the Couch
Can you tell by now that I love being home? Our family stays on the go constantly that I love being at home with them. This one is open for you to decide how you will relax on the couch. Whether you watch a movie with popcorn, enjoy hot tea or coffee, read a book together, or just snuggle, the goal is uninterrupted quality time. Turn off your phones and enjoy each other’s company.
One of our favorite pastimes is thrifting. We love doing it with our kids, but when it’s just the two of us, it’s a special treat. We usually eat with the family before heading out to local thrift stores. If we want to make a day of it, we find a sitter or bring the kids along.
I’m sure you have plenty of budget-friendly date ideas in mind. My hope is to inspire you to set a date with your spouse. Remember, having kids doesn’t mean the end of date nights. Keep the romance alive! If your spouse doesn’t make the first move, take the initiative yourself. Start planning date nights today and keep them going. They’ll catch on and might even start planning them too.
Here is a great resource for you and your spouse to check out: 52 Uncommon Dates!
Keep an eye out this weekend for our latest YouTube video with more romantic and budget-friendly date ideas from people just like you and me!
Ready to keep the spark alive without breaking the bank? Choose one of these date night ideas and plan something special with your spouse this week. Share your experiences in the comments below or on social media using #MarriageMondayDates. Let’s inspire each other to make every moment count!
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