What are some romantic yet budget date ideas?

Question

What are some romantic yet budget date ideas?

Answer 1

I don't know where you are, and I don't want to know either.

If you are in Australia, there's several Thousand of Kilometres/Miles of easily accessible Rivers, Beaches and Thousands of Dam's.

Even some creeks, if there's nothing else, and I ask you.

What's better, then sitting on a River Bank, with some plain rice biskuits, cheese, tomato, olive, Fresh Lobster or ham/turkey and some wine that's been allowed to breath well, is 4 or 5yrs off the vine or a nice 15 or 20yr old Vintage Port.

And just sit watch the moon, the stars, the passing Boeng 767 and listen to the quiet music of the birds behind you, that's being partially drowned out by the frogs quoaking.

Answer 2

pinic..!! you could do it by the beach or park which settle the romantic part. prepare some sandwiches and finger food which im sure won't cost you much.

Answer 3

i agree about the picnic, what i did was got a french loaf and hollowed it out and filled it with salad etc nice and easy, and put together a platter with a couple of different cheeses and dried fruits and olives. pick a lovely secluded spot surrounded by beauty and nature and you got a special date.

Answer 4

Fish, chips, and a six pack of different foreign beers by the river.... Works in Brisbane!

Answer 5

strawberries and champagne at sunset

Answer 6

There is a faithful old proverb "The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach". All I can say, is that blokes aren't terribly romantic at the best of times. But they do appreciate a woman who is willing to go out of their way, and cook a special meal for Him. Make it special, but it doesn't have to be expensive.



I can think of no other way to hook a guy quicker!

Answer 7

In my view, romance is about showing the other person that you understand him/her and that you've thought carefully about their likes/dislikes. This then shows in your "romantic act".



You are right that money isn't important - the act of showing you care and understand is important. And what could show you care more by asking him what he would like to do?



So, for example, if your man is big into rocks & geology and there's a museum nearby, even though it might bore you rigid, set some expectations (e.g. "we're going for two hours then onto a sandwich by the river") so that you don't get stuck there all day. Letting him show you how much he knows about a subject (whether it's surfing, fishing, architecture or stamp-collecting) will make him feel like you're interested in him. Be careful not to yawn when he's talking though!



You need to match the activity to his personality type: if he has a short attention span, is fidgety, always active, generally energetic and doesn't like sitting still, a picnic won't work.In this case, a romantic walk in a nearby park / seaside reserve keeps the scenery changing.



If it's by the sea, maybe you could watch the surfers, or the fishermen, or wildlife, depending on his interest.

You could go from a cafe at one end, and start with a coffee, then to a pub at the other, two hours later, and finish with a beer or a lemonade.



If he's a fairly laid back guy, happy to sit and watch the world go by, then a picnic could be a good plan, so bake a cakes, or some home-made bread for sandwiches, or make your own salad - what's important is that you spent time preparing and thinking about his appetite. It'll be a winner -even if your baking's a disaster.



Or maybe he'll be into the latest action-blockbuster at the pictures. While being in the cinema is not romantic, walking there, or having a drink afterwards discussing the film could be romantic to him as it's making him feel special.



Be mindful of the fact that this is your chance to make him feel like you want him to be special to you. He won't feel special if you're doing something that *you* like but *he* doesn't. So if he hates picnics by the river (which personally, I do) then you'll make him feel obligated to show he's enjoying it when really he isn't.



Good luck with whatever choice you make - but make it carefully!

Answer 8

Share a really special experience with him... like hiking to see a beautiful waterfall, kissing under the light of the full moon, learning how to ballroom dance together, or cooking him a delicious meal yourself. You don't have to go to an expensive restaurant,

Answer 9

I'm all for a picnic, by a river/lake or even the ocean. But don't forget a bottle of wine.

Have fun!

Answer 10

When my wife and I were dating, she was in the same situation, she is a uni student and she wanted to do something special but cheap. We went down to the local park at night and she had got some star charts and we sat there for hours trying to find the different constellations. Another one (that I've used) is if you've got a good digital camera, go on a photo taking date where you go and see the sites and take photos. Up here in beautiful Brizzie I've taken photos from Mt Cootha overlooking the city, from Q1 on the coast at sunset, on the river walk at southbank, my wife loves all the pictures that we've taken! Public events are great too (ie. riverfire). You don't have to be rich to make an impression.

Answer 11

The picnic motif is popular, and who am I to go against that? I certainly agree. As the Bard said "A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou". A cheap date? Maybe. But no less romantic.



My main comments will be on setting the mood and things to consider, plus a few other borrowings and suggestions.



Timing is key. Do NOT do it after he's come home from a hard day at work or he won't be receptive to your efforts. And don't make him feel bad about that, either. He works hard to take you on those expensive dates you mentioned, so picking a time that suits you both is ideal.



Weather and astrological phenomena might be helpful, so plan around the weather charts. Not much romance in being drenched in a torrential attempt by the sea to reclaim the land by airdrop.



And you'll probably want to do it either under a lovely sunset or beneath the bright full moon, with either many stars (Talk about budget. Looking up at the stars can be romantic and is completely free!) or without them if you just want to focus on the bright moonlight together, so again, the weather planning will DEFINITELY help you set the mood.



And, of course, as has been mentioned, a picnic! Either on the beach or in a park, under the stars or the full moon can be quite romantic. Even on a rooftop, depending on the location, if you can't make it to the beach or the parks, can be perfect, with a CD player in the background playing romantic tunes.



Strawberries, as has been mentioned, are a gastronomic delight with champagne or any other kind of sparkling wine. Even dipped in either warm melted chocolate or icing sugar if you can afford that. If not, then they're still lovely by themselves.



However you play it, all the best to you.

Answer 12

What you can do really depends on where you live, and what places \ things to do are available in the local area, however, here's a few ideas:



One thing that I used to love doing when I was a student dating with no money was going for a movie or a cheap meal, (even drive-thru) then going up to a look-out-point and snuggling while looking at the view. You could stop at a 7-11 on the way and grab a litre tub of gourmet ice-cream to share (don't forget to take some metal spoons).



My husband and I love to get some cheap food - a hot chook, pasta salad and a bread stick from Woolies, or fish and chips or burgers from a takeaway and take it to a park and eat at the picnic tables under the trees.



I agree with the person who said earlier to make sure you know what your date's interests are.. Does your man like fishing? Find an out of the way creek or dam and take some hand lines- plenty of time to talk (or make out), and he can feel comfortable doing something he enjoys. You shouldn't do something you really don't like though - it's ok to show an interest, but don't hide your own personality!



Another option is to go to your local-council website and have a look at what is happening around your area. Councils often list free or cheap events and some provide a UBD map reference so you can find them. Sight seeing, visiting a park or local markets can be fun if you have the right attitude. Or go on a scenic drive with some great music.



For some areas - like Brisbane - you can buy books (or borrow from the library) that list things to do in a 200km radius, with details like prices and directions.



Whatever you do, if you choose a night event - like a picnic or a look-out, ask around for a safe spot to go to. Remember that places that are perfectly safe during the day can be host to some unsavoury types at night.

Answer 13

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach!



I know it might sound old fashioned, but it's true. Cook dinner for him at your place, but really go all out with it. Have a starter, a main course and a dessert, of course. Doesn't have to be so extravagant that you mess it up in the kitchen - just simple, well thought out food and attention to detail. You do need to be confident of the timing of the cooking everything so that it's all ready when you want it and you don't have to be spending half the date in the kitchen, so this will require careful planning, but it can be done! Maybe a practice run of the recipes a week in advance might be a good idea. You'll also want to do as much kitchen prep before he arrives as you can (chopping everything up and making sure all the pots are clean and ready to go)



Give the house a good tidy. Set the table with a nice tabecloth and candles, Maybe open a bottle of bubbly to start or a nice bottle of red wine. Don't forget to complete the picture by having a little mood music in the background. There's a cheap CD you can find on amazon for five bucks that will fit the bill perfectly: It's a jazz CD called "Coltrane for Lovers" John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. Brilliant.



I would be very happy to receive this kind of treatment. It's like having a night in a really intimate restaurant AND it shows you've gone to a lot of effort and put lots of thougt into it.



Good Luck!





Oh weather can be a big factor, but you can't really plan for it. My most romantic ever date was unplanned and went like this:

It was going to be a drink at the pub, hastily arranged by text earlier that night. We ended up meeting just before closing time and getting stranded in torrential rain. With no busses going to mine and no taxi's in sight, we made a run for it though a very heavy summer rainstorm. By the time we got home we were soaked through, which meant obviously instant removal of clothes. I lit some candles and we cuddled and talked in bed with John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis on in the background and the sound of the rain against the window until 5am. That was the first date and it went well from there :)

Answer 14

The best dates are simple and inexpensive, so you can both relax and enjoy each others company, rather than being stressed and out of your depth whilst trying to impress him. Focus on him, his favourite place, his favourite foods, will make him feel special. Try a simple picnic on the beach at sunset, very romantic and inexpensive. Afterwards you could go for a stroll on the beach, or have a coffee at a cafe, or find a bar for a drink and a dance. Or if you love to cook and have time, find out his favourite foods, and impress him with a special home cooked dinner at your place. After dinner you could have some quiet conversation and a glass of wine whilst stargazing on a blanket or bench in the garden, or snuggling and conversation on the lounge, perhaps listen to some good music or a watch a dvd. If this guy is really into you, he will appreciate any effort you make if it comes from your heart to make him feel comfortable and special.

Answer 15

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

What are some romantic yet budget date ideas?

I've been dating this guy for a few weeks and am really into him. He's taken me on lots of lovely (and very expensive) romantic dates, and I've said I want to take him out next. The only problem is I don't earn very much money which I know he doesn't care about, but I want it to be really special....

Answer 16

You don't have to take him out!! If you can, take the afternoon off work (or whatever), spend some time pampering yourself (long, luxurious bath and all that). Do the frangrant body wash, makeup, hair and perfume thing etc.



But before that, go buy some special cheeses, olives, pesto, dips and other gourmet nibbles, crackers or fresh crusty bread. Have all that ready on a large platter and have a couple of bottles of champagne/wine chilling (hopefully in an icebucket on the table with the platter.... And wear something really pretty/sexy and when he arrives, greet him at the door with fragrant oils burning, soft/sexy music playing, lights dimmed and you, looking like a Million dollars - and ask him if he would like to eat from the platter or just enjoy your company for a while first.... I speak from experience here - that will certainly make him very, very happy!

Answer 17

1. Find out what his favourite foods are and wow him with your fantastic cooking skills (if you can acctually cook) and invite him over for a canlelit dinner at home. Set the table nicely, dress sexy and play some quiet music in the background. Serve wine and have a yummy desert. This way you can show him you are a good cook and that you have also listened to him and remembered his favourite foods. Afterwards you can cuddle up and watch movies together on the couch. Just make sure you know what he's into/ what he would like to watch! You don't have to acctually go anywhere for it to be a "date".



2. Why not take him to do something different than the usual dinner date? Something fun. Find out what he enjoys to do (what sports/activities/hobbies) and go and do it together. He can teach you how to do something new. Next time you can show him something fun that you like to do. Anything like Bowling, ice skating, go karting, horse riding...anything. This way it shows that you are taking interest in his interests. Just because it's fun doesn't mean it can't be romantic!

Answer 18

Well lots of places! lols



Take him back to your house to have dinner or something and then a board game afterwards. This might seem a bit cheap but its very nice, comfortable and if he truly likes you he won't mind where you guys are just together.



Or take him out to a park- preferably with a pond of lake etc (itll make it very nice if it was ight so that the stars would reflect off the water. Pack a picnic as well with snacks not meals.Make sure he's not allergic to anyhing around because I know some guys allergic to soemthing in the grass or something.



Take hime to the ovies of cafe somewhere "traditional" if you know what I mean.



I wish you guys a happy relationship and hoped I helped!

Answer 19

Try Yum Cha or a Sushi train, if he likes Chinese/Japanese food.



Or, try something different - picnics are a little overdone as the cheap date...



Depending where you are - I'm in Sydney, and Sydney Observatory is relatively cheap and interesting. It's around The Rocks and there's plenty of places to walk around/eat after. There's also Berowra Waters. They have this delicious fish and chip shop and you can hire a small dingy for 4 hours - you don't need a licence or anything. The cliffs at Manly are pretty good at night too.



Oktoberfests are also coming up - you could try one of those (that is if you are 18+) Gigs are cool too, and there's plenty of cheap gigs around everywhere... probably not so romantic though.



I'm sure you will think of something. I'm a uni student and I try and be creative with my partner to make up for the lack of doichmarks.

Answer 20

Picnic on the beach on a full moon is perfect. Make sure to check the tides as you don't want to go and it's a high tide. You don't have to pack anything expensive buy a roast chicken and make a salad and you have done dinner for under $10. Then there are lakes and gardens there all free to go to so it just depends on what you pack for your picnic.

Other wise you could make a candle light dinner, Do a nice salad ($5) as and entree and Pasta ($5) for a main with garlic bread ($2) and then for desert make a pudding ($4) Candles ($5) Dinner for two done for less then $20. If you need some recipes email me and I'll send you some.

Good luck and have fun

Answer 21

Make a delicious picnic and go for a walk along the riverside. Or hire a boat and row to a beautiful spot for your picnic. If he knows that you don't earn much he won't expect an expensive outing. If he's a nice guy he won't care, he'll just want to be with you. You could go to a movie and for coffee afterwards for instance. Good luck.

Answer 22

Take him out to watch Wall E, which debuts in Australia today. It's Pixar's first romantic movie, and an excellent one at that. Depending on your budget, you may want to get tickets for one of the more expensive seats that have access to the snack bar or stuff like that. Otherwise, just the movie would do fine.

Answer 23

Well Alice,

In my experience, a way to a man's heart is truly through their stomach, if u can, have a mini bbq, every guy loves a bbq, and if he's a vegetarian, thats still achievable, and if he wants, let him take over and cook, men love to feel involved.Put some music on in the background, his favourite wine, and then grab a movie that both of you would enjoy....men are easier to please than women...

Or an evening picnic is also nice. Just some nice cheese, cracker, wine etc etc



Good luck :)

Answer 24

How about a festival, there are lots happening at the moment, things like community and art festivals are free. Or a drive, bike ride, walk take a picnic blanket and sit under a tree. It all depends on what you like to do together. Are you into theatre, local theatre groups perform plays these are usually pretty affordable. A day at the botanical gardens by a lake.

Answer 25

A night in where you cook a relaxed style meal (spaghetti bol & crusty bread) yummy fun dessert (ice cream with choose your own toppings & sprinkles) and a guy dvd (action movie etc). You will both be relaxed and not feeling on show so you can get to know each other as real people, not the way we all act on a date. Worked for me and now we're married with a 9month old. Good luck

Answer 26

A nice home made dinner never goes astray especially the comfort foods that people don't really cook anymore. A nice simple dessert like fancy ice cream always goes down well. Some music you both like and a bottle of red. I have had great success with just a good meal, some laughs and good songs.

Answer 27

aww isnt it the sweetest thing? not that i am a date expert but maybe u can try these:



1. drive to the beach and have fish and chip take away for dinner + champagne (just a little) + his favorite dessert.



2. camping on the weekend along the river during a full moon.



3. make dinner at your place + dvd.



4. think of something you are really good at and that your proud of doing...dancing? karaoke? ice skating?



5. a good movie is always the safe bet

Answer 28

The best way is to pack a picnic lunch. Some chicken, Prawns, Salad, Bottle of wine, Fresh bread rolls, If your out to empress. Table cloth, napkins, proper wine glasses. Find a nice spot by the water -can be a river or beach. Take a blanket. Serve and spoil him. I guarentee he will be impressed.

Answer 29

I live in Perth and this guy took me up to the hill where it shows majority off Perth. It was fantastic, under the stars on a nice night with a Thermos of coffee and a packet of my favourite chocolate biscuits with excellent conversation. A place where I could just sit for hours and just look at the stars and street lights.

Answer 30

I think you don't have to go to expensive place such as luxury restaurant. I mean money is not important,if you show to him how much you love him and take care of him,he will definitely be impress you. Romantic mood not only lovely restaurant can make but just warming word can make that. "Making love out of nothing at all"

Answer 31

Jump in your car with some food and drink in a backpack drive to a national park .Take a long bush walk! along the way leave the track find a quite spot the eat /drink/make love .



This will show him your fit/open minded and adventurous sides he will be surprised and enjoy his time with you greatly.

Answer 32

A romantic meal outside....if you cook well make a beautiful meal,and surprise him when you lead him out to a beautifully set table outside with tea lights everywhere.I did that for my boyfriend and he absolutely loved it! I did it during the day,but at night it would be even more amazing.Add a cozy blanket and a chocolate fondue set for desert if you like

Answer 33

I'm a fan of random, take him on a photographic treasure hunt. You make a list of random things to take photo's of, eg; a brown shoe, a possum, a magnifying glass.... etc

Then you run around and take interesting or funny pictures of things on the list. You could end up somewhere for hot chocolate.



Its a lot of fun, and costs nothing unless you want to print the pictures.

Answer 34

Please don't mixed up "Love & The Money"



Women do not need any money to show love to guys.



The cheapest and the most romantic way is just give him a deep kiss in the public and shout aloud "I Love you" Give him a surprise.



For men, love without money forget it. I'd better to be alone.

Answer 35

I wrote "50 Things to do on a Date". It's full of date ideas that are either free or on the cheap side!



And don't worry about looking cheap, if he's a decent guy he wouldnt care at all about that stuff :)



Good luck, toots! xx

Answer 36

Pretty much anything that is really cheesy will do the trick. Even if you stay in and make him dinner turn on some music and dance. Men love food so just make him something simple. Set up a picnic in your lounge room have dinner and watch a movie. thats pretty cheesy but it will work.

Answer 37

Picnic somewhere you like

Walk on the beach

Quiet night in front of the fire at home

If the guy thinks you are cheap for not taking him on expensive dates then he isnt worth it is he?

Answer 38

My girlfriend took me for a picnic at the beach it was so romantic and did not cost much just kick back relax It was so much better than going to a flash place to eat. give that a try he will love it

Answer 39

Get some candles and light them on the beach. Have a picnic and watch the sun go down over a nice glass of champagne by candlelight.

Answer 40

Have a look at this website - it has stacks of great date ideas for $30 or under for dates! www.thirtydollardatenight.com



You will definitely find one there that you love... special just means that you have a great time - I think doing something cheesy and fun is the best way - you will laugh lots together and remember it always!

Answer 41

a picnic on the beach at sunset with drinks is my idea of a cheap but romantic date

Answer 42

a movie you don't have to by pop corn and all that stuff just pay for the tickets and there you go a couple of hrs gone then maybe the local fish and chip shop or kebab shop for dinner, that is what my partner and i have done a few times when we are low on money, and we have been together for 5 years and still loving every min.

Answer 43

I would say,

As a girl, I would cook my best dish for the man I love. I'm not a good chef though. Candlelight dinner and with your own cooking, is the most appreciated way to show your gratitude and love to a man :)

Good Luck!

Answer 44

i think you should just get him toyour house and make him dinner even if you cant cook then he will see you tried and he should appreciate it and see you tried. and it will only cost like 50 bucks for an awesome dinner for two maybe even left overs for the next day haha

Answer 45

surprise him with a picnic lunch at work, find a quiet place where you can sit and enjoy each others company ... some fresh fruit, oj, salad rolls. Then drop him back at work with a kiss

Answer 46

what about get a scary movie a vampire movie so you can cuddle and stuff lol



or a pretty beach where noone goes or go to a spot where no one goes.

Answer 47

ever go to the back of the airport and watch the planes land?

Answer 48

bring him over to your house and pack a mini picnic then take a stroll to your nearest park and lay out a blanket and feed eachother little cupcakes and chips

that would be awesome

Answer 49

What about going to a museum or wine tasting???

Answer 50

Love doesn't cost anything, but it pays to be yourself.



A single rose and take him to a cafe for breakfast

Answer 51

does she like sport or play sport do something together thats me tip

Answer 52

best way would be a romantic home cooked dinner..........