Five Fun Date Ideas for Lovers on a Tight Budget

Being in love can be a very rich, otherworldly experience. However, in the real world, not having enough money to celebrate your love richly may be very limiting. That little fact shouldn't discourage you from enjoying valuable times together that don't require lots of cash.

How can you lovers on a budget do it? Let us count the ways.

1. Picnic: Nothing unites lovers more than an inexpensive picnic for two in the park, by the lake, on a mountain trail or at the seashore. Or, if the snowy or rainy weather outside is frightful, have a delightful picnic at home in front of the fireplace. Can anything be more romantic than toasting marshmallows together near a roaring blaze?

2. Art appreciation: A visit to the museum can be an uplifting experience. You can roam the halls and examine the antiquities, paintings and sculptures together. If money is real tight, be sure to check the museum schedules, and try to make your visit on a no-admission-charge day. If you still have that old student ID card in your wallet, that can get you in for free at any time.

3. Exercise together: Get up early for a sunrise jog or bike ride through the park. Have lunch at the little pushcart nearby or at your favorite health food shop. Chewing raw carrots and celery together can strengthen a healthy relationship.

4. Visit the local zoo and aquarium: You can learn a lot about relationships when you observe the lives of animals and sea creatures. It's an educational and inexpensive way to spend the day together.

5. A day of faux shopping: You may not be quite ready to set up house together, but a pretend shopping trip can be a happy experience. Look at furniture and appliances, and discuss how each item will fit into your future plans. Of course, if appropriate, you can visit the jewelry counter and consider engagement and wedding rings.

If real stores are too rich for your pretend budget, go to second-hand shops and flea markets, and rummage through things you may actually have enough money to buy. For gag gifts, buy a piece of old faux jewelry for her and a used laptop computer for him.

There are many creative ideas for going on low-cost dates with your lover. You don't need to stretch your budget very far to enjoy each other's company and share a few laughs together.