Thrifty Dating: Romanticism for the Working Class

Don't worry kiddos, we've all been there. You've got the hots for your high school sweetheart but your job stocking shelves won't allow you to take the little lady out to dinner every night. Not a problem for the guys that have a little imagination.

First off I'll tell you about my personal favorite frugal date; a picnic at the local park. Now what you do is the day before the date, go to a diner and order your food to be picked up at lunchtime. Then take a trip down to the supermarket and get things like napkins, condiments, ice, ect. along with the sodas of you and your date's choosing (I always go with drinks in glass bottles 'cause they're more romantic IMO just don't forget the bottle opener). However, you don't need to spend money on a basket. Go down to where they sell the party supplies and look for the paper gift bags.

A medium sized paper bag is a cheap solution for something to carry your stuff in. Don't forget music! Find a portable CD player and make sure it's got new batteries. Burn a mix tape of music that you both can enjoy. Also, it's always a good idea to pack an outdoor blanket in case the park doesn't have any benches. Once you get everything together it's a good idea to pack everything beforehand, except the cooler of course. That's pretty much it. Pack the car, pick up the food and your date, and spend the day playing around in the park.

Another great thrift date is a day at the museum. It's also a date that doesn't require much planning. Even if you don't know art you can discuss what you like... each other ;-) You don't have to limit yourself to museums either. A day at the zoo or an aquarium can be just as entertaining.

If you don't feel like getting dressed up a movie night is a great alternative. Get together your favorite movies *coughchickfickscough* and make your own popcorn. You can even melt some butter in the microwave to pour over it. Mix in a horror movie too. There's nothing better than when you're snuggled up by your lady friend and she latches onto you when some creature jump across the screen.

A day at your local book store is always a cool scene. Most book stores in the mall are accompanied by a coffee shop which makes for an even better experience. You can buy a cappuccino and a pastry and still pay less than what you would at a club.

For a nighttime date, camping out in the backyard is always fun. Go to the supermarket and buy a back of franks so you can have a weenie roast over the barbecue pit. S'mores are tons of fun and a campfire classic. Take turns telling stories and see if you can scare each other. When it's time to go to bed you can zip the sleeping bags together and cuddle for the rest of the night.

If you and your date are athletic people spend a day hiking or riding bikes around town. Nature is beautiful and doesn't cost a thing.

I've only scratched the surface of the cheap date iceberg. With some imagination and a little careful planning one can come with all sorts of things to do together. After all, it's the thought that counts.