A guide to date night on a budget

Ah, the elusive date night – that magical time when you and your significant other get to escape the daily grind and bask in each other's awesomeness. But what if your wallet is feeling tighter than your jeans after a Sunday roast? Fear not, my fellow budget-conscious lovers, because we’re here to show you that you can still have a blast without breaking the bank. So, grab your sense of humour and let's embark on a hilarious journey through the world of date night on a budget!

Home is where the heart is

Imagine this. A date night in the comfort of your own home. Forget the fancy restaurants, I’m talking about a cosy, budget-friendly evening in your very own living room. First things first, candles must be lit, whether your date night is with an old or a new flame (get it 😉), and music is absolutely necessary, as this will create ambiance.

Now, you obviously can’t have a date night without some munch. Raid the kitchen and whip up a homemade pizza together (now things are getting saucy 😉). Trust me; there’s something strangely romantic about making a pizza together. If you don't have the ingredients at home you can buy pizza bases from Aldi for 85p, passata for 55p, and some grated cheese for £1.39. Whether you end up with a masterpiece or an absolute trainwreck with cheese on, it’s all part of the experience!

After the culinary adventure, snuggle in for movie night. But here's the twist: pick each other's movies. Prepare for a wild ride as you discover your partner's taste in cinema. You might be in for some serious second thoughts.

Blanket fort bonanza

Build a blanket fort in your living room. Pretend you're kids again while you ferociously argue over the best fort-building technique. Extra credit for using every pillow and blanket in the house. The bigger and more magnificent, the better.

"Travel" the world together

Who says you need a passport to travel the world? For this date night, you'll become at home, fluffy sock travellers. Pick a country you've both dreamed of visiting and research its cuisine. Then, cook a meal together with dishes from that country. Whether it's sushi from Japan, pasta from Italy, or tacos from Mexico, you'll have a blast exploring new recipes. Taste the world is an amazing website to find recipes from all around the world.

While you enjoy your international feast, put on a playlist of music from that country and let your imaginations transport you there. Bonus points for attempting accents 😉

Picnic in the park

Nature lovers, this one's for you! But with the UK weather, it’s not for the faint hearted - you may need some heavy duty shelter or have to embrace the feeling of being severely wet. Pack a simple picnic with sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, and a thermos of your beverage of choice, and head to the nearest park. Lay down a blanket and enjoy a meal al fresco style. If you're feeling adventurous, grab a frisbee or a ball!

The best part about a picnic in the park? People-watching! Park-goers can provide hours of entertainment. Try to guess their life stories or make up funny dialogues for the couples jogging past. It's like your very own outdoor improv comedy show!

The Great Escape (Room)

This one is a personal favourite. Instead of paying for a pricey escape room experience, you can actually design your own at home. Create a series of clues and puzzles, and take turns trying to solve them to "escape" from your living room. This is a great test of your teamwork or you can take the competitive route and go against each other (loser has to do a forfeit of your choice😆) with the added benefit of not actually being locked in a room.

Free samples feast

Bare with us on this one. It may sound ridiculous, but it’s actually very fun. Hit up every food place offering free samples. We’re talking about Costco of course (if you know, you know). Fill up on mini bites and vote for the best taste test experience. Be sure to act like connoisseurs and critique the quality of each morsel. If you were really savvy, you could also bring a change of clothes and possibly a wig if you were really committed, and go up twice! (you didn’t hear that from us).

Artistic endeavours

Get your creative juices flowing by having an art night at home. All you need are some basic art supplies and your imaginations. You can get cheap paints from The Works, or Amazon, as well as cheap canvasses and brushes. Paint, draw, sculpt, or even finger-paint your way to artistic glory. Compare your masterpieces at the end of the night and prepare to be surprised (or horrified) by each other's talents.

Tip: Don’t suggest painting portraits, it will end in being greatly offended.

There you have it, fellow budget-conscious romantics! Date nights don't have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity and a lot of laughter, you can keep the spark alive without breaking the bank. Remember, the most important thing is the love and connection you share, not the price tag on your date night adventures. So go ahead, get out there, and have a hilariously awesome, budget-friendly date night to remember!