In a perfect world, Rob and I would take romantic vacations to exotic destinations. On our dates we’d savor steak and lobster by candlelight. The elegant bed and breakfast downtown would know us by name. We’d have a professional nanny on speed-dial whenever we felt like a night on the town.

In the real world, our dates can look more like trips to Costco. Our 2004 Toyota is no limousine. We chat in coffee shops instead of restaurants with white tablecloths. Yet in the simplicity of our time together, we’ve found we can make memories without much money. All we really need is time, some undivided attention, and a little creativity to make a romantic connection.

Here are ten date ideas that cost only ten dollars or less:

Forever Young: Stop for an ice-cream cone and visit a local park. Feed the ducks, sit on the swings, and toss a ball. Enjoy time outdoors at a kid’s carefree pace.

Take a Hike: Throw some snacks and a blanket in your backpack, and then make your way to the closest hiking trail. Breathe in the fresh air and make your way to a scenic spot for a picnic.

Window Shopping: Whether you’re into landscaping, home improvement, or fashion, browse your local shopping venues and web sites for fresh ideas. Brainstorm ways to update your “look” on a budget.

Fire it Up: Grab some fixings for s’mores and light a campfire in the backyard. Cozy up with a blanket and share your dessert in the great outdoors.

Cut the Tension: Visit a drugstore to pick out some scented oil or lotion and bubble bath. At home, put on some relaxing music, light candles, and massage away the stress of the week.

Dream a Little Dream: Purchase a journal or notebook for the two of you to share. Spend some time brainstorming long-term goals and dreams for the future. Create a list of prayer requests and write the ways God answers every week.

It’s So Sweet: Visit a favorite restaurant and order one serving of the most decadent dessert on the menu. Grab two forks and share a sweet moment together.

Remember When: Bake or purchase cupcakes in the same flavor as your wedding cake. Enjoy your dessert while watching your wedding video and looking through your photo album. Reminisce about the day you said, “I do.”

Fur and Feathers: Stop by your local pet store or animal shelter. Check out the variety of animals and name your favorites. Share memories of your family pets from your childhood.

Star Light, Star Bright: After dark, take a blanket and some hot cocoa to a location with a clear view of the sky. Snuggle up under the stars as you enjoy the view over your head.

 

It’s not where we go or what we do, it’s who we’re with. Taking time to enjoy nature, talk about life, and share private, intimate moments will knit our hearts together for life. We pray for every blessing on you and your marriage as you take time to enjoy one another today.

My beloved speaks and says to me:
“Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
and come away, for behold, the winter is past;
the rain is over and gone.

Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
and come away.
(Song of Songs 2:10-11, 13)

For more date ideas, check out our idea cards and conversation starters: