You did it. Met someone you’re interested in and asked them out. Yay, you! Now to find the perfect date. We compiled a couple of original ideas for (first) dates even if you’re on a budget.
The one thing you have to keep in mind when going through this list is that you need to adjust the ideas to your situation and/or how you met. For example, if you met in church you might not want to take them skinny dipping.
- (Near) free
These are things that don’t have to cost a whole lot of money, but still allow you to get to know each other better. For example, if you’re both into working out on weekend (maybe that’s how you met!) go for a run around the park. If you connected over music, go crate digging. If you wanna see if they’re a nice person, go volunteer at an animal shelter together. Make sure they’re not allergic or something though.
- €20 – €50
For this price range there’s the standard going to a movie or shoot some pool, or you could change it up and go to the zoo, or a nearby town with a cute little farmer’s market, try out all the milkshake flavors at your local diner, or, if you’re feeling bold, go to a karaoke bar. If none of that works for you, go to an arcade and play all the vintage games. Whoever wins the most games pays for drinks. Or something.
- €50 – €100
The bigger your budget, the more options you have. If you bonded over food, take a cooking class! If you met at a salsa party, take a workshop together. Or, my personal favorite: take them to your favorite theme park.
- €100 – €200
Some might argue that these budgets are not for a first date, but maybe you’ve been seeing someone for a while and want to do something really a little more special. For example: you can get tickets to a show, whether it’s theater or a concert.
- €200+
First off: definitely don’t spend this on a first date. But if you’ve been with someone for a while, contemplating if this could be the real thing or already know that it is, plan a surprise weekend away. Experiences beat objects!
Do you have any go-to date ideas? Share them in the comments!