8 Budget Date Ideas That You're Bound To Love

Just because you’re short on cash, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some quality time with your significant other, and we’re not talking about sitting on the couch with a film on. 

As much as going on extravagant trips away, eating out at boujee restaurants and heading to see your favourite artists in concert is great and will provide you both with everlasting memories, there are times where money is tight, and you need some budget friendly date ideas. 

Or, it could be that you’re meeting new people and are looking for ideas for activities which don’t break the bank. 

No matter who you’re planning to wine and dine, you’re bound to love our 8 budget date ideas… 

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1. Do A Paint & Sip Night At Home

If you don’t want to blow your budget on going out on a date, why not stay at home in your student flat and have a paint and sip night? 

Unleash your creative side, grab some paints and canvases, and a bottle of your favourite booze and you’re good to go (you can go for non-alcoholic drinks if you wish!)

After you’ve got all the bits you need, you can have a go at painting something for another, you could even try doing portraits!

You don’t need to spend a fortune on art supplies, head to a shop like B&M and buy some acrylic or craft paint, blank canvases, and paint palettes. 

If you’d rather all your bits and bobs come together, Amazon has a good range of supplies. 

Of course, don’t forget to set up a dedicated arts space with paper towels! 

having a paint and sip night budget date ideas

2. Have A Car Date 

If you don’t have a car, you may want to skip this next one, we’re not too sure you can plan a date like this one on your local bus! 

Have you seen the TikTok trend of couples having a date night from the comfort of their car?

The way it works is, you put the seats down in your car, get some blankets and pillows and lay them out in your boot space. 

You can drive to the beach, or somewhere else with a nice view, get some of your favourite snacks and drinks and watch a film – cute vibes.

We love this idea, because after all, it’s not about the money, it’s about the thought and spending time with that special someone.

having a car date budget date ideas

3. Head For A Picnic Together 

If you’re looking for a cute date idea, it doesn’t get much cuter than going for a picnic together. 

With summer on its way, what better time of year to enjoy some alfresco food and drinks with your partner? 

You can pack all your fave picky bits, maybe even take a few tipples and grab your go-to picnic blanket.

If you wanted to, you could even build a charcuterie board – ooo fancy. 

Chances are, there will be tons of great green spaces in your local area which you both can head to. 

To make things more fun, you could pack a board game or puzzle to play together, or a pack or cards and show off your competitive streak! 

Or, just pop on a playlist and enjoy some good food and drink, and mostly importantly, each other’s company. 

going for a picnic cheap date ideas

4. Visit A Museum or Art Gallery 

Is the cost of living crisis taking a bite out of your student budget?

If so, do not fear, there are still plenty of budget date ideas out there, like visiting a museum or art gallery.

Whilst some museums and art galleries do charge an entry fee, a lot of them tend to be free.

Even the ones that do require a ticket, normally offer a student discount which is a winner! 

It’s super fun to learn more about the history, culture and art of a city or town, so go out there and see which places you can visit. 

This is also a great chance to snap up some cute pictures of one another, and afterwards you could grab a coffee and a bite to eat from somewhere nearby. 

Be a tourist for a day, you’re bound to love it.

couple visiting a museum or art gallery

5. Have An At Home Spa Day 

Because who doesn’t love self care, right?

Let’s be real, there’s nothing better than popping on a face mask, slathering on a hair mask and pampering your feet with a scrub! 

Having a spa day at home with your significant other is the perfect chance to get refreshed and rejuvenated, and it’s completely free of charge. 

Of course if you don’t already have some self care products you’ll need to buy these, but they definitely don’t have to put a hole in your pockets. 

You both can go somewhere like Superdrug to create your at-home spa! 

Top it all off with some rose petals, candles and a bottle of your favourite wine – ahh bliss. 

having an at home spa day budget date ideas

6. Go On A Camping Trip Together 

Whoever said cheap dates were boring is kidding themselves, something great you can do for little to no money is to go on a camping trip together. 

You’ll most likely already have a tent and sleeping bag if you’re a regular festival go-er, but if not, you can get two person tents for around £20 so your little getaway can be budget friendly. 

If you’re wanting to travel abroad with your partner but your bank account is saying otherwise, going camping in the UK can be a great alternative. 

There are so many amazing and scenic campsites across the country, so you can enjoy sleeping under the stars, toasting some marshmallows, and having a fireside picnic with your other half.

A bonus is you can keep each other warm at night!

camping trip together budget date ideas

7. Show Off Your Singing Skills At A Karaoke Night 

There’s no shortage of budget date ideas out there, but if you’re after one that will make you both laugh and will be a memory to cherish, then head to a karaoke bar. 

If you’re wanting some dutch courage before taking to the stage, get some pints in, or have a few drinks before you both go out. 

To make things really romantic, you could choose a special tune to sing-along to, if you both have a favourite track.

No-one’s saying you have to have the voice of Beyoncé to sing your heart out at karaoke, it’s all about having a fun-filled time. 

If you do embarrass yourself, so what, you’ll both have something great to look back on in the future!

couples karaoke night

8. Explore The Outdoors 

If you ask us, you’re never too old to go exploring in the great outdoors.

You and your partner can go on a big walk or hike together, enjoy some scenic views and get lost in conversation. 

Summer is on the horizon and there are so many amazing outdoor spaces across the country, including National Parks and National Trust Sites, so you’re spoiled for choice. 

If these places aren’t your cup of tea, just hit up the beach, sunbathe for a few hours and take a dip in the sea.

You’ll never want to head back inside, and the best part is, it doesn’t cost a penny either, unless of course you count petrol! 

exploring the outdoors budget date ideas

With our 8 budget date ideas, you don’t need to worry about finding fun and romantic things to do with your partner, you’re all sorted.  

We hope you’ve loved our recommendations, now go out there and get planning your next date with your partner! 

Read next: The Summer Self Care Checklist To Become Your Best Self.