Jessica Lawrence

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to go on dates when restaurants are so expensive and why go on an  old and cliche “dinner and a movie” date  when you could spice things up! Whether you’re just going on your first date with the girl you’ve had a crush on for months or you want to do something fun, yet simple for an anniversary, here are some fun - and cheap - ideas:

Ice Skating.  Not everyone likes to ice skate, and not everyone is good at it, but it can be fun.  Spend a minimal amount for you and your date to skate around, then grab a seat and share a couple  slices of pizza; it may not be the most extravagant date, but it’s more easy-going and you’ll feel more comfortable while having fun.

Roast some s’mores.  There’s nothing more romantic than roasting s’mores or hotdogs on a campfire underneath the stars, sharing a blanket with your special someone.  Though being bit by mosquitoes doesn’t exactly scream romance, look at his eyes sparkling in the firelight and you’ll forget all about those pesky bugs.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.  Tied into the previous idea, stargazing can be very affectionate.  Think Landon Carter from A Walk to Remember, guys.  You don’t have to build a big telescope and memorize constellations to impress her; however, if you don’t think she would enjoy laying out in the grass and staring up at the night sky, maybe go out a little earlier and watch the sunset.  Either way, most girls’ dream dates involve romantic things like this.

Spice it Up! Let’s say you want to make your boyfriend a special dinner for your one-year anniversary, but you’re not very good in the kitchen.  No problem! Attend a cooking class at Super Suppers in Perrysburg for two and you’ll learn to make something delicious; not only will you be able to learn a new recipe, you’ll also get to spend quality time with him and learn how the two of you work together.

Pick a Picnic.  Though this time of year is a bit colder than some may like, it’s also one of the best times to go on a picnic with someone.   Even though it won’t be sunny and warm and smell of fresh cut grass,  it will be beautiful with the changing leaves.  Grab a basket, throw in some sandwiches and some cups of apple cider, grab your blankets and hit the road already! Maybe go to Riverbend or Riverside Parks and sit down underneath a sycamore tree.

Homey and Cozy.  So maybe you don’t want to spend money on a cooking class when you’re already a pro in a cooking apron, but you don’t really want to spend an obscene amount of cash on dinner at a restaurant, either.  That’s why you’re staying in with your girl and making dinner not only for her, but with her.  Grab your flowered apron (we won’t tell), turn the radio up, and have fun!

It Takes Two to Tango.  So you’re nowhere near able to dance as well as the contestants on “So You Think You Can Dance”.  That’s okay: not everyone is Fred Astaire, but you still want to impress her with your moves.  That’s why you’re taking her to a local dance class in Toledo and learn some different things, or you take one before your date, and then when your date rolls around you go out dancing.  If you trip over your own feet or fall on your face, don’t be embarrassed; just have fun with it and try something new!

Dinner and a Movie Revised.  Ever seen the movie The 3 Amigos? If not, that’s okay: I’m not suggesting you have to have seen it for this idea.  This one is all about chilling at home with your boyfriend or girlfriend, watching a movie, and having a theme to go with the evening.  Like watching The 3 Amigos and eating Mexican food or watching When in Rome for the tenth time and binging on pasta for a couple of hours.  Pick one of these or one of your own and make a cute little themed night to go along with it.

Double Date.  First dates can be extremely awkward; we’ve all been there.  That’s why this idea is such a good one: in case things start to go downhill or there’s a really long silence between you and your date, your friends will be there to help you along through your first official date (and hopefully keep you from saying something stupid).  If you don’t like the idea of going out for a double date, stay home.  To make things more enjoyable, make it a couples game night.

Ping-pong it Up.  First dates with someone you have a major crush on can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially when you’re sitting at a table for dinner staring everywhere but at each other.  So instead of eating in silence that seems like it’ll never end, take the party to The Cube and play some arcade games.  Not only will it take the pressure off trying to come up with something to talk about, it is also a lot more interactive than sitting in a restaurant eating dinner.