We’re a couple of cheap dates

The holiday rush is nearing its conclusion, and we’re starting to think about the prospect of getting back into our normal routine.  One of the things we try to do at least once a week is to go out, just the two of us, and have a date night.  The trouble is, most date nights are pretty stinkin’ expensive, be it having dinner out, going to a movie, or even just getting a drink.  You can spend $20 in a heartbeat, and if we’re doing that 4 times per month, our dining and entertainment budgets are going to fly out the window.

So here are a couple ideas that you might enjoy in the new year!

Our favorite: the Target “walk-around”

No one really knows how this particular tradition got started, except to say that we just love walking around our local Target store on a Friday night.  We rarely go there with a particular purpose, except to check out the new stuff that they’ve got for sale.  Bonus tip: grab the $1.50 pretzel combo and go with Minute Maid Light Lemonade for the beverage.  You won’t be sorry.  Another note: if you’re trying to stick to a budget, this date will require some significant willpower; it seems no aisle at Target can claim zero budget-buster capacity.

A close second: the Barnes & Noble “sip and read”

Your local B&N will probably have a Sevenbucks Starbucks cafe right inside, and if it does, you are in business for this one.  It comes in second only because you have to put up a little bit of money for the coffee.  This option also toes a moral line, as you have to be okay with “borrowing” a few magazines or books to read/browse as you’re enjoying your beverage.  I typically go with a seasonal latte (if it’s pumpkin or gingerbread time) and Julie loves a well-made caramel macchiato.

What’s your cheap date night idea?  Leave us a comment and let us know—we’d love to hear it