Yes, it is possible. And no, it doesn’t make you a cheapskate. If you’re worried someone won’t want to date you if you don’t take them out for a 3 course meal and a Broadway show, then you probably don’t want to date them at all. While economic stability is nice in a mate, it’s not fair to expect someone to break the bank just to take you out.
For a first date – keep it casual and not too long. A full dinner and drinks afterwards at the bar can really add up. And it can often be so noisy that you can’t really here what the other person is saying. Something like a casual coffee, or a nice stroll by the lake (weather permitting) can be a great first date. In the nicer weather, a lot of cities offer free outdoor activities – movies, concerts, and plays. If you really feel you need to *go* to something –try cheap night at the movies, or at least skip dinner – just do a movie, and then for something light afterwards. Mr. Canuck Buck’s and I first date was at the cheapie theatre. 
For special occasions – going out is nice, but why not a home cooked meal? I’ve yet to meet a soul who said “So and so cooked me this amazing meal instead of going out – how dare they”. Trust me – both genders are a sucker for a good cook. You can still get dressed up and go “the whole nine yards” – you just get to do it on your schedule in the peace and quiet of your own home.
Once you’ve been dating a while – hopefully, if you’re growing together as a couple, you’re in synch financially. One of you doesn’t want to hit McDonalds all the time, while the other wants caviar and champagne. If you really like to go out a lot, try something like the Entertainment Book or a group discount site such as Wagjag to get discounts on restaurants. If you’re more homebodies, like Mr. Canuck Buck and I are, a date can be as simple as picking up subs and putting on a movie.
If you really want to go all out – watch for special events in your town. In Toronto, there Summerlicious and Winterlicious, which offer 3 course “prix fixe” (add link) meals for a good deal – usually for 15-25 dollars, depending on the menu and whether you go for lunch or dinner.
What’s your best cheap date idea?
Hahaha I’m admittedly a cheap date. I love going to the beach with the dogs for a walk/putting our feet in the water.
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I totally should’ve had this in mind before planning tonight’s date. We’re going for sushi and then if it goes well, out to a pub for drinks. I was pretty cheap with the last girl I was dating though. With her I made a point of meeting up later in the evening after dinner. We had also checked out a free outdoor movie on one of our dates. I definitely don’t want to get into a situation where the girl expects me to always be spending a lot of money on her. I made that mistake with my ex lol.
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There are so many ideas for a cheap date. As Daisy said above, a beach date can be great and virtually free. A hike in the woods. A walking tour of the town. A jogging date.
Another great idea; meet after work for happy hour specials. You can usually grab super cheap drinks and bar food for less than $10. Or just have a few cheap drinks, and if things go well, plan to cook dinner at one of your houses. But is that creepy? Would you go to somone’s house for a first date and have them cook for you? Or would you have someone at your house and cook for them? Maybe a second or third date instead.
I find that spending time in beautiful places can easily surpass any fancy dinner. The intimacy two people can enjoy outdoors, especially in beautiful places or nature beats crowded cliche places any day of the week.
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I totally agree, I think if the person you’re on a date with has a problem with you just going for coffee instead of a steak dinner, that shows more about them than it does you.
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When my hubby and I were dating we did a lot of games nights and cooking nights. We both like to cook so getting together to make a new recipe together was really fun. Plus we got to eat well after too. We also went for a lot of walk and talks. The fresh air was great and we got to bond.
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Daisy – great idea! Fun for you and the dogs.
MM – hope the date goes well! And yes, you don’t want to start expectations too high..
Debtkiller -I like the happy hour idea. I think it takes a bit before people are comfortable enough to go to someone’s house – but once you are, then yes, cooking is great!
Veronica – very true. I’m not a huge outdoors person, but Mr. Canuck Buck and I used to take walks along the lake all the time..then we got lazy.
Mo – Very true!
Miss T – I love games nights. I really like the idea of a new recipe – I should try that with Mr. Canuck Buck..
I love this ! When my bf and I first started dating, we were both broke so we did fun things together like watch movies and play trivia games (we are pretty cool
) Going for walks in the woods is nice too.. but maybe not with a total stranger on a first date. Yikes !!
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I suggested coffee for when my bf and I first went out, but then he wanted to go for dinner and drinks. Best of all I asked him out, but he paid for it! haha. I paid for dinner AND the movie on the 2nd date to be fair.
Ice skating is a great cheap date idea! You can rent skates, hold hands and have hot chocolate afterwards!
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I like it. Anything that ends in hot chocolate is good by me.
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