10 Cheap Date Ideas

Because love don't cost a thing (...and I'm sure you have a lot of great qualities aside from your lack of a steady income).

1. Build a smartphone projector

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Talk about spicing up Netflix night. Show boring old couples they ain't got nothing on you by perusing shows that got cancelled way too soon educational video style with this cool little DIY project.

2. Get publicly intoxicated

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Nothing says romance like adrenaline mixed with a high blood alcohol content. Ignite your inner rebel by checking out what otherwise boring monuments your city has to offer with your favourite boozey concoction disguised in a convenient "To Go" cup. I recommend opting for a good ole Big Gulp, for the added judgemental glances.

3. Go for tapas

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But not at a tapas restaurant, that shit's expensive. Hit up your local Costco and make a meal out of tiny fares from all over the world. Bonus points if you can fool the sample guardians and sneak a few extras.

4. Role play

I know what you're thinking, but calm those kinky boots. What I more accurately mean by "Role play" is: pretend to be something you're not and see if you can convince a group of hardcore fanatics that you belong. Check for your city's local listings of niche social groups and get to work. Goth pub social? Nothing eyeliner can't fix. Eighties music aficionados? Anyone can have A Flock of Seagulls hair if they try hard enough.

5. Try to make an entire meal of out $20

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Hit up the grocery store and see how far a single bill can get you. You may spend twenty minutes deciding whether to devote your last $5 to cookies AND candy or a single tub of ice cream, but it's a bonding experience and I assure you, it will only make you stronger.

6. Find the crappiest bar in town and try to make it cool

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I'm assuming the crappiest bar in town is pretty cheap.

7. Get lost

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Take a few roads less travelled and then try and navigate your way home without the assistance of your smartphone. You'll get some quality talking time, a solid leg workout and you might just find some cool new spots. Disclaimer: I don't recommend doing this in the winter. You risk frostbite, and even worse, an uncontrollable runny nose.

8. Colour (or color, you choose)

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Okay, maybe this is pushing it, but there was a time when colouring was really damn fun, so there has to be something special about it...right? Plus, now that you're all mature and whatnot, you don't have to settle for non-toxic tools. Crayons? Markers? Pencil crayons? GEL PENS? Go ham. You don't even have to stay in the lines.

9. Build a fort

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In keeping with treasured childhood moments, why not build a fort? But not one of these cute "we used all of the blankets in the house" type deals. You're an adult now, act like one. I want to see furniture involved. Couches tipped sideways, wardrobes used for Narnia inspired entrances... things that would have had you grounded until your teen years. Hell, throw in a hot plate and some mood lighting while you're at it. This could be the closest you get to home ownership for a while.

10. Bust some myths

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I'm nearly positive that at some point a wise person must have said "the only thing better than being right is being right with the one you love". So why not make like the ultimate dynamic duo and see what you can try and prove wrong? Look up some "facts" and put them to the test. Will your stomach explode if you consume mentos alongside Pepsi? Is it really humanly impossible to lift your ring finger off a table if your middle finger is bent against it? Can you get high off of consuming pure cacao? I don't know. You tell me.