Saturday, 26 December 2009

• 21 Affordable Date Ideas for the Winter Months

  
  

  
  Here is a sprinkling of my favorite date ideas that are perfect for the cold, snowy, winter months and won't cost you much at all. These are a fair mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, so hopefully you'll find something that sounds appealing. Keep in mind that while some people have to know what they're doing ahead of time in order to enjoy it, many like to be whisked away and surprised by what you have planned for them. If you don't know which preference your date has, just ask if they'd like to choose the activity or if they'd rather be surprised. And switch it up every now and then... variety is the spice of life, so they say. In my opinion, it's one of the few things "they say" that's actually true.
  
  And having said my piece, I will just mention that I think couples should date as regularly and frequently as they can (even once they're married) and that everyone had better have fun! And with that final statement, I will now present the first of these grand winter date ideas:
  
  1. Make paper snowflakes
  You probably already have at least one pair of scissors and a stack of paper somewhere in the house. If not, those generic dollar stores or Wal-Mart will have a cheap pair of scissors; if it's paper you're out of, get creative and tear pages out of old magazines/newspapers or cut squares out of brown paper bags/wrapping paper, etc. No one said paper snowflakes have to be white! If you're feeling creative (and have the supplies on hand) you could even jazz up plain paper snowflakes with spray paint/markers/colored pencils/stickers/glitter, etc.
  
  2. Go sledding
  All you need is a hill (more or less) and a sled. And everyone has a sled. Ok, not everyone. I don't have a sled. But if you have a sled, cool beans. If not, you can buy one for less than $20 if you look in the right places. Places like Wal-Mart and those generic dollar stores, again. Or... wait for it... waaaaaaaiiiiit... you can IMPROVISE! And here are some suggestions:
  

  • Lids to large, plastic storage containers/trash cans, etc.
  • Vinyl outdoor cushions
  • Large slabs of cardboard (bend the front up a little so that it doesn't get stuck)
  • Office chair mats (the smooth ones, obviously)
  • Those short and long plastic storage containers (again, make sure the bottom of it is smooth)
  • Cafeteria trays (just remember... you didn't hear it from me)

  And keep in mind that you don't want the path of your merry, little sled to lead to a road or a "frozen" body of water. Trust me.
   
  3. Make a snow-(insert your object of choice here)
  This one is easy.
  

  • Decide what you want to make.
  • Make it.

  You don't have to build it to any particular specifications because this is YOUR snow whatever-it-is, and no one else has any business telling you how to masterfully sculpt it. Whether you decide to create the world's smallest snowman, a nondescript pile of fluffiness, an igloo, something more or less phallic in nature, or a life-sized replication of Westminster Abbey, it's up to you. Just have fun! (And make sure you live somewhere particularly snowy - the steppes of Russia come to mind - if you're going to try that last one).
  
  4. Visit your local bookstore
  Who doesn't like to be curled up in an oversized chair while they peruse their favorite book, with a hot drink nearby for frequent sipping? (If you are one of those people, please leave at this time. We cannot be responsible for any mental or physical anguish that may result from your exposure to the finer things in life. By continuing to read, you agree that you understand the risks involved and that you will not hold us responsible for any damage).
   
  Most of your larger chain bookstores - and even some of the libraries in large cities - will have a coffee shop located inside, and the drinks aren't gonna run you much more than $5 a piece. The reading material and chairs are free, as long as you don't try to take them with you when you leave.
  
  If $5 for a drink just seems ridiculous to you, you can always "cheat" by making your own hot chocolate, tea or coffee and bringing it with you in a travel mug. And if you want an even cheaper version of this date: go to the library and dig up a few interesting books (or pull some off your own shelves that you haven't read in a while), make each other a hot beverage of their choice, then cuddle up at home on a couch with a warm blanket or two and enjoy.
  
  

  
  

  
  5. Pet puppies
  I don't think I've ever been in a mall that didn't have a pet shop. And unless you or your date have animal allergies, this is a most excellent idea because puppies are small and cute and fluffy and they make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. As a sidenote, if they don't have that reaction on you, something is clearly wrong... you should probably have that checked out ASAP.
  
  6. Do some people-watching
  This one is pretty easy to do. All you need is a well-populated area - indoors or out - and an imagination. Plop yourself down somewhere and let the games begin! Make up stories about what you think their life is like, or try to guess what they will do before they do it. Making fun of any oddballs you see isn't entirely out of the question either... just be sure to do so discreetly.
  
  

  
  

  
  7. Help someone out
  This is probably the #1 thing you can do that will leave you with renewed thankfulness and also with that good feeling that comes from helping others.
  

  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen together
  • Go through your belongings and gather things such as clothing you're done with, all those extra blankets you have but don't need, non-perishable food items you probably won't get around to using anytime soon, etc. These things can be donated to a Salvation Army, a local food pantry, given directly to people you know who could use them, or even sold at a garage sale and the money donated to charity.
  • Offer to babysit for a couple who needs time together but can't afford to pay someone to watch the kids.
  • Put aside two dollars a day for a month (you'll probably have that much in pocket change alone), then spend it on a family in need. You could buy them groceries, winter coats or other clothing from a thrift store, or just give them the cash... maybe they need it to pay a few bills.<li>Cook dinner together for a family who could use the help.
  • Visit a nursing home or hospital and talk with/entertain the residents.
  • Shovel someone's driveway... for free.

  
  8. Have a movie night
  Go to your nearest Redbox and pick up a few movies you both will enjoy. If you want to do this even cheaper, just stop in the local library. Buy a 2-liter bottle of soda for $1 at a dollar store and a couple packages of party mix/popcorn, etc. and you're set. Make sure you snuggle; the whole "watching a movie" experience is always better when snuggling is involved.
  
  

  
  

  
  9. Take a nature walk
  Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't enjoy nature at this time of year. The world is beautiful in all seasons and Winter, with its unique icy frost formations and beautiful snowflakes, is no exception. Not only is the scenery vastly different during Winter than any other season, but you will also be able to see certain animals and birds more easily since there is less foliage and the view is relatively free of distracting colors that would otherwise camouflage wildlife.   
  
  10. Work out together
  Even if you've never been the type to go to the gym for a workout, Winter is as good a time as any to get some physical exercise started. Instead of hibernating and storing up fat from the delicious yet calorie-laden holiday feasts, choose to get in shape! On top of giving you more energy, improving your health and making you feel better in general, once the warmer weather comes again you'll also have a great new body to show off.
  
  Gym memberships can be expensive, but the good news is that you don't necessarily need all that fancy and pricey equipment to get the job done. Some common games you might already have that will get your heart rate up are DDR and Wii Fit. These can both be great to play together. If that's not your thing, just start walking. If you don't like being out in the cold, walk briskly through the mall.
  
  At-home workouts could include push-ups, crunches, jogging in place, weight-lifting (doesn't have to be your typical dumbbell... just pick up anything with some noticeable weight and have at it!), walking/running up and down the steps (if you don't have stairs inside your house, you probably have some outside; just  please make sure they are not icy) and yoga, to name a few. Most libraries have a lot of work-out DVDs ranging from belly-dancing lessons and martial arts training to random aerobic exercises... these can be a lot of fun to try out as well.
  
  

  
  

  
  11. Have a game night
  Whether you're into board games, card games or video games, they can be a very fun thing to do together... unless one of you is extremely competitive or a poor loser. Some people are very competitive in that they don't see the point of playing a game unless they're going to do whatever it takes to win, and, when the game is over, see no point in having played if they ended up losing.
  
  So if either of you resemble that, try to play games that are less focused on the aspect of winning, or are win/win instead of win/lose. You could play the Un-game; there are several versions available including one specifically for couples, solve crosswords together, put together a puzzle, etc. And if you want to spice things up, all you really have to do is add "strip-" to the front of the game you're playing and you should be set.
  
  12. Go ice sliding
  You don't have to have ice skates to have fun on the ice! Remember how you used to run and slide across the linoleum floor in the kitchen? It's basically the same thing. Just make sure you are positive that the ice is plenty thick enough to support your weight, and go have fun! If you do have ice skates, skating regularly like civilized people is also a fun and romantic thing to do.
  
  

  
  

  
  13. Browse a museum
  Many museums are relatively cheap to get into, and a few even offer free admission. Check out what types of museums your location has to offer you, and pick one that would suit both of your interests. It might be worth a little drive if it's free admission.
  
  14. Check out the lights
  Pretty much every town/city has at least one section where the residents go all out in decorating their homes and businesses in lights and other holiday decorations. Take a walk or drive through these streets and admire the creativity.
  
  15. Snuggle by the fire
  If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, lay out some blankets and pillows and cuddle up. If you'd rather build a bonfire outside, don't forget to bring a sleeping bag that fits two. If neither of these options works for you, light every candle you have and arrange them in your bedroom; snuggle in bed.
  
  Now we get to the fun part. You can just lay there snuggling in silence and peace or you can:
  

  • Have a long and meaningful conversation (it's probably way overdue)
  • Read to each other (a fireplace or bedside lamp should give off enough light for this)
  • Listen to music that reminds you of a certain stage in your relationship, and reminisce about it
  • Making out is also a great option... just throwin' it out there

  Above all, make sure you do not fall asleep with the candles/fire still on. You don't want to remember this special date as "the night the house burned down".
  
  

  
  

  
  16. Go out for dessert
  Choose a fancy restaurant, get all dressed up.. it's starting to sound expensive, right? Well it's probably going to run you more than $10, but you'll still be saving a lot of money since you're only going to order dessert. This is a date idea that is both delicious and romantic. Most women love dressing up for a special evening out, but it gets hard to find an opportunity to do so during the winter because we have to remain bundled up inside bulky coats, hats, gloves and scarves if we want to keep warm. Going out to a fancy restaurant gives us the chance to dress up and ditch the heavy outerwear without having to worry about frostbite.
  
  17. Cook dinner together
  It sounds cliche, I know. But have you ever given it a shot? Cooking at home is much more affordable than going out to eat, and it's also a lot more personal. Here are the steps:
  

  • Choose a meal that both of you will enjoy eating.
  • Going by how experienced you and your date are with cooking, decide who will do what. For instance, if he doesn't even know how to tell when water is boiling, he might be better off chopping up potatoes. I don't think there is a man alive who can't figure out what to do when faced with a pile of spuds and given a sharp knife.
  • Arrange the table nicely with a tall candle or two, some wine glasses and your best dishes. (Alternately, if you find it much more romantic to have as few dishes to wash as possible, use paper plates and plastic-ware).
  • Put on some mood music, pour the wine (or champagne or cherry diet Coke or mountain spring water... whatever you want to drink), bring out the food and let the feast begin!
  • After the meal, clean things up together. Might as well do it right after the meal so that the dishes don't harden. Plus, dessert - whatever you want that to mean - will be much more enjoyable once your food has settled a bit.

  18. Make hot chocolate cocktails
  Kahlua, peppermint schnapps, amaretto, Southern Comfort, Irish cream, chocolate liqueur... the options are endless. This will only be inexpensive if you happen to have a variety of alcohol on hand to begin with; if not, go out and just buy one or two of these appealing beverages - the bottom-shelf brands, of course. Using other ingredients you might have already - whipped cream, chocolate or caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, fresh mint, etc. - get creative and see who can come up with the best recipe.
  
  

  
  

  
  19. Have a star-lit make-out session
  This one is pretty straight-forward. When it's late in the evening (or early in the morning) and the skies are clear, pack a sleeping bag, bundle up and head outside. Nature parks/reserves, playgrounds, your roof, the middle of a field, under your tree in the backyard... pick somewhere that pretty much no one else is going to be. You know your area, so use that knowledge to make a smart choice on the location you pick. If druggies tend to congregate at the local park after dark, stay away; if you have access to back country roads that few people have ever even heard of, you might try parking out there.
  
  Spread the sleeping bag out so you have a comfortable cushion between yourselves and the ground (or cuddle up in it if you're parking somewhere), and let the smooching begin! It's totally up to you as to how you're going to end this date.
  
  20. Start a hobby or explore an interest together
  Visit meetup.com for some groups/clubs that might interest you. Just put in your zip code to find out what kind of activities are available that you two might enjoy doing with other folks. If you don't see anything that strikes your fancy, maybe starting your own meetup would be a fun thing to try.
  
  

  
  

  
  21. Ramble through an old cemetery
  If you've never tried walking through an old cemetery in the winter, it's about time you did. The stark black and white colors and harshness of the weather are a winning combination if you want something that can be hauntingly romantic, but is still definitely a little out of the ordinary and not your typical "warm and fuzzy" date. Casually stroll through the grounds together, or have a contest to see who can find the weirdest tombstone, the oldest grave, the largest family group, the strangest name, etc.
  
  Note: All photos courtesy of LensPainter Photography.
  
  What are some of your favorite wintertime dates?
  

  • 2:01 PM
  • 180213 Views
  • 44 eProps
  • 25 Comments