We are in an economic recession — everybody knows it. However, just because most people are short on cash right now doesn't mean that your social and romantic life has to suffer too. With that in mind, here are some great ideas for recession-proof dates:


Dine In
Invite your significant other over and cook supper for him or her instead of going out to eat. Pasta is an excellent choice for a dinner like this because the flavor possibilities are endless and dry pasta is super cheap! If you're feeling really romantic, dim the lights and light some candles to set the mood. There aren't many affordable restaurants where you can get ambiance like that.

Dine Out Cheap
If you're not into eating at home, make some sandwiches and other food that travels well (e.g. salad, if you keep the dressing apart from the lettuce until it's time to eat) and go for a picnic! No decent picnic sites near you? If you have access to a truck, drive to an abandoned area and eat in the back of the truck with the tailgate down.

Rent a Movie
It seems like most people these days prefer to see a movie in the theater rather than at home. But with ticket prices costing $10 or more, it can be a bank breaker to go to the theater. Why not rent a movie, make up some popcorn in your microwave or on your stove and cuddle up on your couch with your significant other? You can't cuddle like that in the theater!



Explore
If the weather is still nice in your area, hop on your bikes and go for a bike ride to explore your surroundings. If you don't have a bike, go for a hike somewhere. If you plan on being away all day, bring a blanket and lunch so you can spread the blanket on the ground and have a little picnic during your exploration. If hiking isn't your thing, just go for a simple walk around your town, and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery!

Play a Game Together
It might sound childish, but why not pull out some of your old board games (e.g., Monopoly, Life, etc.) and challenge your significant other to a game? Try to keep things lighthearted and fun without getting too competitive because that can ruin a date.

Take a Class Together
Check with your local art gallery or community center and see if they offer any one-day classes. Take one of the classes with your significant other! For example, the art gallery in my town offers tons of different art classes like acrylic painting and pottery (recreate the famous pottery making scene from Ghost, perhaps?).

Scour the Yellow Pages
Pull out your phone book and scour the yellow pages for stores like antique shops or used book stores. Visit them with your significant other. You never know what kind of treasure is just waiting to be unearthed!



Go For Coffee
If you really enjoy going out to eat once in a while, why not try going out for dessert and coffee one evening? Choose a cafe over a restaurant because their desserts will likely be more affordable. If you're both feeling like getting a little culture, try choosing a café or coffeehouse that has open mic nights and get inspired with all the talents of local artists.

Rediscover Your Childhood
Fly a kite, visit a playground or play in a water park; in other words, really let loose and let your inner child out to play for an afternoon or evening! Your significant other will be impressed that you care so little about what other people may be thinking about an older "kid" playing in what is typically a children's play area! Plus, it's super fun!

Rent Something
See what your city has to offer in terms of rental items. Try ice-skating or rollerblading. You could even rent a tandem bike, a canoe or a paddle boat! The possibilities are endless, really!

Do you have any fabulous inexpensive date ideas we didn't mention? Feel free to share them!