It really is the thought that counts (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
From eating habits to pet ownership, the cost of living crisis has impacted all aspects of our day-to-day.
That includes our relationships, as research by Nationwide Building Society revealed dating transactions fell by a third in February 2023 compared to the same month last year.
Valentine’s Day is normally peak time for couples to spend on each other, but reduced disposable incomes have led to a rise in ‘infla-dating’; opting for less expensive outings with a romantic partner during uncertain economic times.
Jewellery brand Angelic Diamonds found that Google searches for the term increased by 1015% this year, suggesting more of us than ever are seeking to cut costs.
Dating expert Amber Brooks, Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com, comments: ‘Infla-dating is certainly top of mind these days as prices for dining at a restaurant or even grabbing a cup of coffee with a new person increase.
‘Over the last few years, we’ve seen singles embracing more affordable date options – cooking at home, finding free shows, or visiting a museum.
‘They are also more open to using technology to host video dates that don’t require singles to even leave the house.’
If you’re on a budget, it doesn’t need to snuff out your spark. As long as choose something fun, a great date can impress without costing a penny.
To avoid looking like a cheapskate, put some extra effort into your plans. The majority of us are in the same boat financially right now, but it really is the thought that counts and not the amount you spend.
Give these free date ideas a go and see why The Beatles were so adamant that money can’t buy love.
Game night
Let your competitive side loose (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A game night is an affordable date that promises hours of fun.
There’s no need to buy anything new – a number of public libraries lend out boardgames free of charge, so check your council’s website or enquire at your local branch to see what’s available.
Alternatively, ask friends and colleagues if you can borrow one of theirs. Given how rarely these games tend to see the light of day, most people would be happy to share.
To make it special, mix up a signature cocktail or mocktail using juices and spirits you’ve already got in the house, or create a grazing board using yellow sticker bargains for an impressive (and on-theme) spread.
Mudlarking or geocaching
There’s so much to spot around these fair isles (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A good old-fashioned walk can prove a cheap date that allows you to chat and get to know each other better, but you can jazz up an aimless stroll with a scavenger hunt-style activity.
If you’re in London, you can try mudlarking (sort of). The increasingly-popular pastime involves searching the banks of the Thames for items of historical significance, with hobbyists finding artefacts from as far back as the Iron Age.
A permit is required to search, so enjoy spotting what you can by eye but steer clear of any metal detecting, ‘beachcombing’, scraping and digging on the foreshore from Teddington to the Thames Barrier to avoid a penalty, and always double check the Port of London Authority website for up-to-date information before you go.
Geocaching is another way to inject some fun into your walking date. It’s like a treasure hunt, with thousands of items hidden around the country ready for you to find (and put back for the next person). Download the geocaching app and get adventuring.
If you can stretch to it, warm up with a cuppa and a sweet treat afterwards.
Free museums
Dating can be educational (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
All National Museums in the UK are free to visit and many others don’t charge for entry, so you can take your date to learn about everything from science to art without busting your budget.
In London there’s the likes of the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum and the V&A, but the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Torfaen, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and the National Football Museum in Manchester are just some of the highlights throughout the country.
Check ahead to avoid disappointment, as certain locations charge an admission fee (especially for limited-time exhibits) while others require visitors to book a slot ahead of time.
Movie roulette
Get the vibe right and movie night can be a thoughtful and relaxing date (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Even sitting on the couch watching a movie can be a date night with the right planning.
Add a little mystery to proceedings and avoid binging the same old thing with movie roulette. Put your stipulations into Reelgood and it’ll generate a random film for you to watch. If you’ve already seen it or it’s unavailable on your streaming subscriptions, simply spin the wheel again.
Pickier critics may prefer to do things the old-fashioned way: cut up small pieces of paper and write a film name on each one, either going for your ultimate favourites or movies you haven’t yet seen. Put the suggestions in a jar or bowl and pick one out whenever you fancy.
For a more date-like experience, make popcorn and cinema classics such as nachos. You could also create a ‘movie trope bingo’ game to play as you watch.
Stargazing
Look at the stars, look how they shine for you (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You don’t need to be an astronomer to date under the stars, thanks to apps like Star Walk 2, SkyView Lite and Star Chart that do the hard work for you.
Using GPS and AR technology, they allow you to point your device at the stars and learn about the constellations you’re seeing, demystifying the beautiful night sky and negating the need for a telescope.
Lay a picnic blanket down in the garden and invite your date to join you in marvelling at the celestial happenings.
Who knows, you may even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights, which is sure to be a night they’ll never forget.
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Don’t let a tight budget keep you from getting romantic.