We have a budget. I’m not saying we’re always perfect about following it. However, when we’re really on a roll and following it to the letter, we sometimes don’t have a lot left to spend on date night right before the next payday. This was the solution I came up with. I got 3 jars. 1 has “Free” on it, 1 has $5.00 on it and 1 has $20.00 on it. In each one is a bunch of folded papers with different date night options that correspond with the amount in that jar. It’s a fun way to be a little spontaneous without spending a lot of money. We draw a piece of paper according to our budget and do what it says. Here are some of my ideas:
$20.00 Jar
I will start with the $20.00 Jar. It’s pretty easy to come up with date ideas with 20 bucks.
1. Take the dogs to PetSmart and get them each a treat or a toy.
2. Split the money and go to the thrift store (we both love thrift stores).
3. Buy a new movie (either my choice or his depending on the paper), pop some popcorn, and watch it together.
4. Pizza and a movie rental.
5. Go out for dessert and coffee.
6. Go out for appetizers (there are a lot of restaurants that have 1/2 price appetizers after a certain time).
7. Go to the grocery store, buy the stuff for dinner and cook together.
8. Go to a retail store and buy each other a $10.00 gift. You can do a theme (romantic, funny, fun etc..) Try to keep it a surprise until you get home.
$5.00 Jar
You have to get a little more creative with $5.00, but it can be done.
1. Go to Red Box for a movie and get drinks from QuickTrip (local gas station) or from Happy Hour at Sonic
2. Go to the $5.00 movie bin at the local retail store and find a fun, silly, or old movie.
3. Split a $5.00 foot long from Subway or other deli’s that have a similar deal.
4. Go to the Dollar Tree and pick out some fun snacks for a movie at home.
5. Take $5 worth of quarters and go clean the car together.
6. Go out for ice cream.
Free Jar
This one can be a challenge, but you can do it! Here are some of the things I came up with. Feel free to comment with any other ideas you have.
1. Print up instructions from the internet for a card game you’ve never played and teach yourselves how to play it.
2. Give each other pedicures (if you can talk your husband into it).
3. Load the dogs in the car and go for a nice drive. Play the car alphabet game while you’re at it.
4. Figure out something new to make for dinner with the ingredients you already have.
5. Make dessert together.
6. Take the dogs for a walk.
7. Gather and take donations to the thrift store. You can spend time together for a good cause.
8. Go to the library. Pick a book to read together or a book on CD to listen to together.
9. Picnic and/or camp out in the living room (one of my personal favorites).
10. Dress up and make a candlelight dinner.
So, there are a few of my ideas. There is more to do than you think for very little money. Have fun, be creative. It doesn’t just have to be a date night thing. You can get the whole family involved!
The Crazy Hat Box 
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