The Best Low-Investment Date Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
The Best Low-Investment Date Ideas, Recommended by Dating Experts
Low investment dates have become the new norm. Meaning, any serious investment in another person – be it money or effort – is minimal. This is most likely a circumstance of dating app culture, along with the collective need for instant gratification (think Veruca Salt-like behavior from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”).
It’s unfortunate, but a first date is no longer a first date. It’s become an effort to earn the first date. If someone cannot handle a low investment commitment of something like a cup of coffee, they’re not ready – or, in the minds of singles, deserving – of a higher investment date like dinner and drinks.
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This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this newer method is proving relatively successful. For instance, Bloomberg recently credited millennials for plummeting divorce rates. And for what it’s worth, 29 percent of heterosexual and 65 percent of gay couples have met online. Even crazier? Tinder matches have officially outnumbered people on the planet. It’s truly mind-boggling, but that’s just the world we live in now.
But this is not the only reason we’ve decided to elect a more casual approach. In addition to the culture created by dating apps, millennials have graduated with more debt into the worst recession in 80 years. Simply put, they cannot afford to whip out their wallets on dates like previous generations have.
To help navigate this new (and cheaper) standard of digital dating, we reached out to several dating professionals — matchmakers, psychotherapists, dating coaches and sex-positive podcast hosts — to recommend some fun, low investment date ideas to make future planning a cinch.
Visit the Farmers Market
This date can serve two purposes, allowing you to get your weekly shopping done while potentially finding love. “The farmers market is a great way to get to know someone in a relaxed and casual atmosphere,” says dating and relationship coach Deanna Cobden. “It also gives you the opportunity to get to know each other's habits, likes and dislikes, and connect in a way that goes beyond the typical coffee date.”
Time wise, if you don’t feel a connection, you can easily part ways. On the other hand, if the date is going well, you can grab a light snack and chat as you people watch. “The environment helps conversation flow,” adds Cobden. “It has a sense of playfulness and an element of curiosity.”
Go to the Park
This idea will depend on the season, but there is nothing easier (or more casual) than meeting in a park to have a conversation. “Bring a blanket or just your jackets to sit on, you don’t need to go full-out with a picnic,” explains Claire AH, a matchmaker and dating/sexuality coach. You can bring your own drinks (non-alcoholic, let’s keep things legal), or stop at a corner store together for some snacks before you hit the park, too. “A nearby beach would be another great option,” adds AH. “Just remember to wear layers if you’re planning to stay for the sunset view.”
Check Your Local Listings for Events
You probably don’t pay too much attention to your local community events, but they can serve as a great night out when you’re out of date ideas. “Maybe there’s a free night at an art gallery, a food festival or a community skate at an ice rink,” suggests AH. “For little to no money, your whole date is planned for you. Just wander around and enjoy!”
Go for a Scenic Joy Ride
“A drive by the beach or a bike ride under the sunset will never fail to impress a lady,” says Mary J. Gibson, dating and relationship expert at DatingXP. This basic idea can be an even bigger hit if you end up spotting a local food joint, beautiful landmark or an ice cream parlor on your travels. Just be sure to have your phone ready, of course. “Ladies love to be captured on camera,” adds Gibson. “A joyful trip-and-photoshoot can be one of the coolest and delightfully spontaneous date ideas.”
Hang Out with Man’s Best Friend
“You want to know if your dog will like the person and if they’ll like your dog,” says clinical psychotherapist Kevin Owen. “You'll also have a ready-made excuse should you need to end the date with a simple, ‘I know my dog, he needs to go home.’” Consequently, if the dog is a distraction to a date that’s going well, drop them off and take a stroll just the two of you. “I’ve discovered nothing opens people up to conversation like a nice walk,” he says. “This keeps you in shape, releases dopamine and gives you some light. Find a park or lake and enjoy the fact that they don't charge admission for this.”
Grab a (Very) Quick Bite
This is essentially an edible take on the classic coffee date, but instead of a warm beverage, you would grab a quick dessert at a local bakery or a greasy slice of ‘za. “This date idea is great if you live in a city with a ton of pizza shops,” says Billy Procida, host of The Manwhore Podcast. “Visiting your favorite food spot shows that you know your city and, in doing so, you share a part of yourself. You get bonus points if you know the guy behind the counter.”
It’s also a date that is fairly easy to extend or abandon. “If they ate the pizza like they were starving and didn't order another, that’s a clear indicator that they aren’t interested,” notes Owen. “Or, they may want to extend the date by getting drinks after. Low investment, clear understanding.”
Some Additional Tips for the Casual Dater
Here’s some additional advice in preparing for a low investment date if things don’t go as you’d hoped.
First, always carry cash so if need be, you can leave quickly. Make sure you have enough so you can drop the cash and get out of there. Second, drive yourself. Don’t get stuck on a terrible date because you have the misfortune of your date being your ride. Finally, never enter a date without an exit strategy. Know how you can end a misfortunate date if you need to.
Better safe than sorry.
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