Part of impressing a girl is trying to wow her with dates that would dazzle the senses. We think that the only way to impress a girl is to bring her to a kind of date that would make Donald Trump proud – think caviar dreams and champagne wishes. But then who can afford them but except for The Donald? Fortunately, there are some ways that you can still bring her to a great date without you necessarily having to get a loan or withdraw all of your savings.
Coffee dates
This is a very simple (what could be simpler than coffee in a coffee shop, right?) kind of date but only best reserved during the initial date. This is the kind of date that, although cheap and effective, can easily get tired pretty fast. Make too many coffee dates with her and she will start thinking that you are extremely cheap, you are the type who just want to be friends, or you have a serious addiction to caffeine.
As I have said, coffee dates are picture perfect for the first couple of dates because of their casual and safe nature. And besides, what is a couple of coffees and a few biscottis to you? Remember that a coffee date has strict parameters, it will never ever evolve into the next level, unlike, say, having drinks at a bar where things can progress to so many possibilities depending on how well things are turning out (and how many hard drinks both of you have drank). If there is one thing that you should be reminded though with this particular date is that coffee dates delve a little too closely into friendship / confidante territory and you do not want to go there because the moment that you do, it will be hard for the girl to think of you in any romantic way. Avoid going in that direction at all costs.
A bike ride or a hike
This is the choice of men who are definitely in ICU financially. They cannot spare any additional money for a date. Be aware though that this idea is only good if you live near a hiking trail or a bike trail. A hike or bike trail can be seen as a great opportunity to showcase your masculinity. This date can be a great way of striking up a conversation with her and impress her with your knowledge and skills in the outdoors. If you can, you could also try bringing some refreshments with you for a surprise picnic, which she will surely appreciate.
If there are no hiking trails near you, then you can opt for the next best thing, whish is a bike ride. Do not forget to also bring some nice refreshments with you as a way of surprising her and showing her that you are the type of guy who cares and takes care of his girl. Girls love to be taken care of and pampered and what better way to show that than to have things ready even before she thinks she needs them.
Brunch date
This is another good date idea but only best applied during the first or second date. A brunch date is a great way to save up on a little cash because alcohol would rarely be part of the orders (if she orders alcohol at 10:30 in the morning then you have to rethink about your intentions. You would not want a wino as a girlfriend). Girls also like brunch dates because they are not easily scared away. Brunch dates are seen as “harmless” dates so they will feel more at home and comfortable in this kind of date arrangement. The only advice I can give is that you must ensure that you are at your best when you are in a brunch date. Act like you had a wild night the previous night and you might as well say goodbye to your date. Moderation is the key.
A visit to an art gallery or art museum
Most museums and art galleries would usually allot one day every week where visitors and tourists can get discounted rates on the entrance fee or even for free. You can use this opportunity to bring a little culture into your date. Before you go though brush up on your arts and read up on the exhibits that are currently being shown at these places so that you can impress your date a little more by looking like you know what you are talking about and that you are really into art.
Picnics
Just like what I said in my suggestion for the hike / bike ride, a picnic is a romantic and yet very affordable way of wining and dining your date. You can take a picnic not only on the beach or lake but also in the park. The rule here is quite simple, just look for a place that has memorable and beautiful views. Do not worry if the place you have in mind requires that you take a long drive. In fact, it is even better because it will give you the opportunity to really connect with your date.
A good picnic preparation only requires the simplest of things, a good bottle of wine, a little cheese, bread, and fresh fruit. What could be simpler and cheaper than that? The great thing here is that this is a really effective way of wowing your date without really spending much.
A street fair or street market
During certain months and times of the year, each city would usually hold a street fair or farmer’s market. These very homey events bring with it an amazing display of sights and sounds. There is entertainment in the form of live music and other types of street performers. Your date will surely go crazy over the great bargains and nifty deals. The best thing though is that you are together the whole day and it allows you a lot of time to talk.
A house party
This is a great idea for men who live very social lives because they would know where there is a party at any given day. Just remember to ask about the party first. Anything with strippers, kegs and drugs involved should be avoided. This is a good cheap date because the food and drinks will be free. Of course, be a gracious guest and bring something to the party. You will also impress your date by doing this as she will see that you are thoughtful.
A wine tasting
What better way to impress your date and at the same time save a lot of money than by inviting her to go on a wine tasting? The activity is very sophisticated and mature and if your date is the type who goes for these things then you will definitely earn her admiration. Brush up on some of your wine tasting vocabulary though especially if you are new to wine tasting. For those who live far away from wine country, a trip to a brewery is a great alternative. The copious amounts of alcohol will surely loosen her up and what’s more, everything is free! The good thing about breweries is that they also serve appetizers to patrons if you happen to visit them during their happy hour.
A restaurant where you have a friend
Take advantage of well placed connections to get a cheap date. If you happen to have a friend who works in a restaurant for example, you can talk to that friend and see if you can get some extras when you go to the restaurant with your date. Expect free appetizers, free desserts, complimentary refills of your wine glass and of course, prompt service. Do not forget to thank your friend after the date and remember that you owe your friend bigtime!
A home cooked meal
This could probably be one of the easiest and most affordable dates and also the most effective. I have yet to see a woman not fall for a man who knows his way around the kitchen and can really really cook. The great thing about serving a home cooked meal to your date is that you do not have to worry about any kind of logistics. It is your home! You never have to worry about how to go there, what day to choose for the date and even the amount of money you will spend (it is all within your control).
Unless you are really, really proficient in the kitchen, refrain from cooking for your date on the first date. This should be postponed until the third date. If you are not too familiar about cooking then learn… fast. Watch cooking shows, read up on books, and talk to friends who know how to cook. Do not attempt anything ambitious when you cook though, a simple, hearty meal will suffice. Do not forget to buy a good bottle of wine as a way to punctuate the date.
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