5 Fun Dates for Under $20

Research shows that happiness is often born by spending money on experiences, not possessions; and using money with friends, not alone.

Here are five frugal and fun date ideas for under $20.

1. Ice-cream Date

Go on an adventurous ice cream date! Avoid going to your local ice cream shop and choose a new place to go to each time. Choosing a new place will help you not adapt to this simple yet fun date idea. Furthermore, push yourself out of your comfort zone and try a unique flavor often!

2. Ice-cream Bar

You can also make a DIY ice cream bar at your house! Go to your local grocery store and pick out your favorite flavors of ice cream. Don't forget to grab toppings as well! My favorites include hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and M&M's.

3. Make Homemade Pizza

Go to your local grocery store and pick up all the ingredients for a pizza! Make sure to grab the dough, tomato sauce (or whatever sauce you prefer), mozzarella cheese, and any toppings you would like to add. By making the pizza yourselves, you can engage in the activity you're doing together and the conversations you're having.

4. Movie Night at Home

Plan a movie night with your significant other at home! Go to your local grocery store and pick up popcorn, drinks, and candy. Set up a bunch of pillows and blankets at your house. Then rent, buy, or stream the movie you want to watch at your house. Enjoy!

5. Go Thrifting!

Go to your local thrift shops and try thrift outfits to wear together, which is a super fun activity because you get to be creative with one another when shopping. Here are five ways to make a thrifting date more fun and adventurous!

Join our Modern Husbands Community Facebook Group to share other date night ideas or gather ideas from other husbands.

Learn More

Couples who learn more, save more, and spend more on what is important to them.

Transition to Marriage Toolkit

For engaged and recently married couples who want to manage money and the home as a team.

Money Marriage U

Self paced online courses for couples designed by national financial therapy and financial planning experts

Modern Husbands Podcast

Winning ideas from experts to manage money and the home as a team. 2023 Plutus Award Finalist: Best Couples or Family Content

Self Help Homework Hacks

A course for students ages 13-22 to learn research-backed homework hacks and independent learning strategies.

Modern Husbands Bimonthly Newsletter (married couples)

Winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team delivered to your inbox every two weeks. You'll even receive a few free gifts!

Modern Husbands Monthly Newsletter (engaged and newlyweds)

Everything you need to know about transitioning to marriage. The first gift you will receive is a guide to tackle the seven most asked questions about budgeting as a couple.

Citations

Caprariello, P. A., & Reis, H. T. (2013). To do, to have, or to share? Valuing experiences over material possessions depends on the involvement of others. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(2), 199–215.https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030953

Lowery, G. (2010, March 31). Cornell Chronicle. Glee from Buying Objects Wanes, While Joy of Buying Experiences Keeps Growing. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2010/03/study-shows-experiences-are-better-possessions.