I’m not trying to bad-mouth Netflix. I’m all for it. Netflix has become a staple in my life. I have binge watched countless shows during college, in the summer, and after a stressful day at work. I’m also all for staying in with your significant other. But this culture we have created of not even attempting to impress your date, is just lazy. This culture that as long as you have a couch and some tv playing in the background you can get some. What happened to putting in effort? What happened to being creative, to showing off? What happened to the chase? What happened to trying?

Now, I know some guys just really can’t come up with any ideas other than ‘Netflix and chill’ which is something that society has put into their minds. So, here’s a list of budget friendly date ideas.

Game night – have some friends over and play board games together. Try trivia night at a local bar.

Go outside – search the best walking trails or hikes near you and enjoy some time outside with a simple picnic.

Brunch – waffles and mimosas are always a good idea. It’s the most important meal of the day and usually the cheapest.

Try a new restaurant – maybe a food truck, a local café, or a place you’ve always wanted to go to in town.

Go visit your hometown – I mean if you are close by it might be nice to go see where you each grew up.

Volunteer together – always a great idea. Try www.volunteermatch.org to find great opportunities in your area.

Use the Offline app – This app composes a list of the best events and places to go to near you every weekend. Go to www.get-offline.com

Be a tourist – use the scenic route and become a tourist in your own town even if you only have simple and over played landmarks

Go antiquing – who said it’s only for older people

Go to a museum – Art, Science, History, Aquarium, Zoo. Take your pick.

Have a cook off – buy all the ingredients for a dish you both know how to make and see who can make the best one. Even better, try a couples edition.

Go to the local farmer’s market- fresh ingredients and supporting local business

Go to a used bookstore – find a book you loved reading in the past and trade with each other. Maybe even a childhood favorite

DIY projects – so many things you can do: build a birdhouse, paint a canvas, start an indoor garden

Disposable camera day – go around town and take some pictures so you can print them and scrapbook them later instead of worrying about Instagram

YouTube Lessons – try a new dance or fitness routine

At home spa day – if you convince him

Dream big – test drive your dream car, or go look at open houses

Karaoke – make a fool of yourself, or you know you could always people watch

Most importantly, just have fun together!