So, you and your partner want to enjoy a romantic evening without breaking the bank? Been there. When we found out we were pregnant with the twins, how we viewed our finances seriously changed. I stopped getting my morning coffee, we stopped eating out on weekends, and I stopped impulse buying at Target or on Amazon. Sigh. The good old days. Nonetheless, being on a budget doesn't have to mean you miss out on fun, quality time with your partner. I've compiled a list of budget-friendly date night ideas that will make you both laugh and create unforgettable memories. Because who said love can't thrive on a budget?

• DIY Paint and Sip Night : Skip the pricey wine and art classes. Set up your own paint and sip night at home with cheap art supplies and a bottle of your favorite bargain wine. Who knew Picasso could be this entertaining? I've seen tons of TikTok's of couples doing this together where they draw each other, and I crack up each time!

• Backyard Bonfire : Start a bonfire in your backyard (safely, of course), grab some marshmallows for roasting, and gaze at the stars. Bonus points if you can spot a constellation that looks like your partner's face.

• Thrift Store Outfit Challenge : Head to a thrift store with a budget in mind and pick out outfits for each other. Then, strut your stuff in your hilarious ensembles and embrace the creativity of fashion on a dime. Pro tip: be sure to take pictures after you force your partner to look like an old grandma.

• Movie Marathon Madness : Pick a goofy theme like '80s action films or cheesy rom-coms, grab some popcorn, and snuggle up for a movie marathon that will have you both in stitches. My husband and I love going to Walgreens before we do this and picking out our favorite movie theatre candy to eat alongside our popcorn. It's better than the movies, in my opinion, because I can use the bathroom whenever I want! #smallbladderproblems

• Enjoy nature - Get Outside! : There are so many options here and it seems like an obvious one... but I had to include it. I've found that my husband and I have the best conversations when we go for a walk together. Not with the dogs, either; just us two really connecting and talking about our day. Maybe we talk about work, or maybe we talk about things we see as we walk through our downtown square, but these are typically my favorite moments throughout the week. You can also look for nearby nature trails and go for a hike, have a picnic in your local park, etc. The options with this one are endless, but I encourage you to just go outside and get some fresh air together.

• Cook Together : Eating in can get boring, but I have found cooking with my husband to be so intimate. Some people don't like doing this (ex: my sister, my mother, my grandmother) because they don't like sharing the kitchen with others. Personally, I am not a good cook so I welcome others in the kitchen with me! LOL. But seriously, standing next to my husband and chopping vegetables together is one of my favorite things to do.

• Game Night : Finding games for 2 that are actually fun can be difficult, but there are plenty of date-night friendly games that are a good time! Some examples are Scrabble, Yahtzee, or Sorry. There are also newer card games designed specifically for couples game nights. My personal favorite? Just completing a puzzle together. It's pretty cool when you have to complete a task that requires putting your brains together, and you see how much better you 2 are together versus apart.

Let these date night ideas remind you that love truly conquers all, even financial constraints!

Posted from the heart,

Mama Poe