Chilly and low on cash? You can still have date night!

It’s January and you are tapped out. That doesn’t mean that date night has to fall by the wayside though.

Stay in

While “staying in” may conjure up images of one (or both) or you falling asleep on the couch watching T.V., it doesn’t have to. It’s all about planning.

Start the evening off by cooking together, or by getting takeout from your fave restaurant. Even if they don’t offer traditional takeout, many restaurants will happily prepare and pack something for you if you call ahead.

Eating in lets you save on tips, alcohol (which gets marked up hugely in restaurants) and taxis.

Afternoon date

Who says dates have to happen in the evening?

If you hit your local movie theatre during the day, it is generally far less expensive than the evening showings.

Go out for a light lunch and spend the afternoon wandering around window shopping. Or visit your local museum to change it up.

The active date

While the temperature suggests that you should snuggle up and stay indoors, the best way to endure our Canadian winters is to participate in them.

Pack a flask of hot chocolate and go for a nighttime skate at an outdoor rink. Go for a night ski (often less expensive than daytime passes) or a snowshoe.

When you are dressed for it, the winter is super fun (and provides a number of budget friendly activities inherently).

Summerize the winter

Winter seeming interminable at the moment? Why not visit your local wave pool or indoor driving range/ mini golf?

Granted, these are not quite the same as the beach or the course, but not bad for January in Canada!

Take a class

Why don’t you and your significant other learn a new skill together? Check out cooking, language or even fitness classes.

Your local library or recreation centre should be your first destination, as they tend to offer workshops at far lower prices.