You’d love to whisk your girl away to the Swiss Alps on a Leer jet. With your budget, however, you can scarcely afford a rented gyrocopter ride to the nearest bunny slope!

How does one impress a lady without breaking the bank? How do you woo a girl on a budget?

The tips listed below should put you on the right track towards winning her heart without ending up destitute in the process.

Number 10
The coffee date

This scenario is only plausible for the initial date. Use it more frequently than this and the girl will think one (or more) of the following: 1) You’re just interested in being friends, 2) You’re cheap, or 3) You are a caffeine addict.

Cafes are great for first dates as they’re casual and you’ll likely only be footing the bill for a couple of lattes and biscotti. Unlike a bar, where one drink can easily escalate into many if things are going well, a coffee date will likely never evolve beyond a single refill. If you can, choose a caf that is part of a bookstore. The added benefit here is you can position yourself as literati.

Estimated cost: $5-$10. Price may vary depending upon the number of refills and inclusion of biscotti or savories.

Number 9
The hike or bike ride

If you’re really hard up, this may be your best bet. Granted, this is only a viable option if you live within close vicinity to a hiking trail. Hiking gives you an excellent opportunity to show off your rugged masculinity. Catch a wild rabbit with your bare hands and barbecue it for your soon-to-be betrothed while trekking through the backcountry.

In all seriousness, a walk through nature provides a wonderful opportunity to chat up your date, enjoy the outdoors and show her you’re a versatile guy. If a hiking trail is not in the cards, try a bike ride. Make sure to bring some refreshments.

Estimated cost: $5-$10. You’ll want to bring along some water, fruit and other snacks.

Number 8
The brunch date

The brunch date is a natural extension of the coffee date and is accordingly best used on the first (or second) date. Usually, there’s no alcohol involved (which keeps the tab low) and given that this date occurs in the morning or early afternoon, there’s a high likelihood that she won’t think you have ulterior (read: carnal) motives. The key here is to make sure you’re not suffering from a killer hangover from the previous night.

Estimated cost: $20-$30. Admittedly, the brunch date is one of the more expensive cheap dates, but it’s still certainly more cheaper than dinner.

Number 7
The art gallery

Most art galleries have one day of the week where entry is discounted (if not free). Take advantage of this opportunity to take your date out for some quality culture. Spend some time reading up on the current exhibits prior to your date. This way, you can at least maintain the faade that you have your finger on the pulse of the art world.

Estimated cost: $0-$10. Ideally, this one is expense-free, but if you spring for a few postcards or a poster, the cost may go up a bit.

Number 6
The picnic

If you don’t live near a large body of water, a park will do here. The key is to find a locale that has scenic (preferably awe-inspiring) vistas. If a lengthy drive is required to reach your final destination, all the better. It will provide ample opportunity for you to connect with your date along the way. Only a few simple items are required to make your picnic basket impress: a halfway decent bottle of wine, some brie, bread, and fresh fruit. It’s simple (and cheap), but it works.

Estimated cost: $15-$40. The price varies according to how extravagant and decadent you want to be here. Deli sandwiches, chips and water will likely only set you back 15 bucks. Brie, wine and fruit will increase your tab, but impress more.

Number 5
The farmer’s market or street fair

In most places in the U.S., you can find a farmer’s market or street fair at certain times of the year. These kinds of events provide a plethora of visual stimuli and entertainment. You will likely find live music, great deals, excellent people-watching, and plenty of opportunities for conversation.

Estimated cost: $10-$20. You’ll be surrounded by kiosks all day, so you’re bound to end up springing for something or other.

Number 4
The house party

Presumably, you’re a social guy. You know someone (or someone who knows someone) who’s throwing a shindig pretty much every day of the week. Just make sure the soiree doesn’t include any strippers, keg stands and beer bongs. Although drinks and food will both likely be free, you should not show up empty-handed.

Estimated cost: $0-$10. There should be close to no expense associated with this date, but if you want to project a little class, show up with a bottle of wine for the host. This has more to do with impressing your date than the host.

Number 3
The winery

If you’re a neophyte when it comes to wine tasting, you may want to watch Sideways prior so the words “piquant bouquet” roll off your tongue smoothly. For those living far from wine country, another option is a local brewery (which can be found just about anywhere). The alcohol acts as a social lubricant and is typically free (or heavily discounted). If you hit a brewery right around happy hour, you might even score free appetizers!

Estimated cost: $0-$20. This assumes that the tasting evolves into knocking a few back and perhaps a small plate for the two of you to share.

Number 2
The connected restaurant

For several years I had the good fortune of having a connection at an excellent seafood restaurant that served white wine to patrons while they waited for their table. To boot, one of the waitresses was a good friend of mine, and on more than one occasion provided me and my date with free appetizers and dessert, and was prompt in refilling our spacious wine glasses (free of charge).

If you’re fortunate enough to have such a connection, take advantage of it. You’ll provide your date with a stellar meal on the cheap. If you don’t have a connection at a fine dining establishment, get to work!

Estimated cost: $30-$50. The price depends on the venue. But, assuming your connections are good, you may get some serious bang for the buck.

Number 1
Home cooking

The beauty of this approach is that there are no logistical constraints. It doesn’t matter where you live or what day of the week it is, and you control the budget for the menu.

Do not attempt to cook for a woman on the first date. The third date is the best time to pull this one out. If you’ve never cooked before, learn fast. Watch a few episodes of Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals on the Food Network, take fastidious notes, and you should have enough in your arsenal to seduce the girl’s palate. Three simple courses and some good wine should be sufficient. She’ll think you’re a true Renaissance man. If she enjoys the meal, who knows where dessert will lead?

Estimated cost: $30-$50. One need not spend a fortune to craft a quality meal. But a good bottle of wine, a solid entre and an excellent dessert can scarcely be found for less than $30. If you pull this off with the desired results, $30 will seem like a pittance.

cheap date success
Variety is the key here. If you consistently choose dates that are clearly dollar-challenged, the likelihood is high that your woman will begin to perceive you as a tightwad. That’s not to say that you have to break the bank to win a womans heart. Just know that there are occasions where the truly thoughtful and imaginative date may cost a bit more. If saving a few bucks on other ones gives you a better budget for such occasions, fine. But dont make the cheap date de rigueur .

Tags: good ideas, saving money
Categories: Great Ideas, Productivity Tools, Cheapskates