How To Plan a Memorable Date Night Without Breaking the Bank

It’s almost Friday night, an excellent time for your date night! Tonight, you may be nervous about that first kiss with a new love interest or about leaving the kids at home with a new babysitter, but one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about during your long-awaited (and well-deserved) night on the town is money. Sadly, even if you’re not taking a limo to a fancy restaurant, evenings out tend to be costly. Here are a few ways to plan a night to remember that you won’t have to work an extra shift to make up for it.

Video via youtube.com/user/MsCheapChic

Be memorable by customizing your style! It’s guaranteed that you’ll be completely unique (and unforgettable) when you glide down the front walkway in a dress you made yourself. But wait, isn’t all that material expensive? Not when you shop at Goodwill for your supplies! The fun frock in the video above went from granny to glam when Michelle of Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc. (Wichita) worked her mending magic on it. Transforming a thrifted dress is a fantastic way to express yourself, save some dough and for anyone interested in dressmaking, get to know the anatomy of attire!

Image via cafejohnsonia.com

Or maybe you’re staying in to woo a potential partner with your culinary skills. In that case, the dress may be a little more casual, but that doesn’t mean that your table setting should be! Presentation is one of the most important parts of a well-prepared meal, as Lindsey of Café Johnsonia can tell you! She was lucky enough to attend a Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker workshop and she picked up a few tips there that can help anyone pull together impressive décor displays. One simple way to stay inspired and on budget, she recommends, is to window shop at high-end retailers but then seek the same styles at Goodwill for pennies on the dollar. Since we’re heading into the holiday season, I know this is a tip you’ll all be able to use soon!

Image via blog.goodwilleasterseals.org

For the activity portion of your evening, I love these ideas from Sarah of Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota (Saint Paul). She mentions board games for new couples (you know, to help break the ice), treasure hunting for anyone looking to get to know their partner better and, for serious couples who just enjoy spending their time together, there’s mastering a new skill! Click through to the post to find out how Goodwill will help you with all of these (and more) date night ideas.

Here’s another way that Goodwill helps: Goodwill defies traditional distinctions. Instead of a single bottom line of profit, Goodwill holds itself accountable to a triple bottom line of people, planet and performance. This means that the money you spend in Goodwill retail stores is carefully invested to better your own community and the earth. This weekend, you’re not just dating; you’re doing good.