I have seen people give financial excuses for poor relationships or as why they couldn’t date a particular class of girl/guy.
If you want to hang out with your date/fiancé or fiancée/or whatever you call you might want to call her or him, without draining both of your bank accounts and you don’t want to settle for another night of watching boring movies on your sofa, why not try some of these creative date ideas?
1. Go Geo-caching
Geo-caching is a modern-day form of treasure hunting. You’ll both identify your location on your phone or geo-caching device, and then you both choose a “package” to search for and follow the clues to try to find it. It might be the peak of Olumo Rock, the connection point of the hot spring and cold spring of Ikogosi Waterfall, etc.
It’s a great bonding activity, and it obliges you guys to work together to find the object. Once you do, you can both put your names on a little memo (with date and pictures), and commemorate your date forever!
2. Go for a Night at Your Local Bar
Local bars shouldn’t cost you above #1,000-#2,500, anything more than that is up to you. Eat a little in your house before you go with her/him, order some sodas at the bar, take advantage of some local vegetables, local soups, local fish stocks, local drinks like palm-wine, and begin to answer some quiz questions like how what are the steps in cooking a catfish, preparing ogbona, etc. This would even help you know how good a cook he/she is.
3. Use Conversation Cards
For introverts, conversation cards are a blessing. Not only do they immediately help break the ice, but they usher everyone out of the dreaded small talk zone. Conversation cards are like notepads where you outline some things you want to know about him/her, jokes, travelling plans, etc.
Here are some you could download to choose from: Table Topics, 101 Conversation Starters, etc.
4. Embark on a Photo Walk
This sounds like a code for “nature walk,” right? You can find plenty of photo challenges online to print out and do with the other person. For example, you can take pictures of both of you at the middle of the beach, with both your hands on lions gate at a zoo, etc. Just a picture of a time he/she might need to look at and remember you are trust worthy, even in the face of danger.
Maybe you can make a competition out of it and raise the stakes: winner buys dinner or gets to choose the movie on your next Netflix night.
5. Attend a Poetry Slam or Comedy Show
Poetry slams, drama shows and comedy shows have been making a major conduit of bond in major cities. These events typically cost around #1,000-#2,000 depending on where you live. Some can even be free, and you’ll have plenty to talk about when the show’s over. An examples are night of a thousand laugh.
6. Build a Kite and Fly It Outside
What better way to test your compatibility than by trying to master the “art” of arts and crafts?
This particular exercise is the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a great chance to work together. You get to argue, laugh at each other and commend each other. Oooh! What a feeling this can generate at a little cost.
7. Play Some Games Together
Don’t underestimate how charming it could be playing games with the person you care about especially if it’s the game you are better at than he/she is. It provides the perfect opportunity to casually chat about your day, but it also involves an element of competition that will keep your date on his or her toes, and might really cause him/her to respect you (without spending a dime)
8. Re-Enact Scenes from Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows
Have you ever wanted to stroll along the same kind of trees you saw ‘Yemi My Lover sing for that girl’? Or maybe twirl around in front of Museums like in Indian films? Why not print out a few screenshots from your favorite films and try to recreate them? You can even call it “our dating episodes. “ (Hooolaala!)
9. Pick Out Unique/Outlandish Outfits for One Another to Try On
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a ridiculous outfit at the mall… except for convincing your date to try it on. Every clothing store has its fair share of quirky outfits. Give them a little time in the spotlight by putting on an impromptu fashion show and modeling the outfits with your partner/date for laughs. Bear in mind that you might have to buy one if he/she really likes it.
10. Buy Paint Supplies and See Who Can Make the Wackiest Art
Take a trip to an arts and crafts store. Embrace your creative side and see who can paint the weirdest picture. Who knows? You might give actually draw something that’ll spark something in him/her. Then you might visit an art gallery, compare your drawings and paints, and see who really was the weirdest artist (that deserves to be laughed at).
11. Wander, On Purpose
Not all those who wander are lost. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk around your neighborhood or, even better, one you’ve never been to before. You and your partner/date can indulge in the sense of mystery, and maybe even stumble upon an unexpected opportunity, like a community event or a treasure. Have you ever been to Erin-Ijesa? I was there. I learnt there ar seven layers of the mountain there, on the seventh layer is a mysterious but friendly and cheerful Yoruba tribe. You and your partner/date could go there. I tell you, you’ll come back with lots of gifts.
12. Enjoy a Meal or Treat in Character
Everyone says the key to dating successfully is to “be you,” but that doesn’t always have to be the case. Turn your next dinner table into a stage and try role playing as your favorite dynamic duo from film or literature. Maybe you’ve always wanted to know what it felt like to be James Bond or Funke Akindele (Jenifa). Now’s your chance! Hit a local restaurant or even your place and stay in character as long as possible. The first person to slip/ flaw in the role pays for your food! You have really saved money this way.
13. People-Watch
Is the stranger walking ahead of you an armed robber on the way to his next mission? Or is he just on his way to pick up his daughter in school? You decide! Find a bench in a hip part of town and speculate the lives of passers-by. The reward goes to whoever concocts the best tale. But don’t be too suspicious with this else, you both become ‘the watched individuals.’
14. Take Advantage of Night Camp Fire
Just like I’m yet to hear anyone who had gone through NYSC complain about the camp fire night, a fun-loving partner/date should take pleasure in you for organizing a night camp fire. This usually leads to some things because of emotional connection. But he/she would trust you more if you display self control even when it becomes difficult. You know what I mean…

15. Go to the Library
You’d be surprised how many odd books get published these days. Honor your inner bookworm and meander through the aisles of the nearest public library with your date. Challenge each other to find the funniest book title or locate an obscure item the fastest. (Quietly, of course, other people may be trying to read!) This would even help you to know if he/she has a dull or brilliant mind at a very little cost.
16. Visit a Celebrated Couple
Is your relationship headed for success or a dead end? A successful-and-long-lasting couple may not be able to tell you everything you want to know, but the visit will sure give you plenty to talk and think about. How would our own home look like? That would be on both minds on your way back, and you might be encouraged to give her the ring, take it back from her, or, otherwise reject it when you are offered. This only costs you transport fare or few litres of fuel.
17. Cook Something
You don’t need to go to an expensive restaurant to enjoy a luxurious meal. Skip the pricy entrees and cook up some fun in your own home or at a friend’s house (if you’re not both married). For an added pinch of romance, set up some candles and put on some soothing music. You’ll both never want to eat out again (I suppose).
18 Watch a Game Together
It could be football (not Chelsea game please, it’s embarrassing to watch as a fan), car race, or swimming. This will help you gauge how he/she predicts outcomes of events at just the cost of viewing it in the public or the normal subscriptions at the comfort of your house (or that of your rich relative, friends could betray).
19. Engage in Some Friendly Public Debauchery
Who said truth or dare was just for middle little kids? Test the limits of your bravery by challenging each other to embarrassing feats in public. For example, get a stranger to high-five you, photo-bomb a tourist group selfie, dance on a bench until someone else joins in. The more fearless you are, the more brownie points you get at low cost.
20. Play Some Old Video Games
A little bit of nostalgia never hurt anybody. Stay in and break out your favorite childhood console games. There’s nothing like a little Mortal Kombat or Mario Kart to level up your next date night.
21. Recreate Childhood Photos
One way to take baby steps in your relationship is to literally follow in your partner’s/date’s baby footsteps.
Find a bunch of childhood photos and help each other walk down memory lane by recreating old snapshots. Talk like you used to. Ask what was the dumbest thing you could remember doing as a kid?
22. Attend a Silent Disco
“Silent discos” are becoming more and more prominent, especially around campuses.
After paying a small fee, you’re given headphones and digital playlist and directed to a place filled with other participating members. On the count of three, everyone hits play and suddenly hundreds of people start dancing in sync, in silence. What a feeling! Please remain responsible here, else, you can lose your credibility big time.
23. Attend a Lecture at a Nearby University or Free Seminar
Students aren’t the only ones who can benefit from educational events on campus. Many universities offer public events like lectures or panels. Research the schools in your area and check their “campus calendars” to see what events they have planned. You could attend free seminars to assess each others’ mindset towards to seminar topic. This costs you just your transport fare which should be affordable to you. Abi na?
24. Try to Recreate Pinterest Posts
Pinterest is full of adorable art and baked goods items — many posted by people who will never make them. On your next date, challenge the status quo and attempt some of the quirky crafts and projects. Just create something nice. You may fail like these people, but that’s half the fun!
25. Learn a Dance from YouTube
Want to get active without heading outside? Search for fun dance routines on YouTube and dance before him or her. Examples are: the latest sound-code by Frank Edwards, Shoki, etc.
You can visit informationdealing.com for info-graphics of this post.
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