There’s almost no small talk these days that doesn’t circle back to the cost of groceries —the eggs, the milk, the berries! With everything feeling pricier than just a few years ago, “nice-to-haves” often hit the chopping block during those tough budget conversations. But your consistently scheduled date night shouldn’t be one of them. For military couples contending with unpredictable schedules, long days, TADs/TDYs, trainings and deployments, carving out time to reconnect is more important than ever.
The good news? Date nights don’t need to cost a fortune to be meaningful. With some planning and creativity, you can have fun and strengthen your relationship while staying within budget. Below are some of our favorite ideas!
For the bookish couple
Spend the evening wandering the aisles of a brick-and-mortar bookstore (thank you, #BookTok), to pick out a book for yourself —extra credit if you guess what your partner chooses! Cap off the outing with coffee at a cozy café nearby to share your picks. Or pick one book to read together, then schedule mini book club “meetings.” Themed snacks recommended.
For the news junkie couple
Swap articles from your favorite publications and read them separately, then discuss over a bowl of late-night ice cream (or whatever your “poison” might be: a quiet walk, a glass of wine, or dinner at home).
Paywalls can be a bummer, but did you know your public library —or even the Department of Defense library via Libby— can give you access to publications like “The New York Times” and “The Wall Street Journal”? It doesn’t all have to be serious, though. Publications like “The Cut,” “Vanity Fair,” and “The Atlantic” have thought-provoking and sometimes lighthearted pieces that make for great discussions. And “Military Families Magazine,” naturally.
For the foodie couple
Bring the restaurant experience home. Choose a dish you both enjoy and make it together, complete with some *chef’s kiss* plating. Pinterest is full of dupe recipes, and we thank those bloggers for their efforts. Go all in and set the mood with music that matches the theme —Italian café, French bistro, 1960s diner— then add a candle or two at the table for ambiance. Bon appétit!
For the competitive couple
If you can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday but can recall the name of the bar where the characters from “Three’s Company” hung out (The Regal Beagle), a local trivia night may be for you! Many bars or restaurants host free events —sometimes with discounted apps— where you can show off your random knowledge and bond over the thrill of victory (or the agony of missing that one question you swore you knew). A shared dish, a couple of drinks, and a trivia team name that makes a statement can turn into a fun and budget-friendly night out!
The outdoorsy couple
Weather permitting, plan an adventure in the great outdoors. Start with a hike on a local trail, timing it for the best views, whether that’s sunrise, sunset, or a midday trek through shaded woods. Pack a picnic lunch or good snacks to enjoy along the way, and take some time to soak in the scenery. Don’t let us limit you to hiking: you can bike, kayak, snowshoe, ski, or even go geocaching! If you’re not ready to invest in your own gear, check with your local MWR; many installations offer rentals for everything from camping equipment to skis and snowboards. Whatever the activity, the fresh air and time together are what really matter!
For the travel couple
Take a trip without leaving home: pick the cuisine, do the research, and surprise your partner with a culinary destination! Whether it’s Thai, French, or a dish that reminds you of a special place, cook as a team and pair it with a cocktail that complements the cuisine. To round out the experience, find a documentary or travel show about the region or country where the cuisine originates to immerse yourselves in its culture while comfortably on your couch. No passport or leave chit required!
For the fitness couple
For those of you amongst us more into Saturday morning CrossFit than brunch, replace date night with a gym date. Set some time aside to head to your base gym (it’s free!) to try a partner circuit, a game of racquetball, or join the pickleball craze. Trying a new fitness class together or setting out to beat personal bests can keep things fun and motivating. Wrap it up with smoothies or protein shakes, and you’ve got yourselves a healthy, budget-friendly way to spend time together —no reservation required!
EDITOR’S NOTE: A shortened version of this article appears in our JanFeb 2025 issue.
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