7 Ideas for a low-budget first date

We’re only going to say this once so get your notepads and pens out: dinner and a movie is not a first date.

There are so many problems with this date set-up. It doesn’t provide room for conversation; are you going to talk over the movie? It’s unimaginative; remember your first ever date? It was probably dinner and a movie. And with a little research, you’ll find a plethora of first date options that are fresh, fun, and hopefully will lead to a second date.

That’s where we come in. Check out these 7 creative ideas to pull off the ideal first date on the cheap.

Watch Ohio State’s other sports teams

Football season is over; we’re sad, too. That being said, Buckeye sports never stops in this city. Whether it’s Chris Holtmann leading the men’s basketball squad or the top-15 ranked women’s ice hockey team, there’s options for all sporties. Splurge on nice seats, or simply enjoy each other’s company from the nosebleeds.

Coffeeshop Run and a Trip To The Local Record Stores
There are a plethora of options throughout the city so this date option has many paths to follow. If you are looking to spend a morning or afternoon Downtown, Upper Cup Coffee on Parsons Ave. is just a few blocks away from Spoonful Records. Alternatively, if you are near Clintonville or campus, Used Kids Record store is nearby and so is Babas Coffee for a cup of joe to kick start the date.

High Beck Free Ping Pong and Pizza

Who doesn’t love a free night out on a Monday? Belly up to the bar at High Beck in the evening where free Columbus-style pizzas will be served up throughout the night. While these pizzas aren’t gourmet, the interesting toppings that find their way out of the kitchen are proof that you can put just about anything on a pizza. And the ping-pong table in the back provides for some friendly-competition.

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Laundry and Drinks at Dirty Dungarees

Dating is fun, but it can be time consuming. For an unconventional night out that will also allow you to get shit done, grab some quarters and take your date over to Dirty Dungarees. Pop in a load and sip your way through the spin cycle at this unique/bar laundromat concept—where you can sometimes catch a rock show—all while getting a revealing look at what makes your partner tick by completing one of life’s most menial weekly tasks. Doesn’t use fabric softener? Weird method for folding socks? Maybe they’re not the one…

P3 Magic Show on Tuesdays

This is a mandatory two-part date. Part one is obvious: watch the free magic show in amazement and disbelief. The second part is crucial: drinks afterwards with your date to figure out how the hell those tricks were actually pulled off. We can’t promise you’ll get to the bottom of the tricks, but keep sipping those cocktails and it’ll all work out.

Antiquing/Thrifting

The beginning of relationships starts with a lot of presumptions and it’s nice to get some confirmation in the early stages. No one wants to move in with someone only to find out they have an obsession with clown paintings. Take your date antiquing and thrifting to get a taste for their design eye, and find out if your styles are compatible.

Get Lost at The German Village Book Loft

While this is a fantastic affordable date option, be warned! The Book Loft Twitter account is savage and you aren’t the first, nor the last, to have the idea of bringing your potential partner to the bookstore. They can spot a first date from a mile away, and you might find yourself the subject of a tweet afterwards. C’est la vie!

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