BY VANESSA GIBSON | DECEMBER 7 | 2 MIN. READ

Drive-in movies are the OG of affordable romantic dates. Create a rom-com worthy experience by packing up the car with all the night’s cozy essentials—blankets, pillows, and candy (duh). To make it even more luxe, an inflatable air mattress – like this one – that fits perfectly in a truck or SUV will provide extra cushion for when you’re lounging or not watching the movie *wink wink*. Head to your local drive-in theater or set up your own movie with a projector in a quiet spot. 

2.   Lovers Kitchen

Don’t get us wrong—we’re all for a night at home, especially when it’s chilly out. But instead of your planned date night succumbing to endless Netflix scrolls just to fall asleep 20 minutes into the movie or indulging in expensive takeout sushi that leaves your wallet hurting (I’m guilty as charged), try something that fills you up. We’re talking about your stomach, of course. 

Plan this date night for the weekend or a night when you can really take time to be with each other. Over the week leading up to your date, bounce recipe ideas off one another—new recipes rather than tried and true ones make this date idea way more fun! Figure out a recipe you both want to try and chef it up together.

Don’t forget to set up the kitchen with candles and romantic mood lighting and make an intimate playlist to listen to while you cook. If your schedules are busy, you might enjoy the convenience and clean groceries Thrive Market has to offer.

3.   Hike + Picnic at Sunset

If you’re outdoorsy and live somewhere that’s not too cold, plan a romantic hike followed by a picnic at sunset. This affordable date night checks all the boxes: It’s a great way to bond and have fun together; you’re getting in heart rate boosting cardio, all while feeding your soul with nature’s love. 

Speaking of feeding, don’t forget to pack an insulated backpack cooler with yummy cheese, sandwiches, and other picnic foods, as well as a blanket to set up once you’ve reached your final destination. Skip the wine on this date night trip since you’ll have to hike your way back down.

4.   Little Love Notes 

If your relationship is at the point where you’re saying the L-O-V-E word, cement your adoration even further by writing cute love notes to one another. Create a love jar and make it a ritual to open a note every week. You can build your date nights around these little love letters, cultivating an intimate space to share your most treasured feelings with your most treasured person. Words of affirmation girlies—this date night idea is made for you.

5.   That’s Hot

Few things are better than hot cocoa when it’s cold. Whip up your most delish hot chocolate for this date night, sit by the fireplace, and wrap yourself up in all the cozy, romantic feels. If you don’t have a fireplace to cuddle up by, a tabletop fire pit will keep things hot and give you the perfect excuse to make s’mores in the dead of winter (or is that just me?). Either way, this romantic fire-side date is a little smoky, a little smoldering, and a lot sexy.