At the start of 2023, I was listening to an episode of the Girls Gotta Eat podcast (highly recommend, by the way) and they were discussing the top dating and relationship trends they expected to see this year. One of them was infla-dating.
In the episode, they reference an article by The Knot that discussed the term “infla-dating.” Originally coined by the dating app Plenty of Fish, infla-dating is predicted as one of the biggest dating trends of 2023 due to the rising costs of inflation.
The rise of infla-dating
Plenty of Fish predicts that this year (2023), daters will go on less expensive dates because of the current economic environment — and there’s some data to back this up.
According to Plenty of Fish’s internal insights, “Nearly half (48%, to be exact) of single Millennials and Gen-Zers have suggested going on a less expensive, budget-friendly date.”
This shift toward affordable dating is echoed by statistics from the OG of dating apps, Tinder.
In Tinder’s 2022 review, titled “Year in Swipe,” data from users indicated that “the dinner date could soon be dead.” Tinder found that mentions of “Picnics” (43%), “Mini Golf” (56%), and “Drive-Ins” (34%) in Tinder bios all increased this year (meaning back in 2022), which suggests that singles are meeting up for more than just dinner and drinks these days. Instead, individuals are opting for more authentic and less traditional ways of getting to know one another.
Hey, I’m all for it. Being a girl who literally suggests snagging a coffee and going for a lakefront walk (I’m a cheap date here fellas, so look me up), I love the concept of budget-friendly dates.
If you’ve never planned a budget-friendly date or have no idea how to migrate from the standard dinner and drinks, then here are some budget-friendly date ideas for you.
Budget-friendly dates
1. Attend a free event together
If you were ever looking for a budget-friendly date idea, you pretty much can’t go wrong with a free event. Check out local events in your area that are free to attend, such as art exhibits, concerts, movies in the park, or street festivals.
Some places like aquariums, art institutes, and museums even offer complimentary days for state residents, so check their calendar, bring your issued license or state I.D., and explore some hot spots in your city or town. These events can be a great way to enjoy a fun activity without spending a lot of money.
2. BYOC (bring your own coffee)
I already alluded to this before, but I love a low-key coffee walk and talk. Instead of stopping by your favorite cafe or coffeehouse, which you still totally can do, meet up with your favorite mug of coffee or tea from your very own home brew.
If you already know what you like and have it stocked up at home, save the cost of an overpriced cup of coffee (not to mention the single-use coffee cup) and snag a coffee or tea tumbler then head out to meet for a morning or afternoon rendezvous. My personal favorite tumbler is The Toddy from Brümate.
3. Cook together at home
This isn’t a first-date kind of idea. Maybe save this one for a later date once you and your date have been to each other’s homes before and you for sure know they’re not a psycho killer. You know, safety first and all, but in all seriousness, cooking dinner together at home can be a great budget-friendly date idea.
Whether you challenge yourselves to try a new recipe, recreate one of your restaurant favorites, or whip up a tried and true family recipe that’s a total crowd-pleaser, pour yourselves a glass of wine, preheat your oven, and prepare for a fun, romantic, and simple budget-friendly date that will yield leftovers for tomorrow. (Let’s hope it’s a good meal then.)
4. Get together for a game night
Witty banter is my love language, and I’m always up for a good riff matched with some friendly competition. So enter another budget-friendly date idea: hosting a game night. Friendly bets, playful flirting, and a little bit of smack talk can actually be kind of hot.
Whether you keep it simple with a deck of cards (strip poker, anyone?) or opt for a classic board game that’s totally iconic and a little bit nostalgic for the good old days of adolescence, have fun with this budget-friendly date. And don’t forget the yummy snacks!
5. Go for a walk or take a hike in nature
If you love immersing yourself in Mother Nature and staying active, plan a budget-friendly date with an outdoor hike or walk. What’s not to love? There’s talking, walking, and hopefully some shameless flirting. The best part is that it’s completely free. Get lost in conversation and get moving with this budget-friendly date idea.
6. Participate in an outdoor activity
If a hike or walk is too slow for your speed or style, then why not try planning an outdoor activity? Beach volleyball, frisbee, or pickleball are all relatively low-cost budget-friendly date ideas. You could even go on a bike ride, rollerblading, or keep it old school with a pair of four-wheel skates. Remember to wear a helmet! Don’t worry, helmet hair looks cute on you.
7. Plan a picnic in the park
The quintessential budget-friendly date post the vid (COVID-19, that is), planning a picnic in the park was a cute yet fun way to get together with just about anyone and everyone. Whether family, friends, or potential romantic interest, a picnic in the park is one of the best budget-friendly dates you could go on. Plan and prepare a meal together or divide up the menu and make it potluck style with each person bringing a dish or two to share with one another.
Want to mix it up? Skip the day date and instead plan a rendezvous at night to do some stargazing complete with a cozy blanket and a homemade dessert to end the night with a sweet treat. (Wink, wink.)
8. Volunteer
Now, this isn’t a budget-friendly date I would think of, but Tina Fey, a relationship expert and founder of the popular love and dating website, Love Connection (and yes, there is another Tina Fey!), says volunteering together is a great way to give back to the community and bond with your date at the same time.
She suggests finding a local charity or organization you both feel passionate about and spending a day volunteering together. “Volunteering is a great way to have a meaningful and rewarding experience that can bring you even closer to your partner,” she says.
The bottom line on infla-dating and budget-friendly date ideas
Whether you’re really feeling the effects of inflation or just trying to save a buck or two — because hello, the cost of living is expensive people — these budget-friendly date ideas are sure to be a hit with your next potential date. Your date and wallet will thank you!
