Cheap Date Idea No. 5: Save Your Money for the Sugar Make an inexpensive dinner at home (pasta perhaps?) and go out for a gourmet dessert and coffee date after. You can share a sundae or try that flourless chocolate cake you’re always eyeing at your favorite restaurant.

Cheap Date Idea No. 6: Go Four Star on a Budget Rendezvous in a posh hotel—just don’t actually blow your savings staying there. Dress up so you look the part and spend the evening exploring the grounds, ordering drinks at the bar and enjoying the free bar food.

Cheap Date Idea No. 7: Do Something Good (for a Change) Volunteering might not sound very romantic, but think about it: You get to see his sensitive side and he gets to see your good-girl side (you can save the bad-girl side for after). Whether you spend some time in a soup kitchen, cleaning up your local beach or park or babysitting (for free) for your stressed-out friend, you’ll have spent quality time with your man that will definitely make you feel good about yourself too.

Cheap Date Idea No. 8: Travel to a Galaxy Far, Far Away Or at least imagine you are while star gazing. Borrow an astronomy book from the library, lay out a blanket on a warm night and see how many constellations you can find.

Cheap Date Idea No. 9: Start the Day Right Surprise him with a themed breakfast in bed—with a French twist. Bring up a tray with coffee, crepes, croissants and mimosas—wearing that cute French maid costume from Halloween last year.

Cheap Date Idea No. 10: Head for the (Tide) Pool If you’re lucky enough to have a beach near you, check its website for information on tide pool schedules. Spend a few hours looking for fun fish, hermit crabs and sea cucumbers. Bring a tide pool watch card so you will know what you’re looking for, or study up ahead of time and impress him with your knowledge of invertebrates. And afterward you can spend the rest of the day at the beach!