Are you hesitant to ask out that cute girl you’ve been googly-eyeing in Bio? Is the weight of student loans and club dues bearing down on you? Are you worried that a nice date will break the bank, but a cheap date will make you look… well… cheap?
Fear not, casanova. Here are five fabulous date ideas that won’t leave your wallet empty and just might help you get your sweetheart. This Valentine’s day, you don’t have to break hearts or the bank. Just try one of these cute, enjoyable dates. Best of luck!
1. Borrow a puppy
Who doesn’t love puppies? This Valentine’s Day, the Humane Society of Hillsdale will deliver a precious puppy or kitten to your special someone for a half an hour of pure joy. Sign up in the Student Union.
Price: $15 per half an hour
2. Go to a movie theater (or make your own)
Movie dates are classic, and on Tuesdays (like Valentine’s Day) get your tickets for just $5 a piece at Hillsdale’s Premiere Theatre (2950 W. Carleton Road). Showtimes can be found here.
Price: about $15 for two tickets and snacks
Don’t have a ride to the theater? Watch a movie using the projectors in the classrooms of Lane and Kendall. Pop some popcorn and binge-watch your date’s favorite show on Netflix.
Price: Netflix subscriptions start at $8 per month, plus price of snacks
3. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes at the Palace
Treat your sweetie to something sweet: Velvety pancakes from The Palace Cafe (38 N. Howell) are all you need. The pancake is larger than the plate! Mouthwatering cinnamon roll pancakes far exceed a basic box of chocolates.
Price: about $10 for two pancakes, drinks, and tip
4. Romantic Stroll through the Arb
You might have to don the rain boots and coat for this one, but it’s worth it. What’s more romantic than gazing out at the waterfall from a gazebo in the Arboretum? Pack a little picnic or just roam through the trees and enjoy each other’s company. The forecast calls for an overcast sky 51 degrees and only a 30% chance of rain at 3:00 pm.
Price: free!
5. Take a trip to Walmart
A trip to Walmart proves to be an event in and of itself. But alas, it does not make for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Don’t take your date to Walmart. Instead, go pick up ingredients to make a nice, homemade, not-dining hall dinner for that special someone. Roll up the sleeves, text mom for grandma’s spaghetti sauce recipe, and get to work! Here’s a spaghetti recipe that tastes like a million dollars, but won’t cost much to make.
Price: depends on what you choose to make, but ingredients for a nice spaghetti dinner are likely less than $20
Hopefully, you’re now less fearful and more excited about Valentine’s Day. These few fun dates will leave you with full pockets after an enjoyable time with the person you care about the most.