Boy meets girl. Boy asks girl out (or vice versa; this is 2010 after all) and then freaks out about paying for impressive date(s). Hopefully not if he's been paying attention. You should know from earlier articles (kinda like the ones you can find here and here) that there are plenty of cheap date options. And, if you're looking for even more, our lady friend over at 365 Cheap Dates hooks it up with original, affordable venues for love. But, keep in mind that even the best big idea needs finishing touches.
Thoughtful is the keyword in creating doable high impact presentation. Go back to basics with little details like flowers. Pick a single blossom, preferably legally, or choose an attention getter like a sunflower. We're super into sunflowers because they are large (read: you don't need to many for a big bouquet) and low cost. Moe's on Melrose charges only $1 a bloom and even the pricier Rendezvous on West 3rd has them for only $2. We'd bet that your local flower shop is similarly priced. We even have a few other ideas of where you can find pretty blooms on the cheap. With a little raffia and cellophane your $5 investment will look like a million bucks (or at least $20).
A little snack-type item is another great way to show you care. Does he always complain of thirst? Stock your car with his favorite beverage so when he starts kvetching you can whip it out. That special lady have a constant hankering for chocolate? Buy her a bar or an individually wrapped bonbon. Small, cheap and oh-so-sweet.
The whole point of planning a nice adventure together is making the other person feel special. It may seem overly obvious, but paying attention to him or her will make the date. Ask questions and actually listen to the answers. She shivering? Offer a sweater or an arm. He spending longer in front of a particular painting at one of the local free museums? Try to see what makes it stand out.
Dating can be tough, but it’s not rocket science. Choose nice dates, go to nice places, and be nice to each other. That last part is free. The way we like it.