She Strengthens

Romantic Nights In: 7 Creative Ways to Save Money and Have Fun

As I sat across from Peter on Valentine’s Day, I realized it had been a while since we’d had a proper “date night.” You know, the kind where you dress up and head out to dinner. But let’s be real, restaurant spending can be a major budget-buster. Luckily, I’ve always been a fan of spending nights in, and I’ve gotten pretty creative about making them special.

The Art of Staying In

When I was in college, my roommates and I would throw potlucks and game nights to avoid breaking the bank. It forced us to get creative with our fun, and I think it made it even better. Now, I’ve got more financial wiggle room, but I care more about my long-term money goals. So, I’ve upped my night-in game and found ways to make it just as enjoyable as a night out.

Game Nights for Any Group Size

Game nights are a great way to get people together, but you don’t need a big group to have fun. There are plenty of games perfect for two people, like Dominion or Boggle. And when you do have a bigger group, games like Avalon and Exploding Kittens are always a hit.

Cooking Up a Storm

Why order pizza when you can make it yourself? Homemade pizza is just as good, less expensive, and takes less time than delivery. Plus, you can customize your toppings to your heart’s content. And don’t forget to add some ambiance with candles or fairy lights to make the evening feel more special.

Dressing Up for a Night In

When you work from home, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of yoga pants and sweatshirts. But putting on real clothes for a night in can make all the difference. You’ll feel more put-together, and you might even sit up straighter and eat your dinner like you’re at a fancy restaurant.

Appointment Television

Remember when you had to be glued to your TV at a specific time to catch your favorite show? I miss that. So, I’ve started setting aside time each week to watch my favorite shows with friends. It’s a fun way to make TV time feel more special.

Ambiance is Everything

Adding intimate lighting with candles or fairy lights can make any room feel more romantic. But ambiance isn’t just for date nights. I love breaking out my colored Christmas lights to make any evening feel festive. And dimmable LED bulbs are a game-changer.

The Joy of Reading Together

Peter, my roommates, and I are all participating in a reading challenge this year. It’s a fun way to read some of the same books and discuss them together. And even if you’re not part of a formal book club, reading along with someone else can make the experience more enjoyable.

Savoring Your Favorite Shows

Finally, I’ve learned to practice delayed gratification when it comes to my favorite TV shows. Instead of binge-watching an entire season in one sitting, I save them up for a special night or weekend. It makes the experience feel more indulgent and enjoyable.

With a little creativity, you can turn any night in into a special occasion. So go ahead, get cozy, and enjoy the savings!