171. Rock Climbing Rockreation

If you are looking for an active date idea, here you go!
In 2001, my boyfriend (now fiance) got me started on rock climbing. At first, I was reluctant but learned this is an excellent sport for exercising and bonding (team building). I actually took lessons at Rockcreation at the Costa Mesa location, so I know that the current offer by Deal Perk is a great cheap date idea: take a 2-hour introductory rock climbing lesson and then practice for 2 weeks with rental equipment included. Buy the voucher now online for only $29 ($60 value!) and use it before Nov 7th. This is not quite a first date idea, but something fun to do with an active partner for 2 weeks. Even if you know how to climb, this is a great deal because a 1-day pass is normally $16! In less than 2 days, you break even.

Rock climbing
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

For some sports, you usually need a partner at the same difficulty level, but that's not necessarily true with climbing. Fact: Girls are typically better rock climbers than boys. The reason is that girls use their lower body (legs) while boys tire out their upper body (arms). Once you've mastered indoor rock climbing, you may want to venture outdoors to Point Dume Beach in Malibu (see Cheap Date Idea #10). If you don't want to buy equipment quite yet, REI also offers rentals.

P.S. That's me in the blue shirt climbing on the left of the photo here! It was fun to climb with my brothers and boyfriend.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $29 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $120 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealPerkOC

160. Pizza Amore at Avanti Cafe

2 Pizzas + 2 desserts + 2 drinks = $22 Total!
Thanks to DealPerk.com, you and your special someone can enjoy this at Avanti Cafe in Costa Mesa. Buy the voucher now and use it anytime through the rest of the year. That's 8 months to plan your pizza date! Ok, it might not quite be a "first date" idea, especially when it regularly costs $34. However, $11 per person is a pretty good deal for 2 medium (12") pizzas, 2 chef's choice desserts and 2 drinks. It can't get any cheaper than that for gourmet-style pizza.

thats amore
Originally uploaded by jessica.emma

With 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp, Avanti Cafe is a prime pizza joint, especially for vegeterians or vegans. This restaurant has received kudos for creating unique pizzas. I'm not talking about plain mushroom pizza (which sounds yummy to me), but Avanti offers Pizza Bianca, Garlic Greek Pizza, Shitake Artichoke Pesto and Riviera (all of which sounds even yummier!). Click HERE for the full menu. Hurry and get this deal before it's over! If you miss it, check back on DealPerk.com for future offers!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $11 pp ($22 Total).
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $34 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealPerkOC

112. FREE Cooking Classes

Learning something new together can be thrilling.
Williams-Sonoma offers complimentary Technique Classes every Sunday. Class size is limited, so make sure to call in advance to reserve two spots. The start time is 10 AM at the South Coast Plaza store in Costa Mesa, Orange County, but call the one near you to confirm their schedule. There is one more class scheduled for February called Incredible Eggs on 2/28, then the theme switches to Baking Series in March.

Mocha Chocolate Souffle
Originally uploaded by lilpuddles

• 3/7 Simply Souffle
• 3/14 Cookies
• 3/21 Cakes & Cupcakes
• 3/28 Pies & Tarts

After class, follow up with a second date where you both show off your new found skills at home. Grocery shopping may seem like a mundane task, so why not make it part of your date and do it together! This is a great opportunity for DIY (do-it-yourself) and something to do indoors. While you're at it, pull out your favorite boardgames because it's perfect weather for Game Night! Better yet, invite your friends over and impress them with your culinary masterpieces. In exchange for your homemade souffles, kindly ask them to bring over some beverages (Trader Joe's offers wines under $10). Or pick another tasty dish from one of the many free recipes online at Williams-Sonoma. This is a combo anytime date idea (cooking class and game night), good for first dates, group dates and date nights for couples. Enjoy!

UPDATE 03/02/10: Bad news: The Simply Souffle class at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is FULL for this Sunday, March 7th. Good news: Due to the overwhelming popularity, this store is offering the same classes on Thursdays now. Call now to reserve your spot in the Simply Souffle class for TOMORROW Thursday 3/4 at 6 PM.


UPDATE 04/02/10: Click HERE to view the current month's schedule and then call the Williams-Sonoma near you to reserve a spot for you and your partner.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.