123. DIY Homemade Treats

Attention, dog lovers or the Martha Stewarts with a soft spot for animals!
Here's a DIY date idea... Make homemade doggie treats! As a date, go the grocery store together, pick up the necessary ingredients and then work your magic in the kitchen. That is unless, your kitchen pantry is already stocked. Per @IslandDogGear's suggestion, try out one of the many FREE recipes online (click HERE).

peanut butter dog treats in dog biscuit shapes - 05
Originally uploaded by taleitalei

Even if you don't have a "man's best friend", you two can bake some and take it to a local dog shelter. Or better yet, volunteer at Karma Rescue's pet adoption events (see Cheap Date Idea #53 for more info). The next events are scheduled for March 20th and 27th. I'm sure you two will make some new best friends with these homemade treats.

However, if you want to bake something for human consumption, try out Cheap Date Idea #112: Williams-Sonoma offers FREE Technique Classes. The next few are part of a baking series, where cookies are the next one on Sunday morning of March 14th. No matter what you do, be creative and have fun with your partner!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Minimal for baking ingredients.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless + Good Karma.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @IslandDogGear

60. 20 Questions or All About Us

Attention: DIY date idea for bookworms, romantics, and shy types!

"All About Us" is something to do on a rainy (or sunny) day at the comfort of your own home, actually it's DIY (do-it-yourself) anytime anywhere except for a first date. This book makes it not only easier, but also more interesting, than the game we all know, "20 Questions", especially for the bashful types. You might surprise yourself and learn a new thing or two about your partner. Consider this a casual way to document your relationship, even if you have been married for years! Reminisce and laugh over good old times or perhaps realize that there are a few things that you two have been meaning to do or want to do.

Don't feel pressured to fill out every single page at one sitting (or a single date). Have fun with it: light a fire place at home or head to the local park, pour 2 cups of hot cocoa, and break out a pen.  Jump on the current sale, less than 10 bucks online (click HERE). FYI, the book was published 10 years ago and about half of reviewers rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Buy it now, use it right away or save it for a rainy day or better yet, Valentine's Day is around the corner (hint hint).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $9.32.

Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

3. Pumpkins = Yummy Treat

Our First Jack-o-lantern
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

This is your chance to be creative AND spontaneous... Surprise your partner by taking him/her to a pumpkin patch to select your pumpkin (one is ideal for teamwork). After the "lobotomy" (as my significant other called it), start roasting the seeds, so that the this tasty treat will be ready when the real fun starts (carving, that is). Here's a trick for you: To help separate the pulp, the seeds will float to the top in a bowl of water. Also, boil the seeds for 10 minutes prior to baking for a toasty finish. Being my first time, I tried an easy recipe from the Food Network (salt, pepper, and garlic powder) with a longer bake time. Why not share the fun? Invite friends over for a friendly contest of pumpkin carving. Make sure to proudly display your pumpkin to show off to friends and family. Better yet, take a photo of your masterpiece! 10 Days and counting...

Approximate cost of cheap date idea = $4.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.