Tyler and I just celebrated our one year anniversary of dating. So crazy how the time flies! We didn’t do anything too exciting to celebrate, but we had the best and most fun day we’ve had in a long time. We had a typical day: made brunch, watched Parks and Rec, I accompanied him to an audition, sat in traffic (for a LONG time), went to dinner, walked around the Americana (which is a gorgeous mall we have here), then finished the night off by watching Guardians of the Galaxy.
While we were at dinner, we kept trying to figure out why we had such a great day, since everything had been so simple. His answer was because “we got to spend it together.” I cried. Well, not really, but it was super sweet. Even though I agreed that it was fun for that reason, I think another part of why we had such a great time was because of HOW simple the day was. So simple, that we didn’t have to worry about what something might cost, or having to be at a reservation by a certain time. We had an idea of what we wanted to do, then just went with it, with no set plans. 
Our day had me thinking, that we needed to start having a date night at least once every two weeks, if not every week. Since we had only gone on maybe a hand full of dates during the whole year, he agreed that it was a great idea, especially since we’re the type of couple to binge watch a Netflix show, rather than go out for any reason besides an important occasion. He, especially, also wants to keep our dates within spending reason too. Just so neither of us fret about expenses and we can enjoy our time together without any stress. Of course I completely agreed, so I decided to write about some date ideas that can be used for a 1st date, all the way up to just a night out with the one you love. Hope you all enjoy!
- Visit a candy store or soda shop: We actually did this the very first time we hung out one-on-one. We didn’t mean to, but we visited a candy store called Lolly and Pops. It was like Willy Wonka’s factory! There were loads of freshly made candies to sample, not to mention a giant section of every gummy bear you could think of! Of course they had tons of other candies to choose from, and after we were done exploring this marvelous place, we each picked out a custom-made candy to share. On our one year, we made a little stop by here and it brought back such fun memories. It’s a great way to have the fun of being a little kid in a candy store all over again.
Have a photo shoot! Okay so this one might be saved more for anniversaries or for those of you that might be dating someone for a while. And no, I’m not talking about an engagement photo shoot! Pick a fun wall in your town, or some place that isn’t too romantic, and just be silly! Have a friend come and snap a few good shots of you guys, and then you have colorful, goofy memories to have forever! Plus, they make great gifts for later on. And yes, the picture on the left is from one of ours.- Find out what “national” day it is: Okay, we all know there’s a “national” whatever day for every day of the year. Why not, figure out what day your date happens to be on, then incorporate that into the date! It could be something as simple as national pizza day, or national coffee day. There ya go! Two dates right there that didn’t take any thinking at all. Plus, if there’s an obscure national day, it’s just another great way of making some funny memories.
- Alphabet movie night: Alright, for this one it’ll take some perseverance getting through the whole alphabet. But the idea is still great, and you could honestly just pick whatever letter you want to start with if it’s a one time thing. First, just pick a movie. Let’s say it was something that started with the letter A (if you were starting from the beginning of the alphabet), like About Time. You then would only have dinner or snacks with foods that started with the letter A. It’s really fun if you pick a movie that starts with a letter that’s a little more challenging to come up with food ideas. Super creative though, and it can make for a great movie night tradition!
- Hiking: Even if you aren’t an outdoorsy person, hiking is still good whether it’s a 1st date or a 10th date. To make it more fun, pack a picnic to take with you guys! That way, whenever you get to a point where you want to rest, just whip out a blanket and some sandwiches, and you have two dates in one! Plus, it’s awesome exercise.
- Build a fort: Yes, Tyler and I did try to do this once. There’s a lot more work that goes into than you think! But it was so worth it once it was all done, and it’s the perfect place for a game night.
- Questions: Each come up with 10 questions that you’re dying to know the answers to! Whether you’re out to dinner or just sitting on the couch at home, it’s a great way to get to know a person and it’ll for sure be an icebreaker!
- Bake a cake! Figure out what type of cake you want, get icing, and fun toppings, then have a fun decorating date! Plus, you’ll have dessert for later.
- Farmer’s market: Make a date at the farmer’s market! Get food or ingredients to make for lunch or dinner, then go home and cook a delicious meal.
- And if none of these sound good… You can’t really go wrong with a Netflix night.
Hope I gave you guys some ideas to try out! If you have any that I haven’t mentioned, I would love to hear them! Just comment below or shoot me an email.
Until next time,
– Grace
Essence of Grace 