You know when somebody’s birthday comes around that you never know what to get them?

Well I’ve come across a GREAT idea that’s not only fun but doesn’t break the bank (and could actually make the bank – but don’t count on it).

First start off at the dollar store or discount and get a funny card ( it’s hard to find in there sometimes through all the crap that’s left over in there but paying a buck vs paying up to $6) There’s a reason that all the card companies are going out of business these days….

Then write something funny and sentimental (don’t just sign it, when you’re toeing the line of cheap you have to make up for in in other ways like being a little sentimental) .

Last but not least go over to to gas station and buy a handful of lottery tickets. (less then $10  worth, half lotto / half scratchers ) …This is where the thrill part comes in.

Hopefully you’re birthday gift that comes in just under $10 will be a big hit.

The last time we came up with a top 10 list for cheep and free date ideas for winter it was our most popular post. So for spring we decided to do  it again – and not the same list that you you’ve seen everywhere else with things like picnics and going to the movies.

So break out a notepad and get ready to have some frugal fun!!. And if you like this this please share it with others and help us out by supporting our sponsers.

Wii Rock!! Break out that video game console, especially with games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. These make a great date especially if you’re meeting a new circle of friends.

	Go Ride the Rapids With all the colors that leaves turn in autumn, grab a rake and go outside and make a big pile and then jump away. Yea, you might just have to do the raking twice, but the fun you have will more then be worth it.
	Bring her a bouquet – of freshly picked flowers Go out to a hillside where there’s flowers (not your neighbor’s yard) and go gather up a bunch of wildflowers and bring them to her. Bring a twist tie from either your dry cleaning or a bread bag to keep them all together.
	Find the perfect picnic spot Get a poker game going and invite him or her to play. You’ll get a good change to see their poker face and to see how good they are at bluffing. I’ve been surprised lately on how many women have picked up on the poker craze that has been going around.
	Show you’ve got balls Dust off some of that sports equipment that you have sitting around like a tennis raquet or basketball. Don’t have a tennis raquet? Try your local goodwill store or thrift shop to buy one (or two) for less then ten bucks before going to the local sporting goods store and spending big bucks on a racket. Or you could see if there’s a Play it Again sports store around you (or another sporting equipment reseller).
	iCare about You See if you can wisk your date’s iPod away for a day or two as you make the perfect playlist with songs that describe how you feel about them or songs that mean something special to the both of you (Maybe the first song you got down to on the dance floor)
	Become a Photographic Star There’s few who aren’t a sucker for chocolate. And store bought brownie mix is usually less then $5. Make a list, check it twice (including that you have a pan to cook them in) and go back and ger the oven heated up. Afterwards you can both share the rewards.
	Roll the Dice Board games are a forgotten great cheap and fun date idea. There’s lots of great adult board games (not that kind of adult) out there to have you laughing together and get the ice broken on your date.
	Roast some weenies Make fire pit or fire up some charcoal and get a fire going to roast a pack of hotdogs over an open flame. If you’re crafty enough then you can convert an old broomhandle and an old fork into a roasting spit for a more authentic experience.
	Put your Boots on (and help a cause) The spring seasons alway bring a cry for volunteer work. Show how big your heart is by offering to go do some volunteer work side by side with your date. Offer to sign up to feed the homeless or deliver meals on wheels or pass out t-shirts or drinks at one of the charity runs going on.

When you’re reading through on-line profiles through the various dating sites, they all seem to fall into one of 7 types of online daters.

1. The Pimp

Do you have pictures on your profile that have less then full clothing?

Do those pictures show off either 1) the latest fashion trends or 2) all the hard work that you’ve put in at the gym?

Do you have a sexy email reply alway ready for someone that writes you or just for someone that catches your eye?

This is you!

2. The Control Freak

Do you have a list of things that you don’t want on your profile?

Not sure still what you’re looking for but you DO know exactly what will not work. When you finally decide to go on a date then you’re running down your mental checklist of whether the other person is up to your criteria?

This is you!

3. The Shy Flower

Do you get winks or email messages that are from the type of person that you’d like to meet but you’re not sure if you should reply?

Do you type out a reply only to hit the cancel button?

Do you spend over an hour looking at different profiles only coming to the conclusion that things probably wouldn’t work out anyways?

This is you.

4. The Quirky Kid

Does your profile ramble on about your great collection about (fill in any collectible here)?

Do you talk more about your car then you in your profile?

5. The Rebound Case

Did you make your profile because a one or more friends prompted you that you needed to get back out there?

Do you have references of your ex or past moments on your profile description.

6. The Ticking Time Clock

Do you feel the pressure of every birthday coming on (even the day after you last)?

Do you find the silence of your empty home deafening?

This might just be you then!

7. The Free Rider

Do you look for profiles where the earnings per year is enough for you to stay at home with a full cable package and maybe even full maid service?

Is one of the main things you have to offer more love and affection then anyone else could give (vs helping split the bill or share the rent)?

Do you scan people’s Facebook profiles to see if they’re part of any coupon clipping groups?

Does fun come first and bills come second?

This has got to be you then!

Going dutch is what it’s called. Halfing the check at the restaurant is what it’s all about.

For a guy who’s not done it before, and is interested in a second date just thinking about asking here to split the bill with you can leave you a nervous wreck.
When would  you actually bring up this topic?
Before the date?
Before the dessert?
After the small talk and you’ve found out that both of you have a job?

It definitely can be a touchy subject if you don’t bring it up correctly. It actually could be one of those make or break points in the fragile beginnings of a new relationship.

There used to be an old rule about whoever asked paid. (Which is why I guess the women always waited for the guys to ask them out. ) But this is a different time and a different generation, and children of those that burnt their bras in protest for equal rights are out there just trying to find someone compatiable enough to go through life with not having to worry that they have a bullpen of lawyers in their back pocket like all those 80′s movies talk about.

So if you can find someone who’s open enough to split the check on the first date. Then they might be worth splurging on when the time is right.

There was a recent Citibank survey about this topic where people were asked about their lifestyle changes in the midst of the recession.

When it comes to a date, a majority of respondents (53 percent) say that due to the current economy it is more acceptable to split the check, while 35 percent say it is not more acceptable to do this.

Here’s some more facts from the survey:

• Fully 49 percent of Americans report that economic conditions have made a major (18 percent) or minor crimp (31 percent) in their social life.
• A majority of Americans without a spouse or significant other (55 percent) report that they are paying more attention to a potential mate’s spending and savings habits now than before the recession.
• While 75 percent of Americans said their spouse or partner knows everything about their spending and saving, nearly a quarter (23 percent) responded that they do keep financial secrets from their spouse or partner.
• 41 percent are saving and using coupons more frequently  (Hey we did a whole post about using a coupon while going out on a date back in 2009)

IndyProv is holding Caffeinated Improv Comedy night at Talbol Street Nightclub. There will be live performers showing off there skills in improvisational comedy at this FREE show.

Here’s the Details:

WHEN: Friday, February 18th
TIME: 10:30 & 11:30pm
WHERE: Talbot Street Nightclub, 2145 North Talbot Street, Indianapolis, IN,46202
COST: FREE
official link HERE
club link HERE

With valentines day coming up you might be looking for that perfect song to download for that special someone or to request on the radio (do people even do that anymore?)

I went out and tried to make a list of all the songs about girls that I could find starting with the ones I knew right off the bat first and then looking up more from there.

Here on this page I’ve only included some of the more common names (especially those of ladies I’ve gone out with and had a mad crush on. )

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

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A

Alison
“Alison” – Elvis Costello

Amanda
“Amanda” – Boston
“Miss Amanda Rose” -  The Rolling Stones - Between The Buttons

Anna
“Anna Molly” – Incubus

B

Beth
“Beth” – KISS

C

Carol
“Carol” – The Doors (album needed)
“Oh, Carol” – Neil Sedaka

Carrie
“”Carrie” – Europe
“Carrie-Ann” – Styx

Christine
“Christine” – Siouxsie & the Banshees
“Christine Sixteen” – KISS

Cindy
“Cindy” – Johnny Cash
“Cindy,Cindy” – Elvis Presley

D

Darlene
“Darlene” – Led Zepplin

E

Emily
“Emily” – Adam Green
“Emily” – Elton John

F

G

Gloria
“Gloria” – Them
“Gloria” – Laura Branigan

H

Heather
“Heather” – Paul McCartney : (album needed)
“Heather Angel” – Sonic Youth : (album needed)

I

J

Jessica
“Jessica” – Adam Green

Joanna
“Joanna” – Kool & the Gang
“Joanna” – Grey DeLisle

K

Kelly
“The Kellysong” – The Movielife

L

Laura
“Laura” – Billy Joel

M

Monica

N

Nanci | Nancy
“Nanci” – Toad the Wet Sprocket

Nicki | Nikki
“Niki FM” – Hawthorne Heights

O

P

R

S

Sara
“Sara” – Starship
“Sara Smile” – Hall and Oates

Susanne
“Susanne” – Weezer : The Blue Album

T

U

If you didn’t find the name that you were looking for then try looking here.

There’s a free classical concert coming up this Saturday for all of you looking for a cheap or free date in the Raleigh / Durham area.

The event will be called Hopscotch and will occur from September 9th-11th in multiple indoor music venues in Downtown Raleigh as well as a big “main stage” presence in City Plaza on Fayetteville Street. .

Over the past 5-10 years music festivals have become very widespread throughout the country, most of which are outside on some large vacant land. Hopscotch will be different. It will be urban and celebrate Raleigh as an emerging metropolis and a center of musical buzz. The shift towards Raleigh as the center of this buzz seems to be solidified by the Indy’s choice to hold the fest in downtown. That or the fact that Raleigh as a metropolis will Vivaldi and Hayden Masterworks concert. Vivaldi Gloria and Hayden Symphony 101 ” The Clock” and other choral works. Local choristers join North Carolina School of Science and Math, Blacknall Church choirs and orchestra for an evening of classical favorites. Free concert open to all. Friday Feb 4th at 7.00 .m. NCSSM Durham Educational and Technology Center auditorium. Saturday Feb 5th 7.00 p.m. at Blacknall Church, 1902 Perry Street, Durham. Conductors Scott Laird and David Stuntz.

*** Please help support Frugal Dater by Checking our our sponsers & sharing our site with your friends ****

WHEN:  Saturday, Feb 5 7:00pm
WHERE: Blacknall Presbyterian Church,Durham, NC
COST: FREE
OFFICIAL LINK: HERE

It’s that time of year again, when daters show their affection for each other in lavish displays of gifts and goodies.

We’re half-way through January and the red heart displays are out all over the various stores however if you look past the main pre-packed displays and shop at one or two places, then you can put together your own gift package for much less.

Now if you’re past the first or second date with the girl you’re seeing then a valentines day showering of love is a must. The worst part is that retailers know it and are ready for you to open up your wallet.

This is not the time for some hand made trinket however, you’re not a 3rd grader bringing home a paper heart to mom.

If she has been hinting at flowers…

• If there’s an Aldi’s near you, go there a few days beforehand, they usually have roses and they’re priced under $5.00 most of the time
  (You might have to get more then one if you’re going for a dozen roses)
• Costco has roses for under $20 (the last time I bought a bouquet of roses from Costco about a month and a half ago the price was $18.99)

Making the perfect gift

So if you’ve decided to be a little more creative then just flowers (or you’re thinking that the flowers might be all gone by the time you make it to the store on valentines day). Every valentines day gift  that I’ve been a part of seems to have 4 crucial elements:

1. Jewelry
2. Flowers
3. Candy
4. Stuffed animals
5. Balloons

If  you’re thinking the same thing then maybe you should make a gift basket / love basket using some of our tips below:

Jewelry

In order to plan this off right, this takes some hunting and planning – but there are lots of internet deals that will get you a pretty decent piece of sparkle to give without breaking the bank.

Jewelry Deal of the Day

Diamond Shark Deal of the Day

Balloons

I was surprised to find such a vast collection of valentines stuff already out for sale at one of the local dollar stores including foil helium balloons for just one dollar each.

Now compare that to the grocery store or the florist that sell each balloon for up to $6 bucks each (and the valentines day balloons around valentines usually start at $10) and you can have a whole floating bunch of balloons for the price of just one or two.

When I went to Dollar Tree I saw a ton of helium balloons for a dollar each, they were even taking pre-orders to be ready for valentines day pickup (this way your balloons weren’t flat by the time you pulled them out). They also had air filled aluminum smaller heart balloons that said I love you on a plastic stick for only a dollar as well.

Stuffed Animals

Girls love stuffed animals – period. You usually see them sitting on the hope chest of their room.

I found a few cute teddy bears at the Dollar Tree that would be about $5 anywhere else.

Target in the display right at their front had a few stuffed animals holding hearts for $2.50 each as well as big plush fuzzy hearts for the same $2.50.

Target also had cute little wild animals with little red hearts stitched on their chest for only a dollar.

Candy

Putting it all together

Now that you’ve gathered you’re stuff, you have to make some kind of presentation of it.

When I was at one of the dollar stores I picked up a valentines day gift bag for a buck and some foil shreds / stuffing for another buck.

With the bag and the red foil shreds and the card sticking out and the bear along with the balloons and one of the pieces of jewelry I ordered and I’ve made the perfect valentines present. Plus I still came in with just under a dollar to spare.

Let’s face it, going out to each is just a part of the dating game. And if you’re not a coupon person then there’s still ways to save without anyone knowing (it just might take a little planning before hand).

If you know your favorite restaurants and they’re part of big chains that offer gift cards then there’s ways to save up to 20% in buying unwanted gift cards.

Now if you want to compound these savings then you’ll want to think about lunch dates instead of dinner dates. I’ve seen certain restaurants where the appetizer jump a dollar to three dollars each after the lunch hours (usually ending around 4pm but you have to check with each restaurant individually).

As another note – if you received gift cards for the holidays that you you know you won’t use then Gift card exchanges can be the perfect place to change those for cash or amazon credit.

I’ve actually used this service and it took 8 days from the date I bought the card and it saved me 7%. Then I tacked on a coupon and took another 20% off making my date a little lighter on my wallet.

I’d love to hear if you’ve had good or bad experiences.

There seems to be a lot of visitors coming from the Charleston SC area looking for free and cheap things to do in that area. So we’ve set out to try to find more things that everyone is looking for this year.

We’ve found a new FrugalDate idea that’s not free, but falls into our under $20 category and it’s the upcoming Boat show.

Keep reading for the rest of the details.
COST: $8 admission per adult
Location: The North Charleston Convention Center
Dates: Friday, January 21 2011 – Noon-6:00pm
Saturday, January 22, 2011 – 10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, January 23, 2011 – 11:00am-5:00pm
Official Link: HERE

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