Valentine's Day is right around corner, so we saved you some time by composing a list of date night ideas that are organized by price. Whether you're broke, balling on a budget, or a trust fund kid, you'll thank us later.
Broke $
We get it. You're a struggling college student who has to tackle rent, student loans and work an extra job to stay afloat. We commend you because it's a lot to handle, but you do it with stride. Take a look and see what campus has to offer.
Use a meal swipe at Preston's at Noon
Compared to other restaurants on campus, Preston's at Noon is considered fine dining. The food is served buffet style and is a cut above the other buffets campus has to offer. For non-Preston residents, dinner begins at 7 p.m. Be prepared to shell out a little extra cash for you and your date because the price is just a few dollars over what a meal swipe will cover. This will be a welcomed change of pace for the both you and your date because everyone needs a break from Chick-fil-A every once in a while.
Have an indoor movie night
Let's face it — going to the movie theater costs an arm and leg. Not only do you have to worry about paying for an almost $15 movie ticket for you and your date, you will also have to account for overpriced snacks. Why pay for an overpriced bag of large popcorn and two sodas for you and your date when you can just pop a bag of popcorn in the microwave and watch Netflix movies at home instead? If you're like most of us, you still use a family Netflix password or borrow one from a friend anyway.
Take a romantic stroll on the Horseshoe
Before movie night, take a stroll on the majestic Horseshoe and enjoy the uncharacteristically warm February weather (yay, global warming). But don't walk too fast, make sure your date doesn't trip on any bricks.
Balling on a Budget $$
So, you've been picking up some extra shifts at work and missed a few nights out with your friends to save some extra cash. Because of your careful budgeting, you can afford to splurge a little.
Village Idiot Pizza Grams
Send your valentine an $18 "Pizza-gram" package from Village Idiot Pizza. These personalized pizzas come with toppings in the shape of a heart, candy and a retro Valentine's Day card.
Dessert at Kaminsky’s Dessert Bar
If your date has a sweet tooth, they will definitely enjoy dessert at Kaminsky's Dessert Bar. Kaminsky's specializes in cakes, coffee and milkshakes. The slices of cake are huge, so you'll probably have some to take home. But be on time — Kaminsky's doesn't take reservations, so it's first come, first serve.
See a movie at Harbison
If you're feeling a little crazy, take a 20-minute drive to Harbison and enjoy a movie at Regal Columbiana Grande Stadium 14. While I did complain about movie theater prices earlier, at least with this theater you get what you pay for. In addition to a fancy concession stand, this theater comes with reclining seats that have seat warmers. That special someone is sure to notice you went above and beyond.
Your Parents Pay Your Rent $$$
Your parents still help out financially. A lot. On top of paying your tuition, they also pay your rent, still include you on the family phone plan and send you care packages every now and again. To show your thanks, include their names on your significant other's Valentine's Day card too.
Send an edible arrangement
Sending someone an edible arrangement is quite possibly third base, so make sure this girl or guy is the one. Edible arrangements are the cute "flower" bouquets that are actually made of fruits. While they are yummy, they can be a little bit on the pricier side depending on the arrangement you choose, so change your filters to "low to high" once you start looking. Better yet, save time by going to the nearest store in Five Points instead of ordering online.
Dave and Buster's
Unlike Frankie's Fun Park, a trip to Dave and Buster's involves a sit-down dinner too. It's no Saluda's in Five Points, but the dinner and the arcade games compliment each other in price, so you might as well kill two birds with one stone.
Trust Fund Kid $$$$
Your family owns five vacation homes on both coasts, you guys travel out of the country for every holiday, you've been spotted with an authentic $950 Gucci belt on multiple occasions and you take laps around Five Points in your Italian race car for sport. Weird flex, but OK.
Dine at Saluda’s or Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
Since the rest of us won't ever get a chance to go, we'll just read your Yelp reviews and just take your word for it.
Borrow your dad's Maserati for a day trip
It's not like he'll notice anyway, he has 10 more parked in the garage.
Borrow your dad's yacht
Take a spin on one of your dad's three yachts on Lake Murray.