$10 Great Dates: Connecting Love, Marriage, and Fun on a Budget

by Peter Larson, Heather Larson, Claudia Arp

Create Big Romance on a Small Budget

Tired of the usual dinner-and-a-movie dates? Looking for new ways to connect with your spouse?

Energize your marriage by getting out of your normal routine with the help of these 52 creative date ideas. From outdoor dates to out-on-the-town dates, you and your spouse will have no trouble finding the perfect date that fits your mood--all on a $10 budget!

See for yourself how new experiences can help you bond together and nurture your relationship. Which of these will be the first of your Great Dates?

· Time Travel Great Date
· Moonlight/Sunrise Great Date
· Bucket List Great Date
· Surprise Me! Great Date

Each date includes easy preparation suggestions, tips for the date, talking points to enhance your conversations, and a Great Date takeaway. What are you waiting for?

Genres: Nonfiction, Ebooks, Self Help, Marriage

190 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Peter and Heather Larson do premarital counseling, speaking events, and marriage education together in a variety of settings. Peter is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-developed the customized version of the widely used PREPARE/ENRICH couples assessment tool. Heather is associate director of Marriage Alive. Married for nearly 20 years, the Larsons have three school-aged children and live in Boulder, Colorado.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently received a complimentary copy of $10 Great Dates: Connecting Love, Marriage, and Fun on a Budget written by Peter & Heather Larson and David & Claudia Arp from Bethany House. This book is a great resource to have. It was slow to read, because I wasn't planning a date at the exact moment I was reading this book, but I know it will come in handy for the future.

The book is separated out by categories of dates, such as: At-Home, Great Outdoors, Romantic dates, etc. Every category has several date ideas planned out for you to follow. They are broken down by an idea, how to plan for the date, talking points while on the date, and something to take away from each date. Although I hate the idea of having set "talking points" for each date, I can understand why they're there. We have a 9 month old baby, so sometimes most times our conversations revolve around him, or work (which we all know is mostly un-fun). Since our baby is often up in the middle of the night, it's also likely both of our brains will be fried from lack of sleep, so talking points can be helpful, but as I previously said, I hate them, because conversation should flow freely from a married couple in love.

I do think the title of this book can be a little confusing, because I don't think all of these dates would fit within the $10 limit set by the title. If you have children and have to pay for child care, forget it. You can't even pay a babysitter for $10 (and if you are, I might be checking them out VERY closely). We are blessed in the fact that we have family and church family around us that are willing to donate their time into watching our precious little man for us, so that we can go on dates. The authors have included a list of cheap child care options at the end of the book to help guide you in this area, so that's a big help.

I will be keeping this book on hand for help planning future dates, and I would recommend it, if you're looking for help planning "date night".

[Breanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Decent ideas.

[Gina Wiitanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ideas for "at-home" dates! With two small kids at home, it's nice to have some options of activities we can do after we put the kids to bed---beside watching tv!

[Laura Callaham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book with lots of ideas for budget friendly date night ideas. Great if you are trying to be more budget conscious this year! Check it out from your local library and save more $ too!

[Jodee Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas and talking points.

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! Why? The biggest reason is because it encourages married couples to continue to date each other long after they say “I do.”

This book is great because it offers couples the ability to “date” each other no matter what the circumstances. Busy schedules and tight budgets should not hold couples back from spending quality time together. And, that’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it?

Reading this book, I came to a very happy conclusion, that also left me quite sad. I was happy because as I read this book, I realized that my husband and I already make it a point to do many of the things in this book. We are always looking for ways to spend quality time together. Communication and friendship in our marriage is so important to us. We love spending time together and we truly are best friends. I was also saddened when reading this, because it made me realize that so many couples do not take the time to invest in their relationship. I know a lot of couples struggle to find time together with busy schedules, kids, work etc. We are fortunate in that our schedule allows us a lot of time together, but just because you have the time, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are spending it together in a quality way. On the flip side, just because you may have a tight schedule, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t and couldn’t make time to spend dating your spouse.

My husband and I have been married for 15 years. We’ve made it a point, especially the last couple of years to date each other. We try to go out together at least one night a week. We also take evening walks together daily, have a game night every weekend if we are able, and generally plan to spend time together.

This book gave us lots of budget friendly ideas to try on our date nights, and also gave us a fresh perspective on how the mundane, every day tasks in life can also be turned into dates. I also loved that some chapters included discussion questions. This is just a great little book and I highly recommend it to every married couple.

Don’t forget to date your spouse! ;-)

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep the Home Fires Burning

"Dating after marriage" or "fun after marriage?" Absolutely! Fun and dating does not end with marriage, or at least it shouldn't. These two Christian couples, Peter and Heather Larson, along with David and Claudia Arp, give ideas for doing just that. Since nothing costs over $10, the author's have kept things affordable.

Ultimately, dating after marriage is just another word for spending time together, a way to continue to grow closer to each other. All relationships, especially marriage, are about connecting with each other, keeping common ground with another person. Maintaining a strong bond between spouses is something that always needs to be nurtured. Sometimes couples may find themselves in the same room, but not interacting with each other. If that is happening more often than not, shake things up a bit.

Just in case you can't think of anything, this book gives some ideas. To be honest, a lot of their dates are probably things you have already thought of, or you would not find appealing. The idea of this book--couples truly interacting with each other without spending a lot of money--can be used as inspiration to come up with ideas more to a couple's liking. I highly encourage married folks to keep dating. However it is done, get out there and interact with your significant other!

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

My Blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/10/03/...

Website: http://www.10greatdates.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/10GreatDates...

[Laura Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couples committed to staying connected to each other and strengthening their marriages will find lot of creative date ideas in $10 Great Dates: Connecting Love, Marriage, and Fun on a Budget by Peter and Heather Larson and David and Claudia Arp.

The book is filled with ideas for what the authors define as “great dates.” The common elements of a “great date” include quality time together, giving each spouse a break from the normal routine, a shared activity, and conversation. And each date idea in the book certainly delivers.

$10 Great Dates features:
– Adventure Great Dates
– Out-on-the-Town Great Dates
– At-Home Great Dates
– The Great Outdoors Great Dates
– Marriage Pick-Me-Up Great Dates
– Romantic Great Dates
– Seasonal Specials Great Dates
– Unique and Unusual Great Dates

Besides that, each date includes “Before You Date” suggestions as well as tips for when you’re “On the Date.” There’s also a “Great Date Takeaway” for each date–a thought to ponder and apply to your relationship. On top of that, the authors even include ideas for cheap childcare options.

I found this book to be encouraging and practical, yet full of fun. $10 Great Dates is filled with do-able dates for normal people like me who desperately want to keep dating their spouses and grow in intimacy together, but who lack creativity. Plus, they all stick to a budget! What more can you ask for? In fact, the book helps you realize that the dates aren’t really about how much money you spend, but quality time spent together having fun and enjoying each other–recapturing some of the excitement that brought you together in the first place.

This is one book I highly recommend for all married couples. In fact, I’d also recommend it as a wedding or anniversary gift. This is a must-have for any household’s library.

* Note: I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[GothChickVibing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: $10 Great Dates.

Author: Peter and Heather Larson, David and Claudia Arp.

Genre: Nonfiction, Christian, Marriage, Budgeting.

Plot: Experts in the field of marriage and dates after the wedding, these two married couples bring a short fun read to help you reconnect with your spouse and keep the romance alive in your marriage, all on a $10 budget.

Fifty-two Great Gates are outlined in this book - one for every week of the year as my husband pointed out. Each date has a Before the Date prep, during the date talking points, and a takeaway from the date to reflect on. Some of the dates are planning ones, such as the Coupon Date where you make coupons for future dates, Other are spontaneous multi-tasking dates, such as Running Errands, the Library and Home Improvement Dates. Other fun dates include a Breakfast date, a Bucket List date, and a section for seasonal/holiday dates. In this busy life we lead nowadays, taking time to be with each other doesn't have to be a big expensive ordeal. It can be a fun cheap spontaneous moment in time that you'll treasure for years to come.

Likes/Dislikes: Most of the date ideas listed in here are great ideas, though there were some that just didn't sound like fun to me - such as driving along the local backroads {we do that all the time}, checking out open houses {when you're already doing that to be with, it gets old}, and anything sports related. But I did really like some of them, such as the library date, just desserts, an at-home spa date, and all the seasonal/holiday dates. A fun challenge would be to go through this book in a year. I had a great idea for a New Years date; and I'm rather surprised one wasn't included in the book. It's a very easy read and I did skim a few spots,

Rating: PG-10 and up, mainly for reading level. Recommended for all ages.

Date Review Written: October 7th, 2014.

[Chelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book for awhile. It took me awhile to read it and then a couple more thumb throughs, before I was able to write an honest review of the book.

This is the first time that I've read a book, that I remember, by either the Larson's or the Arp's. $10 Great Dates was written really well and was broken down into very manageable sections. I liked how each date category was separated into a broader type. The dates themselves are broken down into a little bit of background provided by either the Larson's or the Arp's, "The Idea", "Before Your Date", "On Your Date", "Talking Points", and a "Great Date Takeaway".

This book provides several great date ideas that I liked and were truly good ideas, some of these dates are a little far-fetched, and some of these ideas are perfectly do-able date ideas. My favorite part of the book is the "talking points" and the "Great Date Takeway". I suppose that I had such a hard time reviewing this book, because I know that very little of these ideas are ones that my husband would go along with. I know that shouldn't cloud my judgement and I hate that it has taken me this long to write a review, but I've really struggled because my view of the book is tempered by my knowledge that I'm not going to be able to appreciate but a couple of these date ideas. I'm going to go back through the book again and come up with a list of dates that I want to have in 2015 and see how many I am able to "accomplish". Thank you to the Larson's and Arp's for providing us an insight into your wonderful dates and setting up a framework we can easily and affordable follow to accomplish the same dates!

*I was provided a print copy of $10 Great Dates by Bethany House Publishers Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Beth Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

$10 Great Dates is a Terrific Resource for Couples
Let’s face it, budgets are tighter these days and, for many couples, that has meant the decline of the date night. Let’s face it, the old standby of dinner and a movie has gotten a lot more expensive and concert ticket prices are higher than ever. Peter and Heather Larson and David and Claudia Arp have compiled a terrific book of $10 date ideas. Filled with a variety of fun ideas to suit the varying tastes of different couples, “$10 Great Dates” has a little bit of everything. From “Workshop Dates” to “Home Improvement” and even a restaurant option or two! Each date outline includes a planning section, a set of hints for while you are on your date and a “great date takeaway” section to help you focus on what the date can add to your marriage. Even the most reluctant of “date nighters” should be able to find an appealing, easy-on-the-budget option with this handy guide! Many of the ideas take advantage of resources right in our own backyard (or pantry) and this book would be a great gift to tuck into the wedding gift of a couple just starting out or to give to busy parents of young children or, for that matter, to more established couples who just want to spruce up their dating life.
I’d give “$10 Great Dates” a 4.5 for originality, frugality and creativity. And, just think, with a sticker price of $9.99 from Bethany House, your trip to the bookstore can be the first of your $10 great dates!
This book was provided to me by Bethany House for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are tired of going to the same old places for every date, are strapped for cash, or would just like some ideas, check out this little book. It is divided up into sections like adventure, romance, or out-of-town dates. Each section has five or more dates that can be accomplished for $10 or under. Each chapter begins with The Idea. This tells you all about the date. The next sections are Before Your Date, On Your Date, & Talking Points. The before section gives you any preparation advice for doing before the date to make everything run smoothly. The next section gives a few more details about the actual date. The talking points are conversation starters or thoughts about the actual date. The chapter ends with Great Date Takeaway. This is the author's final thought about the date.

The chapters are short enough to read through and implement quickly. There are enough ideas for everyone to be able to find something that will fit them. But the dates are designed in such a way, that every one can be customized to the couple. I enjoyed reading through all of them and have already set some plans in motion for our next date.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn’t this look like a great book? I was so excited to get this because I’m always looking for fun and cheap date ideas! Saturday nights are the only time by husband and I are home together, but we are so tired from the week we usually stay home and watch a movie together.

This book is divided up into sections, like “At home great dates”, “The Great Outdoors great dates”, “Romantic great dates”, “Marriage pick me up great dates”…there are 8 chapter sections with at least 5 suggestions under each section.

Once you pick a chapter section-lets say “At home great dates”, then you pick the activity. “Game night great date” is one of the picks. Then the book presents the idea, suggestions of things to do before the date, while on the date, talking points, and the takeaway (the point) of the activity.

This book is SO ORGANIZED and has some fun suggestions! This would be a huge help to any spouse-male or female-who has a hard time coming up with ideas and/or planning.

This book would make a great Valentines Day gift! Or get it ahead of time so you can do some of the suggestions in the Romantic Dates section, like Dining Under The Stars!

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House Publishing for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book, one I’ll refer to many times in the future. There are a lot of different affordable date night ideas, ideas that look enjoyable and fun. I’ll definitely be using as a reference! You can use these tips for family night activities as well, if you are so inclined.

One idea I love is the $5 gift idea: You each get $5 and 30 minutes to find a gift for your loved one in that price range (including tax). You could make this silly by trying to find the funniest gift, or you could turn it more sentimental by searching for a meaningful gift. Other ideas include volunteering and serving, incorporating holidays into your dates, and doing family history.

I really like the layout of the book as well. Each date idea is numbered, and includes 2-3 pages or so of details. Date ideas are categorized as well, and so it really makes for easy reference.

I’d recommend this book to anyone that is married. I really, truly would. Heck, anyone with kids can find a lot of fantastic ideas as well. Like I said, I’m planning to do some family activities with what is shared here. I’m giving $10 Great Dates 5 stars. I love it!

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, who out there is tired of the same-o, lame-o dinner and movie date? This girl!
Or maybe a dinner and movie date seems like a dream to you…if only you could afford it!
Never fear….$10 Great Dates is here!
This book is so wonderful, fun, easy to read and even easier to help you plan the perfect date with your mate.
Y’all, there’s stuff in here you wouldn’t believe!
Whether you’re outdoorsy or indoorsy…you’ll find lots of ideas to help you and your spouse out of the dating rut.
Whether you want to see new sights, rekindle your inner fun self, or just be swept off your feet…this is the book for you!
I was really surprised by the extra goodies in this book…things to help you prep before your date, great discussion points to take the date even further, and even a special take-away from each experience.
From the Great Outdoors to At Home to Out on the Town. From Seasonal Dates to the Unique and Unusual…this book has something for everyone!
Do you and your spouse a favor and get this book today!!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a good resource for couples looking for inexpensive ways to reconnect with each other. Some of the dates in the book are not traditional dates. They might include things that you wouldn't necessarily think of as a date like working in the yard or garden, talking to one another in different settings, or window shopping. However, for a couple who is really wanting some time together and is out of money and out of ideas, this book could be a wonderful asset.

I found some of the talking points to be a bit awkward, but some couples might love the help in getting conversations going.

I would recommend this book to all couples looking for an inexpensive way to spend some time with each other.

I received this book for free from Bethany Publishing House in exchange for my honest review.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

To summarize this book in one statement: everyday can include a date that's simple yet fun. There's no reason to not look in unexpected places for an uplifting time with your significant other. Although it appears to be directed more towards an older, married audience, nearly all their ideas can be applied to younger couples. It encourages the enjoyment of each other's company in an effective yet quaint way.

One of the secondary joys I found from this book was how it made me think of my own frugal dates with a personal flair. Don't be afraid to try any of the ideas new to you. This was my first time reading a book of this nature so I was skeptical, but even a simple gloss over can charge a number of ideas for your next day in or out with someone special.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristina Aziz · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book offered a lot of fun ideas for a family on a budget. I definitely recognize the importance of dating as a married couple. Since my husband and I have married, we've had three dates: a hike up one of our smaller mountains, a dinner and movie, and dinner and specialty-store-grocery shopping. I like that this book offers talking points and a section for budget childcare ideas, as well as things to consider both before and during your date. The only detractor I could find: the book seems to assume you have a car. There are only so many miles my husband and I can walk, and taking the bus turns a ten dollar date into a sixteen dollar date round trip. The saving grace is the variety of dates: we can have a workshop date by watching a video on youtube, and many can be altered similarly to involve no car.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was an easy read and had some good ideas for dates - some of which i had already used (good minds). However it was not a spiritually deep read or extremely deep dive into the marriage relationship. It had small proverbs to help you consider your marriage from various perspectives, buts its main focus was on providing affordable date ideas. The premise of the book is that it is important to continue dating your spouse to keep your marriage growing. The motto of the book should be "Date cheap, and often". It was worth the read to build ideas. As i read i gave each date idea a 1-5 rating on how mucho wife and i would enjoy the date. After we try an idea out i can go back and rate it again if any additional thoughts.

[Chickadee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need some fresh inspiration for dates with your spouse, this book has a lot of great ideas.

The dates are meaningful and don't break the budget. The dates are grouped into categories such as Adventure, Outdoors, Romantic, Unique and more.

Not only are there suggestions for each date, but ideas of what to discuss with talking points.

This book is a great resource to help motivate couples to spend quality time together.

[Carolyn Manlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quick read. Various low budget (or no budget) dates are described. Each has an activity and then discussion questions to take the date to a level of building relationship. Young marrieds, Old marrieds and people newly dating will find a few ideas.

[Jeremy Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with many simple and easy dates to help keep the Sparks alive in your marriage.

[Janelle]

I haven't rated this as I only skimmed through it. But it looks like it's filled with great tips for couples to spend time together.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give up.. can't and won't finish it... not my favorite.