12 Best Budget Solo Date Ideas to Deepen Your Self-Love in 2024
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One critical component of self-love is being able to spend quality time with yourself. It’s something I’ve been a proponent of for a while. (I was even quoted here!)
Whether you are rolling solo or in a relationship, taking yourself on solo dates is an excellent way to love on you! While splurging on a fancy dinner or spending a fortune on new shoes might be fun and rewarding, treating yourself doesn’t have to be costly! Here are the 12 best budget solo date ideas for 2024.
Looking to stay in?
Have a cozy reading night. If you’re like me, you mostly read a few pages of your latest book before you crash for the night. Why not turn off Netflix and create a whole evening to read? Make some yummy hot cocoa, grab your favorite blanket, curl up on your couch, and put a dent in your book club book!
Have a movie night. Not feeling bookish and prefer a movie instead? Pop some popcorn, turn the lights down low, and create movie theater vibes, right in your living room. Make it even more theater like with this adorable popcorn bowl! (paid link)
Make yourself a special dinner at home. No need to always go out for a great meal. If you enjoy cooking, why not create a solo date experience at home? Buy based on your budget. Even if you splurge on the steak, shrimp, or sea bass, it won’t set you back as much as it would at a restaurant. Grab the good bread. Liberally spread on the good butter. Pour a nice glass of wine. Totally luxuriate in the process! Make it complete by actually setting the table. Heck, even use the cloth napkins, like these. (paid link) Take it up a notch and get dressed up - for you!
Order a special dinner at home. Not feeling the labor of making your own meal? Order something special. Maybe select from a new place. Dress up - in your fancy pjs - and lean into that self-love.
Create a spa experience. Throw some bath bombs in the tub and take your time soaking the day away. Lather up with your favorite lotions and potions. Apply a face mask and let all the hydrating goodness soak in. Wrap up in a fluffy robe and fuzzy slippers (paid link) and put your feet up.
Write yourself a love letter. Sit down with some pretty paper, light a candle, and write yourself a love letter. Celebrate all the amazing things that make you, you! Be your own hype woman! Pour into yourself as much as you pour into others. Save this gem for later when you need a boost of good energy and self-love!
Looking to go out?
Visit a bookstore. One of my favorite solo dates is wandering the aisles of a bookstore. I’m lucky to have so many near me, too. Since childhood, I’ve loved the scent of fresh paper that you only get in a bookstore. I could spend hours reading the blurbs and adding my faves to my Goodreads list. This is free, but you can also give yourself a small budget and purchase a new book for your TBR shelf!
Make your own picnic. Pick up your favorite cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits. (Pro-tip: choose seasonal fruit for the best deal!) Grab a blanket. Take yourself to a park or the beach and set up shop. Whether you are staring out at the ocean or looking up at the blue sky, enjoy your own company on this simple solo date. If you feel moved to do more than people watch, why not spend some time journaling? (paid link)
Take a hike. Nothing wrong with an active solo date to get the blood flowing and the heart pumping! Lace up your shoes and hit the trail. Maybe there will be a sweet reward of a stellar view! Hiking not your scene or no trails near you? Venture to a park or find another scenic area to get those steps in.
ALSO READ: 24 5-minute self-care ideas to boost self-love
Visit an art museum. I’ve been an art girlie since I was little so my heart is happy staring at sculptures and pondering paintings. In many cities, there are usually promotion days where you can even attend for free like First Saturdays at the Brooklyn museum and Museum Free-For-All day in Los Angeles.
Have a pool day. Relax and rejuvenate by catching some rays. Why not try ResortPass to make your solo date dreams come true? This amazing site that lets you purchase day passes to hotel pools in a host of cities. Take your book or magazine and post up poolside for the afternoon alone.
Take a drive. Some of my favorite solo dates have been behind the wheel of my car! Coffee, a playlist, and a full tank of gas can be the perfect way to spend the day solo. Belt out your favorite tunes, learn something new on a podcast, or simply sit with your thoughts as you cruise along. Add a little razzle dazzle with fun little stops on the way for lunch, ice cream, or another sweet treat!
Regardless of what you plan, this is your reminder to prioritize your self-care. Plan your solo dates. Sleep in. Take your PTO. You deserve it. And don’t forget to share with a friend who may also benefit from these tips!
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