date night

6 Cheap Date Ideas for Nature Lovers

Emily Guy Birken — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:40:58 +0000

After this year's seemingly interminable winter, nothing would be finer than getting outside to enjoy nature, especially if you can do so with your special someone. But week after week, you may find yourselves falling back into the Saturday night habit of drinks together at the local bar or watching Netflix on the couch.

It's not that you want to spend all of your precious date nights indoors, but fun outdoor date activities are expensive! Maybe you and your beloved can't afford to go mountain biking, whale watching, or white water rafting. So you end up watching David Attenborough nature documentaries on Saturday nights instead.

It doesn't have to be this way. Instead of settling into your regular booth at the pub or your favorite spot on the couch, consider trying these cheap dates you can enjoy in the great outdoors. (See also: 23 Cheap Summer Date Ideas)

1. Try stargazing

There's a reason stargazing is a classic romantic activity. Not only is it a free way to take in a breathtaking view, but it's an excellent excuse to snuggle with your sweetheart.

All you really need for this activity is a blanket to spread on the ground, a clear night sky, and maybe a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate to share. But it can be more fun to study the night sky if you know what you're looking at, so consider downloading a free astronomy app to help you identify the constellations, planets, satellites, and thousands of stars that are visible to the naked eye. In addition, if you have a pair of binoculars or a telescope, bringing them along can help you to better see the glories of the night sky. (See also: 5 Natural Wonders You Can See For Free)

2. Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Working together can make for a fun and meaningful date, which is why taking part in a nature scavenger hunt together can create lasting romantic memories.

For such a scavenger hunt, all you need is a list of things to find while you are jaunting through your favorite scenic area. Since the rule for nature walks is "take only pictures and leave only footprints," all you have to do is check off that you saw each of the items on your list — or snap photos of them.

For instance, you might challenge each other to find something that begins with every letter in the alphabet, in order. You could write down what you find (apple wood tree, beehive, coneflower, etc.) as you go. Similarly, you could challenge each other to find something representing every color of the rainbow.

Even if you don't have time to come up with a scavenger hunt yourselves, there are a number of free printable scavenger hunts available online that can help you to see nature in a different way. (See also: 6 Outdoor Adventures That Don't Cost a Dime)

3. Plant a garden

Plunging your hands into garden soil is a viscerally satisfying experience that you can share with your beloved. Planting, tending, and enjoying the fruits of your garden together can give you a lovely connection to each other and the earth.

Even if you don't live in a place that allows for gardening, you can still enjoy the benefits of garden living by finding a local community garden. This can help you and your sweetheart form stronger bonds in your community while you build something beautiful and nourishing together. (See also: 13 Simple Gardening Skills Anybody Can Master)

4. Watch the sunrise together

If you are early birds (or dedicated night owls), set your alarm for 0:dark-30 and watch the sunrise together. You can do this from the comfort of your own backyard, or make it an event by driving to the closest beach, park, or eastern-facing hill. As the night sky trades its blacks and grays for dawn's bright pinks and oranges, you and your date can cuddle together and enjoy some coffee and the quiet feeling of being the only people awake in the world.

Finish your early morning date with breakfast al fresco, and you'll both spend the rest of the day with a smile on your faces.

5. Go bird-watching

Even if neither of you can tell the difference between an eagle and an egret, going on a bird-watching adventure can be a fun date. Start with a quick search on the best birding areas near you. Audubon's official website offers a great deal of information and tips for new bird-watchers, and can give you some suggestions for local places to enjoy your bird-watching date.

From there, you'll need a field guide — which you can borrow from the library — and a pair of binoculars. (If you don't have your own pair, borrow some from a friend.) Even with minimal equipment, you can start searching the skies and listening to bird calls together to see if you can identify various local species.

6. Have a picnic

Eating a delicious meal together will be much more fun if you can do it outside. And you don't have to go far or spend a lot to do it. Whip a meal in your kitchen, grab a blanket, and eat it in your backyard under the night sky with some candles lit around you. Or you could pack your meal in some Tupperware and head to your local beach or park.

But even if you're stuck indoors — because sometimes the weather makes it impossible to get outside — you can still have a memorable date night together that honors your love for the natural world. Turn off all the lights, stow away and power down all of your electronics, and enjoy an evening of uninterrupted romantic connection. Not only will you be conserving energy, but you'll also get to enjoy the benefits of unplugging together.

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Find a Great Babysitter

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 10:00:04 +0000

Leaving your child with a stranger can feel scary — especially if you live in a big area like we do. Here are some places to start your search for a trusted babysitter. Now get out there and enjoy date night!

1. Care.com

My friends overwhelmingly recommend using Care.com to find trustworthy sitters. You can search for anything from one-night gigs to full-time au pairs and childcare centers. Post your job, browse profiles, get background checks, and then interview potential babysitters. Some features are free; others cost anywhere between $25 and $45 a month. You can also take advantage of the easy online scheduling and even pay sitters directly through the site. Care.com also offers senior care, pet sitting, house sitting, and military family help.

2. SeekingSitters

Whether you need full-time babysitting or just a night out, SeekingSitters is a solid resource to put in your back pocket. There is a one-time activation fee of $59.99 and a monthly plan rate — but if you need frequent help, it's worth the money. The benefit? You'll get to browse profiles and create relationships with prescreened, professional babysitters in your area. The site also offers pet sitting, house sitting, and tutoring services.

3. Local Schools

Several of the teachers and helpers at my daughter's school also offer babysitting services. Ask around to see if this is the case at your child's school. Beyond that, you might also find connections through nearby high schools or colleges. Try posting an ad in the job board at your local university. You might even have success calling the preschool or childhood education departments directly.

4. Childcare Swapping

If you live relatively far away from family like we do, friends become a second family of sorts. Try swapping childcare duties with them every couple weeks so you can enjoy date nights. You may need to shift your ideal date time to accommodate everyone's naps and bedtime schedules, but it's worth the extra effort. We have also started getting close with a few neighbors who have offered to watch our daughter in case of emergencies.

5. Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

One of the most useful tools we've used to find childcare is recommendations from neighbors, friends, and other parents. This is especially worthwhile if you're not originally from the area. Once you ask, you're bound to find some good options worth investigating.

6. Parent Groups

Discussions about babysitters come up quite frequently in local parent groups or Facebook pages, and some of the moms might even offer babysitting services themselves. You'll always want to get references if you're unfamiliar with the names you see, but you can find some great care providers this way. Stuck on what to pay? You can even inquire about the going rate for sitters in your area.

Where do you find a great babysitter?

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Much Should You Actually Be Spending on a Date?

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:00:25 +0000

Going on a date at the end of a long week can be the perfect stress reliever. However, when you're spending half of what you're making trying to impress your date, you'll just go broke and regret every penny you spent. Fortunately, we've found some ways for you to figure out how much you should splurge this weekend — and how to get the most out of every date night opportunity.

1. Know What the Average Person Spends

Your paycheck should govern how much you can afford. Cosmopolitan found that men spend about $80 on a first date, on average. Other sources suggest that the typical person spends between $50–$100 on date night, occurring on average once a month. However, according to Match.com, 58% of women don't even want an expensive date.

2. Shell Out a Bit More on Your First Date

A first date is different than every date that follows. Spending freely on your first date is a great way to show your date that you are serious, but it doesn't mean that you need to continue spending the same amount on future dates. After all, you don't want to be too frugal on the first date, which can make you seem cheap. On the other hand, if you tend to have a lot of first dates, you may want to rein in your spending.

3. Budget for Special Occasions

Special occasions like Valentine's Day and Christmas will have higher associated price tags. If you decide to go on a date during one of these expensive holidays, you can expect to spend more. In fact, some restaurants will even offer a special holiday menu, with more expensive entrees. Plan your budget proactively if you intend on spending more lavishly on special occasions.

4. Consider Your Location

Dating in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Washington DC, and other large cities will cost you more. This is especially the case when you factor in the cost of public transportation, tipping, and the higher cost of food and entertainment in these large cities. You will have to take into account where you live when you are coming up with a budget for the weekend.

5. Set Personal Rules

The best way to limit your spending is to set rules for yourself. For instance, you can decide that you won't spend more than $20 on a weeknight date, but can spend up to $50 on a weekend date. The only way to determine how much to spend is to take into account your personal finances, income, and what you feel comfortable spending. The last thing you want to do is run up high credit card bills just trying to impress your date.

6. Have Fun Without the Expense

A simple way to reduce your spending would simply be to limit how often you go out. However, if you budget well and take advantage of affordable (or free) dates, then you can go out much more often. Casual dates (such as lunch dates) are more affordable, allowing you to go out more often. They are also more laid back, so you can get to know your date better.

We have also found some of the best ways to impress your date for less than $20, so you can take them out whenever you have time (instead of whenever you have money):

Book a free tour;

Rent a pair of bikes;

Find a great rooftop hangout;

Go to a food, film, music, or art festival;

Research your local area on Yelp or online to find cheap, highly rated places near you;

Use Groupon, Living Social, Amazon Deals, and Yelp Deals to find deals for food, shopping, and events near you;

Take advantage of free dates, like hiking or a day at the beach;

Show off your cooking skills instead of dining out.

7. Make It About the Experience

Try not to let your feelings for your date cloud your judgment on how much you should spend. Just because they're worth a million bucks doesn't mean you should spend that. You should find a partner that is worth your time, not just your money. Then, the price tag won't seem so important.

Going for coffee and dessert won't cost you more than $20 and can set the stage for a romantic experience and healthy conversation. Remember, your date is not about a price tag; it's about the experience shared. Spending lots of money on the date isn't important. What is important is that you work to create a memorable experience for you both that will help strengthen your future relationship.

How do you determine how much you should spend on your date? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

18 Frugal and Romantic Dates at Home

Carrie Kirby — Wed, 29 May 2013 10:36:30 +0000

If you're a parent, paying the babysitter can use up your whole date night budget. And even for couples without children, if money is tight, the cost of dining at a restaurant or buying tickets to the movies can be out of reach. Meeting in public may be important when you're first dating and need the opportunity to leave quickly if things don't go well. But once you're a couple, the occasional at-home date night becomes awfully attractive, both budget- and comfort-wise. (See also: Classy Dating on a Budget)

Really, what is a date about? It's about putting aside several contiguous hours to focus on enjoying your partner's company. There's nothing stopping you from doing that at home, if you take time to prepare something more special than what you'd normally be doing, and make sure that you won't be bothered by home responsibilities. Clean or tidy up the area where you'll have your home date in advance, so you won't be distracted by housekeeping duties. If you have kids, put them to bed or in front of a video, or banish teens to their friends' houses for the evening. Then, relax and indulge in one of these date night ideas.

1. Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner

Particularly special if you usually spend the dinner hour cutting up little ones' meat or reminding other "diners" that we do not shout "gross" at the table. My husband and I like to use the occasional dinner for two as an opportunity to order takeout that the kids would hate — like spicy Indian food — or cook something they wouldn't appreciate like filet mignon.

2. Take in a Movie

Watching TV at home with your sweetie might not seem like anything special, but you can ratchet up the sense of occasion by picking a new release movie in advance and stocking treats, like a good bottle of wine and gourmet popcorn. At our house, we find that if we are just browsing Netflix, we tend to pick something short and "easy" like a TV series. To mark those serious dramas off our to-watch list, we need to set a date.

3. Do Dessert

Don't want to make yourself a whole separate dinner? Sometimes that's just too much work. Why not buy something indulgent from that bakery you've always wanted to try, or just acquire some super-special dessert ingredients and make something together? The blog Couponista Queen suggests making sundaes at home.

4. Play

A game, that is. Put out a bowl of chips and sit down with Scrabble or another good two-person game, if you're into that kind of thing. A board game date is great because it forces you to sit down and spend a few hours together without getting distracted. One friend suggested strip Scrabble, but with the length of the average Scrabble game, that sounds...drafty.

5. Puzzle It Out

When my husband and I started a difficult, many-piece puzzle recently, we found it led to us spending many evenings together, without the benefit of a date plan. We could not stay away from that puzzle until it was finished, and in the process, we had a lot of nice talks and watched a few movies to boot.

6. Breakfast in Bed

Who says dates have to be at night? The blog Tammilee Tips suggests breakfast in bed. Prep an indulgent breakfast the night before and either surprise your honey or just treat yourselves. If it's Sunday, stay in bed and do the New York Times crossword puzzle together.

7. Have a "Console-Ation" Date

You can't afford to go out, but you still have a game console. Get it?? Maybe you're the type of couple who loves to mow down terrorists together, but even if you're not, chances are a karaoke game or Just Dance will get you laughing together.

8. Schedule a Massage

A shoulder rub between spouses may be routine, but again, preparation can up the ante here. Invest in a massage oil with that great minty scent that spas have. Set up the massage area with music and pillows to approximate the desired setting as best you can. Whether you're going for the atmosphere of a pristine spa or a seedy bathhouse is your own business.

If you have a budget for the date, you could use a Groupon for an in-home massage therapist or two to come work on you, suggests Marta Segal Block, blogger at Advice from Marta.

9. Take a Dip

Have your own pool? When's the last time you took a moonlight swim for two?

10. Stargaze

If you live in an area with low light pollution, this could be a nice way to feel like you are getting out — way out — without leaving your property. Borrow or buy a nice telescope to make this really special.

11. DIY a Drive-In

Nowadays, any place within the reach of your Wi-Fi connection can be a movie theater if you have a laptop with a big screen. Glamour magazine suggests a blanket on the lawn for your movie night, or try a comfy love seat on the deck, if you've got one.

12. Set Up Your Own Wine Tasting

Boring night in — open a bottle of wine, slug it down between loads of laundry. Date night in — write some keywords from Wine Spectator reviews on a little chalkboard in front of each bottle, line up glasses with tastes, swish it around in your mouth and throw around words like "hints of leather."

13. Cocktail Party for Two

Again, a simple drink at home is everyday. But when's the last time you crushed fresh lime for a real mojito or made sangria at home? Pull out all the stops — and the fancy glassware.

14. Backyard Campfire

If your area allows a fire pit, this is a great way to feel transported without leaving your property.

15. Take an Online Class Together

Did you meet in college? Miss those days when you'd lose track of what the teacher was saying because you were busy making googly eyes at one another? Plug in those laptops and start ignoring the teacher together again.

16. Have a YouTube Festival

You've seen Maru the cat with your coworkers, but it's even more fun to laugh with the one you love. Queue up a bunch of short videos on a theme, get comfy, and click "play."

17. Make Something Together

I don't mean like, whoopie. You don't need me to tell you how to do that. I mean: a craft project, a batch of cookies, a birdhouse. For some couples, these are fun times. For others (I'm not naming names) a joint project is just an opportunity to practice those "feeling words" your therapist taught you.

18. Make Out in the Car

What? It was romantic when you were in high school, so why not now? If your house is now full of nosy teenagers, maybe it's time to escape them the way you once escaped your parents. And chances are, you now have more comfortable upholstery.

What have been your best home date-night dates?

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Totally Free Babysitting Alternatives

Craig Ford — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:24:32 +0000

If you're married with young kids, getting out of the house and enjoying a date together can really add up:

$35.00 for dinner
$25.00 for a movie and popcorn
$30 for babysitting

Sometimes when young couples start adding up all the numbers they come to an unfortunate conclusion — they can't afford to go on dates. Sure, you could reduce the cost of dining out by finding a cheaper establishment. You could even skip the movie and go for a walk instead. However, if you want to be able to get out of the house, babysitting is a hard expense to avoid — without a little creativity. (See also: How to Save on Babysitting Without Ending Up on the Local News)

1. Ask the Grandparents

Yes, this is an option that will only apply to a limited number of people who happen to be fortunate enough to live in the same town as their parents. But if you do live in the same town as your parents, then I'm betting your kids already enjoy every chance they have to spend time with grandma and grandpa, and affordable, reliable babysitting isn't really a problem for you.

2. Swap Babysitting With Another Couple

We have some close friends who have young children. Since babysitting is expensive for both of us, we agreed to a biweekly babysitting swap. Not only did we each get a date once a month, but our kids looked forward to date nights because they got to play with friends. When kids have the opportunity to play with other kids their age, they'll welcome the dates with as much anticipation as mom and dad.

3. Join or Create a Baby Sitting Co-Op

Last year our church started a babysitting co-op. Parents could leave their kids at the church while two of the other parents stayed and did the babysitting. Each child brought something to eat for dinner and the babysitters selected a kid friendly movie for the kids to watch. The only rule was that if you left your kids you needed to be sure to take a turn babysitting in the future. If there are six to eight couples on an evening, all but one of them were able to go on a date without an extra expense for babysitting. Again, the kids look forward to their night out as much as parents do.

4. Exchange Services

If you typically have a teenager babysit for you, it's possible that you could help them with something that they would consider more valuable than money. This could include something like tutoring them in school or coaching them in a sport.

5. Double Date With Other Parents

This suggestion may seem like it's breaking the rules, since typically most people think dating is about spending time together as a couple. However, if you're more in the mood for getting out of the house and doing something fun, then consider a double date with another couple that has kids. We've had other couples come over to our house and the kids typically entertain themselves. On other occasions, we've met couples somewhere like Chick-Fil-A with a play area. Usually, the kids play while the adults can hang out and enjoy adult conversation.

6. Be Friends With People Who Don't Have (but Do Like) Kids

A few weeks ago we were shocked when some friends who don't have kids asked if they could babysit for us so we could have a date. We've spent time with the couple on several occasions and they told us how much they enjoy kids — especially how much they enjoy being around our kids. I don't know how you develop a strategy around this, but I guess if people like being around your kids you might have some free babysitting opportunities arise. All this time we thought we were raising well-behaved kids for their own good.

What babysitting options have you tried?

This article is from Craig Ford of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Save on Babysitting Without Ending Up on the Local News

Carrie Kirby — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:24:30 +0000

A recent survey by online childcare matchmaker UrbanSitter.com found that the average parent pays $14 per hour in my area — San Francisco — for care for just one child.

My husband and I have three children.

Combine these two facts and you might be able to guess that we haven't been out on a date in months. (See also: From $5 to $30+, Date Ideas for Every Budget)

When we do pay for childcare, we don't turn to a website to hire a sitter, because, as UrbanSitter pointed out in its own survey, it's too expensive. We're cheapskates. Still, childcare is not one of those things where I can just try the cheapest thing I can think of. I can't go down to the local day labor lineup and pick up a sitter or give my 8-year-old the password to the Netflix account and hope for the best. If I don't want to end up on the news — and staying off the news is my minimum goal for each parenting day — I need to get quality childcare for my meager funds.

These are some ways I've managed to do that.

Parent Co-Ops

Whether it's a highly organized network with a thick rulebook and mandatory fingerprinting or a loose understanding among the parents on your block, a parent co-op can be a lifesaver to financially pressured moms and dads.

In a co-op, you babysit for other families' kids to accrue points that you use to pay other parents to watch your kids. We have belonged to three co-ops: one spread over the entire North Side of Chicago, one that involved only four families who could practically shout to one another from our front porches, and one of intermediate size. I've used the services of other parents in order to get work done, to get to appointments, and yes, for date nights.

A few years ago I wrote about how to start a babysitting co-op on Parenting Squad. Even if you don't belong to a formal parent co-op, trading off play dates with the families of your children's friends can be great, too.

Pros: You know other parents are experienced at taking care of kids. It's free.

Cons: If you're busy, it might be hard to find time to babysit other peoples' kids. Many co-ops don't do background checks, and you may not know all the families.

Nanny Sharing

When you have only one child, it's kind of a waste to hire a babysitter to come to your home just to watch over him or her. Most caregivers are perfectly capable of taking care of several kids at a time.

Ask around or check with local parent groups to find families willing to share a nanny. I use a nanny share once a week for my preschooler, so I can get a few extra hours of work in while the older kids are at school.

Pros: Hourly rate is usually at least 30% less than hiring a babysitter on your own. Your kid will probably have more fun with playmates around. If the other families have already found a great nanny, you're spared the vetting process.

Cons: Less flexibility due to other families' needs. More administration needed to coordinate schedules. If the other child or children get sick or drop out you may end up paying the sitter's whole fee on your own.

The Gym Childcare

This sounds cheesy, but I have joined gyms before almost entirely because membership included two hours of childcare per day. Plans vary, of course, but if you are a stay-at-home parent who needs a daily break, or a part-time entrepreneur who needs an hour each day to answer emails, the amount of care you can get with a gym membership may really work for you. You might even find time to work out once in awhile, too.

Pros: Some are quite affordable since they are supplemented by dues from all those members who never show up at the gym. It's flexible.

Cons: Quality varies widely. You might catch a few glares from other parents if the childcare is busy and they notice you spent your whole visit using your laptop.

Parks and Rec

Many cities offer low-cost classes, playgroups, and even preschools for small children through their parks departments. Some early childhood programs require the parents to stay, but others don't. You may not actually care if your little one learns gymnastics or painting — but for $5-$10 per hour, they are out of your hair for awhile and not watching TV. Really awesome park systems offer such classes on school holidays to help working parents out of the childcare-gap pinch.

Pros: Affordable and often nearby.

Cons: Some cities will have waiting lists. Quality varies.

"Mother's Helpers"

I started babysitting at age 11, but nowadays most parents don't consider it safe or responsible to leave such a young child in charge. Which is too bad, because 11- and 12-year-olds have really great rates.

Luckily, I work from home, so I am sometimes able hire an under-aged "mother's helper" in the neighborhood to play with my kids and keep them from bursting into my office while I conduct a phone interview. Many kids this age are anxious to get started babysitting and can be a real help.

Pros: Cheap. Small kids love playing with older kids. You can train a neighborhood kid for several years until he or she is old enough to become a real babysitter.

Cons: Kids this young may have trouble enforcing rules with smaller children. They tend to let the kids make a big mess. Between school, sports, and activities, many 'tweens are available for limited hours.

Grandma and Grandpa

I so envy those families whose retired parents care for their kids full time. That has never been the case for us, but we still engage the ultimate free babysitters every chance we get.

No, Grandma and Grandpa don't do things our way, and they don't follow instructions to the letter the way a paid sitter might, but they love our kids, and that is so important that I am willing to overlook even the fact that the kids ate nothing but hot dogs and chocolate eclaires all weekend. Getting the grandparents to babysit has involved hours of car and even air travel for us, but it's always worth it.

Pros: Free (for most people). Family love, precious memories for the kids.

Cons: They don't do things your way. Travel may be involved.

No-Childcare Alternatives

The other way I've saved on childcare over the years is simply by avoiding using any. No, I'm not talking about leaving the kids alone — remember, the goal here is to stay off the nightly news. Instead, I'm talking about optimizing time, making schedules that work, and prioritizing what really needs to get done.

Split the Shift

You get home from work, kiss your spouse, and he heads out the door for the evening shift. It's not easy on a marriage, but millions of families make it work. Both my mother and my husband's mother are nurses, and this is how things worked when we were little. On the upside, with this arrangement, both parents get experience parenting independently, which can be really good for their relationship with the kids.

Bring the Kids

Most jobs nowadays don't allow for kids in tow, although a few do — babysitter, newspaper deliverer, for example. But you can try to bring kids on errands when possible to minimize needed childcare time. It's much harder to grocery shop or go to doctors' appointments or exercise with kids along, but it is actually good for the kids to learn to behave in these situations, and it allows you to get more done in the day.

A Little TV Won't Kill Them

I'm not a big fan of screen time for the kids, but I view it as the parenting equivalent of your emergency savings account. You shouldn't use it every day because you want to save it for when you really need it. So yes, when I have a deadline and I'm not done working by the time they get home from school, there might be an after-school video session now and then.

If you're too good a parent to let the TV (or iPad) be your babysitter, then make a busy box or busy bag — a stash of self-service activities to keep the kids quietly occupied when you're too busy to entertain them.

Obviously, use your parental judgment to determine how much supervision your children need while distracted by such activities.

Outsource It or Do It From Home

If you are hiring a sitter so you can do something other than work — shop, clean house, do yardwork, walk the dog — ask yourself if the task is really worth the babysitting costs. After all, in many places you can order groceries online for a small fee, so even if you don't want to take the kids to the store, there is still a cheaper way. Or, check out TaskRabbit to see if you can hire someone to run your errand for less than the cost of a sitter.

You can't outsource your date night, of course, but there are ways to have a fun night in after the littles are tucked in their beds. At our house, setting aside an evening to watch a movie, accompanied by a special snack and cocktail, has replaced a lot of expensive nights out. And if you have friends with kids, combining a get-together for the parents with a sleep-over for the kids can be fun for all.

How have you saved on childcare while keeping out of sight of the news choppers?

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: