Is it just us, or does “budget” seem to be the new buzz word? Even if your own family finances haven’t been squeezed, all the talk of recession has likely caused you to be a bit more conservative with your greenbacks. Maybe you’re aiming to move out of the red and into the black, put more money into savings or simply learn the discipline of saying no to that of-the-moment splurge. Whatever your inspiration for tightening the belt, we salute and encourage you. After all, financial security is a worthy goal for your family.

Nevertheless, the journey can be difficult. And when we’re in the process, we often find that our budget no longer allows for extravagant date nights with our spouse. Let’s be honest, once you pay for the sitter, a nice dinner and a movie, you’ve easily racked up a $150 tab. Still, connecting with your loved one is of vital importance. So to help you keep the spark burning without seeing red, we enlisted the advice of our friends across the big pond, Esther (from Amsterdam) and Emilie (from Paris) of Babycinno Kids. These uber-chic mums are co-founders (along with two other Euro mums) of the delightful international lifestyle site that reports on must-have products, fun craft ideas, delicious recipes, can’t-miss restaurants, shops, activities and more. Here are their ideas for creative, inexpensive at-home date nights:

By Esther (left) and Emilie (right), BabyccinoKids.com

Kids, saving and romance aren’t words you would usually associate with one another. But then again, if you have kids, are living amidst a credit crunch and have a loving relationship with your partner, chances are you will be wanting to stay romantic—but on a budget. We put together some of our best ideas to make sure you have a fabulous date night that doesn’t break the bank. Hope these tips inspire you!

1. Prepare a cheese fondue following this recipe, add some French bread and serve a good, dry white wine. Imagine you’re in the Swiss mountains.

2. Buy a (tango) dance instruction DVD and get moving!

3. Borrow (or rent) a display projector and play something hopelessly romantic on a big screen (a piece of white wall or a white bed sheet) in the living room. Cook up some popcorn and make yourselves comfy on a big blanket with pillows.

4. Buy one of those super big jigsaw puzzles and solve it together. Sweet and cozy.

5. On a hot summer night: sleep outside on your balcony or in your garden, use a tent if necessary.

6. Play a stupid board game together. We recommend Twister.

7. Prepare an iTunes playlist of old favorite songs, write down your love memoirs, and look at old photos. Don’t get too sentimental!

8. Dress up for the occasion. Your wedding dress might still fit.

9. Even if you don’t go out, send the kids out. Arrange for kids to sleepover somewhere else so you have the space to yourselves!

10. Romance doesn’t have to end that evening. Make sure to have everything handy for a lovely breakfast in bed the next morning.

photos courtesy of Babycinno Kids