Chicago Date Idea: Have a Penny, Leave a Penny, Need a Penny, Take a Penny

Lets face it…the recession has not been getting any better or easier for that matter. So although I am offering some smashing Chicago date ideas (at least I think I am!), funds are limited. And I will be the first one to admit, some of my suggestions aren’t the cheapest either. So with that being said, I would like to share with you a little thing I call “Jar Date”.
Place some sort of a container, whether it be a piggy bank or an old coffee cup, in a convenient location that you notice every single day. First thing when you get home, empty your pockets, purse, coat, etc. and put all your loose change in it. If you are “going steady” (as my mom likes to call it), ask them to contribute. Most likely it will take a few months to fill up your jar, but trust me, it’s WORTH IT. Just take your change to your bank and they will cash it out for you free of charge. You will not believe how much money comes out of those little suckers!
It is especially fun to make a little “how much is in the jar” bet. Closest guesser chooses where to go and what you do! You can use your extra cash for a bonus date or put it towards an already planned evening for something extra fancy.

Have any fun ways of saving money or getting discounts up your sleeve? And I don’t mean sneaking a flask in to a restaurant. Please share!