During these times that we find ourselves in, many of us are tightening our budgets. Activities that we do as families are being minimized or changed for cheaper options–this goes for the ‘Adult Alone Time’ as well. Date nights and/or sexy evenings require some creativity to keep costs down.

The good news is, sex is free, and it’s fun! Plus, although new lingerie, toys and props are nice additions, there are plenty of things around the house that you can use to liven up any evening. Following are a few ideas I’ve put together and categorized by ‘type.’ I know there are plenty more, the important thing is to be creative to keep that budget in-line while still keeping things in the bedroom hot

Romance/Mood Setting Items:

Candles – Most everyone has at least one candle around the house, but most likely more. Just gather ‘em all together and create your own candle-lit love den.
Lotion – I own like 5+ different kinds of scented lotions, and I think most women do. Rubbing each other down is a great way to get in some touch time.
Baby Oil – If you have kids, you inevitably have a bottle of this laying around. It makes a nice massage oil.
Flowers – For those of you with a garden in bloom, bundle up some flowers in a vase and add them to the aforementioned, candle-lite love den.
Bubble Bath – If you happen to be lucky enough to have a bathtub that holds two comfortably, fill ‘er up and soak together. Otherwise pamper your lover with a nice hot bath followed-by a relaxing massage.

Sexy Stuff:

Lingerie – whatever you already have is still just as hat as when you first got it, so make sure to use those sexy pieces in your collection.
His Clothes – Does he have a neck-tie, or a button down shirt? Or maybe jacket? If you wear something of his with nothing underneath…well you get the idea.
Apron – Of course this has a hint of the whole french maid thing, but if you have an apron, why not put it to use for more than cooking?
Heels – If you’ve got some sexy heels, remember they’re good for bedroom use as well. Pair them with lingerie, or his neck-time, or that apron…or nothing

Sexy Food:

Whip Cream – Yeah, yeah, I know, but it is sexy, and it’s nice to pair as a dip of you’re going to use it to feed to your lover (see, you though I was going to suggest eating it off them…well you could do that too).
Chocolate – Chocolate, to me, is heavenly and those who feed it to me deserve special attention, perhaps your mate feels the same way?
Fruit – chocolate covered strawberries come to mind, perhaps with whip cream. Or grapes. Feeding each other sexy food (and sipping on wine) is a nice way to begin romantic alone time.
Ice – Ice is best for use during the summer (for those of us in cooler climates). Running a cool cube across your lover body is a sexy way to cool them down.

For those who like Restraints:

Neck ties – After making your entrance in nothing but his neck tie, put it to use. A tie works well to tie arms together or to bedposts.
Scarves – Scarves look pretty and, just like a neck tie, work wonderfully to tie things together. They also serve well as blindfolds.
Belts – A great multitasker (see ‘For those who like Spanking’).
Dish Towels – I’d pair one of those white linen, embroidered dish towels with an apron for a complete cooking theme–they work as blindfolds or as ties. You could even incorporate food–a blindfolded taste test, or maybe tie your lovers arms behind their back and feed them chocolate covered strawberries.

For those who like Spanking:

Belts – Leather belts are always great for supplying that spine-tingling sting that some of us love.
Wooden Spoon – Another possible addition to that kitchen theme
Brush – A perfect paddle-like tool that provides lots of control for the spanker, and lots of sparks for the spankee.

Remember, sex is one important element that helps couples keep the connection, allowing their relationship to grow together. Despite the economy, we have to find ways to get that alone time we need, even on a budget.

I encourage all of you to get creative and have some fun exploring romantic, sexy ideas that cost little to nothing.