Fall is in full swing and you know what that means...homecoming (aka HOCO) is right around the corner! So, as you gear up for the big game and dance that often follows, don’t forget about one important, lingering task: asking your budding crush, bff or friend group to be your date(s).

And, I don’t know about you, but with so many teens missing out on this event last year, it feels like everyone is going bigger than ever before on their viral HOCO proposals. So, if you’re having trouble coming up with creative ideas, have a limited budget or just tend to be on the shyer side, we see you. 👀

Below we’ve put together a list of epic ideas to help you pop the big HOCO question on a budget. Let’s do this! 💪

Idea #1: Make your first impression stick 🤔

Sticky notes are great because you can always find some laying around and they’re also really easy to put up and take down. Simply use the sticky notes to spell out “Homecoming?” on their locker, in the hallway, or in a more private setting at home. And, if you appreciate a good pun, you could even say: “Will you stick by my side at homecoming?”

Idea #2: Heat things up with coffee ☕

This one is great for those waiting until the last minute or looking for something quick and easy! Offer to take them out for coffee or surprise them at school with their favorite caffeine fix. All you have to do is ask the barista to write “Homecoming?” on the cup in lieu of their name. I mean...I’d definitely say yes!

Idea #3: Float your way into their heart 🎈

If they’ve ever seen the movie Up or love a big gesture then this proposal idea is perfect. Stop by Party City or Target to stock up on balloons and get materials for a poster board that will say: “Will you fly up to homecoming with me?” Best part about this one – it’s very portable: the park, their house, at school, you name the place!

Idea #4: Net the big catch 🐠

Do we have any Ted Lasso fans out there? Goldfish are the happiest animals on the planet because they only have a 10 second memory. They also make for a very cute and inexpensive homecoming proposal. Simply pick up a goldfish from the pet store and add a card that says: “Of all the fish in the sea, will you go to Homecoming with me?” The best part, now they’ve got a fun new pet.

Idea #5: Dough it for love 🎂

If they’ve got a sweet tooth then you’ll crush it with this last one. Pop by your local grocery store, select a baked good and ask them to write “Homecoming?” on it in icing. And, if you’re really feeling crafty, you could even bake something yourself. When the moment comes, if you want to take things up a notch, you could say: “You truly take the cake. Homecoming?” We hope these ideas will help you land your dream date(s), offer a lot of laughs and save you from shelling out the big bucks for your HOCO proposal! Don’t forget to take a pic and tag @stepmobile to show us how you #SteppedUpHomecoming.