Stay-at-Home Date Night Ideas

Sometimes a night in is more appealing than a night out …aaaand sometimes you just don’t have a choice. Whether it’s quarantine or finances, or just your mood, here are some ideas for enjoying a night in with that special someone

First, a few Stay-at-home Date NIght Tips:

• Plan and Prioritize – Set aside time for an official date, mark it on the calendar and commit to being prepared and present
• Keep a bucket list of date ideas
• Take turns selecting activities and planning logistics
• Set the mood… whether it’s tidying up, lighting some candles, or just making sure the kids are tucked in tight, getting things in order ahead of time will allow you to fully relax and be in the moment
• Turn off your phones!

Stay-at-Home Date Ideas

• Play Games – Build up a collection of 2-player games
  • Codenames Duet
  • Scrabble
  • Yahtzee
  • Boggle
  • Uno
  • bananagrams
  • Jigsaw puzzle
  • Mastermind
  • Video games
  • 20 questions
  • Card games (speed, nerts, rummy)
  • More 2-player game ideas

• Dine In Options – When you’re ready to branch out beyond take-out and delivery
  •  Appetizers, finger foods
  • Fondue
  • Homemade pizza 
  • Pick a theme/food type and set up the room to match
  • Breakfast in bed
  • Picnic – indoor or backyard
  • Take-out or delivery
  • Tasting party – Pick a category (ice cream, cookies, chocolate, cheese, ice cream) and try various flavors/options

• Connect
  • Conversation jar or question list 
  • Personality quiz
  • Personal trivia, aka “newlywed game” trivia
  • Reminisce together and record stories in a journal or even on video – how you met, what you love about each other, memorable trips, etc.

• Learn together – take an online class or look up tutorials to explore together
  • Painting, drawing, or other crafts
  • Cooking
  • Dance
  • Reading – set up your own mini book club

• Relax 
  • Set up your own private spa & massage room
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset
  • Listen to a favorite album or concert

• Upgrade Your Movie Night – Mix up your typical movie streaming experience
  • Keep a running list of movies to watch together so you don’t have to waste precious time (and goodwill) on choosing a flick
  • Watch in a different room than you typically do, or set up special seating — lay out pillows & blankets on the floor, or bring the comfy seating into the bedroom
  • Have your favorite movie theater food and on hand– why stop at popcorn and candy? Fill up your food trays with hot dogs, nachos, or soft pretzels