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It’s a common misconception that “date night” means you have to go to the fanciest restaurant in town.
Once you arrive, you order nothing but the juiciest steak, and pair it with a 20-year old bottle of wine for it to be a “good” evening.
This is totally the opposite of any “at home date night ideas” you could do to save money, correct?
Now, I won’t argue that date nights are important in a relationship. After all, they’re what keep the feeling of love and connection strong, even after years of being together.
Take it from me, you should never stop going on dates with the person you love. That’s why my husband and I are still happy together, even after all this time.
But love isn’t a good excuse to be wasteful with your money. You can have a romantic evening while chilling at home on the couch, as long as you’re together.
To prove it, here are five of the best at-home date night ideas for romance on a budget.
Now, I won’t argue that date nights are important in a relationship.
After all, they’re what keep the feeling of love and connection strong, even after years of being together. Take it from me. You should never stop going on dates with the person you love.
That’s why my husband and I are still happy together, even after all this time.
1. Have a snuggle session
Let’s start off this list of at-home date night ideas with something simple. Snuggling is a wholesome activity that any couple can do. All you need to do is grab a blanket, cuddle up, and get cozy with the one you love.
2. Turn out the lights
What could be more romantic than a candlelit evening? Turning off all the lights can be a great way to set the mood for a lovely date night. (I’m not mad it helps with electricity costs, too.)
3. Put together a puzzle
A couple’s bond grows stronger when they overcome challenges together. Putting together a puzzle is a fun and engaging way to build a better bond with your boo. It can be frustrating, but you’ll both feel great once you’ve finished!
4. Have a “Real Talk”
There might’ve been something you’ve been meaning to talk about with your partner but could never find the time. Having an honest talk with your partner could be great for you both. That is, of course, if you feel the timing is right.
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5. Play video games
Many people have some sort of game console at home. If you do, a round of Mario Kart can be a great way to spend your at-home date night. There are quite a few mobile games that you two can enjoy as well.
6. Plan a trip
One of the best parts about having a trip is planning it! Just thinking about going somewhere together is already a thrilling experience. If a trip isn’t your thing, you can also check out my list of staycation ideas for some inspo.
7. Have a pillow fight
Have some good, child-like fun with an old-fashioned pillow fight! That’s just one way you guys can have fun in the bedroom. 😉
8. Play a drinking game
Drinking games aren’t just for college kids. Grab a few bottles of Heineken, and then play yourselves a few rounds of “Never Have I Ever.” Who knows? You might even learn something new about your partner.
9. Try a home improvement project
Do you have a desk with a loose screw? Or maybe a wall that could do with a fresh coat of paint? Taking on a home improvement project together can be a fun and rewarding experience.
10. Talk about the future
The future can be a scary topic for most couples. If you feel you and your partner are ready, then it might be a good time to talk about it. It’s important to know where you both think you’re headed, whether it be together or on your own.
11. Have an arts and crafts night
There are a lot of activities you can do during an arts and crafts night. Painting, creating a vision board, and adult coloring are just some things you can do together.
12. Have a picnic (Romantic At-Home Date Night Idea!)
A picnic is another one of the simpler at-home date night ideas on this list. All you have to do is set up a blanket, grab some snacks, and enjoy each other’s company. This is best done outdoors, but you can do this indoors as well!
13. Take a video
Want to be able to relive your romantic evening all over again? Have a video shoot with your partner using a camera or even just your phone. Apps like TikTok and Instagram make shooting videos easy and fun!
14. Camp in the living room
Camping trips are a really nice idea, but they’re not for everyone. If you like the idea of camping without all the hassle, you can do it in the living room. To make things extra fun, you can set up some glow-in-the-dark stars to really set the mood.
15. Check out today’s latest hits
There are a ton of great movies and shows out, some of which you may not have gotten around to seeing yet. Maybe it’s time to get started on that watch list?
16. Make a tier list
This is one of the more “out-there” at-home date night ideas. To make a tier list, you and your partner can rank something within a category and decide what’s the best. There are a lot of things you can rate, like fast food joints and travel destinations. It’s always a fun time to know your partner’s opinion on things like these.
17. Taste test some treats!
Go for a grocery run and grab all the snacks you’ve wanted to try! It’s a fun and inexpensive way to explore some new food.
18. Watch a sports game
Cheer on the home team and schedule a date night during their game! No matter what sport you’re watching, it’s bound to be a great bonding experience.
19. Take online personality tests
Online personality tests are a fun way to poke fun at and learn more about each other. Just remember not to take them too seriously since they’re all for entertainment.
20. Do some exercise together
Working out can be a great way to bond with your partner while also staying fit. You can even admire each other’s progress when you’re done.
21. Cook a fancy dinner together
What could be better than sharing a delicious meal with the one you love? Preparing that same meal together! Cooking is a great bonding activity, and when you commit to making a dish with the one you love, you’ll create a stronger bond with your partner as well. Check out my article on budget meal planning for some extra tips for this!
22. Have a spa night
Try spending an evening where you and your partner just take care of each other. Imagine giving each other some sensual foot and shoulder massages. Then in the background, putting on some smooth tunes. All of these plus the scent of candles in the air, and you’ve got a great date!
23. Flip through memories together
This is a genuinely fun and wholesome activity that any couple, young or old, can find joy in. Look at how you and your partner have changed over the years, reminisce about your younger years, and think about all the things that brought you both together.
24. Watch an old movie
Almost everyone these days has some sort of streaming service that they’re subscribed to. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, there’s bound to be a movie that neither of you has seen yet. This could be the time to watch that movie you both like but can never find the time for.
25. Just dance!
This is easily the simplest of the five at-home date night ideas on this list. All you need is some floor space, great music, and enough energy to shake those hips.
Whether you’re slow dancing or jamming to the latest hits, you’ll have fun as long as it’s with each other!
The best part about these at-home date night ideas is that you don’t necessarily have to choose just one.
Since these are just ideas you can do for a date night; you can do as many of them as you want when you’re planning one.
You and your partner are bound to have a great time when you try out any of these five ideas.
But some free time for a date night is a luxury that’s hard to come by, especially if you’re in debt. That’s why you need some of the best financial tips from yours truly.
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