The Ultimate Stay at Home Dates
Who needs fancy restaurants, overpriced movie tickets, or a dress code that doesn't include sweatpants? We're here to guide you through the magical world of stay-at-home dates, where your living room becomes the love shack, and a pair of fuzzy slippers is the ultimate accessory.
Setting the Mood
First things first: ambiance, schmambiance! Forget spending a fortune on mood lighting and rose petals. Instead, embrace the power of DIY decor.
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String up some fairy lights and toss a few cushions on the floor – instant romance! And don't forget the candles. Nothing says love like a “Pumpkin Spice Latte” scent wafting through the air.
To top it off, compile the ultimate love playlist, featuring classics like Barry White and, of course, Toto's “Africa.” You're welcome.
Food & Drink
Now, let's talk about what really matters – the grub. Stay-at-home dates are the perfect excuse to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and whip up some homemade gourmet cuisine.
Sure, you might only have two-star skills, but who cares? Alternatively, embrace the true meaning of “Netflix and chill” with pizza and sweatpants. Love is all about accepting each other, tomato sauce stains and all.
To wash it down, choose a beverage of love that suits your style – be it fine wine, craft beer, or juice boxes for a touch of childhood nostalgia.
Indoor Picnic
Oh, picnics – the sunshine, the lawn beneath your toes, the creepy crawlies…hold up, creepy crawlies? Not today! Cheer up, lovebirds, for we're shifting the picnic indoors. Bid farewell to sunburns and “greetings” to a homey date night extravaganza!
Being indoors together in such an intimate, quiet (hopefully!) setting is the perfect chance for you both to practice your active listening skills. This is something we've talked about a lot; healthy communication is a huge part of any long-term relationship, and active listening is a big part of communication!
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment, staying in is the new going out. Bust out the board games and test your relationship with a friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition.
Monopoly might just be the ultimate test of love. Or, transform your living room into the hottest movie theater in town with a DIY movie night. Extra points for making your own popcorn!
Feeling brave? Show off your vocal chops with a karaoke showdown. Serenade your partner with off-key love ballads and watch their heart melt (or at least try not to cringe).
Unique Stay-at-Home Dates
If you're looking to up the ante, why not try a Bob Ross paint night? Create happy little accidents together and marvel at each other's artistic prowess (or lack thereof).
Alternatively, step back in time or venture into a galaxy far, far away with a themed evening. From the roaring '20s to Star Wars, may the love be with you.
For the ultimate relationship test, design your own DIY escape room, complete with puzzles and padlocks. You might just find your way out… together.
The Art of Relaxation
Sometimes, the best dates are all about relaxation. Try couples' yoga and find inner peace (and some hilarious positions) together.
Or, turn your bathroom into a five-star spa, complete with scented oils, fluffy robes, and, of course, a rubber ducky.
For a true blast from the past, build a pillow fort for two and snuggle up like the grown-up kids you are.
Backyard glamping
Who needs the wilderness when you've got a backyard? Pitch a tent, set up some cozy blankets, and roast marshmallows over a mini fire pit.
Don't forget the bug spray – you never know what kinds of critters are lurking in the suburban wild!
Dance party for two
Clear some space in your living room and let loose with a dance party just for the two of you.
From disco to dubstep, there's no shame in your dance game when it's just the two of you cutting a rug. Who knows, maybe you'll invent a new dance move or two.
Cook-off challenge
If you're both foodies, why not turn your kitchen into a battleground with a cook-off challenge?
Pick a theme or a key ingredient and see who can whip up the most delicious (or hilarious) dish. May the best chef win – and, more importantly, may the loser clean up!
Book club for two
Find a book you both want to read and start your very own book club – just for the two of you.
Discuss the plot, characters, and what you think will happen next while sipping on wine or hot chocolate. And remember, no spoilers!
DIY photo shoot
Unleash your inner model and photographer with a DIY photo shoot.
Raid your wardrobe for the wackiest outfits, strike your best poses, and let the camera roll. Just remember, what happens in the living room, stays in the living room.
Costume night
Forget about dressing up just for Halloween.
Pick a theme and dress to the nines in the most outrageous costumes you can find. Pirates? Superheroes? Giant inflatable dinosaurs? The choice is yours. Just don't forget the mandatory selfies.
Talent show
It's time to show off those hidden talents (or lack thereof). Juggling, singing, magic tricks, or even an uncanny ability to wiggle your ears – anything goes in this love-filled talent show.
Remember, it's not about winning; it's about making each other laugh.
Travel the world from your living room
Pick a country you've always wanted to visit, and create a themed night around it.
Cook up some traditional dishes, learn a few phrases in the local language, and immerse yourselves in the culture – all without leaving your sofa.
Who said you need a passport to travel?
Pottery night
Channel your inner Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore with a pottery night à la Ghost.
No pottery wheel? No problem! Grab some clay or Play-Doh and let your creativity run wild. Just try not to get too carried away with the romantic vibes.
Video game marathon
Dust off those old video game consoles or boot up your PC for a gaming marathon.
Whether you're racing each other in Mario Kart or trying to survive a zombie apocalypse together, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.
Just remember, it's all fun and games until someone throws a controller.
DIY pub trivia
Take turns hosting your very own pub trivia night. Each person creates a round of questions on any topic, from obscure movie facts to hilarious historical events.
The winner gets bragging rights and, of course, the privilege of choosing the next stay-at-home date night idea.
Memory lane
Break out those old photo albums or scroll through your digital archives, and take a walk down memory lane together.
Reminisce about your favorite moments, cringe at your most embarrassing outfits, and laugh at the many hairstyles that should never make a comeback.
Build-a-fort-and-movie-marathon
Combine the childhood nostalgia of building a pillow and blanket fort with the grown-up joy of a movie marathon.
Curate a lineup of your favorite flicks, from laugh-out-loud comedies to sappy romances, and snuggle up in your cozy fortress of love.
Blind taste test
Put your taste buds to the test with a blindfolded culinary adventure. Take turns feeding each other mysterious bites and trying to guess what's on the menu.
Just make sure there are no surprise jalapeños, unless you're both into that kind of thing.
At-home wine or beer tasting
No need to visit a vineyard or brewery when you can bring the tasting experience right to your living room.
Grab a selection of wines or craft beers, create a tasting sheet, and indulge in some sophisticated sipping. Pinkies up, folks.
Personalized scavenger hunt
Design a scavenger hunt throughout your home, complete with riddles, clues, and hidden surprises.
Make it extra special by incorporating inside jokes, memories, or sentimental items. Winner gets a romantic reward of their choosing.
DIY mini-golf course
Put your creativity to the test by constructing a mini-golf course throughout your home, using everyday items like books, cups, and cardboard.
Grab a putter (or a broom handle), and let the wacky golfing shenanigans begin.
Themed movie night
Choose a theme and curate a lineup of movies that fit the bill.
Superheroes, rom-coms, or even the worst-rated films on IMDb – the choice is yours.
Don't forget the popcorn and snuggly blanket for optimum movie-watching comfort.
Learn a new skill together
From juggling to knitting, pick a skill you've always wanted to learn and embark on the journey of self-improvement together.
You might discover hidden talents or, at the very least, enjoy some good laughs along the way.
At-home workout challenge
If you're both fitness enthusiasts (or just looking for an excuse to wear activewear), try an at-home workout challenge.
Choose a fun exercise routine, crank up the music, and get your sweat on. And remember, couples who plank together, stay together.
Indoor camping
If backyard glamping isn't enough, bring the great outdoors inside with an indoor camping experience.
Set up a tent (or build a blanket fort), roll out the sleeping bags, and tell spooky stories by flashlight. Just be prepared for the occasional indoor squirrel – also known as your cat.
Mad scientist cocktail night
Release your inner mixologist and create wacky concoctions with whatever ingredients you have in the house.
From odd flavor combinations to drinks that change color, the possibilities are endless – and the results, potentially hilarious.
Cheers to liquid experiments!
Origami night
Unleash your inner paper-folding master with an evening of origami.
Create intricate animals, flowers, or even attempt a tiny paper replica of your living room.
The worst-case scenario? You end up with a bunch of colorful paper airplanes. Not too shabby!
Recreate your first date
Take a trip down memory lane and recreate your first date – right in your living room.
Try to mimic the meal, the outfits, and the awkward first-date jitters.
Hopefully, this time, she won't spill ice on your lap (or maybe she will, for old times' sake).
Bake-off challenge
If you both have a sweet tooth, a bake-off challenge is the perfect way to indulge.
Choose a dessert recipe and see who can create the most delicious (or at least the most Instagram-worthy) treat.
Just remember, calories don't count on date night.
DIY game show night
Take inspiration from your favorite game shows and create your own versions at home.
From trivia battles to guessing games, the possibilities are endless. Just try not to let the competitive spirit turn your living room into a battleground.
Write a story together
Flex your creative muscles and write a story together.
Take turns adding sentences or paragraphs and watch as your wild and wacky tale unfolds. Whether it's a thrilling mystery or a sappy romance, one thing's for sure – it'll be a bestseller in your hearts.
Homemade pizza night
Transform your kitchen into an Italian pizzeria with a homemade pizza night.
Roll out the dough, choose your favorite toppings, and let the cheesy goodness commence. Extra points for creative pizza shapes or heartwarming messages spelled out in pepperoni.
At-home spa day
Pamper yourselves with a relaxing at-home spa day. Break out the face masks, cucumber slices, and scented candles.
Indulge in a bubble bath for two or take turns giving each other massages. Caution: May cause extreme relaxation and uncontrollable giggles.
DIY craft night
Unleash your inner Picasso with a DIY craft night. Pick a project – from painting to knitting or even bedazzling – and let the creative juices flow.
The end result might be a masterpiece or a hilarious disaster, but either way, you'll have a blast.
Couples' bucket list
Dream up your ultimate couples' bucket list together. From travel destinations to wild adventures, jot down all the things you want to experience as a couple.
It's the perfect way to bond over your dreams and aspirations – and maybe even plan your next real-life date night.
Create your own language
For the ultimate bonding experience, create your very own secret language. Develop your own words, phrases, and inside jokes that only the two of you can understand.
Just be prepared for some raised eyebrows and quizzical looks from friends and family.
The Grand Finale: A Love Letter to Stay-at-Home Date Nights
And there you have it, dear lovebirds – an awe-inspiring compendium of stay-at-home date nights, crafted with care to keep the laughter alive and your hearts forever entwined.
From indoor picnics to homemade pizzerias, from dance parties to DIY spa days, we've traversed the realms of romance, adventure, and unadulterated silliness, all within the sacred sanctuary of your humble abode.
As you embark on this journey through the Ultimate Stay-at-Home Date Night List, let your love be your guiding light, illuminating the path to countless unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime.
For in the end, it's not the grand gestures or lavish outings that truly define a relationship, but rather the quiet moments, the shared laughter, and the cozy nights in that leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
So, snuggle up, raise a glass (or a pizza slice), and toast to the magic of love, connection, and the extraordinary power of simply being together. May your stay-at-home date nights be filled with boundless joy, side-splitting laughter, and an ever-growing love that knows no bounds.
Here's to you, the intrepid explorers of the stay-at-home dating world – may your love story be one for the ages, and may your nights be forever filled with the warmth and wonder of each other's embrace. Cheers, and happy dating!
We've lived in amazing places, from Florida to Puerto Rico, and way up in Alaska, and now we live in the mountains of Colorado with our two crazy rescue pups, Roxy & Rico.
I want to be able to share some things with my spouse. I will try them out.