For the majority of our 16 year marriage Shane and I have had stay-at-home date nights almost every weekend. Whether it was because we lacked babysitters, or our budget only allowed for one night out a month, or just out of pure "I don't feel like going out" laziness, over the years we have come to be fans of staying home and being creative.
When Wayfair had the idea to partner up to promote at home date night ideas, it was super easy to say yes. In fact, I kind of can't believe I haven't already blogged about it!
Here are my top 10 ideas....
#1. Planning a Vacation
Shane and I love to talk about and plan dream vacations. We snuggle up with the laptop and research far away places. We look up flight info,hotels, things to see and do. We see how much it would cost for the whole week long adventure. We have yet to actually go on one of these vacations but man, when we hit it big (wink, wink) we will have lots of options! It has been fun to learn about other countries and their customs. This could lead to another date night idea.....
#2. Exotic Dinner for Two
Research a different country during the week and plan a dinner with cuisine from that place. Decorate your dining room with things or pictures you print out that represent that country.
#3. DIY it!
As you can imagine, Shane and I do this one a lot. We changing into our grubby work clothes and tackle the latest project together. Sometimes it is something as simple as changing out a light fixture or as grimy a plumbing project in the bathroom. Shower when your done and then relax and enjoy your progress!
(light fixture: Kichler Laredo 3 Light Chandelier)
(Full office tour can be found HERE)
#4. Movie night
This is admittedly our go to date night. Shane LOVES movies and I love treats on the couch. We try to rotate who gets to pick the movie and even if it ends up being a weird sci-fi I at least I still have Shane and chocolate :)
#5. Baking Dessert together
I think I have admitted this before, but Shane bakes better than I do. Especially cookies. The only thing I have mastered is bread. Sometimes we decide to try something new and he gives me a baking lesson in the kitchen. This year we are going to try making chocolate lava cake. I am not sure why it makes me nervous. It seems like it would be hard. But I am sure it will be fun to try!
#6. Learn to dance
I have no rhythm. While I am a horrible dancer, Shane is very coordinated and likes to dance. Last year I signed us up for dance lessons through the community and actually got pumped up to learn. Sadly, we were the only ones to sign up so they cancelled the class. We are going to learn by watching videos online instead. I am guessing there will be laughter and smashed toes and very little actual dancing.
#7. Reading
As a book lover, I can't imagine many things that would be greater then being snuggled on couch next to my sweetheart reading a good book....with treats of course. Luckily I married someone who doesn't scoff at the idea of spending an afternoon or evening reading with me. He does however, have a hard time keeping a straight face when we have to do a photo shoot of us pretending to read :) You could also read the same book and have a book club for two!
Lots of pillows and blankets make it better too!
(Source list: red velvet pillow, navy pillows, grey pillow, navy throw blanket, brass floor lamp)
For all you book lovers, here is the print I made for my frame above the couch.
#8. Karaoke night
It has been quite a while since we have done this as a planned date night. Randomly bursting into song doesn't count. Make a music list of all the songs that remind you of your time dating and belt them out together. Maybe you have a legit machine with a microphone or you are like us and use wooden spoons. Either way, singing off key and laughing is a great date!
Pick a hobby that your partner is interested in and plan a date night around that. Do they love gardening? Maybe you could start seeds for your upcoming garden. Maybe they like photography. They could teach you the basics and you could set up some shoots for you to practice. Showing interest in something your spouse likes shows you value them.
#10. Star Gazing
Lay a blanket out in the back yard or snuggle up on your balcony and watch the stars. Research the constellations if you don't already know them. Plan your date around when there is going to be a meteor shower and count the shooting stars. I actually have reminders set on my phone for when all the meteor showers are going to happen through out the year.
Well those are our favorites. I would love to hear your best ideas for stay-at-home dates! Comment below :)
This is a sponsored post. Products were sent by Wayfair for my use in creating this post. All the ideas and opinions are all mine :)
Hey girl- Love your post! I'm hoping my husband will take me to Santa Fe Cattle Co. restaurant for Valentine's Day! I love going out to eat!
Lol even for a photo my husband would dump me on the floor if I tried to cuddle that close to him with a book.
Hahaha! That is too funny :) Luckily mine is a snuggler but he only made it through a few shots before he called it quits on the photo shoot.
I know it isn't super original but we love a candlelit dinner. We it cook together too.
These are great ideas!
These are such amazing ideas! Love them all...esp. the one about planning a vacation:) So fun!
We play cards and games especially when we are snowed in like now!
My husband and I do the second one all of the time! We love trying new foods and traveling the world via our dining room table.
These are fun ideas! We enjoy crafting together - it's a fun date night!
Oooh, so much great stuff here! Although, I really do like the book sign! ;-)