As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples are gearing to celebrate their love with a fun night out. But what if that’s not your idea of a good time? If the idea of heading to dinner and a movie stresses you out, check out this list of date ideas for homebodies.
Date Night as a Homebody Couple
Back in our early twenties, my husband and I (we were dating at the time), went out pretty frequently. And we even continued to go out for dates in the early years of our marriage, because we know the importance of dating your spouse. But, as it turns out, we’re both homebodies, and as we got a little older, became parents, and faced the stresses of adulthood, we found we have less and less desire to go out for date nights.
I’m not saying that we never go out. Sometimes dinner and a movie is just what we need. But more often than not, we just want to be home on those rare occasions it’s just the two of us.
Date Nights Are (Sometimes) Stressful
I realize this doesn’t apply to everyone, but for us, date nights can feel pretty stressful sometimes. First you have to find a time that works for both of you. My husband is a first responder, so that is a huge task in and of itself for us.
When you finally have the date nailed down, there’s a certain amount of pressure to have fun. After all, you spent all this time and money getting ready, hiring a sitter, eating, doing the activity (whatever that may be), so you better enjoy it!
And have you ever gone out on a date with your spouse and then feel a little let down on the way home? Like, Well that wasn’t as great as I thought it would be. We build the date up in our head and then feel a bit of a letdown when it doesn’t meet our (possibly unrealistic) expectations.
And parents seem to experience this much more than those without kids. Sometimes we are so tired from running ragged all the time (on minimal sleep) that a date night out seems like way too much work.
Again, don’t get me wrong; we love a night out every once in a while. But we also sometimes want to spend our kid-free evening in the comfort of our own home. So here are some fun date night ideas for homebodies you can use when you just want to be home with your spouse.
Date Ideas for Homebodies
The key to a good date at home is making it special. Don’t let it turn into a Netflix binge on the couch where you barely speak a word to each other (there’s a time and a place for that, though!). Instead, get creative with one of these date ideas for homebodies
Fancy Dinner In
I’m not gonna lie, one of the things I look forward to the most about date night is the food. I get so tired of my own cooking and it’s so nice to have someone else do that part for me. If you want the fancy dinner without having to actually go to the restaurant, try this date.
First, set your table with a pretty tablecloth, flowers, and candles. Break out your wedding china that’s been gathering dust. Pick up a fancy bottle of wine or other special drink and use the good glasses.
Next, order dinner from your favorite fancy restaurant. Include the different courses if you want, and either have it delivered, or pick it up to go. Transfer the food from the take-out boxes to your good serving dishes and set the table.
Then, slide into something pretty and enjoy a yummy candlelight dinner right in your own home. This intimate setting sparks lovely conversation, and you’ll get some great one-on-one time with your spouse.
An extra plus to this date? You’re already super close to the bedroom if things get spicy (*wink*)!
Game Night
This is one of my favorite date ideas for homebodies. If you and your hubby are into games, break out your favorites and let off some steam with some good-natured competition. If you want to get fancy about it, build a theme around whatever game you plan on playing.
Either pick up pizza or your favorite take-out, or set out lots of yummy finger foods and snacks. It’s date night! Don’t worry about being too healthy if you don’t want. My husband loves finger foods, so some winners for us are fried pickles, pinwheels, barbeque sausages, cheese and crackers, and so forth.
Pick a favorite game, or try a new one! Some good games for couples include Battleship, Hive , Codenames Duet, and card games.
Movie Night In
If movies are a must for your date night, recreate the theater experience at home! I don’t know about you, but I crave movie theater popcorn. If microwave or air popped doesn’t cut it, stop by your local movie theater and pick up a bucket. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Load up your streaming queue with that movie you and your spouse have been dying to see, grab some snacks and drinks, and get that date rolling. For a fun touch, put together a movie date kit that includes your favorite snacks or candy, some comfy socks or a soft blanket, and your favorite drink.
Scrapbook Pages Craft Date
This next date idea for homebodies is perfect for you crafty couples. If you want to take a walk down memory lane, consider having a scrapbook night. But don’t force your hubby if he’s not into it; you want it to be fun for both of you!
Print some of your favorite pictures from the last year (Walgreens, Walmart, FreePrints, and others have super reasonable prices). Make a craft store run together and get the supplies for your page. This doesn’t have to be a huge complicated thing; many craft stores have kits for scrapbook pages. As you build your page, the memories from the photo will spark some great reminiscing.
If you do this date often (or even yearly on an anniversary or Valentine’s Day), you’ll soon have a book full of memories to show your kids.
Make Dinner Together
Before you click away thinking, Cooking is the last thing I want to do on my date night!, hear me out! Making dinner as a date activity is way different from throwing meals together on a regular night. Most of us cook to sustain our families, but this date turns a mundane task into a romantic evening in.
Plan a meal that you both want to eat. I’m guessing whatever you choose is a far cry from the chicken nuggets and mac ‘n cheese your littles prefer. Shop for the ingredients together; wander leisurely around the store, try new ingredients, and select a special bottle of wine. As a parent, you know that grocery trips with children are never like this!
When you get home, put on some fun jazz music and get to cooking! Take your time, and have fun with your partner. There’s something soothing about preparing a meal together, and it’s a great time to catch up. After dinner, enjoy a yummy dessert (that you made or bought, depending on how ambitious you feel) on the couch and enjoy the one-on-one time.
Get started!
Try any of these dates for homebodies this Valentine’s Day, or anytime you need a date night but don’t want to get out. Don’t let your special time be filled with stress and pressure. Use these dates to enjoy time with your spouse from the comfort of your own home.
