It’s no surprise that more people are interested in having a date night at home. Given the public health emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19, it’s smart to reduce your risk by staying in instead of hitting a club or heading to a crowded restaurant. Still, “Netflix and chill” can get boring after a while, and you want your dates to feel fresh and fun.
Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can look for inspiration for your next date night at home that doesn’t involve sitting on the couch and binge-watching a show. Though a movie date is a classic, it’s more enjoyable to spend an evening doing something that allows you to get to know each other better. If you aren’t sure what to do, keep reading for some great date night ideas at home that are way better than Netflix.
1. Have a card game night.
Card games are a versatile and inexpensive option for entertainment and almost everyone knows a card game or two. Gin Rummy, Blackjack, Poker, Old maid, Egyptian Ratscrew, Canasta, Whist, Cribbage, Go Fish, and Pinochle are just a few of the options you have if you’re looking for popular card games to play. You can even find fun ways to gamble on your hand of cards without using money. One great way to make gameplay even more personal is to get a custom set of cards before the big night. You can order your own card deck with your favorite photos and memories. If you’re in a relationship, you can choose your favorite photos together. For a first date, it can be fun to get a deck made that shows a little more about your personality.
2. Spend the evening cooking together.
Whether you want to make shrimp gumbo or try a simpler recipe, cooking together can be a blast. As a bonus, you can save money and avoid ordering take-out by making a meal to share yourselves. You can talk in advance about what foods you like, and you should make sure your date doesn’t have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. One way to approach it is for each of you to choose a dish and share family recipes.
3. Work on some arts and crafts.
Even if you aren’t the artsy type, it can be a lot of fun to find a hands-on project you can work on together. It doesn’t need to be complicated, even simple activities like breaking out some crayons and coloring books are a good way to get to know each other better. Talk to your date about their favorite activities and see if you can come up with something to do that engages your creativity a little bit.
When polled, most people say their favorite gifts are often experiences. That’s because creating memories with someone you care about is one of the best parts of being in a relationship. Whether you’re just starting out in a new relationship or planning a date for someone you’ve been with for a long time, doing something unique together can help make an ordinary date night into something special.
There are a lot of options for stay-at-home activities, and the best fit for you and your date depends entirely on your preferences and personality. If you don’t know someone that well yet, don’t be afraid to ask them some questions about what they like to do before you plan your date night. You may also get points for being thoughtful and taking their ideas into account before you decide what to do. Activities and games that involve talking to each other or working on a project together are a much better way to get to know someone or spend meaningful time with them than staring at a television screen for hours any day.
