Scheduling and enjoying regular one-on-one time with your partner is so important. Of course, if you recently welcomed a new addition, you may now realize that a baby can completely derail fancy date nights. Suffice it to say, an evening out might not be in the cards for the foreseeable future. After all, the last thing many parents want to do after a long day of caring for a newborn (and all the inevitable messes that come with them!) is to get dolled up to hit the town. Fortunately, you can still enjoy each other’s company without leaving the comfort of your couch. This is where fun at-home date night ideas come into play.
At-home date nights are the latest craze, thanks in part to the global pandemic, which left us all stuck indoors, and forced couples to get creative in the date-night department. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to embrace romance and try something new. Whether you have a passion for fine dining or love nothing more than playing board games with your other half, the options for date nights at home are endless. Schedule some low-key alone time once a month, or plan a big event for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. The best part? There’s no dress code, so you can stay in your comfies or go full glam while hanging out with your number one.
Need a spark of inspiration? Keep reading to discover 15 unique at-home date-night ideas to enjoy together.
Need a little help organizing at-home date night ideas? DateBox Club is here to save the day. The subscription service delivers everything you need for a romantic night in, straight to your door. Each DateBox is centered on a different theme, and contains fun activities with comprehensive instructions designed to help couples connect. Recent activities have included all the tools needed to create a time capsule, a board-game bonanza and a creative DIY paint night. Not ready to commit to a subscription? No worries—you can make a one-time purchase of a standalone DateBox or splash out on the Tub Time Intimacy Box for some adults-only fun.
Buy it: DateBox Club, subscriptions start at $38 per month or make a one-off purchase of $44, DateBoxClub.com
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the sparks flying. This couples’ card game is one of the best cheap date-night ideas you can enjoy at home. Laugh, reminisce and share stories using the deck of 100 cards, which feature intimate questions and conversation starters. It’s a fun, simple game that you can enjoy time after time. After all, is there anything more romantic than having a deep, meaningful conversation with your significant other?
Buy it: Our Moments Couples: 100 Thought Provoking Conversation Starters, $20, Amazon.com
Spice up your love life with an online cooking class hosted by Sur la Table. Join expert chefs for a live demonstration from the comfort of your own kitchen, and learn new skills in everything from prep to plating. There are tons of options to choose from, so you can discover the joys of classic cooking or delve into the world of vegan cuisine. Once the class is over, sit back and enjoy the tasty meal you made together.
Buy it: Sur la Table Online Cooking Class, starting at $29 per family, SurlaTable.com
Craving a cocktail, but don’t want to hire a babysitter and deal with a crowded bar? We hear you. Artisan Craft Cocktails offer a virtual tasting experience that’s perfect for celebrating a special event—like a birthday, anniversary or even Valentine’s Day—without having to leave the house. Sign up and you’ll receive one trio gift box per guest, plus your own dedicated host for the evening. And there’s no need to buy a fancy shaker, simply pour the signature cocktails over ice and enjoy. Trust us, at-home date-night ideas don’t get much better than this.
Buy it: Artisan Craft Cocktails Virtual Cocktail Tasting Experience, $90 per guest, ArtistanCraftCocktails.com
Searching for sensual at-home date night ideas? Take a couples’ massage to the next level with this luxurious, hand-poured candle. It contains skin-softening jojoba and soybean oils that can be poured onto the skin once melted. Simply light the candle for 10 to 15 minutes, then blow it out and pour the warm oil directly onto your partner’s skin, or apply it using your hands. This is a super-sexy way for new parents to relax and reconnect at home.
Buy it: Maude Burn No. 2 Massage Candle, $25, maude.com
Tap into your creative side with an artistic date night for parents. You and your sweetheart will be transported to the winding streets of the Amalfi coast or the bright lights of Paris with these fun DIY paint kits. The couples’ set contains paints, brushes, instructions and two canvases depicting gorgeous European street scenes rendered in shadows. Paint over the image with any colors you’d like to create your very own masterpiece—even if you don’t fancy yourself as the next Michelangelo.
Buy it: Uncommon Goods Date Night Paint by Shadows Kit, $40, UncommonGoods.com
Get ready for an entire catalog of wow-worthy at-home date night ideas courtesy of Adventure Challenge. This book contains 50 scratch-and-reveal challenges for new parents to enjoy together. The only catch? Once you’ve unveiled your latest activity you have to do it! The challenges range from $0 to $50, and include at-home or local activities to try. Plus, there’s a handy money and time guide to help you decide on your quest of the day. The book is rated PG, meaning it’s filled with family-friendly ideas but you could up the ante and pre-order the In-Bed Adventure Challenge book too—just saying.
Buy it: The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition, $45, TheAdventureChallenge.com
Sometimes parents just want to put their feet up and relax—but that doesn’t mean date night is off the table. Instead unwind and recharge with a couples’ spa night at home. This pampering gift box for two includes body oil, clay facial masks, bath salts, a hand-poured soy candle and more. At-home date night ideas where the dresscode is a robe and slippers? Sign us up.
Buy it: Relaxation At Home Date Night Box, $54, Etsy.com
If your partner is pregnant or nursing, skip the boozy night out and opt for tasty non-alcoholic drinks at home. Our top pick? Monday’s zero-proof gin and whiskey available at Bespoke Post. The natural blend of ingredients tastes just as good as the real thing, and contains no sugar, calories or carbs so it’s a lighter choice too.
Buy it: Bespoke Post Zero Proof Mocktail Kit, $55, BespokePost.com
Dinner and a movie is a classic date night idea. It also happens to be an option you can easily enjoy at home. Sure, you could just curl up and watch something on TV, but why not recreate the theater vibe with a movie projector? This mini, Wi-Fi enabled projector lets you stream and watch your favorite films on the big screen (AKA your living room wall). Popcorn is optional but strongly advised.
Buy it: GooDee Mini Movie Projector, $100, Amazon.com
Fun date night ideas at home often include tasty tit-bits—and with good reason. Cooking together is a fun, bonding activity that engages all the senses. So if Mom has missed out on sushi during her pregnancy, or if you both just want to try something new, pick up this DIY sushi kit by Williams Sonoma. It includes detailed instructions, rice, seasonings and a flexible bamboo mat. Just line the mat with nori, spread the sushi rice on top, add your favorite fillings and you’re ready to roll.
Buy it: Williams Sonoma DIY Sushi Kit, $35, WilliamsSonama.com
One awesome date night idea for parents? At home karaoke! This wireless microphone links to your smartphone, so you can pick your favorite tune and sing along in time to the music. Why not practice a duet with your love, or get the whole family involved and keep the good times going.
Buy it: BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone, $36, Amazon.com
Bring the outdoors inside, and have a romantic camp out in your living room. Roll out a blanket, tell scary stories and make some homemade s’mores using the Flikr tabletop fireplace. The mini fireplace is safe to use inside, and the cement material won’t overheat. It also uses isopropyl fuel for a clean burn that doesn’t create soot and is safe to eat over. Camping has never been so classy.
Buy it: Flikr Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace, $99, Huckberry.com
Everyone’s idea of romance is different, which is why we’ve included an at-home date night idea for all you true crime aficionados out there. Hunt A Killer is an immersive murder mystery game with a case told over the course of six monthly “episodes” or boxes. Each box is filled with clues to help you solve the classic “whodunit” case. Work through the evidence with your partner in crime, and in the final episode you’ll be able to catch the killer. Bonus: Hunt a Killer also makes a Sweethearts Bundle, because couples that play together stay together!
Buy it: Hunt a Killer Monthly Membership, $30 per month, HuntaKiller.com
Last up on our list of the best at-home date night ideas for new parents is this super-cute set of date cards. Created by a real-life mom, who knows the struggle of finding a sitter, this set includes 12 envelopes containing a monthly date you can enjoy together. Better yet, you can customize this gift to include ideas that appeal to your family’s unique interests and request themed activities for the holidays. How sweet is that?
Buy it: SundayAftrnLetters 12 Months of At-Home Date Cards, $15, Etsy.com
Plus, more from The Bump:
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
