Celebrate Valentine's Day Without Leaving Home: Fantastic Date Ideas for Every Couple

Sometimes going out for date night just isn't in the cards. Whether it's because you don't have a baby sitter, or money is a little tight, that shouldn't stop you from having a nice, romantic Valentine's Day with the one you love.

My husband and I have been together for 12 years now (today is the anniversary of the day we started dating) and in addition to having two kiddos, we also live in a pretty small town with not much to do or see. For a lot of our date nights, we go to the movies and when the weather is right, we go out of town for the day or the weekend. That's if we have a babysitter, that is. So naturally, sometimes date night outside the home, just isn't in the cards for any number of reasons. We have become the masters at in-home date nights. Not only are the much more budget friendly, but we are closer to the bedroom (wink, wink). 

In all seriousness, coming up with fun in-home date night ideas doesn't have to be a chore. Check out some of our favorites!

Indoor Picnic

Photo Credit: unknown

Some nights we just like to push the coffee table out of the way, throw some pillows and blankets on the floor, and have an indoor picnic. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but adding candle light will set the mood no matter what you choose to have for your picnic food. Some nights we have sandwiches and salads and wine, other nights we have an actual meal on the floor. It's really a lot more romantic than it sounds, and you can enjoy each other's company without the insects that you would at an outdoor picnic, or wait staff at a restaurant. You could also put a movie on and curl up with a bowl of popcorn and some wine instead of having a full blown picnic. 

Date Night Boxes

Photo Credit: Simply Nerdy Mom

There are a pretty nice variety of Date Night Boxes on the market right now. Our favorite is Date Box Club. Not only do they send you boxes each month with a new date night idea and all the materials you need, but they also have a plethora of date night ideas on their site for free. You can get anything from baking together to games and conversation starters. 

Sit Around a Fire

Photo Credit: unknown

If you happen to live someplace that doesn't get pounded with snow during Valentine's Day and also happen to live some place where you can have a firepit, a great date night we always love is just building a fire, curling up with a blanket, having a beverage, and roasting marshmallows. Of course, living in frosty Pennsylvania, we can only do this for about three seasons of the year (if we are lucky). You could also do this if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace as well! 

Cook a Meal Together

Photo Credit: youqueen.com

We have a smaller kitchen, so cooking together can be quite romantic sometimes. Not only that, but it's great bonding time and neither of us has to feel like we are being rushed or taking on dinner all by ourselves. We cook together even when it isn't date night, but there's just something special about making a meal (or baking!) together. Turn on some music, pour a couple drinks, and make something new. Have fun with it. 

Play in the Snow

If you live where there's snow this time of year, like I do, utilize it! One of my husband and I's very first dates included playing in the snow and it's a memory I will always cherish. We came home from dinner at my parents house one night and it was snowing huge flakes. The snow was perfect for building a snowman. So we played outside in the snow at night under the streetlight in front of my apartment. It was fun, romantic, and you don't have to be a kid to enjoy playing in the snow. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels, and then go in the house and warm up together with some hot cocoa. 

Play a Game Together

Play a game together. Any game. It can be a board game, a card game, or even a video game. And I can tell you from experience that if your significant other is a gamer, and you usually are not, suggesting a friendly battle will be a huge surprise and turn on to them. Want to spice things up? Hit up your local adult store (or online if you choose) for some fun adult games to play. 

Put a Puzzle Together

Some of you might be thinking puzzles seem like something that older people do on a Sunday afternoon, but my husband and I are in our early 30's and have been putting together puzzles for date nights since we first started dating 12 years ago. We have even pulled all nighters pieces together some of our favorite puzzles. You can put together one that features a photo design that you like, or have a special personalized puzzle made for you and your significant other on various site that can feature a special message or even a photo. Hint: This is a great option for marriage proposals and pregnancy announcements as well! 

Whatever you come up with, remember to live in the moment and just enjoy being in each other's company. One rule we have for date nights is no phones. Turn off your electronics (unless of course you are listening to music or watching a movie) and just be with one another without the distractions. 

Enter to win a Thomas Kinkade Gone With the Wind 1000 piece puzzle, perfect for your stay-at-home date night! 

ENTER HERE!