Planning a date night at home and want to make it feel just as special as going out? We’ve scoured the internet and social media for the best ideas so you don’t have to.
Since we’re all trying to spend a little less these days, at-home date nights are becoming a popular option.
In fact, it’s estimated that 8 in 10 people would actually rather spend Valentine’s Day at home[1] with their partner than go out to a dinner (*hands up* we’re one of them!).
Planning a date night at home doesn’t just save you a pretty penny, but it’s also much more intimate.
You can snuggle up under a blanket, have fun re-creating your favourite takeaway, and nobody will judge you for falling asleep during a movie.
Not to mention, there’s no prying eyes if you’re trying to keep your relationship (or situationship) on the lowdown.
Our Top 31 At-Home Date Night Ideas
Whether you’re taking baby steps into a relationship or just want to avoid the cost of a taxi home after a romantic evening, these ideas are sure to create a romantic night at home that you’ll both enjoy
1. Indulge in Some Competitive Board Games
Board games are such a fun and easy date night idea! They’re perfect for bringing out that playful, competitive side, which means plenty of laughs and bonding as you team up or try to outsmart each other.
Whether you go for a nostalgic favourite or try something new, playing together can keep the romance spark alive while keeping things super relaxed and enjoyable.
Our favourite couple date night games:
- Ticket to Ride – A strategic yet easy-to-learn game where you compete to build train routes across the map, perfect for some light-hearted competition.
- Codenames: Duet – A cooperative word game that challenges your communication skills as a team, ideal for testing how well you connect.
- Patchwork – A two-player game where you piece together colourful quilts, combining strategy with a touch of creativity.
- Jaipur – A dynamic trading game for two players, filled with quick turns and engaging gameplay, all based on buying, selling, and collecting goods.
- Fog of Love – A role-playing storytelling game where you share fun scenarios and make decisions as a fictional couple, full of romance and humour.
2. Get Crafty With Fun Cocktails
Spending an evening making fun new cocktails is such a great way to spice up a home date night. It’s all about trying new flavours, getting creative, and laughing over any mixology fails along the way.
The best part? You get to enjoy drinks made exactly how you like them without the crazy bar prices.We’ve also got a great list of spicy drinking games that you could incorporate into this idea to make it extra fun.
3. Turn Up the Music for a Living Room Dance Party
There’s something so romantic about dancing, isn’t there? It’s such a sweet way to connect with your partner — moving together, sharing a moment, and just feeling in sync.
The closeness, the rhythm, and even the vulnerability make it feel so intimate. And when you’re doing it in your living room, it’s even better.
4. Show Off Your Talents With a Home Karaoke Night
A home karaoke night is such a fun date idea, and there are so many reasons to love it. First off, it’s all about the joy and laughter — whether you’re nailing those high notes or completely missing them, it’s guaranteed to be hilarious.
Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent. Maybe one of you has an amazing voice, or maybe turning off-key performances into comedy gold is your thing.
5. Pamper Yourselves With a Home Spa Date
There’s nothing better than a home spa date to set the mood for some relaxation. Light a few scented candles, put on some chill music, and grab those fluffy robes.
You can take turns giving each other massages, try out some face masks, or soak your feet in a warm bath with a few drops of essential oils.
6. Turn Your Bedroom Into a Fancy Hotel Room
Who says you can’t bring the luxury of a fancy hotel into your own bedroom?
Little touches like pillow chocolates, fresh bedding, and even a pretend room service menu with your favourite takeout can make all the difference.
It’s a fun way to feel like you’ve checked into a luxury retreat — without the cost or the travel.
7. Turn Date Night into Date Morning With Breakfast in Bed
We know this isn’t a date night, but it’s a great way to continue the love and romance into the next day, if you want, of course.
You can use this idea to carry the luxurious hotel-at-home experience into the next day by serving up a delicious breakfast without even leaving the cosy comfort of your ‘staycation suite’.
8. Cosy Up With a Romantic Living Room Picnic
A picnic on the living room floor can be super romantic if you include all their favourite snacks.
Just grab a cosy blanket, light a few candles, and put together a spread of treats they love — think artisanal cheeses, some crackers with dips, and chocolate-covered strawberries are a must.
9. Build a Pillow Fort for Floor Camping
Why not take your living room picnic to the next level with a pillow fort? Grab some cushions, blankets, and pillows to build a cosy little hideaway you can relax in together.Add some fairy lights or use a flashlight to set the mood. And with you both snuggled up in the ambient light, who’s to say what might happen next?
10. Show Your Love With a Fancy Dinner
Cooking a fancy dinner at home for your partner is such a romantic way to show you care. Start by planning a menu with their favourite dishes, or try cooking something new together for a fun little adventure.
Set the mood with some candles, soft music, and maybe a few flowers to make it feel extra special.
11. Snuggle Up for a Movie Night (With Popcorn!)
Sometimes, the best date nights are the simplest ones.
Just grab a big bowl of popcorn, pick a movie, and snuggle up on the sofa; it’s the perfect way to relax and spend some quality time together. No planning needed!
Whether it’s a nostalgic favourite or that new release you’ve been meaning to watch, it’s all about enjoying the moment.
12. Recreate Your First Date At Home
Recreating your first date at home is such a sweet way to relive those early moments and celebrate your journey as a couple. It’s a chance to look back at how it all started and laugh (or blush) at the memories you’ve made since.
Was it a dinner at your favourite restaurant or an exciting activity you both loved? Bring that vibe into your space — light some candles, cook the same meal, or even wear what you wore that day.
13. Plan Your Dream Trip Over Wine
Popping open a bottle of wine and hypothetically planning your dream trip is a fantastic way to spend a cosy evening together at home.
With no financial limits to hold you back, you can allow your imaginations to run wild. Picture yourselves staying in luxurious resorts, dining at world-famous restaurants, or exploring remote and exotic destinations.
14. Bond While You Bake
Baking together is a delightful way to connect while creating something delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of cookies, kneading dough for homemade bread, or decorating cupcakes, the process is as enjoyable as the end result.
The cosy aroma of baked goods filling your home adds to the warmth and charm of the experience. It’s a simple and satisfying way to bond without stepping outside.
15. Spend an Evening Creating the Perfect Spotify Playlist
Making a Spotify playlist with all your favourite songs or tracks that remind you of each other is such a thoughtful date night idea.
The playlist can become your little shared treasure you can both listen to when you’re apart, bringing back good memories and keeping you connected no matter how far away you are.
If you don’t get to spend much time together because you’re keeping your relationship secret or you’re not ready to share your love bubble with the world, then this is a perfect way to feel close to each other.
16. Take Funny Online Quizzes
Funny online relationship quizzes are such a fun way to spend a cosy night at home! They’re perfect for some light-hearted entertainment and always seem to spark a good laugh or an interesting conversation.
Just don’t take them too seriously, they’re all about having fun, not giving you the ultimate guide to your relationship!Our Sexual Compatibility Test is a great place to start and is a lot of fun.
17. Plan a Video Game & Pizza Night
There’s nothing quite like a night of video games and pizza to bring back those carefree teenage vibes.
Whether you’re racing to the finish line or tackling a tough quest together, it’s all about having fun and connecting. Throw in your favourite pizza, and you’ve got yourself a chill, laughter-filled night with zero pressure.
18. Drink Around the World At Home
Whether it’s the rich, aromatic coffee from Ethiopia or the refreshing tang of Mexican horchata, every sip comes with a story. Take romantic trips to far-flung places using just your tastebuds.
Grab some traditional drinks, pair them with regional snacks, and dive into their history and meaning.
19. Try Recipe Roulette (If You Dare)
If you’re feeling brave, trying recipe roulette is a great idea for an at-home date night.
Simply choose four or five recipes, some you both like, some you hate, and see where the wheel lands. This is a great way to get to know each other’s likes and dislikes better or to try new things!
20. Try a Date Night in a Box
Ordering a date night in a box is a great, low-effort way to make a night-in special. This is a great option if you want to keep your date night super secret and don’t want to be caught at the shops buying supplies.
Some popular date night-in-a-box companies include:
- Crated with Love – A subscription box designed to spark laughter and connection through creative, themed activities and questions for couples to enjoy together.
- DateBox Club – Includes everything you need for a fun and interactive date night at home, like games, recipes, and DIY projects to share an intimate experience.
- Unbox Love – Curated with activities, snacks, and conversation starters to create a memorable and meaningful night without leaving the comfort of your home.
21. Try an Escape Room in a Box
Escape rooms in a box are such a fun way to challenge yourselves as a couple without leaving the house. These kits are filled with puzzles, clues, and mysteries that’ll test your teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
They’re also a great excuse to laugh together as you fumble through clues and surprise twists. It’s the perfect mix of fun and bonding, all without getting off the settee!
22. Do a Home Wine & Cheese Tasting
Hosting a wine and cheese tasting at home is such a fun and relaxed way to spend date night. You get to try out different flavour combos, find new favourites, and chat about what works (and what doesn’t) without leaving the house.
23. Take an Online Massage Crash Course for Your Next Spa Night
Taking a quick online massage course is an intimate way to learn a few techniques and treat yourselves to a cosy at-home spa night. It’s a playful, intimate activity that brings you closer while picking up skills you’ll actually want to use again and again.You can actually hire massage therapists to come to your home and give you a couples massage, too.
24. Build an Advanced Lego Set Together
Building an advanced Lego set together is such a great way to spend a chill evening. You get to create something cool while working as a team.
Sorting through those tiny pieces and putting them all together is a fun way to collaborate and connect.
25. Build a Beautiful Charcuterie Board
Putting together a charcuterie board is such a creative idea for a date night! You get to pick all your favourite meats, cheeses, fruits, and extras, making it totally your own while enjoying the process together.
Once it’s all arranged, just grab a good bottle of wine, and you’ve got the perfect setup for a chilled, romantic evening.
26. Create an At-Home Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Setting up an at-home ice cream sundae bar is tasty way to sweeten up date night. Grab your favourite ice cream flavours and load up on toppings. Think chocolate syrup, sprinkles, crushed biscuits, fresh fruit, and chocolate pieces.
27. Take a Romantic Bubble Bath Together
A bubble bath is a romantic way to spend a date night at home, especially if you have a roomy tub to share.
Dim the lights, light some scented candles, and add fancy bubbles or bath oils to set the mood. Play soft music, pour a glass of wine or champagne, and you’re all set.
28. Get Crafty With Paints
Painting is such a creative idea for a home date night. You get to chill out and tap into your artsy side together.
Why not try painting portraits of each other? It’s a hilarious way to test your skills and laugh at the results.
Or maybe go for something more relaxing, like painting a landscape.
Feeling bold? Try the TikTok couples painting challenge, where you either work on the same canvas in turn.
29. Take a Tech Vacation & Switch Off for the Night
Unplugging from technology and just focusing on each other can make for such a special, distraction-free evening. Take a break from phones, laptops, and TVs, and use the time to really connect.
Whether you’re chatting, playing a board game, or sharing a candlelit dinner, a tech-free night lets you be fully present and enjoy the moment together.
30. Take a Fun At-Home Workout Class Together
Trying an at-home workout class together is a fun way to get moving, break a sweat, and share some laughs.
Whether it’s a high-energy dance class, a relaxing yoga session, or even a silly-themed workout, exercising as a duo makes fitness way more enjoyable.
Some of our favourite YouTube workout channels:
31. Play a Game of Would You Rather or Have You Ever
“Would You Rather?” or “Have You Ever?” are hilarious ways to liven up date night!
Whether you’re picking between two totally ridiculous scenarios or spilling the tea on surprising experiences. Just keep it light, embrace the silliness, and enjoy getting to know each other!
How to Spice Up Your Home Date Night
Spicing up your home date night begins with setting the right tone, and it all starts with creating a cosy atmosphere.
Dimming the lights and adding a few candles or fairy lights can instantly make the space feel warm and inviting. Soft music playing in the background can help set the mood, so create a playlist that resonates with the vibe you’re aiming for, whether that’s romantic, funny, or relaxed.
Before the night begins, make sure your space is clean and clutter-free. A tidy home can do wonders for relaxation and make the evening feel more special.
Take a little extra time to set your table or arrange your living room with some thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, a comfortable throw blanket, or a favourite centrepiece to elevate the environment.
To ensure uninterrupted quality time together, consider unplugging the doorbell or turning your phone notifications off. This will help eliminate distractions and allow you both to focus entirely on each other.
Little actions like these show your partner that they have your undivided attention, making the night feel all the more meaningful.
Final Thoughts: Get Romantic With Date Nights At Home
Keeping your relationship special doesn’t always require extravagant outings. Romantic date nights at home can offer intimacy and comfort, allowing you to strengthen your bond in a relaxed setting.
Thoughtful gestures and shared activities can create memorable experiences, proving that true connection thrives even in the simplest, cosiest environments.
Find more dating and relationship advice for extramarital affairs or married dating on the Illicit Encounters blog.
Article Updated: February 2025
Leave a Reply