Date Ideas at Home for Affordable and Intimate Quality Time
Many spend their date nights out at establishments. But recently, more and more people have warmed up to staying in.
Some may think at-home dates aren’t as romantic as the typical setups. But trust us, they’re just as enjoyable. Try these date ideas at home for more intimate quality time.
Why Are People Having Dates at Home?
Couples have their reasons for keeping their date nights in-house—literally.
First, time isn’t on their side. They’re so fully occupied with their lives that they barely have time for each other. Work and other commitments keep getting in the way, and date night ideas at home are the only things they can execute in their busy schedules.
And second, they’re cutting costs. With things getting more and more expensive, we don’t blame them.
Love doesn’t cost a thing, but dates usually do. A 2022 survey shared that 77% of 1,578 U.S. consumers admitted that dating would’ve been easier if they had money. Due to inflation, people are choosing to prioritize other necessities, so much so that 19% are going on fewer dates, and 14% are cutting back on their date expenses.
Benefits of Dating at Home
At-home dates aren’t for killjoys and party-poopers. You may think they’re boring, but they can be as great as eating out or hanging out at trendy establishments.
Date nights at home have their benefits. As mentioned earlier, they’re money savers. In a world where inflation is seemingly endless, cheap date night ideas at home are feasible.
You can enjoy each other’s company without spending on gas, parking fees, and food orders. What would’ve been an expensive night out is now a cozy time at home, free of charge.
Your privacy also remains uninterrupted. You don’t need to put up walls or feel conscious because it’s only the two of you around. There aren’t any curious eyes or ears watching you and listening to your conversation.
You and your partner are in your safe space, so you can be yourselves without inhibitions. Few things feel as free as that.
That point leads us to another benefit: deeper connections. Since you’re in your space, you can talk about intimate subjects, like your fears, anxieties, and other feelings.
Creativity is also boundless. Staying at home isn’t the punishment some think it is.
You can make the most out of your company while keeping cabin fever at bay. Our suggestions (more on this in the next section) may inspire you to whip up out-of-the-box date night ideas at home!
And lastly, staying at home is convenient. Say goodbye to reservations, long lines, traffic, and racing for good parking spots. You don’t even need to go all out and dress to the nines if you don’t want to. Since your date is in your spot, you can do anything.
Stay-at-Home Date Ideas for Every Couple
If quarantine has taught us one thing, it’s this: staying at home can be fun when you make the most of your humble abode with effort and imagination.
Whether you’re a busy bee, introverted, or budget-conscious, the good news is that date nights don’t always need elaborate planning and execution. As many people say, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.
Try our suggested date ideas at home and see how you like them.
#1: Wine tasting
Wine tours are undoubtedly great dates. Vineyards are beautiful places and amazing backdrops for romantic moments. But what if you don’t have the time and budget to squeeze one in?
As the picture above shows, you can enjoy good wine in the comfort of your house. If you have a few unopened bottles at home, now’s a great time to pop them open. It’ll be even better if those wines are ones you haven’t tried before.
Dust off and chill your best wine glasses for this at-home wine-tasting session. Make it extra fancy by having some cheese and crackers to munch on.
#2: Karaoke night
Karaoke nights are your best bet for fun at-home date ideas.
Live music is always a blast. But if you can’t catch a gig or go to a concert, let your house be the stage and be the star of your show. Who cares if either or both of you go off-key? You’re at home anyway, so belt to your heart’s content.
Bust out your microphones and sing to your favorite songs as if you’re on a world tour. Add an extra layer of fun by making it into a competition! The person with the highest score wins.
#3: Breakfast in bed
Sleeping in is great. But do you know what would make that even better? Food!
Start your day on the right note with breakfast in bed. Since you already plan on staying in, you might as well make the most of it. Head to the kitchen and make your morning favorites together. How’s that for a labor of love?
Bring your food on a cute tray and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your covers. Be careful and try not to stain your sheets, though!
Do you want to go beyond breakfast? Give this idea a try during lunch or dinner. We bet it’ll be just as effective.
#4: No-technology date
Going off the grid isn’t as miserable as it sounds. Will it be challenging? Yes. We’re hardwired to connect with other people, and the internet makes that easier. But sometimes, unplugging will give you a much-needed reset.
Put your phones down, turn the TV off, and resist the urge to go online for a while. Do whatever you want without the involvement of technology.
The point here is to enjoy each other’s company with minimal or zero distractions. You’ll be surprised at how fast time flies when you unplug gadgets and be fully present in the moment.
#5: Pamper session
Let’s say you and your partner have had an exhausting work week recently. You want to treat yourselves to a relaxing massage.
If you can’t book a spa date at your favorite joint, do the next best thing: pamper yourselves at home. Light your favorite candles, pour yourselves glasses of champagne, and bring out your favorite self-care products. You don’t have to worry about bookings and expensive rates if you can open up your own makeshift spa.
Date ideas at home don’t have to be boring. Not only do they save you time and money, but they also make your nights more intimate. Get closer within the comforts of your home.
References
Davis, Maggie. 2022. “What Americans Say About Their Dating Habits | LendingTree.”
Lending Tree.
https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/dating-money-inflation/.