Stay-at-Home Date Night Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on a prix-fixe menu at an overcrowded restaurant. You can show your significant other how much you care by spending some one-on-one time in the comfort of your own home. And we don’t just mean Netflix & chill. You can pamper your precious by turning your home into a Valentine’s Day wonderland, complete with champagne and roses — or beer and pretzels, if that’s more your style. Following are some of the best stay-at-home date night ideas for Valentine’s Day.

Get cookin’

Photo courtesy I am a Food Blog

Cooking a meal together can be one of the most romantic (and fun!) things a couple can do. And you don’t have to be a whiz in the kitchen to make it happen. A good recipe, a bit of patience and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone are all it takes. Try this simple sous vide steak recipe (complete with heart-shaped roasted potatoes!) from I am a Food Blog. Or, for something more low-key, try this heart-shaped pizza from Lil’ Luna. Finish it off with this decadent strawberry chocolate chip Love Spell Cake from Sprinkle Bakes.

Cookie bake-off

Photo courtesy Well Plated

There’s nothing more romantic than creating something together, and it’s even better when that something is sweet and delicious! Pick up a few matching aprons, stock up on sugar and flour, preheat that oven and get baking! You can even have a friendly baking competition with your bae. Some recipes to try are these delectable chocolate sandwich cookies with raspberry cream cheese filling by Well Plated, or these heart-shaped sugar cookies from Sugar Spun Run.

Game night

Photo courtesy jeshoots via Unsplash

A little friendly competition is a great way to say, “I love you.” Spend the day playing outdoor games like cornhole or darts, then take it inside for a board game tournament. You can even kick it old-school with games like Bingo or checkers, or get serious with a round of poker or blackjack. If video games are more your thing, spend the evening going head-to-head with your sweetie.

Indoor picnic

Photo courtesy Jonathan Borba via Pexels

Winter weather got you down? Why not bring spring into your home with a picnic on your living room floor? Spread a blanket and pack a basket with cheese, bread, olives, grapes and other picnic-y foods, as well as a good bottle of wine. And don’t forget to finish it off with something sweet, like a box of chocolates or baked goodies.

Backyard campout

Photo courtesy Artem_Apukhtin via Pixabay

For outdoorsy types, a Valentine’s Day under the stars may be in order. Luckily, you can do it right in your own backyard. Pick up a portable fire pit (if you don’t already have one), and cuddle up around the fire with your honey. You can roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and warm up with hot cocoa. Afterward, lay on the grass and watch the stars. If you have the space and the weather’s decent, pitch a tent in the grass for the ultimate backyard campout.

Love scavenger hunt

Photo courtesy Over the Big Moon via The Dating Divas

Make your better half work for his or her prize this Valentine’s Day! This idea from The Dating Divas will take your SO from room to room using clues and riddles unique to your love affair (for example, “the place where I keep all your love notes.” The last one, of course, takes you to the bedroom. There are ideas online and you can even download free printables.

Spa night

Photo courtesy Burst via Pexels

If R&R is in order this Valentine’s Day, you can indulge yourself at home. Put on your plushest robes, light some aromatherapy candles, and take turns giving each other a massage using a scented massage oil. You can also draw a bath and use bath bombs or bubble bath for the ultimate relaxation.