10 Budget Friendly Date Night In Ideas

We are in a pandemic and we are starting to see the end of the tunnel BUT, the end while near is still far away. So how do you keep things fun and exciting with your significant other when you can’t GO anywhere? I am sure you like me are tired of watching everything under the sun on Netflix, debating whether or not to switch to HBO Max that night or God forbid actually pay an additional $3.99 to rent a movie you are dying to see. Let’s have a stay at home date night!

It’s boring. It’s getting really dull around here. But never fear. I have 10 date night in ideas that will shake things up just a bit.

1 | Fondue Night!

Okay so Brian and I did this date night a few years ago with our amazing fondue maker we got for our wedding and it was 10/10. I made a Gouda based fondue and we had soooo many dipping options. Bread, steak, shrimp, veggies, etc. THE WORKS. Its really simple however, warning: it’s messy.

Here are a couple fondue pots for you to check out:

Ingredients for the Gouda based fondue:

Gouda (on the block to be shredded) about 2 cups
Heavy cream
1 teaspoon of Pepper

How to make:

Heat 4-8oz of heavy cream, more if you have a bigger pot, less if you have a smaller one
Stir in 1/4 cup of cheese at a time until fully melted.
VOILA! Serve with bread, veggies, meat or fruit!

2 | Happy Hour with YOU as the Mixologist

Bust out the good glasses you got for your wedding babe and bring out all the booze/mixers because tonight you’re at Bar en Casa. Mix up some tasty drinks you found on Pinterest or try to recreate a concoction you had that one night in Vegas that was *chefs kiss*. This will be a fun way for you both to get experimental with some new flavors. Ever tried to make an Old Fashioned? Now is your chance!

Keep track of your creations in this super cool cocktail journal:

Like mimosas? Heres a cheat!

3 | Create a Scavenger Hunt

I know super juvenile but make a scavenger hunt inside your house with clues that lead to something fun. I mean I don’t know what you get into but I’m sure you can get creative *wink*. Even better, pair it with a cocktail with every clue OR make it so they have to find everything via glow sticks with all the lights off! (This one is fun with kids too, ever tried glow stick hide & seek?)

4 | Ice Cream Bar

Grab 5 or 6 of your favorite flavors, all the iconic toppings and some bowls! Let’s go! See who can make the most epic sundae, banana split or even something aesthetically pleasing. Or better yet? MAKE YOUR OWN! We got an ice cream maker a few years ago and we love it. It’s all in good fun. After you grab your sweet treat, pick an even sweeter movie OR break out a board game from your childhood. The perfect game? CandyLand!

5 | Charades

I love a good charades match because I’m not going to lie, I am really f*cking good at it. Almost too good. But it’s a talent. So compete against each other on this date night idea to name TV shows, movies and even songs. Just remember the official rules and all that, or make up your own to avoid an altercation. This game can get a LITTLE crazy.

6 | Monopoly but Make Your Own Rules

Okay so this might not be a good suggestion because one time my brother and I made our own rules and the cops were called (might not be ideal for a date night). Long and short, do this at your own risk. We were playing with a few more people (my mom and sister) and decided to monopolize by playing Trump rules via nepotism. Convincing our little sister to go halfsies on properties and profits. Got reallllly crazy. 10/10 do not recommend unless you have self control.

7 | Make Your Own Sushi

There are so many virtual classes that teach you how to make your own sushi it’s almost become too simple minus the fact you have to make it. But it’s really fun to collaborate with each other on different flavors and getting innovative.

8 | Hunt a Killer

Yup we came, we saw, we solved a murder. Which is pretty awesome considering how many serial killer podcasts that I have listened to over the past few years and how many documentaries I have viewed. One might think I am an expert at murder while never having committed one. But this subscription is awesome it’s $24.99 a month and comes right to your door. Make it your monthly date night routine.

Click here to save 30% off your first month!

9 | More S’mores & Camping Indoors Date Night

Have you ever tried a Reese’s PB cup on a S’more? If not, prepare to be mystified. Move over classic Hershey’s we are busting out the big guns tonight. Pair some of your favorite candy in a s’more concoction with a s’more bar. THEN, pitch a tent in the living room and rough it without actually roughing it. The teamwork of building the tent, the eloquence of a s’more bar and the convenience of opening the door to watch another episode of The Boys. Ahh, the great indoors.

Want to go camping for real? Heres some hacks!

10 | Build a Vision Board

It’s easy to have hopes and dreams for yourself but what about TOGETHER? Build a vision board of where you see yourselves in the next 5, 10, 20 years and hang it up somewhere special in your house to remind you of where you’re going. Snag some magazines at the store or some you have laying around and make your dreams into actions. This also opens the discussion on financial wellness and whether or not you want to have kids (or more kids). Make it fun!

While I am super guilty of not doing date nights in during this pandemic, I fully intent to execute on more of my ideas because we have to get back to making time for each other sometimes!

Let me know if you try any of these ideas, as always my DMs on Instagram are never closed to you babes!