Let’s face it, it’s hard to find a good babysitter. And they aren’t cheap either. Maybe you’re surrounded by a community of patient, trustworthy souls who just adore volunteering their Friday nights to the care and keeping of your children. But not everyone is so #blessed. Even doting grandparents occasionally want a weekend to themselves. So if you’re like me you save up those babysitters for the stuff that really matters like anniversaries, birthdays, and the opening weekend of every StarWars movie. If you have a significant other you enjoy spending time with more than twice a year this can present a challenge. Enter the creative world of At Home Date Night. The framework is simple: after the kids go to bed you and your partner intentionally do something together. Bonus points for banning your cell phones. Here are five ideas to get you started, all of which are cheaper than a babysitter.
Meal Kit Night: Personally, I’m not big on the meal kit delivery scene, but they are perfect for couples to cook together! Throw on a couple of aprons, preheat your oven, and tap into your inner Gordon Ramsay. You’ll have a blast cooking together and when you’re done you get to sit and eat a hot, delicious, child-free meal. Pro Tip: Check for deals before you sign up! Often new customers can get discounted or free boxes and if one of your friends is a regular subscriber they may even have free trial boxes to send. Ask around!
Academy Awards Night: This is next level Netflix and chill. Pick a ‘Best Picture’ winner that neither of you has seen before and get yourselves dolled up for a private screening; black tie NOT optional. Don’t forget to upgrade your snacks too. Pour the champagne and set out a nice cheese board and some fussy canapés…or go for the pigs in a blanket. It’s ok. I won’t tell.
Tasting Night: This can take so many forms. If you’re a wine lover, ask your local shop to help you pick our 3 or 4 new-to-you wines. (Half bottles are perfect for just a taste.) Buy some fancy cheeses, break out the nice glass wear and have at it. If you’re a little bit of a nerd like me pick a wine tasting guide and buy yourself some real wine tasting glasses to make the night extra special. If you’d rather taste beers consider splurging on a set of flight boards that you can use over and over again. If you prefer to abstain from alcohol all together I highly recommend a gourmet chocolate tasting paired with a cozy cup of Earl Grey or the traditional glass of ice cold milk.
Escape Room in a Box: This is a fun twist on the traditional game night. If you haven’t tried the escape room craze yet and you like puzzles, picking up at at home version can be a good way to test the waters. If you’re already a huge fan there are even subscription services that will send these to your house monthly or bi-monthly. These are especially great for couples game night because you get to work together instead of competing. But if you’d rather play monopoly, or scrabble, or some other game that makes you want to kill each other, then you do you.
Breakfast in Bed: If you are a parent of young kids, your lazy weekend mornings are probably far in the rearview mirror of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the simple pleasure that is breakfast in bed. Once the kids are tucked in, thrown on your pjs and brew yourself some decaf. (Or regular, no judgment.) Whip up some weekend breakfast foods like French Toast with strawberries and whipped cream, eggs benedict with avocado, or just plain old Eggo waffles with real maple syrup. (Eleven would be proud.) Snuggle up for some well deserved breakfast in bed. Throw in a book of crossword puzzles and you are easy like a Sunday morning.
What are your favorite ways to spend time together without leaving the house? Let us know in the comments!
