With work and parenthood taking most of your 24/7, it may feel challenging to find any time at all for your partner.
It can be hard to keep a marriage as zesty and fresh as when you were young, but regular date nights do help keep the spark alive.
And with Valentine’s Day coming soon, you’ll want to go all out!
However, with inflation and whatnot, it may be hard to splurge of a lavish romantic getaway.
But don’t fret, mums! Here are some amazing date night ideas that won’t break the bank.
Home Sweet Home
There is no better date than at the place where you’ve built your life together side by side.
A home date has many benefits other than saving money.
It’s private, quiet (once the kids are off to their grandparents’) and can easily be customised to fit into your idea of a romantic fairy tale getaway.
Turn the lights down low, light some candles and play some mood music.
If you really want to make it a special, cook dinner together especially if food is something you’re both passionate about. Otherwise, there’s always take-out.
Seaside Retreat
Imagine the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand between your toes as you share some stolen moments together.
Depending on where you go, many beaches are virtually abandoned, leaving you both alone for some well-needed privacy. So be sure to research some hidden gems in your area that are not too crowded.
Some good activities to have at the seaside include having a barbeque, eating a picnic and even, making sandcastles. Not to mention swimming in the water and getting reacquainted with nature.
Under the Stars
Afternoon picnics are great, but have you ever tried doing one at night? Not only is it super romantic, it’s also a good chance to do some stargazing.
And if your home comes with a lawn, you don’t even need to plan a trip. Just lay down a blanket, get some pillows out, maybe light some lanterns and gaze up at the night sky.
Imagine the deep, philosophical conversations you’ll have while contemplating your place in the universe. Just be sure to bring out some mosquito repellent.
However, if you have a lot of light pollution in your area, you may not get to see that many stars. Which brings us to the next point.
Rom-Com Rendezvous
To take the home date idea further, why not make this year’s Valentine’s Day a movie night?
It may not be as luxurious as a reservation at a 5-star Michelin restaurant, but it is a good chance to cuddle and have a good time.
Some light snacks are always good too! But just to make it extra special, why not put together a charcuterie board.
There’s no extravagant prep time, the ingredients are relatively cheap and there’s no messy clean-up afterwards.
After that, all that’s left is to turn down the lights, snuggle together on the couch and put on a good, heart-warming movie.
If you want some good suggestions, here are our favourites:
- When Harry Met Sally
- Bridget Jones’ Diary
- Enchanted
- Crazy, Stupid Love
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Pretty Woman
- Love, Actually
- Definitely, Maybe
- Valentine’s Day
Sweet Serenade
Nothing’s more romantic than duetting lovesick lullabies with your significant other on Valentine’s Day.
If you have a karaoke system already installed at home, then great; but if not, there are many cheap options you can get online.
If you want a better sound system, then it’s better to go to a karaoke lounge. However, most karaoke spots are quite expensive.
Art Attack
Bring out your inner Picasso by organising a night of art-filled shenanigans.
Get some cheap canvas frames, a couple of brushes and all the paint you could want. Bonus points if you already have these essentials at home.
A popular date night activity that couples enjoy doing is following an art tutorial on YouTube (usually Bob Ross) and see how well they are able to replicate the masterpiece.
If you’re both highly competitive people, a night of light-hearted friendly rivalry may just be what will bring you closer.
Love Is in the Air
It’s important not to overthink about your Valentine’s Day date night plans.
They can be as simple as having dinner where you had your first date. Or going window shopping at the mall.
As long as you’re spending plenty of quality time together rekindling the spark.
There is no reason for Valentine’s to be any more special than the rest of the year. And certainly, don’t let this day be the only time you spoil each other.
Make it as much a regular occasion as going grocery shopping at the weekend or running errands after work.
With that said, Happy Valentine’s Day, parents! And have a wonderful time on your romantic date night.
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