43 At-Home Date Night Ideas For Couples On A Budget

As a couple, it’s essential to spend quality time together. It can strengthen your relationship and improve communication. Perhaps you’re craving some fun stay at-home date night ideas but need them to be budget-friendly as you work on your financial goals. Well, check out these fabulous, inexpensive ideas!

43 Fun at-home date night ideas to try with your partner

It can be challenging to stick with a budget while dating because the average date night costs a whopping $159—ouch!

However, you can have a fabulous date night even on a budget – just try out any of these great solutions. Use them for an anniversary or just a fun date night with no special occasion. Let’s go!

1. Plan a board game night

You can double date or have an evening alone, playing some of your favorite board games or at-home challenge games. For example, you can break out your childhood favorites or try something new like creating memes or a drawing game.

A board game night is one of the best at-home date night ideas because it’s entertaining and budget savvy.

Need inspiration? Give these board and card games a try:

• Azul
• Watergate
• Pandemic
• Hive Pocket
• Splendor
• Exploding Kittens

2. Have a movie date night at home

One of the simplest yet romantic at-home date night ideas is a movie night or a series marathon. Even if you slashed cable to save money, you probably are subscribed to one of the popular streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, or Roku.

You can binge-watch new television series or put on one of your favorite movies. You could also check out your local library for free DVD rentals or ask a friend if you could borrow some.

So, put on a good show or movie, pop some popcorn, and get to snuggling. If you can’t decide what to watch, work your way through this list:

• Romance – The Notebook, Ghost, Pearl Harbor
• Comedies – Pitch Perfect, What we do in the Shadows, Clue
• Marathons – Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, Harry Potter

3. Cook a meal together

Cooking a meal together is one of the most fun and romantic at-home date night ideas. Browse Pinterest for a new recipe, pick something from an old cookbook, watch a cooking show or use our list below for inspiration. You could also consider taking a virtual cooking class or just check out YouTube for cooking videos if you want.

Or how about creating your monthly meal plan and bulk cook together. Once your fabulous meal is done, set the table, light some candles, and sit down to enjoy the food. It will be like trying out a new restaurant!

Make date night extra special with these romantic meal suggestions:

• Beef Bourguignon
• Coq Au Vin
• Coquilles Saint-Jacques
• Lobster Thermidor
• Fillet Mignon
• Cheese Ravioli

4. Have a spa night

A spa date is one of the most relaxing and fun at-home date night ideas. Set the scene with tranquil music, scented candles, and slip into a comfy robe.

You can start with pedicures and move on to a nice massage. The date may even call for a nap afterward or early bedtime because you will be so relaxed.

Other at-home spa treatments to do together include:

• Face masks
• Steam facial
• Deep conditioning hair treatments
• Milk bath
• Soothing Eye Treatment
• Foot mask

5. Dance the night away

When was the last time you and your partner danced together? You don’t have to hit a dance club to cut a rug.

Dancing with your partner is not only fun; it increases your intimate connection because you are physically connecting.

Put on some good music, grab your partner, and dance away. You could also take online dance lessons or learn some new steps by watching YouTube videos.

These tunes are guaranteed to get you both moving at your next date night dance party:

• Kylie Minogue – Can’t Get You Out of My Head
• Madonna – Like a Prayer
• Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
• Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are
• Taylor Swift – Love Story
• Prince – Raspberry Beret

6. Have a paint night

It doesn’t matter if you’re a natural-born Picasso or not because painting with your partner is wonderful. You can get paint supplies and canvases at stores such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby on sale.

You can also check out sites like YouTube for free painting classes!

Of course, you could also opt for sites like Yaymaker and still spend only a little for your date night. Set up a paint station inside or outside and spend some quality time together while creating a fun painting.

7. Have a fondue party

A fondue party is one of the most delicious at-home date night ideas you will have. Fondue cooking is when the heat source is placed directly below the pot to melt the foods to dip into.

You can pick up an inexpensive fondue pot for between $40-$60+ on Amazon. So, grab some yummy cheeses or chocolate to melt and get dipping the following foods for a romantic date night.

Chocolate fondue:

• Fruit
• Bacon (trust us!)
• Donuts
• Almonds
• Gummy bears
• Marshmallows

Cheese fondue:

• Bread
• Apple
• Roasted potatoes
• Shrimp
• Cured meats
• Pasta

8. Camp out in the backyard or the living room

Depending on the season, you can have a fantastic camping trip right in your backyard. If you’re not in the mood to camp outdoors, you can camp out in your living room.

You may have an air mattress or pull out a bed and set up a big fluffy spot in the living room to camp out in comfort.

9. Have a bonfire

A romantic way to cozy up to your partner is a warm bonfire in the backyard or inside next to your fireplace. You can pair it with a good book and read to each other or enjoy some pleasant conversation.

Grab some graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows and make some yummy s’mores for one of the best at-home date nights you’ll ever have.

10. Have a cheese & wine party

A wine and cheese party is among the most popular at-home date night ideas. You can get a cheese sampler from the store or cut up some of your favorite cheeses and make your own platter to save even more money.

Pair your cheese with a delectable bottle of wine. You can buy a couple of bottles of wine and even have your own wine tasting party.

11. Look through old pictures

It’s so much fun looking at old pictures of your time together. You can also break out your old family pictures and share stories of your childhood you may not have remembered before.

Take a walk down memory lane together on your next date night.

12. Do a craft together for a date night at home

The most fun date ideas offer a chance for you to connect and do something unique and memorable together. There are a million DIY project ideas on Pinterest to choose from (see our pick of favorites below).

Crafting has limitless possibilities for creative date night ideas at home to do with your partner. Plus, you can also find cheap craft supplies at stores like the Dollar Store.

Here are some cute couple craft ideas to try on your next at-home date night:

• Painting pottery
• String art
• Sketching
• Make candles
• Frame memories
• Create a wine cork board

13. Make a bucket list together

You don’t have to wait until you retire to start your bucket list.

Making a bucket list together can be exhilarating because you’re planning on the fun part of your future. You can plan on starting a vacation fund to achieve it.

Make it even more fun by making a bucket list vision board. Take pictures of all the places and things you want to do and put them on a board so you can see them daily.

Not only do you have a good time making the vision board, but it will also motivate you to start saving towards your bucket list! Here are a few suggestions to start your list off:

• Stargaze and camp in a tent
• A couples massage
• Plan a road trip
• Sing a karaoke duet
• Volunteer together
• Climb a mountain

14. Cuddle to your favorite tunes

Sometimes you just need a good cuddle session with your partner. Did you know that cuddling is also healthy for you and your spouse? It’s true!

Cuddling releases a hormone called “Oxytocin, ” also known as the “love hormone.” So, slip into some comfy clothes, light candles, put on your favorite tunes, and enjoy cherished cuddle time with your spouse.

15. Bake a dessert together

As if you needed another reason to bake a delicious dessert. It’s one of the best date night ideas that is romantic and yummy.

You can whip up your favorite dessert or try making something new. Get a savory dessert recipe from Pinterest or from your favorite dessert blog, or give our tasty dessert ideas a go and enjoy the sweet treat.

• Meringue hearts
• Crème Brulee
• Poached pears
• Chocolate mousse
• Cherry cheesecake
• Champagne jelly

16. Color or draw for your date night at home

Break out the ol’ Crayola crayons and have a fun coloring session together. You can choose classic coloring books to bring out your childish side or get an adult coloring book.

You can even learn how to draw together thanks to tons of videos on YouTube.

Make the evening even more enjoyable by adding some tasty appetizers and opening a bottle of your favorite wine.

17. Take a bubble bath together

Add some bubbly romance to your date night and take a soothing bubble bath together. Intimacy is also an essential part of your relationship. Follow our top tips to make bath time extra special.

• Make sure your bathroom is sparkling clean
• Choose a time when you will be uninterrupted
• Add rose petals to the bath water
• Use bath salts and bubbles together

So, light some candles, put on some soothing music, and enjoy.

18. Have a yoga session

What is another fun but healthy date idea? Roll out the yoga mats and have a sensual yoga session together.

You can find a video on YouTube or find yoga workouts online. You get in your daily exercise while having a fun date night too. Plus, yoga has been proven to improve communication and increase trust.

The best couple’s yoga poses to include in your routine are:

• Double Dancer Pose
• Double Boat Pose
• Standing Forward Fold Pose
• Double Camel Pose
• Childs Pose and Backbend
• Seated Wide-Legged Forward Fold

19. Plant a herb garden

One of the most therapeutic at-home date night ideas is to plant a herb garden. Indoor herb gardens are becoming quite popular, and you can grow herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, and more inside your kitchen.

Not only will you have a quality date night, but you will also have a beautiful garden to remember your special evening together. Plus, you will have fresh herbs for your home-made dinners!

20. Gaze at the stars

Stargazing is mesmerizing and romantic, so it’s one of the best at-home date nights you can have.

You don’t have to have a telescope to enjoy the sparkling beauty of the night sky together. Get a blanket, sleeping bags, or comfy lawn chairs and a tent and gaze at the shimmering stars.

Other stargazing activities must-try activities are:

• Enjoying a picnic date
• Dancing under the stars
• Naming a star together

21. Make home-made wine or beer

What’s one of the most unique and fun date night ideas at home to try? Make your wine or beer and drink it too!

Making your own wine or beer is a blast; you don’t need to go to an expensive vineyard. Rather than going to a brewery, you can create your own homebrew on your next date night.

Here’s how to brew your own beer:

1. To make beer, get your brewing equipment ready (fermenting bucket, tap, airlock, long stirrer, caps, cleaning items)
2. Brew your grains
3. Ferment (typically for two weeks)
4. Bottle

To make wine:

1. Prepare your fruit
2. Add yeast
3. Ferment for between seven to 14 days
4. Change container
5. Ferment for a further four weeks to six months
6. Taste

22. Play a drinking game

Head back to your glory days of college and play a drinking game together. Think beer pong, drunk Jenga, or never have I ever.

Be sure to eat with this idea because the drinks may sneak up on you while you’re playing.

Other fun drinking games for couples to try are:

• Truth or dare
• Jenga
• Most Likely To
• Charades
• Russian Roulette
• Spin the Bottle

23. Have a theme night

So this sounds like one of the most fun at-home date night ideas to have. A theme night is where you pick something and surround your entire date night with it.

For instance, if you have an Italian theme you eat Italian food like pizza or pasta, listen to Italian music, etc. It will add fun and culture to your next date night!

For inspiration, consider your favorite dates of the past, or places you’d like to visit. Or work your way through our list of ideas below!

• Pick a letter of the alphabet and only have food, drink and games that begin with that letter.
• Choose a color to base your date night on
• Use your favorite film for a fun date night theme

24. Reminisce about the night you met

Remember how your stomach had butterflies on your first date or the first time you met? Reminisce about the first night you met and spark up those flames again.

It’s fun, too, because your spouse may remember things you don’t and vice versa! It makes for great conversation, laughter, and good memories!

25. Make a photo album or scrapbook

How many boxes of pictures are stuffed away in the closet? Have a fun date night making a photo album or scrapbook and putting all your beloved memories in it.

Include special moments that you’ve shared together, such as:

• How you celebrated anniversaries
• Love letters you’ve given each other
• Tickets for events that you’ve been to together and TV shows you love watching as a couple
• Include your favorite text messages to each other
• Add selfies
• Document your love story via a visual timeline

It’s a beautiful way to reminisce while doing something productive!

26. Watch home videos for a date night at home

How long has it been since you watched your wedding video or a treasured vacation you took together?

Make an appetizer, grab a glass of wine, and cuddle as you watch your old memories. It’s one of the most sentimental and fun date night ideas at home you can do.

Want to make this date night at home extra special? Use a projector to watch your home videos to create a romantic ambience.

27. Make a zen garden

Why not make something you can enjoy on future date nights? A zen garden can be a quaint space in your backyard or front yard for some quality time.

Here are some simple ways to create the perfect space outside:

• Use stepping stones to create a path
• Add a water feature and place pebbles around it
• Make an archway to create a beautiful focus point
• Include plants of different shades and textures
• Design a comfortable area to sit and relax
• Use sand for a relaxing and calming vibe

You can also make a mini indoor zen garden to enjoy inside.

28. Learn a new language

Learning a new language one can be the perfect date and lead to more fun date nights together. You can learn from apps such as Duolingo or Memrise.

Also, make it entertaining by talking to each other randomly and make it your new love language.

Some of the most romantic and exciting languages to learn are:

• French
• Portuguese
• Romanian
• Italian
• Latin
• Japanese

29. Redecorate a room

Have you meant to switch up your decor but feel like you need more time? You can make it a fun date night idea and redecorate a room together.

Let’s start with your bedroom and make it more zen or romantic for future date nights.

Design a room together like professionals by following these steps:

1. Set a budget
2. Design a mood board
3. Plan the layout of your room
4. Choose your furniture
5. Select paint colors or wallpaper design
6. Add your personality

30. Paint each other’s faces

Painting each other’s faces is one of the more unique and fun date night ideas at home to try-it’s not just for kids!

You can get face painting kits without spending too much money and have an epic date night.

Start with simple ideas like the ones below, then try a more challenging design.

• Fireworks
• Skull
• Flowers
• Tiger
• Avengers
• Zombie

31. Take a virtual class

Is there something you both have wanted to learn but have yet to take the time or need more money? If so, you can trial free online exercise classes!

YouTube is another great option for virtual learning; you can also find some inexpensive classes online. Here are some exciting ideas to try:

• Cooking classes
• Virtual yoga class
• Mixology lessons
• Art classes
• Museum tours
• Animal cams

Or what about one of our 30+ completely free finance courses?

32. Go for a bicycle ride or walk

Get some fresh air and spend quality time together as you ride bikes around your neighborhood or find nearby trails. Or you can go for a relaxing walk while holding hands because the simple things mean the most.

If you love a challenge with your partner, find a place to hike in your area. Also, remember water bottles and snacks for the road!

33. Have a treasure hunt

Pick random items and hide them for an ultimate treasure hunt. Use clues like “It gets people to places they need to be” to make it enjoyable.

Items that are fun to hide and find include:

• Laundry
• Art
• Pillow
• Photo
• Cutlery
• Stationery

Also, leave clues and do this outdoors or inside to make it more interesting. It’s one of the most fun stay at home date ideas that will make you feel like a big kid!

34. Make a date night at home jar

One of the most awesome at-home date night ideas is to make a date night at home jar! You can decorate a mason jar or container, then write down all these fabulous fun date night ideas at home and put them in the pot.

Each week you will draw out a note with your date night idea.

It’s such a fantastic activity because you won’t have to waste time deciding what to do each week!

35. Get a dollar menu dinner

So, if you don’t feel like cooking but are trying to stick with your budget, have a dollar menu take-out dinner!

You can get a sack full of yummy burgers or mix and match them for a budget-friendly dinner to go.

These popular fast food restaurants all offer $1 items on their menu:

• Taco Bell
• Burger King
• Wendy’s
• McDonald’s
• Del Taco
• Dunkin

36. Declutter together

You can have a fun date night and be productive too! Maybe you’ve been meaning to declutter your home but haven’t taken the time to do it.

You can turn your date night into a decluttering challenge and tidy your home while spending time together. Plus, you can make plans to sell your stuff for extra cash!

37. Plan your joint financial goals

How about some financial intimacy? Since you’re trying to stay on a budget, you can also use your date night to plan your financial goals.

You can plan for short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals together. For instance, you may want to save for a house or start a couple’s side hustle.

Above all, having financial goals can help you visualize and achieve them faster.

Six powerful financial goals for couples are:

• Talk about money openly as a couple – this one is super important!
• Make a realistic budget
• Track spending regularly
• Make a plan for getting out of debt
• Cut spending
• Save for your future

38. Play video games

For a unique date that’s a lot of fun, playing video games is one of the most budget-friendly and fun stay at home date ideas.

Video games can improve your communication and teach you how to problem solve together. It’s also a great way to relax and have fun!

Play the following popular video games for couples together:

• It Takes Two
• Spiritfarer
• Heave-Ho!
• Mario Party Superstars
• Overcooked
• Minecraft

So, break out those vintage video games or newer game systems if that’s more your speed, and have an epic evening of playing games.

39. Make your favorite cocktails

You could combine this idea with your movie date night at home! Mix up your favorite drinks or try a new creation and sip the night away while you enjoy your movie marathon.

Also, it’s much cheaper to make your drinks at home.

The following romantic cocktail ideas are also a great way to set the mood for your date night:

• Aperol Sour
• Ti Amo
• Strawberry Cobbler Martini
• Cupid’s Kiss
• Sweetheart Margarita
• By the Fire

40. Make an indoor picnic

Making an indoor picnic is one of our favorite stay at home date ideas.

Start by making some delicious snacks and sandwiches to eat (put them in a picnic basket if you have one). Top picnic foods for your date include:

• Charcuterie board
• Chocolates
• Fruit kebabs
• Marshmallows
• Nuts
• Olives
• Popcorn
• Cheese and crackers
• Sushi

Spread out a comfy blanket in the living room and set up an area to have your indoor picnic.

Remember the champagne!

41. Put together a puzzle

Grab an old puzzle or get one from the store for a cosy night in. Spend the evening chatting as you put the puzzle together.

Choose a puzzle that you will both enjoy, and you’ll both find it extremely satisfying to complete together. Or why not design your own? Photo puzzles are extra unique and will allow you to recreate a memory on your next date night.

Make it a romantic date night idea by adding to the ambience with candles and music.

42. Plan an at-home mystery game or escape room

If you like a good riddle, then you’ll love doing an at-home escape room or mystery game. It’s one of the most unique date night ideas that is also totally budget friendly.

You can host a mystery game night for your friends, or if you prefer, buy an escape room kit for an unforgettable date for just the two of you.

43. Go roller skating

For the adventurous couple, it’s time to grab your roller skates and head outside for an old-school date night idea.

Mix it up by skating in different places such as:

• An empty car park
• Around the city
• Cycle paths
• Skate parks

No matter your skating skill level, you’ll still have a great time together!

Expert tip: Remove all distraction

When you’re at home, it’s easy to get distracted. The dishwasher may need emptying or the dog wants walking.

But it’s vital to be in the moment with your partner on date night for the entire evening so you can focus on your relationship.

Turn off all technology, including your phones and the TV. If a pile of laundry needs putting away, move it to another room during date night. Arrange with a neighbor or friend to have your pet or children for a few hours.

These simple changes can help you have the best date night possible, strengthening your relationship and leaving you both feeling happy and satisfied.

How can I make my date night extra special?

Date nights don’t happen every week, so when you find the time for one you want it to be extra. That said, there are lots of ways that you can go the extra mile for date night. Here are our top three:

1. Dress up

Remember the early days when you made an effort with your appearance? Not only does wearing something you feel good in do wonders for your confidence, but it also helps keep attraction and spark in a relationship.

2. Make it a surprise

Taking the initiative to organize date night without your partner knowing will make them feel very loved. Arrange the babysitter and let your other half know when they need to be ready.

3. Keep household chores and children talk to a minimum

It’s easy for couples to fall into the trap of talking about everyday things during date night. Instead, try discussing your future plans and goals such as where you want to go on vacation next or even future date night ideas!

What are the top things to do on a stay home date night?

Staying in is just as much fun, if not more so, than going out. It’s the perfect option if you’re on a budget or don’t feel like blowing lots of cash at an expensive restaurant.

However there are so many things you can do too. You’ll always have inspiration. Here are just a few of our favorite stay at-home date night ideas:

• Play board games
• Do a DIY project or craft
• At home spa session
• Mix some tasty cocktails
• Take a virtual class together
• Enjoy an indoor picnic
• Dance the night away
• Share a bubble bath
• Plan your future
• Do a puzzle

How can I make my living room romantic for a date night?

When it comes to making your living room romantic, the right ambience can transform your next date night from average to extra special.

However, you don’t need to spend hours of your time or lots of money to achieve the right feel either. Follow our tips below for a romantic, calming and intimate environment.

• Arrange some fresh flowers in the centre of the room.
• Bring several throws, pillows and blankets down from the bedroom.
• Light a cozy fire or place many candles around the room (LED ones work well, too!).
• Turn off bright ceiling lights and use lamps or candlelight to see.
• Most importantly, ensure the room is clean and tidy for date night.

What should I wear on my at-home date night?

Ultimately, you want to wear something that you feel good in for your at-home date night!

It could be a skirt and heels or your favorite jeans and a blouse. But just because you’re not stepping outside your front door doesn’t mean you can’t wear a new top or dress. Maxi dresses are comfortable and stylish, making them a perfect choice of clothing for a romantic at home dinner date.

Also remember to dress appropriately for your at-home date night activity too. If you’re painting or getting crafty, you might want to swap the dress for a t-shirt and joggers. The most important part of date night is spending time together, not necessarily what you wear.

Why you should put your at-home date nights on your calendar

Now you have a ton of fun stay at-home date night ideas. However, you need to dedicate a specific night to spend together. Why?

Because we all tend to get so caught up with our busy schedules before we know it, the week or month is gone! This is especially true if you have children.

So, pick a night every week that you have your date night on. Whether it’s Wednesdays or Sundays, it doesn’t matter. Just set aside time on your schedule to ensure you are making time for the important things, like each other! 

Plan to try these fun at home date night ideas with your partner!

Our epic list of at home date night ideas shows that couples on a budget can have fun date nights without spending a bundle of money.

You can stay on course to achieve financial success together while spending quality time together. Try a couple or all of the ideas on this date night at home list.

You’ll build an amazing relationship and save some money while you are at it! P.S. Be sure to also check out these fun family night ideas for the whole family!