Snuggle Up to Your Valentine at Home This Year!

Don’t skip the sitter. If you have kids, go ahead and hire a sitter, even if you’re aren’t actually leaving home. Set the kids and sitter up in one room with some planned activities and some fun food so that you and your spouse can enjoy alone time in another room. Of course, if your date night plans involve some intimacy, you may want to arrange for the kids to go to your sitter’s house instead!

Set the scene. It might just be your living room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it special. Dim the lights and add a few candles or string lights for ambiance. Move the coffee table and set up a bistro table and chairs for an intimate dinner. After dinner, build a pillow palette in front of the fireplace. Don’t have a fireplace? Use some candles or put Netflix’s “A Home Fireplace” on the TV.

Make the kitchen off-limits. No cooking, no cleaning (unless that’s what lights your fire!). Order a three-course meal from your favorite restaurant and make sure you have a nice wine or a bottle of champagne on hand.

Unplug from your devices. Put your phones and other devices away in another room for the evening. Dedicate your date night to talking with your significant other. If your relationship seems all talked-out, try a conversation-prompting game like Date Deck.

How about a little role play? It worked wonders for Claire and Phil Dunphy! Roleplay can spark intimacy, but it can also be useful for sparking laughter. It is a good way to find new things to talk about, and perhaps learn something new about your partner.

Enjoy spa night. How about hiring a masseuse team to come to your house for a couple’s massage? If that isn’t feasible, take turns giving each other a massage, soak in a bubble bath together, or give each other a pedicure.

Start a family journal. Take the evening to write down the story of how you met and fell in love. Later, continue adding important family milestones to the journal. It may turn into a great family tradition as your children grow and add their own stories.

Plan a future trip. You can plan for a future family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or even an “in our wildest dreams” fantasy trip. Chart your route, research fun places to see and great places to stay.

Play games. Not head games– actual games. Relationship counselors often recommend playful activities as a way for couples to become closer, so, as long as one of you isn’t too competitive, enjoy playing a board game, cards, or a video game with your spouse.

Start a date night subscription. Keep the dates coming with a monthly date night subscription box. You can choose a subscription that appeals to you and your partner: a romantic date night from a site such as the DateBox Club, something crafty like the Adults & Crafts Crate, make something delicious with EatTiamo, or create an at-home escape club with Finders Seekers. Check out Cratejoy to find the right subscription box for you and your valentine.