In this stage of life, the thought of shelling out $100 for a nice meal and another $40 for babysitting on Valentines Day just makes me want to stay home. I’ve rounded up 12 easy at-home dates that you can do as a couple, with your family, or with a group of friends. Netflix and chill not included.
1. Youtube Karaokee Party
Through the magic of Youtube, almost every song you could possibly want to sing is at your fingertips. Pick your favourite songs and get singing. Up the fun factor by awarding cheesy prizes like “Best Air Guitar Solo” or “Loudest Singer.”
2. Dance Party
Get out your favourite records, old CD’s, and playlists and dance the night away. Goes well with Youtube karaokee party.
3. Themed Dinner & Movie Night
Take the usual dinner and a movie night up a notch by having a theme. Serve Greek food while watching My Big Fat Greet Wedding, or conjure up some butter beer while binging on Harry Potter.
4. Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Easy to make and fun to play.
5. Picnic in Your Living Room
Who says that you can’t have a picnic when it’s cold outside? Get out your picnic blanket and serve all your summer favourites from the comfort of your own home.
6. Homemade Coupons
Make sweet or silly coupons for doing chores or granting kisses and hugs throughout the year.
7. Fancy Restaurant at Home
You can make macaroni and cheese if you want. Up the fancy factor by writing out the menu, using cloth napkins, lighting candles, dressing up, and using the fancy china.
8. Board Game Extravaganza
Get out all your favourite board games and play.
9. Fondue for Two (or more)
I couldn’t resist sneaking in a glee reference. Make either a cheese or chocolate fondue (or both). Kids and adults alike love finger food.
10. Cupcake Decorating
Who doesn’t love sprinkles? Whip up a batch and decorate for your hearts content.
11. Ice Cream Tasting.
Buy a couple of different flavours of ice-cream, or set out lots of different toppings for everyone to make their own sundae.
12. Breakfast in Bed.
Make a breakfast casserole the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy from the comfort of your own bed. Steal some menu ideas from this easy brunch menu.
Valentines Day can be cheap and cheerful with one of these easy ideas. Which one will you choose?
Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots. She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden. She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.
