Dinner and a movie will never go out of style but it also won’t keep the relationship flames alive if it becomes a weekly occurrence. Give your next date night (or perhaps day) a dose of romance and creativity instead. Here’s 11 date ideas to keep you occupied for months.
1) Pack a picnic
Fill a basket to the brim and throw your best tartan rug in the car. Contrary to popular belief a Winter picnic is just as desirable . The parks and gardens will be less crowded and your food will stay fresher for longer. Bring an extra rug to cuddle beneath and a chair or two to keep off the damp grass. We’re thinking chocolate dipped strawberries and a bottle of champagne for dessert. Search MyDeal outdoor furniture for foldable chairs that fit in your boot.
2) Serve a home-cooked meal
Chris Manak, from Manic Workshops, is a full-time dating coach for men. He’s spent years developing and teaching techniques that help bring them out of their shell and believes self-confidence is the first step to successful dating. We asked him to share a creative date night and here’s what he said:
“After an initial, get to know each other first date, often guys get stuck for ideas that aren't too over the top, but also aren't just a repeat of drinks. I often advise them to cook dinner for her - if she is 100% comfortable to come over.
It's much more budget friendly than a restaurant and if you time it so that you're about halfway through when she arrives - glass of wine waiting for her - it's significantly more fun than just sitting opposite each other in a restaurant.
I've had a number of female friends comment that watching a man cook for them is quite sexy.”
Check out Facebook and Youtube for more great advice.
If you’re planning on having a dinner date at home then you need a proper dining setup. Take a look at MyDeal furniture for all your dining room needs, delivered quickly to your door.
3) Relax your muscles
If you thought spas and massages were the domain of movie stars and socialites, think again. For the same price as your dinner and movie combo you could be sharing a sensual, relaxing couples massage. Turn it into a weekend away by looking for spas and hot springs near your city and soak up some quaint country couple time. Finish off with hot chocolates in a cozy cafe, preferably with booth seating.
4) Have a spontaneous adventure
Like the ending to a great romantic movie - have your very own John Cusack boombox moment. Surprise your significant other with a knock of the door and a bicycle in hand. If there isn’t one handy there’s plenty of apps and services to hire transport. Go for a ride, grab a coffee, visit a gallery nearby. The possibilities are endless and the less you plan the better.
5) Find something you’ve both never tried
They say you should try everything 3 times; once to get over the fear of it, twice to master the skills and the third time to decide if you like it. Take the plunge on a new activity that neither of you have tried before. Salsa dancing? Paintball? Rock climbing? There’s sure to be something on both your bucket lists.
6) Face one of your fears
Speaking of fears - when was the last time you conquered one? If The Bachelor contestants can get over their fear of heights by leaping off cliffs then so can you. It may not be glamorous to begin with but if it’s with a partner that you trust it will be much easier. Fear of snakes? Visit the reptile enclosure at the zoo. Fear of the dark? Try a dining in the dark experience. Fear of sharks? Share a surfing lesson. There’s plenty of controlled environments you can explore to support your partner on their path to bravery.
7) Get in on a new fitness craze
Staying fit and healthy is top of the to-do list for many young couples. Sweating it out at the gym together isn’t exactly your best look. And visiting the same local walking track is going to lose it’s shine pretty quick. Luckily, alternative exercise classes are all the rage right now. From hip hop yoga to doggie yoga, real-world Quidditch, hula hooping, ultimate frisbee and nightclub spin classes that look like an Ariana Grande video. Search what’s hip and happening in your area and test out a new fitness craze.
8) Show off at a trivia night
The older you get, the more trivial facts that stay lodged in your brain. Put them to good use at a classic pub trivia night. This is an ideal way to introduce a new partner to your friends as well, without the forced socialising and basic small talk. Skip straight to the fun getting to know you convo while you answer question 11 at trivia.
9) Splurge on an evening out
A lot of the time we focus on saving money but when was the last time you truly splurged? Treat yourself and your partner to a night out on the town. Dress up to the nines, enjoy a meal at a top restaurant, then put your outfits to good use at the theatre or ballet. Sometimes it feels good to spend. You’re both worth it.
10) Write love letters
Technology and the Internet has made the dating world feel far less permanent. In reality, everything you say or do is forever housed online. But there’s no true keepsakes. You can’t forward your husband’s romantic tweet to your kids as proof you were young and in love once. Spend an evening creating keepsakes for each other by writing love letters. You don’t need a creative bone in your body to find the right words either. Just write from the heart and your personality will be clear.
11) Stay up all night
Sometimes this happens anyway, but it’s more fun when you’ve planned to greet the sun. Find a weekend where there’s no plans and leave it empty. Open a bottle of wine and pop on a favourite movie. There’s something still and wonderful about the early morning hours; when you know most of the world is asleep. You won’t be interrupted by friends or family either so you can watch the sunrise from bed.
Whether you’re a new couple or have been married for years it’s time to spice up your date nights. Keep the dinner and movie combo in rotation but try something new once in a while too.
