March 12, 2020

The 20 Best Stay-Home Date Ideas (That Aren't Just Netflix)

We've compiled a list of our favorite stay-home date night ideas for you, so whether you're under the weather, are unable to leave the house or just want to stay in, you'll have plenty to keep you busy!

1) CANDLELIT TAKEOUT

Even your regular pizza order is a million times sexier in candlelight. Heck, put it on an actual plate and pour yourself a glass of something nice.

2) HIGH STAKES GAMES

Either a classic like 'Strip Poker' or invent your own, like Massage Scrabble, where the winner gets a 20-minute massage. (Rose & cedar massage oil, anyone?!)

3) DIY RESTAURANT DINNER

Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal at home. Whether it's something you're confident making or something completely foreign to you. Even if it's bad, it'll still be fun.

4) LIVING ROOM PICNIC

Just the same as you would at a park, but at home. Drape your best picnic blanket on the floor and lay out a great spread. Add park sounds for bonus ambiance.

5) SPA NIGHT

Spas are expensive, but home spas don't have to be. Start by grabbing some sugar and olive oil, stir them together and give each other an all-over scrub in the shower (careful, oil is slippery) rinse off, jammies on and face masks. Perfection.

6) READ TO EACH OTHER

Sitting together and reading solo can be nice too but reading to each other is relaxing and a little more special. Either pick a book you both want to read or take turns reading your favorite part of different books.

7) DUST OFF A OUIJA BOARD

Whether you have total faith or just think it's a kid's game, have yourself a seance and get some questions answered from the other side. "You're moving it!" "No, you are!"

8) FOODIE MOVIES/TV

Ok, we said no Netflix, but this is an exception. Match your dinner and your movie or show. Whether you want to order in or labor over a meal is up to you. Here are some ideas; ramen & Tampopo, spaghetti & Lady and the Tramp, Baked Ziti and Sopranos. More ideas here.

9) REVERSE ORDER DATE

Typically you go out to dinner first and then come home to have sex second (all sleepy and bloated). Flip it around and have your sex first and then have a nice cozy meal.

10) PUZZLING

Maybe doing a puzzle sounds boring but it's relaxing, requires cooperation and lets you chat while you work. Also, finishing it is more satisfying than you might think. So get out that puzzle you got for the holidays. We've got some great ones at Lounge.

11) KARAOKE

Even if you don't have a mic and a system, Youtube has karaoke versions of pretty much any song you can think of. Just belt it out.

12) GET YOUR HEART PUMPING

Staying home is often synonymous with sitting on the couch, so if you can, get up and move around. Have a pushup contest or do a Youtube yoga class together. Getting your heart going tends to get your libido going too.

13) TALK ABOUT SEX

Try printing off our Yes No Maybe list, fill it out separately and then come together to discuss the outcome. We rarely take the time to really talk about sex with our partners, this list makes it less daunting and is a great jumping-off point to a longer conversation. And maybe some sex.

14) DIY PORNO THEATRE

If you've filled out the Yes No Maybe list and discovered that watching porn together is something you'd like to try, show each other your favorite. Set it up like a proper theatre with popcorn (bonus points for a sticky floor) and see how long you can just watch. Giggling is totally normal but don't shame each other's preferences.

15) TAKE PIX

Whether you're taking steamy pics or a new professional headshot, take turns being the photographer and directing the other. Show each other how you see them. You might be surprised.

16) DO EACH OTHER'S CHARTS

This is especially fun if at least one of you 'just isn't into' astrology. Cafe Astrology is the classic site for it and has a gender-inclusive form.

17) PUT THE PHONE DOWN

Put your phones and computers in a drawer until morning and see what you come up with. Maybe you both just stare at each other wondering what to do but don't worry you'll figure it out.

18) GET DEEP

If you've been together a long time it can be easy to treat your partner like a dumping ground for your daily stress and logistics. But what happens if you outlaw talking about work/school, the news cycle or your to-dos for one night. The same can be true for brand new relationships, where you might be afraid to go deep. Try these cards to get started.

19) PLAN A TRIP

Whether it's a huge fantasy trip, years in the future, or a camping road trip. Sit together and research all the places you'd like to go and the things you'd like to see.

20) HAVE OUTERCOURSE

Like with anything, we can get into routines with sex. If penetrative sex is your go-to, try having a full and pleasurable romp without it. You may even find you prefer it. Here's a whole article we did on non-penetrative sex, aka outercourse.