Hearts at home: stay at home date night ideas

Celebrate love with your partner from the comfort of your home

Staying home doesn't mean you can't make Valentine's Day special. Everyone has different ideas of quality time with their significant other. For some, it's a five-star meal, an intimate couples' massage or a gift their significant other has been raving about for months on end. Others wouldn't mind cosying up at home and watching a movie or making a meal together. Whether you're on a budget or avoiding crowded public spaces, there are plenty of stay-at-home Valentine's Day activities to try.

Cook dinner together

Cooking with your partner is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your Valentine, even if you end up burning the lot. Make sure you do everything together from scratch, from planning the meal to shopping for the ingredients to prepping, to sitting down to eat the finished product. Create a romantic setting, with ornate tablecloth and dishes, scented candles, a personalised playlist, and dress up in your fanciest!

Paint a masterpiece

No art skills to speak of? No matter - the whole point is to participate in activities together. Studies show that when couples do this, their bodies release more happy chemicals. You can take a virtual class or just purchase the materials and paint a portrait of the other or a memory from your relationship.

Stream a concert

Take the night to the next level with a virtual concert. Several international artists have announced that they will perform songs through special Valentine's live streams. You can even turn it into a dance party! If you want to give it a go, karaoke is your calling. Invest in a machine and sing a duet with your partner, or, if you have a video game console, purchase a karaoke game and host your own two-person X Factor.

Pamper each other

If a spa weekend isn't on the cards, pamper yourselves at home. Massage each other with stress-relieving oils, chill out with hydrating face masks or give each other makeovers, the possibilities are endless. It is a sign of ultimate comfort to see your partner with a sheet mask on, looking like a regular serial killer, and still love them. One way or another you'll end the day with a serious Valentine's Day glow.

Watch your favourite flicks

One movie? That's just a regular Thursday night. Giving yourself permission to watch as many as you want? That's a proper date night. Watch movies that mean something to both of you, not just any old rom-com. Perhaps a movie from your childhood, or a movie you saw when you together years ago.

Prepare a trivia night

According to research, couples feel closer and even look happier when they share nostalgic memories. Each of you can write down questions about your relationship and each other and reveal just how much you both remember of your time together. A fun way to reminisce!.