Date nights don't need reservations. Some of the most connecting evenings happen at home, with a little planning and a little play. Here are twelve ideas, from sweet to steamy.
Set the scene
Whatever you choose, a few small touches help: phones away, soft lighting, a tidy space, music you both love. The goal is to feel like you've stepped out of everyday life for a while.
Sweet
1. Cook something new together
Pick a recipe neither of you has tried. The teamwork (and the occasional disaster) is half the fun.
2. Recreate your first date
Same food, same music, same outfit if you can manage it. Swap memories of what you each noticed.
3. A no-phones evening
Put both phones in a drawer for three hours. Talk, play a game, read to each other.
4. The question jar
Write questions on slips of paper — "What's a moment you felt really close to me?" — and take turns.
Playful
5. Blindfolded tasting
Take turns wearing a soft mask like the Velour Satin Sleep Mask while the other offers small bites of fruit or chocolate. It's sensual, silly and memorable.
6. Take a quiz together
Try our intimacy style quiz or the couples' toy quiz and compare answers.
7. A yes / no / maybe list
Each make a private list of things you'd like to try, then compare. Our guide to talking about desire explains how.
8. Massage night
Warm oil (for massage only — not with latex condoms), a towel and a slow, full-body massage. Swap halfway.
Steamy
9. Try a couples' toy
A vibrating ring like the Élan is an easy first toy for two — both partners feel it.
10. Wand and slow foreplay
A wand like Luna is easy to share and perfect for unhurried foreplay. See how to use a wand.
11. Remote-control evening
Hand one partner the remote for the night. Our guide to remote toys for couples has ideas — and safety tips.
12. Open a Blush Box together
The Duet Box brings rings, a remote plug, soft rope and lube — unwrap it together and decide what to try first.
Finish with aftercare
However the evening goes, end it close: a cuddle, a chat about what you enjoyed, a glass of water. Read more about aftercare.
