Erika Palmer
Co-Founder of CuplaErika started Cupla with her husband Will after realising how easily date night slips when two busy lives collide. Today she leads the company’s mission to give couples back their quality time, and she still swears by a long nature walk and a table at a restaurant neither of them has tried before.
Staying in doesn’t have to mean missing out. Whether you’re saving money, craving comfort, or just looking for new ways to connect without leaving the house, at-home date nights can be just as meaningful (and fun) as a night out.
To make planning easier, we’ve rounded up specific resources and tools that can help couples execute memorable date nights at home, without the stress.
1. At-Home Concert Experience
Skip the crowds, keep the vibe.
- NPR Tiny Desk Concerts: Stream intimate, high-quality performances from emerging and iconic artists.
- Synthony: Watch full orchestral-electronic shows from this globally renowned music experience.
Create a cozy setup at home with fairy lights, your favorite drinks, and a shared playlist to set the mood.
2. Cook a New Recipe Together
Turn your kitchen into your favorite restaurant.
- NYT Cooking: Premium recipes across all cuisines and skill levels.
- BBC Good Food: Easy-to-follow, free recipes ideal for couples.
- HelloFresh Recipe Archives: Great inspiration for romantic meals, even if you’re not a subscriber.
Choose a recipe together, shop ahead, and enjoy the process (and mess) as part of the date.
3. DIY Wine or Beer Tasting
Savor the night in, one sip at a time.
- Naked Wines: Discover curated wine boxes from independent winemakers.
- Wine Folly’s Tasting Guide: Step-by-step tips to set up your own tasting.
- Craft Beer Club: Monthly boxes featuring beers from small breweries across the U.S.
Pair with snacks and your own tasting scorecards for a fun, interactive evening.
4. Build Something Together
Collaborate on a project and build more than just the finished product.
- LEGO for Adults: Complex, satisfying builds for grown-ups.
- Uncommon Goods DIY Kits: From terrariums to candle-making.
- IKEA Hack Projects: For couples who love a bit of a challenge and creativity.
Make a playlist, grab your tools (or glue), and enjoy the process of making something together.
5. Start a Joint Journal
Deepen connection through reflection.
- The And Couples Journal: Conversation prompts designed to strengthen your bond.
- Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People: Build a habit of checking in daily.
- PsychCentral Couple Prompts: Free, therapist-backed journal starter ideas.
This is a great ritual to pair with tea, wine, or a quiet moment at the end of the day.
6. Host a Two-Person Game Night
Play together, stay together.
- Tabletop Simulator (Steam): Virtual board games for long-distance or techy couples.
- Etsy Couples Game Cards: Fun printables or shipped options to prompt laughter and connection.
- Wirecutter’s Best 2-Player Games: A thoroughly tested list for every type of couple.
Add snacks, a score sheet, and maybe a little friendly wager.
7. Plan a Future Trip: Even If It’s Just a Dream
Build excitement and future memories.
- Wanderlog: A collaborative tool for mapping and organizing dream itineraries.
- The Culture Trip, Romantic Destinations: Browse for ideas beyond the obvious.
- Atlas Obscura: Discover offbeat places around the world that spark curiosity.
Planning a trip (real or imagined) can help couples align on what excites and inspires them.
Bonus: Add Variety with At-Home Date Night Kits
- Crated with Love: Monthly boxes with themes, games, and activities designed to bring couples closer.
- Candle Science DIY Kits: Craft candles together to set the tone for future nights in.
At-home dates aren’t a consolation prize; they’re a powerful way to stay connected, creative, and intentional in your relationship. Use these resources to take the guesswork out of planning and focus on what matters most: time together.
Explore more ideas and plan your next date with ease inside the Cupla app. The Date Inspiration feature is free to use, and always will be.